{"product_id":"preorder-rapido-ho-1074508-ge-b23-7-disel-locomotive-ferromex-executive-2501-dcc-sound-equipped","title":"PREORDER Rapido HO 1074508 GE B23-7 Disel Locomotive, Ferromex Executive #2501 (DCC \u0026 Sound-Equipped)","description":"Introducing the complete Phase III GE 4-axle Dash-7 collection from Rapido! It’s a mess, and that is how GE made it. In late 1976, GE introduced the Dash-7 line, which consisted of dozens of internal updates to its Universal series model range. The most obvious external changes are that all Dash-7 models have a wider section of the hood ahead of the radiators, and feature protruding wings for the radiator section.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLike the C36-7, other changes to the 4-axle Dash-7 were made incrementally. The six-axle Dash-7’s always retained the same wheelbase, while the four-axle models feature not one, but three wheelbases identified in three phases which apply to each model.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn production by GE from 1977-1984,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eB23-7: GE 12-cylinder FDL diesel engine rated at 2250 HP\u003cbr\u003eB30-7: GE 16-cylinder FDL diesel engine rated at 3000 HP\u003cbr\u003eB30-7A\/AB: GE 12-cylinder FDL diesel engine rated at 3000 HP\u003cbr\u003eB36-7: GE 7FDL 16-cylinder diesel engine rated at 3600, 3700 or later 3750 HP\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIdentifying phase features of the B23-7 and B30-7:\u2028\u003cbr\u003ePhase I:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOverall length of 62’ 2”, and truck centers of 36’2 2”.\u003cbr\u003eThese truck centers are the same as the predecessor universal models, but those had a shorter overall frame. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePhase II\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSame 62’ 2” overall length but change to wider truck centers of 37’ 2” by shifting the rear truck backwards, eliminating the space between the stepwell and truck at the rear.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePhase III\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOur Dash-7 series in this release covers the Phase III models.\u003cbr\u003eOverall length is a foot shorter – 61’ 2”\u003cbr\u003eTruck centers 36’ 8”. Visually, this gives the appearance of the trucks being balanced and centered, without major gaps at the end.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePhase III design features begin in 1981, and additional orders for B23-7’s (MP, NdeM, Southern, Santa Fe and B30-7’s (Chessie\/C\u0026amp;O) were built with the revised design features. ATSF, MP, and Southern units are defined most by their road-specific order details. \u2028\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHO Scale B23-7, B30-7, B30-7A Locomotives features:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“Phase III” details for the wide variety of Dash-7 4-axle models\u003cbr\u003eHeadlights and rear lights\u003cbr\u003eTri-color class lights (where applicable)\u003cbr\u003eDitch lights (where applicable)\u003cbr\u003eLit numberboards\u003cbr\u003eWalkway Lights\u003cbr\u003eStep lights\u003cbr\u003eFull traction motor casing details\u003cbr\u003eRotating bearing caps\u003cbr\u003eMetal brake chain on engineer’s side\u003cbr\u003eDetailed underbody piping and conduit\u003cbr\u003eSeparate grab irons\u003cbr\u003eRapido’s innovative dead straight metal side handrails with plastic stanchions\u003cbr\u003eDetailed cab interior\u003cbr\u003eLighted control stand\u003cbr\u003eHeavy, die-cast weight for heavy hauling\u003cbr\u003e5-pole skew-wound motor with dual flywheels\u003cbr\u003eSound-equipped units feature ESU LokSound V5 decoders\u003cbr\u003eMany road specific details – see table\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSuggested minimum radius: 18\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRoad Specific Details\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNdeM B23-7:\u2028\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe largest active group of Phase III 4-axle Dash-7 units are B23-7’s in Mexico, originally ordered by NdeM. Our model features the distinctive lower-capacity fuel tanks that this massive fleet came with, as well as ditch lights and etched metal rock guards on the window. In daily service, many of these units still wear Ferrosur paint and can be found on local, yard, and industry operations.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA very special addition is Ferromex 2501, which has been upgraded and assigned to the executive train. Our model features unique communications equipment details added to the real unit.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNS B23-7\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn our first run, we are making NS and Lhoist units with a whole host of Southern-specific details that they retain to this day. Both offerings come with front and rear ditchlights that reflect their original configuration as LHF units, with the horn and bell on the rear. They also have (dummy) walkway lights, high short hoods, knuckle boxes, open cutouts in the walkways near the steps, and more. In 2026, Lhoist 4021 and 4023 are still working in an appealing paint scheme hauling cement.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eChesapeake and Ohio\/Chessie B30-7:\u2028\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eChessie ordered 20 Phase III B30-7’s featuring a distinctly Chessie look - AAR Type-B trucks and rock pilots. The same 20 units went to CSX yet end up looking so different that it is hard to tell. CSX swapped the trucks to FB-2’s, blanked the class lights, added ditch lights to both ends, and added electronic fuel gauges and air dryers. One of these units, Minnesota Commercial #49, is still in active service on the railroad with the same features.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eChesapeake and Ohio\/Chessie B30-7:\u2028\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eChessie ordered 20 Phase III B30-7’s featuring a distinctly Chessie look - AAR Type-B trucks and rock pilots. The same 20 units went to CSX yet end up looking so different that it is hard to tell. CSX swapped the trucks to FB-2’s, blanked the class lights, added ditch lights to both ends, and added electronic fuel gauges and air dryers. One of these units, Minnesota Commercial #49, is still in active service on the railroad with the same features. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMinnesota Commercial B30-7 \u0026amp; B36-7:\u2028\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMost B36-7’s were built from 1981 onwards and feature Phase III specs except 4 early units delivered to the SSW in 1980 (these were essentially B30-7s with B36-7 internals). To celebrate America’s 250th, this release includes Minnesota Commercial #76, which was repainted in an America 250 scheme in late 2025. This B36-7 model comes with all the upgraded features of this project like step lights, walkway lights, rotating bearing caps and correct CSX style step wells.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMissouri Pacific B30-7A:\u2028\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGE made another new model once Phase III features were in place: the B30-7A. By this point, GE had found that the 2,300hp 12-cylinder FDL engine used in U23B’s and B23-7’s could be uprated to 3,000hp, offering the B30-7’s horsepower with better fuel economy. Missouri Pacific tested uprating 3 of their B23-7’s to 3,000hp and liked them so much they ordered 55 B30-7A models in 1981-1982. These often ran in sets of three on hot trains across their system. Southern also ordered 22 B30-7A1 units built on a slightly longer frame.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBN Cabless B30-7AB:\u2028\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFinally, we arrive at what modelers have been waiting for: BN B30-7A’s. Or are they B30-7AB’s? B30-7B’s? Some goofy nickname you’ve heard? To GE, despite completely lacking a cab, bell, or horn, there are also a B30-7A: because they are a 3,000 hp 12-cylinder model. In the cashed strapped 80’s BN saw the price of a large locomotive order without cabs and though the savings were worth it. (Crews may vehemently disagree!)\u2028\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBN ordered the units in two batches. The first 53 units in 1982 were as if a usual 4-axle Dash-7 forgot to have a cab, with blank space where it would be. Originally, they came with 4 grilles on the rear, which 2 of our numbers will offer. By the late 80’s, those grilles had been updated the common 7-grille arrangement, which our other two numbers will offer. The second order for 67 units in 1983 came with some entirely unique features reflecting their late build date. The dynamic brake section was raised to accommodate different equipment, identical to a design on a small, specific batch of NS C36-7’s also had. Similarly, the 7-grille arrangement in the rear is also like those late-production C36-7’s, two large horizontal stacked panels instead of one.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo matter which cabless unit you order, they were essential, unavoidable power on BN in the 80’s and 90’s. Countless intermodal, manifest, and non-coal unit trains across the system would feature whatever unit with a cab leading, with cabless B’s trailing – often as the only trailing power. Despite lacking a cab, bell, and horn, these still have complete lighting and working tri-color class lights!\u2028\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eB23-7 | Road Number: 2501\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePhase III B23-7 with a 2,300hp 12-cylinder engine\u003cbr\u003eCorrect 12-cylinder FDL sound file for sound equipped models\u003cbr\u003eSix tall hood doors for the 12-cylinder engine\u003cbr\u003eExecutive unit #2501\u003cbr\u003eUnique smaller capacity fuel tank\u003cbr\u003eRear hood has 4-grille arrangement\u003cbr\u003eRaised rear numberboards\u003cbr\u003eBlanked lower rear class lights\u003cbr\u003eSmaller early dash-7 exhaust stack\u003cbr\u003eRockwell FB-2 truck frames with large casting holes\u003cbr\u003eRotating Timken bearings\u003cbr\u003eFront Ditchlights\u003cbr\u003eEtched window grilles\u003cbr\u003eRooftop A\/C unit\u003cbr\u003eUnique Telecommunications antennas and equipment ","brand":"Rapido","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42807639310418,"sku":"RPI-1074508-PRE","price":35.97,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0581\/3410\/2098\/files\/1074008_ferromex-executive_2.jpg?v=1791905318","url":"https:\/\/modeltrainstuff.com\/products\/preorder-rapido-ho-1074508-ge-b23-7-disel-locomotive-ferromex-executive-2501-dcc-sound-equipped","provider":"Model Train Stuff","version":"1.0","type":"link"}