U 50 due to make a BIG comeback in Model Railroading in 2010

[Subwayaz]

With Con Cor coming out with a retooled U50 in N Scale and Athearn coming out with a much overdue  U 50B in HO.  It sure looks like we'll get our fill of this mammoth monster in 2010.  I think that the Athearn HO edition is long overdue; since the only offerings out presently are Brass and old skool technology.

[FP45Tony]

I'm happy about the HO version.  I've been wanting a plastic HO U50 since the late 1970s! Seemed like a distant fantasy and now it's no longer vaporware.  Even though I model the SCL, the U-50BB is just one of those locomotives I like because it's so unique and unusual. 

I've read where some railfans/modelers refer to them as ugly.  I've always viewed the U50s as tough, rugged looking brutes.  Only thing that bugs me a tad is that they're not Genesis units, but are slated to carry a "Genesis price tag".   But I'm still planning on purchasing one UP unit.

Since I'm modeling the late 1960s-early 70s era, a U-50 will "almost" fit in with my theme; although it will be a stretch.  I'm modeling SCL in the Florida/Georgia region, which was a long way from UP rails, but nevertheless I can see an occasional "run through" from a U50.  Back in the 70s, FRISCO SD45s sneaked in and out of Florida regularly.

[Subwayaz]

I'm with you I model the 80's-96 in AZ so a stretch it will be but one that I look forward to.  I pre Ordered two HO and one N with sound all SP.  And both scale due out in Sept 2011 gives plenty of time to save up.

Enjoy it's built rite in;  Fantasy or Proto it's all good

[FP45Tony]

One interesting question for those wanting accurate sound.........How to get a twin prime mover sound scheme?

These giants had two U-25B prime movers under the sheetmetal.  Still, I'd be happy with a single prime mover setup.  Hopefully by then the new LokSound V4.0 and new QSI "Titan" decoder (both which promise more robust sound than current versions) will be on the market.