Introducing the complete Phase III GE 4-axle Dash-7 collection from Rapido! It’s a mess, and that is how GE made it. In late 1976, GE introduced the Dash-7 line, which consisted of dozens of internal updates to its Universal series model range. The most obvious external changes are that all Dash-7 models have a wider section of the hood ahead of the radiators, and feature protruding wings for the radiator section.

Like the C36-7, other changes to the 4-axle Dash-7 were made incrementally. The six-axle Dash-7’s always retained the same wheelbase, while the four-axle models feature not one, but three wheelbases identified in three phases which apply to each model.

In production by GE from 1977-1984,

• B23-7: GE 12-cylinder FDL diesel engine rated at 2250 HP
• B30-7: GE 16-cylinder FDL diesel engine rated at 3000 HP
• B30-7A/AB: GE 12-cylinder FDL diesel engine rated at 3000 HP
• B36-7: GE 7FDL 16-cylinder diesel engine rated at 3600, 3700 or later 3750 HP

Identifying phase features of the B23-7 and B30-7:


Phase I:

• Overall length of 62’ 2”, and truck centers of 36’2 2”.
• These truck centers are the same as the predecessor universal models, but those had a shorter overall frame. 

Phase II

• Same 62’ 2” overall length but change to wider truck centers of 37’ 2” by shifting the rear truck backwards, eliminating the space between the stepwell and truck at the rear.

Phase III

• Rapido's Dash-7 series in this release covers the Phase III models.
• Overall length is a foot shorter – 61’ 2”
• Truck centers 36’ 8”. Visually, this gives the appearance of the trucks being balanced and centered, without major gaps at the end.

Phase III design features begin in 1981, and additional orders for B23-7’s (MP, NdeM, Southern, Santa Fe and B30-7’s (Chessie/C&O) were built with the revised design features. ATSF, MP, and Southern units are defined most by their road-specific order details.

• Phase III B23-7, B30-7 and B30-7A — A first with correct details and accurate dimensions
• The unmistakable cabless B30-7A, with and without dynamic brake hump
• Insane amount of details such as: Step and walkway lights as well as 3-color class lights

HO Scale B23-7, B30-7, B30-7A Locomotives Features:

• “Phase III” details for the wide variety of Dash-7 4-axle models
• Headlights and rear lights
• Tri-color class lights (where applicable)
• Ditch lights (where applicable)
• Lit numberboards
• Walkway Lights
• Step lights
• Full traction motor casing details
• Rotating bearing caps
• Metal brake chain on engineer’s side
• Detailed underbody piping and conduit
  Separate grab irons
• Rapido’s innovative dead straight metal side handrails with plastic stanchions
• Detailed cab interior
• Lighted control stand
• Heavy, die-cast weight for heavy hauling
• 5-pole skew-wound motor with dual flywheels
• Sound-equipped units feature ESU LokSound V5 decoders
• Many road specific details – see table
• Suggested minimum radius: 18"

Road Specific Details

Norfolk Southern

NS B23-7

In our first run, we are making NS and Lhoist units with a whole host of Southern-specific details that they retain to this day. Both offerings come with front and rear ditchlights that reflect their original configuration as LHF units, with the horn and bell on the rear. They also have (dummy) walkway lights, high short hoods, knuckle boxes, open cutouts in the walkways near the steps, and more. In 2026, Lhoist 4021 and 4023 are still working in an appealing paint scheme hauling cement.

B23-7 | Road Numbers: 3990 - 4023

• Phase III B23-7 with a 2,300hp 12-cylinder engine
• Correct 12-cylinder FDL sound file for sound equipped models
• Six tall hood doors for the 12-cylinder engine
• Built as Southern 3990-4023 in 1981
• Rear hood has 4-grille arrangement
• Raised rear numberboards
• Blanked lower rear class lights
• High short hood with blanked class lights
• Tall bathtub exhaust
• Adirondack or Rockwell FB-2 trucks
• Rotating Timken bearings
• Front and rear ditchlights
• Horn and bell on long hood
• Horn on front high hood
• Circular cutout in walkway for fuel filler
• Access cutouts on all four walkway corners
• Hood walkway lights (non-operable)
• Knuckle box on walkway
• Tall plow on front and rear

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