Atlas Master Line HO 10004273 Silver Series U30B, Norfolk And Western (Block “NW”) #8526

Powered by a V16 FDL prime mover, the 3,000 h.p. U30B was GE’s answer to EMDs popular GP40 and ALCOs C430 Locomotive. A total of 295 U30Bs were built by GE between 1966 and 1975.

This model represents a “phase 2” U30B locomotive. The primary spotting feature of phase 2 units was the hood below the radiator, which was evenly built out to the same width as the radiator. A U30B could be differentiated from the lower-horsepower U23B by the presence of two sets of four tall engine access doors near the center of the long hood. During production, the U30B was equipped with various trucks, including Blomberg trucks from EMD trade-in locomotives, AAR-style trucks, or GE’s own four-axle “FB2” truck.

Norfolk & Western owned the most phase 2 U30Bs with a total of 75 units; all included a high short hood. Other major owners included C&O, Frisco and Western Pacific. While some U30Bs found homes on other railroads after being retired by their initial owner, very few examples of this model are still in service today.

Features:
Snow plow (included when appropriate per road name)
Separately-applied scale detail parts include: windshield wipers, metal grab irons, coupler cut levers, multiple-unit hoses, train line hoses, fine scale handrails, drop steps and more!
Five pole skewed armature motor with dual flywheels for optimum performance at all speeds
Directional lighting with Golden-white LEDs
Blackened metal wheels

Special Features:
Optional high short hood
Optional low nose headlights
Low nose cab with square or round headlight housing used where appropriate per road name
AAR-B, FB-2 or Blomberg trucks used where appropriate per road name

Atlas Master Series Silver Additional Features:
NMRA 21-pin plug for DCC (Decoder-ready)
Atlas Silver Sound Ready models are equipped with a speaker for easy conversion to sound with the addition of a decoder