Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
#atsf #productspotlight #cf7 #tsgmultimedia
The long-awaited CF7 model from Rapido delivers prototype-specific detail in a good looking, well running package. This spotlight also contains photos and videos of the real 2600 as it exists today.
From the Rapido website: In the late 1960s, Santa Fe’s F-unit fleet was nearing the end of its lifespan. At the same time, Santa Fe was looking to fulfill a need for nearly 200 plus locomotives for use on secondary and branch lines. Santa Fe got creative in their thinking: remove the truss car body down to the engine deck and replace the truss members with large, deep side sills while fabricating stairs and GP7-like hoods suitable for switching, similar to other GP7-style locomotives currently in use. In late 1969, the first CF7 was rebuilt at Santa Fe’s Cleburne Shops, with 232 more through 1978. This would be one of the most successful locomotive rebuild programs of all-time.
Throughout the CF7 rebuild program, many variations did occur. Most notably were the cab profiles and the side sills. The CF7 had two distinctive cab profiles: round and angled. The large side sills had two variations, as well: open and closed slots. The open slots were found on earlier rebuilds, which featured stronger, Tri-10 steel. The closed slot sills were made with a lighter steel and had the openings filled to provide more support.
These venerable locomotives made their living on road and yard switching jobs. In the mid-1980s, many would be sold to regional and short line operators. Today, many CF7s continue to operate in California, Florida, Texas and more!
0:00 Unboxing the Rapido CF7
1:32 Examining Paint and Fine Details
4:42 Roof and Cab Detail Inspection
5:27 Putting the Locomotive to the Test
9:15 Lighting Features and Final Thoughts
Related programs:
youtu.be/Qz7CxwbdQwY
youtu.be/LBAiO808Lt0
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If you enjoy this content, please hit the "like" button and share it with your friends on social media! Leaving comments on this video’s comment section also helps.
Direct Financial Support:
patreon.com/TSGMultimedia
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©2026 TSG Multimedia. All Rights Reserved.
#atsf #productspotlight #cf7 #tsgmultimedia
The long-awaited CF7 model from Rapido delivers prototype-specific detail in a good looking, well running package. This spotlight also contains photos and videos of the real 2600 as it exists today.
From the Rapido website: In the late 1960s, Santa Fe’s F-unit fleet was nearing the end of its lifespan. At the same time, Santa Fe was looking to fulfill a need for nearly 200 plus locomotives for use on secondary and branch lines. Santa Fe got creative in their thinking: remove the truss car body down to the engine deck and replace the truss members with large, deep side sills while fabricating stairs and GP7-like hoods suitable for switching, similar to other GP7-style locomotives currently in use. In late 1969, the first CF7 was rebuilt at Santa Fe’s Cleburne Shops, with 232 more through 1978. This would be one of the most successful locomotive rebuild programs of all-time.
Throughout the CF7 rebuild program, many variations did occur. Most notably were the cab profiles and the side sills. The CF7 had two distinctive cab profiles: round and angled. The large side sills had two variations, as well: open and closed slots. The open slots were found on earlier rebuilds, which featured stronger, Tri-10 steel. The closed slot sills were made with a lighter steel and had the openings filled to provide more support.
These venerable locomotives made their living on road and yard switching jobs. In the mid-1980s, many would be sold to regional and short line operators. Today, many CF7s continue to operate in California, Florida, Texas and more!
0:00 Unboxing the Rapido CF7
1:32 Examining Paint and Fine Details
4:42 Roof and Cab Detail Inspection
5:27 Putting the Locomotive to the Test
9:15 Lighting Features and Final Thoughts
Related programs:
youtu.be/Qz7CxwbdQwY
youtu.be/LBAiO808Lt0
Here are some of the ways you can support the content you love:
Engagement & Sharing:
If you enjoy this content, please hit the "like" button and share it with your friends on social media! Leaving comments on this video’s comment section also helps.
Direct Financial Support:
patreon.com/TSGMultimedia
paypal.com/paypalme/tsgmultimedia
tsgmultimedia.com/shop
Join TSG Multimedia on these other social media channels:
FaceBook: facebook.com/tsgmultimediaface
Instagram: instagram.com/tsg_multimedia
https://bsky.app/profile/tsgmultimedia.bsky.social
©2026 TSG Multimedia. All Rights Reserved.










