stewart/bowser

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I purchased a Stewart/Bowser Executive Line U25B item #691-23103 Phase IV in Milwaukee Road paint scheme #5007. This is a very nice loco and as I’m looking at the detail, I notice under the cab windows it has the number 25C-RS. I cannot find any information what this stands for. When I see the “C” I think it means tripple axle trucks but this is a “B” unit and has double axle trucks. I called Bowser and they said they do not know and will get back to me. Do any of you know what this designation is and if this is correct for this locomotive?

Thanks, Breezer

2

Got a pic? It will help us understand exactly what you are talking about.

David B

3

Hard to say, but a guess might be the locomotive’s pool or home division, in this case the “C” might well stand for “Coast” since MILW’s Coast Division had a large population of these beasts, with the maintenance base at the Tacoma Shops. Don’t know if MILW practiced home base locomotive maintenance, but if they did, this would be logical.

However, this is JUST a guess, and the designation could be a coded description of a feature unique to the class of locomotive, such as remote control, special lubricants, etc. In that case, the “C” could mean about anything.

4

If it is a " C ", it’s an error.

What I found: Engine #5007, U25B 25-GRS

I assume the G = GE, RS = road switcher

I base this on the way the other engines were identified as per this link. Because the EMD are all starting with E in this roster link. GE’s have the G. The other letters are : RS= Road switcher, F = freight, P= passenger, S = switcher

Source : http://www.trainweb.org/milwaukee/roster.txt

I’m no expert at all on these matters, just like surfing for answers…

5

Upnorth, You were exactly right! It is supposed to be 25-GRS. Bowser returned a phone call today and said when their artist was looking at the old photos to produce this model, they thought it was a “C” on the pictures and it was supposed to be a “G”. No big deal to me since it is so small on the cab but the puzzle is solved! Thanks for the replies.

Breezer

6

Ah… But if they correct the error you may have a one of a kind heirloom on your hands that will show up in " Antiques Roadshow, 2100" and be worth a mint.