Rapido # RPI35530 HO GE U25B High Hood DC/DCC/S GE Demo #2503
Features
Signal front window style for low nose units
Both low and high-short hood versions
Road specific details for each model
Road specific air cleaner boxes on rear
Lighted control stand inside cab
Working step lights on low-short hood models
Different exhaust stacks (depending on roadname)
Road-specific battery box doors on engineer's side
Working inspection lights on all units
Different types of fuel & air tanks (depending upon version)
Overview
General Electric had long been touted as a company that supplied parts for other manufacturers. That would all change with GE's entry into a road-switcher market dominated by EMD and Alco. In the late 1950s, GE's engineers were developing a new V16 engine. What followed was the creation of the U25B road switcher. Available in both high-nose and low-nose variants, GE would sell over 450 U25Bs to a variety of Class I railroads. The U25B would pave the way for future Universal series locomotives.
Many U25Bs lasted into the early 80s on some Class I railroads, others would find their way onto short lines such as TTI. A few made it to museums, such as SP 3100, which was the locomotive that Rapido 3D scanned (as well as spent considerable time backdating the details to reflect an un-rebuilt U25B).
The Rapido U25B locomotive will see features that have never been offered in in any current U25B on the market. From correctly positioned and working class lights (both front and rear), beacons, step lights (only on low nose variants), different phase details, and specific to the road details and parts, along with the trusted silky-smooth drive, this is one locomotive you won't want to miss out on!
Athearn Genesis
