This is probably the wrong place to post a question, but this is the location that I have bookmarked.... I model in N-scale (That makes this question appropriate.) I don't remember seeing many or any of these engines on the UP, so my question is: How did the UP utilize this engine? Is it used light duty on branch lines, for locals, or with high speed short trains on the main lines? I would like to buy some of them for my layout, but I don't know if they would be appropriate for main line operations in the Blue Mts. of Oregon. Any ideas, or a site that would provide such information? Thanks. ------------------ Rett
UPguy you may want to ask the same question in the UP forum or maybe one of the N scale mods can move this topic there ------------------ Regards Paul #1-Moderator & Member number 50 SPAD Investigator #1 ICQ 61198217 http://users.bigpond.net.au/railroad2000
Just did a quick search on Google and found that all the B23-7 in UP's roster are ex MP units. Looks like they use them mostly for locals. but as posted earlier perhaps some of the guys on the UP forum who know what they're doing will be able to help more.
Here in Dallas, they are used in transfer service and as yard switchers. I'm not sure if any of them made it out west but hey, its your RR. Since UP does own them, I'm sure one or two could have made it to Oregon. So if you like the engine, buy it and run it. On the MOP they were used in mainline service and hot short pigs trains.
The B23-7 was meant for slower trains; for high-speed service, GE offered the B30-7 and later the B36-7 as well. However, some railroads will use lower HP/axle units for high speed trains. Actualy, if I look at what else was new then, why not? A B23-7 has more HP/axle than an SD40-2 or C30-7, the predominant new power of the late 70s.
At that time the MOP went from operating long freight drags with lots of C-C power to operating short fast trains especially pigs and bought B-B power for the most part during the mid seventies. Now back to our regularly scheduled thread.
It seems most pics I see of these come from So-Cal through to Texas. Not sure what type of work they are doin though.