Did any one make a U30CG?

Nope...  Neither Lionel of MTH made a U30CG.  Maybe one of the brass builders, maybe not.

Rusty

It would be a hit with Santa Fe's and passenger guys!!!!

too bad not one was saved.

In real life there were only six U30CG units. They were pulled from their intended passenger service in 1969 because of a derailment incident with a mechanically similar U28CG. Built in 1967, they lasted in freight service until 1980. They are a unique locomotive with a distinctive look, but not something that would find widespread interest in the O-gauge market IMO. Only Santa Fe had them and that was over 35 years ago. Since they are basically a U30C with a cowl carbody, perhaps someone could kitbash a body to fit a U30C chassis.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GE_U30CG

http://atsf.railfan.net/cowls/u30cg.html

The tracking characteristics of the big GE's at passenger speeds were called into question following the derailment of U28CG-powered Tr.23 near Chillicothe, IL on February 9, 1969 ... The GE's showed no particular propensity for leaving the rails in freight service ...

It wouldn't be that hard to kitbash and defiantly unique. 

I always thought the fluted carbody would be the most difficult thing to match in a kit-bash and to me that's what "makes" the U30CG.

Fred

Fred Brenek posted:

I always thought the fluted carbody would be the most difficult thing to match in a kit-bash and to me that's what "makes" the U30CG.

Fred

When it comes to the flutes on ss passenger cars...Budd, P-S, et al...you're spot on...not an easy scratch.  But, judging from the OP's photo, I'd say a regular metal corrugation would suffice for GE's effort on this beast.  You'd have to do some eye-balling and rough measuring from photos, but maybe even an 'HO' styrene corrugation sheet would be about correct for this one.

That said, there's enough else about this lovable loco that would be more than I'd care to take on for bashing or scratching.  But I know there are forumites out there who enjoy the challenge, so..........more power to ya!

As for earlier comments about the uniqueness of this engine to Santa Fe...  So, when in the Toy Train business did that matter a whit?   Why, you could slather any of dozens of road names/paint on her (New Haven, Long Island, Pennsylvania, New York Central, NYO&W(),....) and they'd sell!    That's been proven in reverse, of course......'Warbonnet' paint can go on most any choo-choo and it'll sell! 

However, on behalf of the CFO's, .....

KD

I saw one in freight service in Newton KS, in the freight bonnet.  Odd looking thing.  Actually, the U28CG in WB looks better!

Now, did the later Amtrak E60CG/H and P30CH come with the same trucks?

If things had worked out differently, Amtrak might have used U30CG locos instead of SDP40F units. Minitrix made this Amtrak U30CG for N scale.

Ace posted:

If things had worked out differently, Amtrak might have used U30CG locos instead of SDP40F units. 

"worked out differently", how? GE would have had to design a 3-Axle truck, capable of speeds in excess of 100 MPH, which they didn't/couldn't accomplish. When the GE E60 electric unit derailed at slightly over 100 MPH in a curve on the Northeast Corridor, while hauling the Amtrak "test passenger train", the management at Amtrak was NOT happy (ripped out 3 of the 4 track main line). Data being recorded in the GE Test Car at the time, eventually revealed that the GE 3-Axle truck had a critical vibration at 98 MPH which matched exactly with the frequency of 39 foot rail joints! Thus, there was no way that an E60 electric unit would stay on the track in a slight curve at over 100 MPH.

Hot Water posted:

Ace posted:

If things had worked out differently, Amtrak might have used U30CG locos instead of SDP40F units. 

"worked out differently", how? GE would have had to design a 3-Axle truck, capable of speeds in excess of 100 MPH, which they didn't/couldn't accomplish. When the GE E60 electric unit derailed at slightly over 100 MPH in a curve on the Northeast Corridor, while hauling the Amtrak "test passenger train", the management at Amtrak was NOT happy (ripped out 3 of the 4 track main line). Data being recorded in the GE Test Car at the time, eventually revealed that the GE 3-Axle truck had a critical vibration at 98 MPH which matched exactly with the frequency of 39 foot rail joints! Thus, there was no way that an E60 electric unit would stay on the track in a slight curve at over 100 MPH.

"Worked out differently" meaning a hypothetical situation in a parallel universe, simply to justify an Amtrak U30CG for the 3-rail enthusiasts. I mean no disrespect to the fine EMD SDP40F units that provided such exemplary service to Amtrak, other than some derailment problems which lead to speed restrictions and premature retirement of the whole batch from Amtrak service. Could an SDP40F have outperformed that E60 on curved track with jointed rail at 100mph?

 <--- EMD SDP40F for high-speed Amtrak service 

We now return you to the original topic for U30CG fans who would like an O-gauge version.  

Seems like a good candidate for the Vision Line. The locomotive fits all the criteria for the Vision Line. Being "Santa Fe" it will sell. 

Ace posted:

 <--- EMD SDP40F for high-speed Amtrak service 

 

After mich extensive testing and research, it was finally proven that the real cause of Amtrak SDP40F derailments, on slight curves with bad track, was the poorly maintained baggage car coupled directly behind the SDP40F. Unlike the GE U30CG model, the Santa Fe NEVER had any derailment issues with the Amtrak SDP40F units.

Hot Water posted:

Ace posted:

 <--- EMD SDP40F for high-speed Amtrak service 

 

After mich extensive testing and research, it was finally proven that the real cause of Amtrak SDP40F derailments, on slight curves with bad track, was the poorly maintained baggage car coupled directly behind the SDP40F. Unlike the GE U30CG model, the Santa Fe NEVER had any derailment issues with the Amtrak SDP40F units.

It's rather curious how a lightweight baggage car could derail a big heavy SDP40F which was supposedly designed for passenger service with passenger equipment. I believe the entire derailment-prone story involved additional factors ... 

http://atsf.railfan.net/cowls/sdp40f.html

http://railroadfan.com/wiki/index.php/SDP40F

I was on UP Sherman Hill  and again on ATSF trackage, and the Amtrak train seemed to be going fast.  Did a mile pole to mile pole clocking.  1 mile in 36 seconds.  100 MPH.  SDP40F locomotives!

Only Six were built?  These are perfect for the O gauge market

Get the plans and scan them to create a 3D model. Use that computer model to create data point files for 3D printing machines.

Andrew

Amtrak operated 25 P30CH units during 1974 - 1992. They were based on the U30C, like the U30CG units. They were the first Amtrak units to have HEP (head-end power instead of steam generators). Aesthetics were OK, better than some. They reportedly weren't the greatest success although they outlived the SDP40F units in passenger service.

  photo from internet

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GE_P30CH

Now, did the later Amtrak E60CG/H and P30CH come with the same trucks?

yes I believe they appear to come with the same trucks. MR has s scale plans for a pooch.

rboatertoo posted:

It would be a hit with Santa Fe's and passenger guys!!!!

 

Some would, but I'm out.