Has there been a commercially available U25B in the Rock Island Blue and White livery? #234 was the only one in that livery, so I’m assuming it wasn’t popular with manufacturers…or was it??? If anyone knows, I’d appreciate it greatly!!
At the Springfield, MA show last month I talked to a rep from Bowser / Stewart. He told me they were planning another run of U25s, and were considering doing the 234 as a blue/white MEC locomotive. Even if they do not do the run for MEC, buying a RI 234 and modifying it to MEC would just involve adding a black decal “MAINE CENTRAL RR” below the number on the cab below the windows. Perhaps a few detail parts would be added as well. Otherwise 234 looked like a stock RI U25.
That’s good news… Thanks for the info, I’ll be looking out for that in the future. HHHHMM… do you think they’ll make #232 as the “great pumpkin” ,like on page 67 of Maine Central In Color Vol.1…LOL hahaha[:D]
They (Stewart/Bowser) may want to catch up with the roadnames they already preannoucned almost 2 years ago first. I emailed them last week and they indicated they were having issues with their manufacturer in China but hoped to be caught up by summer. This is not a bash on Stewart/Bowser as I could tell from the email that they were frustrated too. Can’t wait to get my U25B in CB&Q colors!
Rick Keil
There are several available from distributors. Contact your local reatiler to order. Why wait until the next run which may be sometime in the future.
Can email me off-line for more details.
Funny you shoud mention that, I discussed that with the Bowser guy at the show also and he seemed interested (whatever that means for a manufacturer talking to a potential customer). [:D]
Actually, I have 2 undecorated U25s from a previous run, and plan to model both the 234 and the 232. Just need to find the time to start the project. 232 was also known as the “pumpkin seed”
G Paine, it’s good to hear from you again, It seems we are modelling the same era of the Maine Central. I’d like to chat with you about that. I’ll send you an email.