Are these models identical from outward appearance, or are there visible differences in detail? They appear the same to me, and maybe the prototypes were outwardly the same, too. Just curious. Thanks!
As Bremner points out, less (engine) doors on each side due to less cylinders - U23C = V12 = 6 doors/side, U30C = V16 = 8 doors/side,
U23C photo. U30C photo. Difficult for me to tell the difference. Maybe the large intake along the top of the hood about 15 feet behind the cab is different? U23C has two cab side windows; U30C has four cab side windows. Side radiator vents at the rear are slightly different. All differences easy to model. Another railroad might be different, too.
The main difference is tall hood dor number. Kato's U30C is a late phase that does not match the radiator configuration of the conrail photo above. The late phase U30C has the same radiator as the U23C. All other features: cab end windows, 4 vs 5 step pilots etc are all railroad specific.
It's not "less doors". If that were true, the U23 would be shorter. (the U18B with 4 tall doors is really and truly shorter). It's less tall doors in the engine compartment (u30 = 8, U23 = 6). This shortage is made up by ADDING short doors forward of the engine compartment (behind the cab). The effect is very subtle, and a lot of people have a hard time telling the difference. The three foot rule comes into play. Can you tell from three feet away? (I can). For these reasons, Kato decided to paint a U30C and call it a U23C since there is a certain percentage of Santa Fe modeler who won't know nor care. Bachmann is doing this same thing on their current low line (not spectrum) U-boat. By counting doors and looking at what they have made, it looks closest to a B23-7, but they use it as B30-7 too.
Of course the question referred to the model not the prototype. Kato determined that in their opinion the visual difference of 6 vs 8 tall doors was not enough to justify two bodies. Therefore they produced U30C's in ATSF road numbers used on the U23C's. It would appear that Kato's decision makes determined that since ATSF had U23C's but not U30C's sales would justify the creative license.
Seeing that there were only 53 U23C's built for U.S. railroads and Santa Fe's 20 were the largest fleet of those Kato's choice is understandable. My eyes aren't good enough to count the different height doors from three feet away in Santa Fe dark blue. It's not as if it's something ridiculous like Bachmann's high nose GP50 in warbonnet colours or Con-Cor's gas turbines.
Honestly, every loco I own could have the incorrect number of doors on it and I wouldn't know. Unless they put just one giant door on the thing I probably wouldn't even think to check. I know if you're starting a new loco design from scratch one would assume all the possible details should be correct for those modelers who notice. But I'd buy that Kato ATSF loco and never even notice it had 2 more or 2 fewer (see, I don't even know which would be right) doors on it.
Thank you for your replies. The Kato U23C's and U30C's do seem identical, and this is fine with me, as the difference is such a minor one. I was curious as to how much different the ones in 1:1 scale were.
Good call. Isn't that funny how your mind plays tricks on you? The word "model" is used in the modeling world and the prototype world. I took the latter meaning. But since wig-wag made this post, I more carefully re-read the original question. And yes, now I see what was being asked. I don't own a box that says "Kato U23C" or anything like that-- or whatever it might say on the back. So yes, I could see how that could be confusing..... --- Heck.... I have a Kato U23C ATSF in my hand and a Southern Pacific U30C in my hand, and for the life of me..... they look the same! Am I seeing this right? --- OK, good question. Sometimes we guys that have been doing this so long read too fast and forget what it's like to be a bit newer at something looking at it with fresh eyes. Sorry for my long explanation above of something you didn't ask. :tb-biggrin:
