CF7 Radio Antennae Ground Plane ArrangementsCF7 Radio Antennae Ground Plane Arrangements
Text and photos by Stephen Priest. Used with permission.
The research done
in Topeka (Research and Test Department) regarding antennae ground
planes led to the specification of 3'x3'. While this is not law and
many units have slightly smaller or slightly larger planes, the goal
was to elevate the antenna above all other metal object on the
locomotives roof while providing the ground plane for the antenna. This
led to maximum distance for transmitting and better reception of radio
waves at the locomotive site. Antennas were moved around on the
locomotives as various rooftop appliances (beacons, air conditioning,
RCE antennas, etc) came and went. Depending on your era of CF7, you
could get away with a can mounted directly to the rounded roof of an
older CF7, a numberboard mounted antenna or an antenna located behind
the air conditioner on a 3'x3' ground plane. These were an oddly shaped
with rounded front corners. My personal favorite is the
numberboard mounted plane. The antenna hovering above the
numberboard makes the CF7 look rugged.
Late (air conditioner)
Early can antennae on roof.
Numberboard mounted ground plane.
Plane behind air conditioner.
Realize
that all types of ground plane were used during the same time periods
and although some were upgraded over time some were never altered.