* New & Better Details
 
* New Schemes
 
* Road-Specific Detailing
 
* Heavy die cast metal underframe
 
* 14:1 Helical Gears for Smooth, Quiet Performance
 
* Five-Pole Skew-Wound High-Torque High-Efficiency Can Motor
 
* Low Speed Under 3 Scale MPH
 
* LED Constant & Directional Headlights
 
* Easy Multiple Unit Operation
 
* Metal Grab Irons & Lift Rings
 
* Available With or Without Factory-Installed Tsunami Sound & DCC
 
* Proto MAX(TM) Metal Knuckle Couplers
 
By the 1950s, railroads were shopping for more powerful units to replace earlier diesels, and a horsepower race began in earnest. GE took a bold step forward, unveiling its brutish new Universal series in 1959. Production began with a 2500-horsepower, four-axle unit, known as the U25B in 1960 -- and railfans quickly nicknamed them U-boats. The success of the new series soon pushed GE into the number two spot in locomotive sales.
 
In 1966 a 2800-horsepower prime mover was added to create the U28B. Only 148 units were built that year. Late production units (which are the prototypes for these models) had a shorter nose and some differences in the radiator intakes, which were carried over into early U30B production. Late in 1966, GE introduced a 3000 horsepower prime mover in the U30B. Many features were carried over into the new body however later production units had revised air intakes. Total production ended at 296 units in 1975.
 
U28B Tsnuami® Sound & DCC
GN #2527
GN #2528
MILW #5506
MILW #5506

U30B Tsnuami® Sound & DCC
NYC #2844
NYC #2851

U28B Standard DC
GN #2527
GN #2528
MILW #5506
MILW #5506

U30B Standard DC
NYC #2852
NYC #2854

 

 
Prototype Photo Courtesy Collection of Louis Marre
 
Detailed to match U30B locomotives in service from 1983 to approximately 1985 with:
 
* Late U28B-style body With Dynamic Brakes
 
* Leslie 5-Chime Horn
 
* Firecracker Antenna
 
* Cab Mounted Headlights Prototype Photo Courtesy Collection of Louis Marre
 
Detailed to match U30B locomotives in service from 1983 to approximately 1985 with:
 
* Late U28B-style body With Dynamic Brakes
 
* Leslie 5-Chime Horn
 
* Firecracker Antenna
 
* Cab Mounted Headlights
 
* Cab Mounted Headlights
 
* Large Radius Fixed Side Cab Windows
 
* Small Hand Brake Wheel
 
* Louvered Left Side Battery Box
 
* Two-Color End Handrails
 
* Front & Rear Drop Steps
 
* No Footboards on Pilots
 
* Triangular Lift Rings on Roof
 
* Additional Body Grab Irons Near Radiators
 
* Blomberg-Style Trucks With Roller Bearings