What for a locomotive is this?

[Supermicha]

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

[Sperandeo]

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

[Sperandeo]

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

[Anonymous]

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

[SSW9389]

Michael: I posted two photos of Seaboard 5138 to [e-mail] 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

[BRAKIE]

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.