A B-unit is a full diesel locomotive with prime mover and traction motors, a stand-alone unit with no cab, only hostler controls. A slug has no prime mover (diesel engine) and receives power for its traction motors from locomotives it is coupled to.

A & B units started out with the F-3s, etc. The A unit had all the operating controls. The B unit had hostler controls,(independent brake, throttle and reverser) right next to the isolation switch. There was a porthole that opened at that point so you could look out and see where you were going. The backup light controls were in the left hand ...

Was CP SD40-2 6062 relegated to B-unit status, and if so, does anyone have any photos of it as such? A friend has bought himself an HO scale model of that locomotive with windows painted out, etc., and would like to see how the actual locomotive appears. Thanks very much. Jim Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/02/17 06:52 by Jimmies.

The first reply is incorrect. The unit in question, SOO #6450, is an SD40B. It was rebuilt by the BN in 1981 from wreck damaged BN SD40 #6302.

Hello, I have a question regarding what chassis would be proper for a BN B30-7A B unit shell built out of what I think is a RAILPOWER shell. Any help is much appreciated. Best Regards, Dave Dane

While scanning a photo of the BN 4005 today I got to wondering what had become of it. I know all of the BN B-units were retired in 1999 but some went to shortlines while most were scrapped. I am guessing the 4005 was scrapped. Didn't all of them also …

Picked up one of the Walthers ACes a few days back. Upgraded the stock shell with numerous Athearn Genesis parts left over from my SD70ACe-B unit project last year. The results so far are below... To the Walthers model I added the: Genesis fuel tank Genesis air resevoirs Genesis flaired radiator housing and fans Genesis antenna dome on a Hi ...

A few years back at a national NMRA convention train show I was able to pick up an ABA set of P2K E8s in the ATSF warbonnet paint scheme. I still can't find where the modler joined the sections of the B unit, such a fine job he did. You must use 2 P2K E8 A units and with the left over parts you can make yourself a dual cab E8 unit.

I've scowered the net without finding much on the Santa Fe GP-7b's, other than they were built (construction dates, builders IDs and the like). What I'm looking for is information about where they operated, what they operated with, possibly a brief history, and (ideally) a …

I would like to get a B unit, just for looks. ----- On another note, the three Walthers UP observation cars are all on backorder status. Does anyone know of a dealer who might have one in stock (preferably City of Portland)? I will search online and see what I can find too. ----- Thanks to all of you of your help.