GE U18B Discussion

Almost 30 years ago Lionel had an HO version of the U18b.

Found the forum as a result of doing a Google search for 'U18B Kitbash'

I did a Dean Foster U18B kitbash from an Athearn U30B per the Model Railroader article in 1985. Very nice outcome.

I also caught the very end of an internet 'virtual clinic' in which Jim Six and Mike Rose teamed up to kitbash an SCL and an MEC U18B from an Atlas U23B. A bit more involved that the Dean Foster method.
Mike Rose has published a CD describing the process.
see http://www.mrhobby.com/U18BCD.html

There is another kitbash method by Cam Green on the web as well which uses an Atlas U23B but is more straightforward than the Six/Rose method. You can find the pdf file on the MECRR Yahoo group list....
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MECRR/fil ... EC%20U18B/

- Email me off list and I will send you a copy if you would like.... [email protected]

I am going to use a combination of Cam Green's and the Six/Rose method using an Atlas U23B. I will keep you posted as to my progress at: http://home.comcast.net/~msherbak11/U18B_Project.htm

Mike

Intermounatin announced at the NMRA show in Philly that they will be releasing the U18B in HO. They had 4 different shells on display.



Brian

Check out this video of MEC 404 and 407 in action!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7cTOQ4hhbs

Found another one!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mb7uw6K0ryA

What ever happened to these two units? Last I heard, they were sold off and I think went up to Canada(?)

I didn't shave with them this morning, did I???

They're still in Canada, as far as I know. Last I heard -- a few months ago -- they hadn't been scrapped yet, but appeared to have had some parts removed. Wouldn't be surprised if they ended up as frame donors for new genset-type units.

Any more details? Location, owner, etc?

The owner is Rail Trusts Equipment (reporting mark RTEX), and the location is in or near Montreal, at a Canada Allied Diesel (CAD) facility. That's all I know.

Over the past few years since RTEX bought the units, several interested parties -- including two actual railroads -- have tried to contact RTEX about purchasing the units, but all inquiries have gone unanswered. Meanwhile, the units continue to sit and rust. Sad.

A few weeks ago somebody e-mailed me a copy of an ad for an 8cyl FDL motor located in Canada... can't help but wonder if it came from one of these locos.

mec407 i was wondering if you have seen the images of baby boats on gelwoods fallen flags and shortlines heres the link just in case you hav'nt yethttp://www.rr-fallenflags.org/ cheers dash7

Got a glimpse of these two survivors last night at CAD in Montreal. Instead of being near the plant, they were sidelined with many doors opened... Future looks grim Here's the pic! http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=273992

That is a shame. At least we have our memories, pictures and a decent HO model of the U18B.

Thanks for the photo! It looks like they could still be saved... I guess it's just a matter of money and interest. (A LOT of both would be needed.)

The Pickins railroad has a large fleet of U18B's still on operation. Several are in use at their operations in the Anderson, S.C. area. Several more of theirs, are out on lease at industrial switching operations. They bought all the remaining CSX, U18B's several years ago. I love the sound of those little "B" boats on a heavy train.
Jeff

I thought Pickens only had 8 U18Bs. I guess that still counts as a large fleet when you're talking about a tiny shortline and a rare locomotive!