Some time ago I needed a replacement drive for a secondhand Kato F3B, and ended up with a undecorated Kato F3A in Phase 1, i.e. small number boards and 3 portholes. In the meantime the F3B drive problem has been solved by getting a new F7A and F3B and using their drives for my old Pennsylvania F3A+B set (with the incorrect large number boards ...), it is running perfectly now. The remaining parts shall be used for my first attempt to engine painting. First I thought about doing another PRR F3, until I found out about the incorrect number of port holes. Now I would like to do a NYC F2A, which is equivalent to the F3Ph1. They were delivered in black with nose stripes, like the Micro Trains FTs are, and later repainted in the lightning paint scheme. Which is probably not the right thing to start with. For me the easiest scheme would be the late NYC black with a single nose stripe. But I understood the F2s were rebuilt, probably never had that scheme? And the early nose stripes are not on the Microscale decals (I got all sets that are available for NYC) So I just ask for ideas, and hints what to do. All inputs are welcome.
Kato Ph1 F3s are in high demand as they have not ever been rerun after their intial release. The PRR did indeed not have F2s or Phase I F3s....and the NYC did have F2A units 3771-3772 07/46 (E721) Fallen Flags has the as-delivered appearance (individual A units bought to break up ABBA FTs into ABA sets) with the early paint scheme taken close to delivery in 1946. http://gelwood.railfan.net/nyc/nyc1604g.jpg They also have a shot of the two A units together in 1949 in full lightning stripe dress. New York Central 1604-1605http://gelwood.railfan.net/nyc/nyc1604s.jpg I the next group of F units were Ph IIA F3s, so they skipped over the Phase I units completely. I don't know if or when the F2s were rebuilt to a different appearance as there are no notes regarding their history in the NYC Roster I have. Charlie Vlk
