Locomotive, diesel, GE B23-7, Central Maine & Quebec (CMQ) #2003 - DCC/sound

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.

Features:

• 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 as appropriate
• Separately-applied scale detail parts
• 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
• Directional lighting Silver Sound Ready
• Atlas Silver Sound Ready models are equipped with a speaker for easy conversion to sound with the addition of a decoder.
• Atlas Master™ Series Gold Additional Features:
  • Supports all DCC-programming modes
  • Flexible mapping of function keys F0 to F31
  • Follows all NMRA DCC standards and recommended practices. ESU LokSound Functionality Features
  • Over 20 sound effects are available, including engine start-up and shutdown, prime mover sounds through all eight notches, bell, air horn, air compressor, dynamic brakes and more.
  • There are 16 user-selectable horns, 2 user-selectable bells, and 2 user-selectable synchronized brake squeals.
  • Manual & Automatic Notching modes with the ability to change modes ”on the fly” are provided for true realism.

***Silver Sound Ready™ Atlas Silver Sound Ready models are equipped with a speaker for easy conversion to sound with the addition of a decoder.

See the "Manufacturer" page for general delivery and pricing information.