Review

The latest N-scale diesel locomotive model from Atlas captures the beefy look of General Electric's late 1980s Dash 8-40B. The prototype locomotives are four-axle, high-horsepower diesels designed for heavy intermodal, coal train and general freight use. A total of 150 locomotives were built from April 1988 through April 1989.

The standard-cab version was purchased by Conrail, Susquehanna and Cotton Belt (St. Louis Southwestern). They are identified by their dynamic brake gear located along the roofline behind the cab and the large roof-top radiator grilles. These locomotives can be seen in daily use today across North America.

Atlas' new GE Dash 8-40B locomotives have been released in BNSF, Santa Fe, Conrail, CSX, LMX, Susquehanna, NS, Cotton Belt, UP and undecorated units. These models are beautifully decorated, finely detailed and engineered to be super runners. The level of precision inside and out is among the best in N scale.

The models are offered in nine prototype paint schemes. The Union Pacific version that I reviewed has flawless stripes and lettering. The microscopic warning labels, black-edged lettering on the long hood, three-color heralds and silver cab window frames are real attention-getters.

This model continues the current trend of super detailing found among better N-scale locomotives. Scale-sized treadplates, fan shadows, door latches and radio antenna are molded into the shell. Cab sunshades, MU hoses, snow plow, steps, brakewheel, horn and beacon are among the add-on details. The handrails are finely molded in appropriate colors and are painted safety white on the ends.

These models are equipped with split frames, flywheels, a skew-wound motor and printed circuit board that is ready to accept a decoder. (Versions with factory-installed decoders also are available.) The locomotive runs great right out of the box. It creeps tie-by-tie at low power, and at full power its top speed is reasonable. The model also runs extremely quietly, pulls well and runs smoothly at all speeds.

An extremely bright-white LED directional headlight is a nice surprise when the power is turned on. These models are factory-equipped with Atlas Accumate couplers. Atlas continues to set a high standard for precision detailing, accurate lettering and smooth operation with this locomotive and it should please many modelers of modern N-scale equipment.