Description:

      The Atlas HO Master Silver U30B Phase 2 Diesel Frisco 853 models the General Electric Transportation System's U30B. The "Universal" Series of locomotives, General Electric's entry into the diesel locomotive market, was launched in 1956. The U30B was one of the later models in the "Universal" Series, replacing the U28B in 1966. The U30B competed directly with EMD's GP40. The GE four axle U30B was powered by the 16 cylinder FDL-16 engine rated at 3,000 hp. Between 1966 and 1975 GE built 296 units of this diesel locomotive. Still trailing EMD in sales, there is no doubt that by the time the U30B was introduced the railroads were taking notice. This model represents a Phase 2 Model which was distinguised by the fact the hood was below the radiator. 

Road Name and History:

      St. Louis-San Francisco Railway: The St. Louis-San Francisco Railway (known as the "Frisco) started in Franklin, MO, near St. Louis, in 1853. The South-West Branch of the Pacific Railroad reached Rolla in 1860- construction was then delayed by the Civil War. In 1870 the line reached Springfield, MO. Also in 1870 the Atlantic & Pacific Railroad was chartered to build a railroad from Springfield to California. The new A&P went bankrupt in 1875. In 1879 Frisco joined with Santa Fe to use the Atlantic & Pacific name to build a line to California to fulfill Frisco's namesake dream. The line was completed (Now the BNSF Transcon), but Santa Fe acquired the Frisco in 1890 and gained complete control of the transcontinental line but lost the Frisco in Santa Fe's bankruptcy in the Panic of 1893. Frisco's dream to build to the Pacific was over. The Frisco developed a network of rail lines which reached Wichita in 1880, Tulsa in 1882, and Paris, TX, in 1887. During the 20th Century the Frisco's key routes- basically an "X" centered on Springfield- made the railroad a successful bridge line for transcontinental traffic. Surviving another receivership in 1932- The Great Depression- the Frisco then resumed its role of a regional Southwestern powerhouse. In 1980 the much larger Burlington Northern absorbed the Frisco. Major routes are now main lines for BNSF Railway.

Features:

• DCC Ready with NMRA 8-pin plug
• Five pole skewed armature motor with dual flywheels for outstanding performance at all speeds
• Attention to detail including windshield wipers, metal grab irons, drop steps, and scale handrails
• Accurate paint scheme and markings per Road Name
• Multiple unit and train line hoses
• Directional lighting with Golden-white LEDs
• Blackened metal wheels
• Snow plow included when appropriate per road name
• Low nose cab with square or round headlight housing used where appropriate per road name
• AAR-B, FB-2 or Blomberg trucks used where appropriate per road name
• Accumate knuckle couplers