Introduction

Atlas 10003640 HO Scale GEB23-7 Conrail CR 1910 with DCC Sound

General Electrics Dash 7 locomotive line was introduced as a replacement for the older Universal-Series of the 60s and early 70s. Dash 7 series improvements included increased fuel efficiency, tractive effort and reliability. The B23-7 was a direct replacement for the 2,250HP U23B model. The first units were produced for Conrail in September, 1977 (ironically, 3 months after the last U23B was delivered to Conrail). Production continued through 1984, with a total of 535 units built. Conrail was the largest purchaser of the model, with a total fleet of 141 units.

Several features distinguished B23-7s from predecessor models. The long hood stepped outward in the area of the exhaust stack to accommodate a relocated oil cooler. In addition, the frame was 2 feet longer than that of the U23B. An FB-2 style truck was offered as standard equipment on B23-7s, but some railroads opted to use trade-in trucks. Therefore, AAR type B and Blomberg trucks could be found on some models. The six power assembly doors (located near the center of the long hood) indicated that the B23-7 was powered by a 12-cylinder GE FDL engine.

There were three distinct phases of GE 4-axle Dash 7 locomotive production. Models on this run represent both phase 1 and “phase 2″ units. Phase 1 units feature a 362 wheel base and were built through the Spring of 1979. Phase 2 units feature a 37′ 2” wheel base, and production lasted from the Spring of 1979 through the Fall of 1980.

FEATURES:

• Pilots with and without anti-climber
• Cab headlights or low-nose headlights
• Cab with 4 or 2 side windows
• Phase 1 or 2 sill/chassis used where appropriate
• Bell mounted under the sill or on the long hood
• FB-2, AAR type B, or Blomberg truck side-frames used where appropriate per road name
• Separately-applied scale detail parts include: windshield wipers, metal grab irons, coupler cut levers, multiple-unit hoses, snow plow, train line hoses, fine scale handrails, and more!
• See through step detail on sill
• Etched metal radiator grilles
• Painted crew members
• Factory-equipped with AccuMate knuckle couplers
• Coupler pocket designed to accept AccuMate Proto-couplers
• Five-pole skewed armature motor with dual flywheels for optimum performance at all speeds
• Directional lighting