The prototype. In marketing literature, General Motors touted the GP30 as having “30 improvements” over its predecessors. Some of the GP30’s features included a 2,250-hp engine and a central air- intake system. The locomotive also had a semi-streamlined carbody developed by GM’s automotive design center in Troy, Mich.
Electro-Motive delivered 906 GP30 diesel locomotives to railroads in the United States and Canada between 1961 and 1963. The locomotives were available with or without dynamic brakes, such as those delivered to the Atlantic Coast Line and the New York Central. A high short-hood version was built for the Southern Ry. and Norfolk & Western.
Forty GP30 B units were produced in 1963. All of those booster units went to the Union Pacific. Eight of the UP GP30 B units had steam-heat generators for passenger service.
Because some railroads complained about the lack of space for a brakeman’s seat, Electro-Motive added 10″ to the fireman’s side of the cab. Railfans refer to these modified GP30s as phase II and
the earlier versions as phase I.
The Atlas model’s dimensions match drawings of a phase I
GP30 in the Model Railroader Cyclopedia vol. 2: Diesel Locomotives (Kalmbach Publishing Co., out of print).
Appearance. The Atlas model is built primarily of plastic. All the molded-in detail on the body shell and truck sideframes is sharply defined. Placement of vents, hatches, and other details matches prototype photos. The walkways also feature molded safety tread. The handrails are separately applied and made of Celcon, a flexible engineering plastic.
Our review sample came decorated as GM demonstrator no. 1962. The model’s paint scheme matches prototype photos. The model’s paint is evenly applied with sharp color separation. All lettering is crisp and straight.
The Atlas GP30 also has two ownership plates on its frame. Legible under magnification, the plates read “GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION ELECTRO-MOTIVE DIVISION OWNER.”
The printed-circuit (PC) board is mounted above the split frame. Golden white light-emitting diodes (LEDs) mounted on each end of the PC board illuminate the headlights and number boards. The headlights turn on and off according to the locomotive’s direction, which isn’t prototypical.
A DCC-equipped version is offered. You can also easily upgrade the DC version to DCC. First, remove the press-fit fuel tank. Then loosen the two screws on each end of the frame and pull the PC board free. Atlas, Digitrax, and Lenz make drop-in DCC decoders that fit this model, replacing the PC board.
Throughout the speed range the Atlas GP30’s mechanism was smooth and quiet. I ran the model around 93/4″ curves and through no. 4 turnouts without difficulty.
The model has a .8 ounce drawbar pull equivalent to 19 average N scale freight cars on straight and level track.
With smooth performance and accurate details, the Atlas Classic Series GP30 is a great choice for an N scale diesel roster.
Price: Direct current (DC) $99.95, Digital Command Control (DCC) $134.95
Manufacturer
Atlas Model Railroad Co
378 Florence Ave.
Hillside, NJ 07205
www.atlasrr.com
Description: Plastic and metal ready-to-run diesel locomotive model
Road names: EMD demonstrator no. 1962
Three road numbers each: Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe; Baltimore & Ohio (blue/yellow “sunburst”); Chicago, Burlington & Quincy (red/gray); Denver & Rio Grande Western; New York Central (black/white); Reading (green/yellow)
Two undecorated versions (with or without nose headlight)
Blackened RP-25 contour metal wheels in gauge
Body-mounted Accumate magnetic couplers at correct height
Die-cast metal frame
Eight-wheel drive and electrical pickup
Five-pole skew wound motor with dual brass flywheels
Golden-white light-emitting diode headlights
Illuminated number boards
Minimum radius: 9 3/4″
Weight: 3 ounces
I've got one of these from an older run. It runs like a dream, and can haul a decent train up a good grade. I love it. Looking at the mechanism, it looks the same. Trust me, for a good road unit or for switching, I recomend this loco.
In the world of road switchers, the GP-30 is one of my all time favorites
in real life and in N scale. I am always impressed when I see updated versions of these EMDs still running on the BNSF in 2008.
I own 3 of these Atlas units and they are some of my most reliable and best running locomotives in my fleet. Plus they look great, if you are thinking about buying one, do it!
Atlas seems to produce this model in the same roads. Chicgo Great Western, Kansas City Southern, GM&O also had these. They previously did a BN locomotive with the white face BN had a number of these in various schemes from predecessors CB&Q as well as Great Northern. Wouldn't a Big Sky Blue GP-30 look nice in the future!
I'm a big fan of this locomotive and the Atlas model of it captures the prototype very well. I too have a nodel from the last production run and it is an excellent performer. Go buy one, you'll love it!
This loco seems perfect for my layout(5'6" x 2'3")based on 'Haveaphew'. I model CN/CP but as CP seem to be taking over many US roads I'll use any loco I like from now on. After all it's MY layout.