You must place an order for any of these products NOW if you want

GUARANTEED DELIVERY

Despite being an earlier developer of diesel locomotives, GE had only partnered with ALCo from 1940 to 1953 in the production of locomotives. In 1953, they ended their partnership with ALCo. It appeared that they were existing the locomotive business. But in fact, GE was developing their own locomotive line. The first new GE locomotive was the first Universal series locomotive, the U25B introduced in 1956.

Initially, the U25B was not marketed in North America, and was offered only to international customers. With modest success, GE offered the U25B to customers in North America starting in 1959. At the time of its introduction, the U25B 2500 horsepower prime mover was the highest horsepower 4 axle locomotive. The competing ALCo RS27 had 2400 horsepower and the EMD GP20 had a 2000 horsepower prime mover. Starting with a clean slate, GE included a number of important innovations with the U25B. In addition to the higher power prime mover, the locomotive featured a filtered and controlled air intake system for the prime mover that reduced maintenance costs and times compared to other locomotives.

The U25B saw modest success in North America with 478 built between 1959 and 1966. They quickly picked up the nickname of "U-Boat" with railfans, a nickname that would be used for all GE Universal series locomotives. While the U25B was out sold and out shadowed by other locomotives at the time, it has the legacy of being the beginning of the GE road to success and eventual market leader in North America diesel locomotive production. Today, the U25B is an important note in railroading history with examples in museums collections.

This release includes a variety of road names and numbers to choose from. All are available in DCC Ready & DCC w/Sound versions.

Features:

• Ready To Run and Fully Detailed
• Upgraded handrails, correct for all Phases
• 9'4" AAR B trucks and gearbox
• Metal MU Hoses, air hoses, windshield wipers, grab irons, coupler lift bars
• Operating headlight
• Window glass
• Can motor, flywheels
• Nickel silver wheels with RP25 flanges
• Knuckle couplers
• DCC Ready version includes NMRA 21 pin plug for DCC conversion
• DCC/Sound version features LokSound Select decoder

Reservations Due By: September 29, 2016

Expected Release: April 2017

JMP