Finally Conrail modelers have the opportunity to run a quality GE B23-7! Atlas' latest rendering of a Conrail model in the Silver / Gold series is once again, an excellent looking and running locomotive. I just received my unit (CR 2808) in mid August. Upon opening the box, I really liked it's appearance. The paint and lettering are flawless, and the data decals are fully legible. It has the correct 2-window cab, I just wish the oval plated end windows were molded on, but it looks great. The trucks are the correct AAR type B trucks. Conrail removed the bearing cap lids exposing the rotating bearing caps. You can install your own by using sets from Details West.
The detail parts that come packaged with this model are to be applied by the modeler such as, plows (front and rear), MU hoses, drop steps, and sunshades. The headlights and numberboards are bi-directional and lighted with golden-white L.E.D.'s. Atlas has also done a good job with fuel tank details too; fuel gauges, air retention tanks and piping. I added ditch lights, new air horn, large Sinclair antennae, and round cab roof vent. The horn was placed in the center of the hood behind the cab, but Conrail had their horns a little more off towards the Engineer's side. I also added the bearing caps, and clear marker lenses on the nose and rear of the long hood. The stock plows are to me, the correct style, due to the fact that the ends are cut away CR style, for clearance on the Northeast corridor. Painting the edges yellow or yellow decal stripes added to the plow edges will make the unit really stand out!
Atlas has the unit running with their scale-speed motor. Adding a decoder makes this an even smoother running unit. The 2800 series B23-7's were delivered without anti-climbers, and Atlas did their homework! All of my reviews are based on non-sound equipped models, as I think a lot of these sound equipped units just don't sound right to me, and in my opinion, are a little expensive. It will you cost you more or the same price-wise to install your own sound system, but it's still a high price option. Hats off once again to Atlas for executing another excellent model in Conrail paint. Now let's see the other GE "B" unit come out in HO scale, the B36-7; which I think will be soon!
Originally published in the Winter 2005 Conrail Quarterly
