N Scale GE MATE

This model is not for sale, since Shapeways changed its design rules making the handrails too delicate to print. All you need to complete the model are couplers and Atlas Blomberg trucks. These MATEs were used by Seaboard Coast Line, paired with a GE U36B. They were mostly used for Bone Valley (near Tampa, Florida) operations. They were used from the 70s until the early 90s. MATEs differ from ordinary slugs in three ways: their 65,413 to 67,588 pounds of added tractive effort surpasses that of most slugs, they were designed to operate at road speeds (they are equipped with Blomberg trucks with GE 752 traction motors), and they also served as fuel tenders. Each MATE carried 3250 gallons of fuel that the modified U36B can draw on while under way. These remain the only road slugs constructed by a major builder. The first 10 MATE's (originally SCL #3200-3209, later SBD #5200-5209) were single ended, and could only take power from the mother at one end. The second batch (SCL #3210-3224, SBD #5210-5224) are double ended, and could take power from either end, or in a third mode of operation, could be placed between two mothers and draw power from both. The double-ended MATE's have headlights and numberboards at both ends, the single-ended MATE's have a headlight and numberboards at one end only. This model is double ended.