GE B23-7 Locomotive
(Phase I High Nose)

Southern  No. 3975

Dash!

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.

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 36’2” 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.

• 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

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