Railroads Complained the GE B23-7 Was “Too Cheap” — Then It Became A Locomtoive Legend

When the GE B23-7 was introduced, railroads criticized it as being cheaply built and underpowered. But time proved them wrong. In this video, we explore how this no-frills diesel locomotive became one of the most reliable and widely used engines in North American rail history. We break down its simple design, rugged construction, and fuel efficiency that made it ideal for freight, yard work, and branch lines. Despite early skepticism, the B23-7 earned a legendary reputation through durability and ease of maintenance. Sometimes, simple engineering wins — and this locomotive proved it.