What for a locomotive is this?

Hi, i´m a trainfan from germany and just buyed a Bachmann HO model of a L&N/SCL diesel loco. It has 4 axles, at the rear is a fan like that ones from GE locos. The special thing is the cab. It looks like a wide cab, but without a nose. Like that one from the E60CP, but with a front porch. can anyone tell me, what for a loco this is and where i can find prototype photos? thanks, Micha

Since it is a Bachmann model, you might also try asking “The Bach-Man” at: http://www.bachmanntrains.com/

Michael: I posted two photos of Seaboard 5138 to gelocos@yahoogroups.com last month. The photos show the BQ23-7 switching at Gadsden, AL in 4/86. You might also check George Elwood’s Fallen Flag site for photos of these very unique locomotives.

Ed Cooper
Crestwood, KY

Sounds like a BQ23-7, a special version of the B23-7 with an enlarged “quarters” cab for cabooseless operation. Only the Seaboard Coast Line ordered these units, and they were delivered in the Family Lines paint schme with SCL/L&N lettering. For a photo and more information see “The Contemporary Diesel Spotters Guide, Second Edition” (Kalmbach) page 123. The “Year 2000 Edition” (Withers) of the same book shows a BQ23-7 in CSX paint on page 132.

So long,

Andy Sperandeo
MODEL RAILROADER Magazine

One more source of info on the BQ23-7: The July 1983 MODEL RAILROADER had drawings and several photos, including views of the cab interior.

So long,

Andy

One of the units actually made it into CSX paint,the 3003! There may have been others,this is the only picture of one in CSX that I have.