U25B vs U25C Spotting Differences?

Model Railroader Prototype information for the modeler
1

Howdy-

Aside from the B+B / C+C trucks on the U25B / U25C, what other obvious differences are there between the two locomotives?

I have acquired several U25C’s and would like to backdate them to U25B’s, aside from trucks (and re-motoring AHM chassis)-- what else would be noticable?

Thanks for info!

John

2

The U25C is longer by a little over 4 feet. Also the cab of the U25C sits more forward on the frame and the short hood is shorter on the U25C, than on the U25B.

Stewart offers a U25B in HO.

3

That’s the type of info I was looking for.

thanks

4

There is technical data and profiles here on Craig Rutherford’s Diesel Shop: http://www.thedieselshop.us/DataGEIndex.HTML

Ed

5

Thanks-- that’s a reference I wasn’t familiar with :slight_smile:

6

Atlas just came out with an N scale U25B not too long ago that was pretty nice looking. Got me thinking. I don’t think the U25 was as popular as some of the other U’s (like U23, U30, U36) but I like the look of it best with the one piece windshield over the short hood area instead of the two piece. Too bad the manufactorers stuck to the more common/popular engines in their line ups, I would certainly seriously think about having a U25C on my roster if it was produced. If need be I can check my diesel spotters guide tonite and let you know tomorro just how much shorter the B was compared to the C.

7

John -

A book like “The Diesel Spotters Guide Series” will show the differences between the two. You could also go online for drawings of each model. As far as repowering the old AHM U25C, it won’t be easy. I have one and plan to do this also. I have seen several websites where they discuss repowering them and it is costly and complicated. Unless you are looking for a project to do the most cost efficient way to get a good running U25B is probably the updated Stewart units.

Good Luck

8

The trucks look very similar to the bachmann spectrum E33 model that came out awhile back. I’m not sure of the length as to whether the chassis would just work or not, but that’s going to be the first thing I investigate.

9

Good eyes! I hadn’t even thought of an “electrics” trucks and chassis. I did a side by side visual comparison of the U25C and the E44 trucks. They are virtually identical. I didn’t check the demensions but they are close enough for me. A chassis length modification and body shell swap is the best answer I have seen yet, especially when you consider the new Bachmann chassis have DCC built in and run great. I hope there is enough clearance in the U25C shell for the Bachmann mechanism. Thanks for the tip.

10

I originally got interested in the bachmann e33 as a surrogate chassis when I picked up a blueline rsd-15 chassis and noticed that it and the bachmann e33 chassis and trucks were nearly identical, including length. When I got the U25C’s I did a visual comparison but haven’t yet had them in the same room at the same time to do an actual physical comparison. But the trucks look right and I’m hoping the lengths will be too. But even if not, as you say, a chassis chop is not the hardest thing to accomplish.