The 2,800-horsepower General Electric U28C was a transitional locomotive. As such, it shared components with its predecessor U25C in its early production, and its successor U30C in late production. Rivarossi is taking advantage of this circumstance to offer an early production U28C based on its previous U25C.
Dimensions matched published figures in the 1966 Car and Locomotive Cyclopedia (Simmons-Boardman) for a U25C. Comparing the new U28C with Rivarossi’s U25C, the only detail difference is a change in handrails. The newer model sports flexible engineering plastic parts in place of the etched-metal railings and stanchions of the earlier model. The U25C carbody and detailing is correct for the NP and Burlington units that later became BN property.
The plastic handrails are finely molded to scale dimensions and are securely attached to the walkways. The walkways are new castings as well, to accommodate the new handrails and their prototypical mountings. The mechanism was unchanged from the earlier U25C release. We reviewed that locomotive in the February 2015 Model Railroader.
Our Rivarossi U28C was equipped with an ESU LokSound Select dual-mode sound decoder. Using a direct-current (DC) power pack, engine start-up sounds commenced at 6V, and the locomotive started moving at 7V. Using a Bachrus Model Train Speedometer, I measured a low speed of .2 scale mph.
On our Digital Command Control (DCC) test track, the U28C started moving in speed step 1 at .2 scale mph, reaching a prototypical top speed of 72 scale mph in speed step 28.
With an excellent sound decoder, Rivarossi’s well detailed U28C advances another step with its finely molded handrails. Subscribers can watch a video of the U28C at ModelRailroader.com.
Price: $299.99, DCC and sound equipped; $219.99, DCC-ready
Manufacturer
Rivarossi
Distributed by Hornby America
3900 C-2 Industry Drive East
Fife, WA 98424
www.hornbyamerica.com
Era: 1966-1981 as decorated
Roadnames: Burlington Northern, Chicago, Burlington & Quincy, Northern Pacific
Features
▪▪Die-cast metal chassis
▪▪Five-pole can motor with flywheels
▪▪LokSound Select decoder
▪▪Turned metal wheels with NMRA RP-25 profile, in gauge
▪▪Weight: 1 pound, 4.1 ounces
