Atlas Master Line N 40004654 Gold Series U23B, Chessie System (C&O) #2309

DCC AND SOUND EQUIPPED MODEL

Powered by a V12 FDL prime mover, the 2250 h.p. U23B was GE's intermediate-sized four-axle road-switcher of the late 1960s through the mid 1970s. The U23B's direct competitor during this period was the very successful EMD GP38. In 10 years of production from 1968 through 1977 a total of 481 units were produced, making this the second best seller of GE's "Universal Series" locomotives. The first units were delivered to the Delaware & Hudson in August and September 1968. CSX predecessors Chesapeake & Ohio and Louisville & Nashville had a combined fleet of 120 units, giving CSX one of the larger active fleets in later years. Penn Central, Santa Fe and Missouri Pacific also purchased sizeable fleets of U23Bs.

Primary spotting features include a stepped-out radiator section and two sets of three tall engine access doors near the center of the long hood. During production, the U23B was equipped with various truck side frames, including Blomberg trucks from EMD trade-in locomotives, AAR-style trucks, or GE's own four-axle "FB2" truck. One of these three truck styles is included on our model where appropriate per road name.

Today the number of active U23B's has dwindled, but a handful can still be found working for short lines and regional railroads in North America.

Features:
Operational low nose headlight (used where appropriate)
Both DCC ready and ESU DCC Sound equipped versions
Separate coupler cut lever
Cab with 4 or 2 side windows (as appropriate per road name)
Directional lighting
Golden white LEDs
Painted safety rails
Blackened metal wheels
Dual flywheel equipped 5-pole skewed armature motor with a low friction mechanism
Factory-installed AccuMate magnetic knuckle couplers