Atlas B23-7 and UP Question

[upguy]

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.) http://www.trainboard.com/smile.gif 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.

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Rett

[Drew Aldridge]

Here is a link to some information on the B23-7. Check it out. Hopes it helps. http://www.worldrailfans.org/USA/UP/Locos/B23-7.htm

[This message has been edited by Drew Aldridge (edited 13 January 2001).]

[drbooher]

I believe all of the UP B23-7's are former MoPac and Espee units. I don't now much about how the UP has used them after the mergers, but I do know that the MoPac assigned their B23-7's to North Little Rock (40 units) and St. Louis (45 units, and 55 identical B30-7A's). They had lower gearing than the higher horsepower units and were assigned to lower priority freights. I doubt that the units had dynamic brakes, so it's likely that they stayed on the fromer MoPac (and later, Katy) after the merger. But I guess they could be used on locals out west.

Dwight

[upguy]

Thanks for the great information. I'm sorry to hear that they are probably not likely to venture into Oregon's Blue Mountains; but, on the bright side...look at all the money I will save because I won't have a buy any of them for my layout! I'll have to ask one of my Union Pacific engineer contacts who operates out of LaGrande if he has ever seen one of them in this part of the country. Thanks again for the info. I guess I'll just keep buying SD40-2's.

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Rett

[friscobob]

You'll most likely see the B23-7s in local & transfer service, mostly on former MP and SP lines on the east end of the UP system. IF you see a B23 on the Blue Mountain grade, it would most likely be in transit west for local service.
But hey, think of all the SD60s and six-axle GEs you can buy!! http://www.trainboard.com/wink.gif


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[Scott Siebler]

UPs B23-7s do not have dynamic brakes and are prefered east of Omaha. They are usally on low priority manifest trains.

[moose]

You know what UPGuy, if you like them, run them anyway. It's your railroad and ultimately your satisfaction. Some people like to freelance like crazy, some like to model the prototype down to loco maintenance schedules. Whatever floats your boat so be it. I know I'll probaly have a couple locos on my layout that may not belong (to include roadnames and models), but who cares, it makes ME happy http://www.trainboard.com/biggrin.gif

[upguy]

I really appreciate all the comments. I guess I will live without this engine on my layout since I expect to be needing dynamic braking on the grades. http://www.trainboard.com/smile.gif I haven't posted the website for my railroad empire here lately because not many changes have occured, but if there are some new people that are interested here is the link:
http://canyonmtngineers.homestead.com/CanMtNgineers.html

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Rett

[This message has been edited by upguy (edited 14 January 2001).]

[Scott Siebler]

The UP B23-7s can be found all over the UP system, just not in the lead of a consist, because a non-dynamic brake unit can't control the dynamic brakes of the other units it is MUed to.

[Scott Siebler]

It would be extremly rare to see a non-dynamic brake unit leading a consist west of Omaha.

[wt&c]

either that or they want to have a run=away or a wreck http://www.trainboard.com/biggrin.gif

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[Kevin M]

Well it may not be UP but BN had B30-7A's in bothe Dynamic and non Dynamic's, You could see both of those mixed in in consists over Stevens Pass.
Kevin

[upguy]

I received an email for an engineer for the UP that, I believe, works in the segment between Hinkle, OR and Nampa, ID. He confirms that he has seen them working in this area, but never as a lead engine--only trailing. The UP did use a CSX B23-7 unit on a work train around Hinkle for a few days. UP doesn't like to use 4 axle units in this area much because they don't pull really well. The Union Pacific much prefers using the C40-8's. Thanks to everyone who replied to my question. It turns out that my engineer contact confirmed what you all had already stated.


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Rett

[Mankind]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Kevin D Mumaw:
Well it may not be UP but BN had B30-7A's in bothe Dynamic and non Dynamic's, You could see both of those mixed in in consists over Stevens Pass.
Kevin<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Actually, all of BN's B30-7A(B) units were equipped with dynamics. Earlier GE's, like U-boats and most Dash-7's, had the dynamic brake equipment located in the radiator section of the carbody...the same fan that cooled the radiator also cooled the dynamic grids. On later units, like the UP/MP and NS C36-7's, and BN's second order of B30-7A(B)'s (BN 4053-4119), GE revised the equipment layout, moving the dynamic brake equipment to a hump behind the cab, where it remains on current production. It tends to remain cooler in its own housing, instead to being in the radiator section. http://www.trainboard.com/smile.gif

Paul #3

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Have A Nice Day!

[This message has been edited by Mankind (edited 17 January 2001).]