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General Electric’s “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, while the B30-7 replaced the 3,000HP U30B. The first B23-7s were produced for Conrail in September, 1977, and the first B30-7s were produced for Frisco three months later.
B23-7 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. 199 B30-7s were produced through 1981, with the combined fleets of Southern Pacific and Cotton Belt being the largest at 110 units.
Several features distinguished B23-7s and B30-7s 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, but some railroads opted to use “trade-in” trucks. Therefore, AAR type B and Blomberg trucks could be found on some models. 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. Eight power assembly doors in the same location help to identify the B30-7, which included a 16-cylinder FDL engine.
There were three distinct “phases” of GE 4-axle “Dash 7” locomotive production. Our models on this run represent "Phase 2" units with a 37' 2" wheel base. Phase 2 production lasted from the Spring of 1979 through the Fall of 1980.
Features:
The Atlas B23-7 and B30-7 locomotive models include such optional/road name specific details as:
• Pilots with and without anti-climber
• Cab headlights or low-nose headlights
• Cab with 4 or 2 side windows
• 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
Additional Features:
* 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
Atlas Master™ Series Silver Additional Features:
(Item #s 8005-8061)
* NMRA 8-pin plug for DCC (Decoder-ready)
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