More Motive Power For The A.P.R.R.

Greetings followers of the Atlantic Pacific Railroad!

The railroad has been evolving over the years and the roster of the A.P.R.R. has been expanding. Sir 1:1 Neal has been outsourcing the repaint of both freight cars and engines. All of the A.P.R.R. revenue freight cars are sent south to the Patti-O paint shop on the N.Y.C.T.L. and under the watchful eye of 1:1 Sir John R. of Georgia.

Here is a sample of his work that proudly runs on the A.P.R.R.

There have been other freight cars as well. They are always an eye catcher during my operating sessions as well as when I'm in the train room just relaxing and moving freight cars around the layout. 

Engines are outsourced to another individual in Dedham, MA. My friend Ted has been doing a number of engines for me since my original painter from Florida is no longer doing paint work. 

Recently, I sent him a GE U28B to custom paint in A.P.R.R. motif. A little background on the GE engine, if I may....


General Electric U28B
Power type Diesel-electric
Builder GE Transportation Systems
Model U28B
Build date January 1966–January 1967
Total produced 148
Configuration:
​
 • AAR B-B
Gauge 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm)
Prime mover GE FDL-16
RPM range 650–1050 rpm
Traction motors GE-752
[hide]Performance figures
Maximum speed 70 mph (110 km/h)
Power output 2,800 hp (2,100 kW)
Tractive effort 70,000 lbf (310 kN) (starting) 64,000 lbf (280 kN) (continuous)

The GE U28B diesel-electric locomotive model replaced the U25B in early 1966, featuring a slightly uprated prime mover (only 300 hp (220 kW) more power than the U25B). Early units had the same carbody styling as the U25B, while later units had design features (e.g., shortened nose) more in common with later models. After only a year of production, this model was superseded by the U30B.

The model is a Life-Like Proto 2000 and was in storage for a good 10+ years. It was sent to MA for painting and arrived on the A.P.R.R. in April. It was then sent to my DCC decoder installer NJ John and brought back to the railroad the end of April. However, after a brief stint in non-revenue service, the engine failed and went back to the shop for diagnosis. It arrived back on the railroad a couple days ago, and was put thru its paces. 

A.P.R.R. GE U28B wears #2360. While most of my engines are three digit numbers, this engine was given this particular number to remind me that I started my model railroad hobby at the home I grew up on Long Island. Number 2360 was our house number and I felt it was apropos to have it on one of my engines.

Sitting outside of West Harold Tower

In the next 30-60 days, there are a number of engines that will be coming back from the Dedham, MA shops that will need to be prepared for the railroad. Once on the premises, we'll get team coverage to give you the latest and greatest from the A.P.R.R.

Thanks for reading!!