Debuting at the Chicago railroad industry equipment show in the fall of 1976, General Electric revealed the first of its Dash-7 line of locomotives, the C30-7. The locomotive was expected to replace the U30C, which at the time was GE's most successful six-axle model.

Utilizing numerous design changes, the external appearance of the C30-7 differed significantly from the U30C. The most obvious of these differences were the radiator "wings" located at the back of cab and a shortened hood. But each of these improvements came about as part of GE's desire to revolutionize their diesel offerings. Ultimately, their new locomotive succeeded by becoming a favorite of the major western caul hauling roads, the Santa Fe and the N&W.

Not since 2004 has the C30-7 been included in the M.T.H. product line but it returns in 2012 fully outfitted with the power and performance of Proto-Sound 3.0. Model railroaders looking for a value-rich road diesel need look no further than the C30-7. The patented Proto-Speed control system, digital sound variety of Proto-Sound 3.0 and awesome pulling power of two flywheel equipped motors will quickly endear this locomotive to its new owner.