Post by conrail45dash2 on May 6, 2013 19:13:25 GMT -5
So I have been thinking about starting a build of a Conrail ex MGA S7-30B, and if it works out pretty well possibly build 3-4 more.
These were GE's attempt at a rebuild program aimed at prolonging the aging U series locomotives lives. I believe only MGA bought into the 4 axle program and as far as six axle units go I'm unsure. The Monongahela Railway bought 11 of the S7-23B's for their coal unit train operations in Brownsville Pa and surrounding areas. The Super 7s started life as Western Pacific U23B's riding on Blomberg trucks from traded in EMD F3's. Conrail inherited them when they bought MGA and as they took their turn through Conrail shops they were uprated to 3000hp making them S7-30B's. If anyone has information to share please do as I will need all the help I can get!
To start with I will use a U23B with Blomberg trucks from Atlas, this will get me the right length and trucks, a modified Atlas B40-8 cab, nose, battery boxes, and heavily modified radiator section. From there it will be a matter of finding appropriate doors, vents, grilles and such and adding them into the proper position. I'm not a rivet counter but proper door position and grille openings will be priority, I want to attempt to keep it a prototypical as possible. I'm hoping as I gather more and more photos that I will be able to use see through etchings for the openings wherever possible. Any thoughts, tips, information, drawings or anything is greatly appreciated!
These were GE's attempt at a rebuild program aimed at prolonging the aging U series locomotives lives. I believe only MGA bought into the 4 axle program and as far as six axle units go I'm unsure. The Monongahela Railway bought 11 of the S7-23B's for their coal unit train operations in Brownsville Pa and surrounding areas. The Super 7s started life as Western Pacific U23B's riding on Blomberg trucks from traded in EMD F3's. Conrail inherited them when they bought MGA and as they took their turn through Conrail shops they were uprated to 3000hp making them S7-30B's. If anyone has information to share please do as I will need all the help I can get!
To start with I will use a U23B with Blomberg trucks from Atlas, this will get me the right length and trucks, a modified Atlas B40-8 cab, nose, battery boxes, and heavily modified radiator section. From there it will be a matter of finding appropriate doors, vents, grilles and such and adding them into the proper position. I'm not a rivet counter but proper door position and grille openings will be priority, I want to attempt to keep it a prototypical as possible. I'm hoping as I gather more and more photos that I will be able to use see through etchings for the openings wherever possible. Any thoughts, tips, information, drawings or anything is greatly appreciated!
Here is an excellent archive of photos of them working for their new owners.
