Diesel Locomotive Repair and Startup - 1949 EMD F7A - Topper Machine

With over 20 years' experience with EMD locomotives, I get a lot of calls for help. This particular locomotive holds a special place in my heart, as it was the second unit I ever worked on.
Having been out of service for 3 years with a bad main generator bearing, we finally got the other contractors together to get the job done. Having sat that long, problems were expected. Nothing I couldn't handle, worst part is waiting for parts.
Topper Machine LLC is an entirely manual machine shop located in Spooner, WI. Our videos will highlight some of our shop work as well as the sawmill we built in the shop and our A.D. Baker steam engine, and others we work on.
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[@halleffect1]

Crazy how this design doesn't age. Doesn't look modern but not dated either.

[@bcgrittner8076]

I rode behind Santa Fe F7’s in 1963. Mrs. and I rode behind the Minnesota Zephyr F9’s in 1987. Most of my model railroading involves F7’s. The F units have character. Modern locos are all cookie cutter.

[@richardcarlson127]

The 423 was the host for my first cab ride! As a kid in the 70's I rode my bike to the Des Plaines (IL) Coach Yard on a Friday evening to watch the guys gather up the commuter F7's to bring to Proviso for fuel and use for weekend freight duty. One of the guys recognized me and asked if I wanted to ride to Proviso. It was a great experience for a 14 year old! We took the crew van back to Des Plaines after dropping the half-dozen F7's at Proviso and I was home before the street lights came on. This was renumbered to 423 by the CNW sometime before the early 1970's, probably when it was converted to commuter service.

[@geraldtrice4894]

I was a journeyman locomotive electrician decades ago (running repair and depot back shop) and will never forget the joys of inspecting the main generator brushes and brush holders. The lower (6 o’clock) brushes would often be “pencil whipped “ during routine inspection by previous electricians and checked ok without actually inspecting the brushes. The brushes would eventually wear too short and cause arcing between the brush holder and the commutator. Little problem becomes major problem very quickly.

[@tolook308]

What an endorsement to the men and women who designed, manufactured, and maintained a machine that, over 72 years, has logged millions of miles of duty and continues to operate as intended. With regular maintenance and care, this machine could last another 72 years or more. If anyone needs a reminder of what made America great, you are looking at it. Thanks to Topper Machine LLC for keeping these operational.

[@mmi16]

In my 51+ year railroad career I have never seen a F7 set up with a bench seat set up for the 'fireman' and head end brakeman.

[@jimpritz4169]

Great video JT. I'm not sure how many of your viewers know the extent of your knowledge and skills. The channel just keeps getting better and better. Manual machining, sawmills, trains, welding, fabrication, camping and Rocky. Who could ask for more.

[@Trains-With-Shane]

That last few seconds showing the governor feather the ley shaft when coming back down was pretty cool. Don't think i've ever seen that on video before.

[@peteradely885]

I'm 80 years old. Have had fascination for Trains all my life. Traveled to every Trolley Museum and Train Museum just to experience these great units. I lived in Uptown NYC and watched the Trolleys in 1940's and the electric change over to Busses. Thanks. peter

[@mongolikechewchew2475]

I think this is the best looking locomotive ever designed & manufactured.

[@turkey0165]

The owners are lucky to have a skilled technician such as yourself! Thanks for the video 👍

[@rickvia8435]

People throw around the word "awesome" WAY too much. A diesel-electric locomotive is absolutely AWESOME.

[@thekevaroo]

not going to lie, but I would love to see more train repairs as I am a massive train nut hah. If you ever do another restoration make sure it's a series!

[@noseeum6385]

Excellent tour. Thanks.

[@robertquast9684]

I love the looks and sounds of those old locomotives. A piece of history that could have easily been passed by

[@lorettacaputo6997]

Thanks for the tour of all the magic that exists under that body shell.

[@Zerbey]

Thanks for keeping this beautiful old girl up and running.

[@brownwrench]

Got old square hatches. I used to work at CEECO in Tacoma. We were doing 20 cylinder 645 models at the time for Morrison-Knutson line with a contract for 40(?) engines. Turned out 1 a week.

[@ValiRossi]

I used to write power management software for deep sea drilling rigs. Saw lots of EMD V20s. Good engines.

[@Riogrande1964]

Wonderful vid. Love the sound of those 567s