Powered by a V12 FDL prime mover, the
2250 h.p. U23B was GE's intermediate-sized four-axle road-switcher
of the late 1960s through the mid 1970s. The U23B's direct
competitor during this period was the very successful EMD GP38. In
10 years of production from 1968 through 1977 a total of 481 units
were produced, making this the second best seller of GE's
"Universal Series" locomotives. The first units were delivered to
the Delaware & Hudson in August and September 1968. CSX
predecessors Chesapeake & Ohio and Louisville & Nashville
had a combined fleet of 120 units, giving CSX one of the larger
active fleets in later years. Penn Central, Santa Fe and Missouri
Pacific also purchased sizeable fleets of U23Bs.
Primary spotting features include a stepped-out radiator section
and two sets of three tall engine access doors near the center of
the long hood. During production, the U23B was equipped with
various truck side frames, including Blomberg trucks from EMD
trade-in locomotives, AAR-style trucks, or GE's own four-axle "FB2"
truck. One of these three truck styles is included on our model
where appropriate per road name.
Today the number of active U23Bs has dwindled, but a handful can
still be found working for short lines and regional railroads in
North America.
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