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Welcome to the BNSF B23-7 in Detail website. Here one can learn the history of the
BNSF GE B23-7, as well as take a look at a prototype B23-7 from highly detailed, highly specific photos, provided
by ATSF modeler, Eric Goodman.
Enjoy your visit.
General Electric (GE) introduced the B23-7 locomotive, successor to the U23B in September 1977. In 1976, GE had introduced
the new Dash 7 series where the application of technology and carbody changes were made to existing products. In comparison
to the U23B, the B23-7 was of equivalent horsepower, however the frame was extended by two (2) feet. And as was standard
among other Dash 7 models, there was an outward bulge along the long hood just ahead of the radiator section. This extended
hood section was to allow an elevated, and angled, oil cooler. In the U23B design, the oil cooler was vertical and
at fllor level. In the B23-7, the angling of the oil cooler allowed it to drain, and thereby help reduce the possibility
of damage in the winter if the locomotive was shut down. The B23-7 also was delivered with floating bolster trucks, unless
a railroad provided trade-in trucks.
The first order of B23-7 locomotives for the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe arrived in April and May 1978, and were placed
in the engine roster at 6350-6363, and rode standard floating bolster trucks. The second order arrived a year later
between April and June 1979, were placed in the engine roster at 6364-6373 and rode floating bolster trucks, while the
other half of the order, placed in the roster at 6374-6389, rode AAR type "B" trucks off traded-in U25Bs (numbers 6600-6615).
Both the first and second order of Santa Fe B23-7 locomotives had nose-mounted cab air conditioning and were geared
for 74:18 running. In April 1980, Santa Fe ordered fifteen more B23-7 locomotives from GE, and placed them in the roster
at 6390-6404. This order rode on the floating bolster trucks.
The final order of B23-7 locomotives for the Santa Fe was in December 1984, after trading in fourteen U23B locomotives
(roster numbers 6301-6303, 6306-6308, 6310, 6312, 6320, 6324, 6331, 6339, 6341, and 6346). The last order was placed in
the roster at 6405-6418 and rode on the AAR type "B" trucks from the traded-in U23B locomotives. The third and fourth
order of B23-7 locomotives included cab roof-mountd air conditioners, as well as 83:20 gearing.
All of Santa Fe's B23-7 locomotives were delivered in the yellow and blue warbonnet paint scheme, and all had a plated
nose light receptacle when delivered, except for units 6405-6418. Santa Fe utilized this type of locomotive in the
flatlands of the Eastern and Western Lines. The units were used in mainline freight pools, as well as secondary pools
and local power.
Santa Fe sent this class of locomotive to undergo remanufacturing by the skilled craftsmen at the famed San
Bernardino, California, Shops. Santa Fe upgraded the horsepower of some of the units to 3,000 horsepower, and this was
indicated on some units by a "3000 HP" letter marking, placed under the side cab numbers. These B23-7's
were at one time placed in the roster behind SF30B #7200, and they became the 7201-class, and resided in the roster from
7201-7216 (original numbers were 6366-6370, 6372-6379, 6389, 6393, 6395). However by the middle of 1989, the units
were notched down to 2,250 horsepower and placed back into the roster to form the 6350-series. This was done because
of GE's objection over the increased horsepower rating during maintenance negotiations with the ATSF. Other modifications
to the B23-7 pool were the blanking of classification lights, high headlight removal and replacement with nose headlights,
as well as the additiona of rotary beacons.
During the merger fever between the Santa Fe and Southern Pacific in the mid-1980's, nine B23-7 locomotives wore the
short-lived "Kodachrome" paint scheme. The locomotives were 6354, 6365, 6373-6375, 6380, 6388, 6396, and 6404. With the
denial of the merger, all of these units were gradually repainted back into the yellow and blue warbonnet paint scheme. Today
all of the 69 B23-7 locomotives are still in active service.
BNSF #4245 was originally Santa Fe #6388, and was built in June 1979, with frame number 42434. The locomotive was
delivered in blue and yellow warbonnet and rode AAR-B trucks. It wore the SPSF 'Kodachrome' paint scheme
from 31 July 1985 through 24 July 1986, and then repainted back into the blue and yellow warbonnet paint scheme. The
locomotive continues to serve on the BNSF Railway, and was placed into its current roster spot, #4245, on 28 January
2000.
BNSF B23-7 Index at
TrainPix.com by Charles Biel
BNSF B23-7 #4245 Photo at
TrainPix.com by Charles Biel
ATSF B23-7 Index at
TrainPix.com by Charles Biel
ATSF B23-7 #6388 Photo at
TrainPix.com by Charles Biel
ATSF 6000-series Locomotives at
Fallen Flags
| Prime Mover |
12-7FDL |
Truck Type |
B-B |
Weight |
265,000 lbs. |
| Length |
61' 2" |
Drivers |
40" |
Dynamic Brakes |
SLT |
| Width |
10' 2" |
Gear Ratio |
74:18 |
Main Generator |
GTA-11 |
| Height |
15' 4" |
Top Speed |
65 mph |
Alternator |
GY27 |
| Fuel Capacity |
2,900 U.S. gallons |
Traction Motors |
4-GE752 |
Horsepower |
3,250 |
ALL photos are copyright by
Eric Goodman and cannot be used without his permission.
Page layout and Graphics are copyright © 2005 by QStation.org
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