Atlas O Electro-Motive Division MP 15DC diesel switcher in O scale

While this superb MP15DC model may look like a yard switcher, it rides on GP-type trucks that also suit it to road service.

While this superb MP15DC model may look like a yard switcher, it rides on GP-type trucks that also suit it to road service. Made by Atlas O, the MP15DC has a detailed plastic carbody that’s filled with a powerful mechanism and a factory-installed sound decoder that operates on either DC or Digital Command Control (DCC).

The model is a replica of the Electro-Motive Division’s 1,500-h.p. MP15DC heavy-duty switcher that was introduced in 1974. A total of 246 units were built by the time production ended in 1980. The
Atlas O model closely matches the prototype drawing published in the Model Railroader Cyclopedia: Volume 2, Diesel Locomotives.

Appearance. The body is assembled using many alternate parts to provide the appropriate characteristics for each prototype. For example, there are two cabs and three different hoods. The radiator is one of the best I’ve seen, with a realistic see-through effect. Addi-tional details are applied to match specific prototypes. The railings are formed wire mounted on properly-shaped metal stanchions.

This MP15DC has a cab interior that includes a set of lighted gauges on the control stand! Both of the side windows are fitted with wind deflectors and sun shades.

The golden-white light-emitting-diode headlights switch from dim to bright in the direction of travel. A pair of classification lights on each end also change to display green in the forward direction and red to the rear as marker lights. Lighted number boards are also provided at both ends.

Our sample came painted in the Genesee & Wyoming’s striking orange-and-black color scheme. The colors are neatly applied in smooth, even coats, with sharply defined edges. All of the herald parts are in perfect alignment, and there are numerous simulated safety stickers indicating the locations of fire extinguishers and the first-aid kit. Appropriate EMD builder’s plates and safety reminders are printed on the chassis.

Under the hood. The Atlas O MP15DC’s mechanism has a die-cast frame, trucks, and gearboxes, which provide sufficient weight for excellent traction.

A powerful can motor with dual brass flywheels is mounted above the hollow fuel tank that contains a speaker for the sound system. All four axles are driven and all of the wheels pick up current. The DCC sound system and directional lighting components fill a pair of PC boards stacked above the motor.

Working sounds. The sound-equipped Model Railroader Atlas O MP15DC has a QSI Quantum sound system that offers numerous choices and dozens of adjustments so the user can fine-tune the effects as desired.

Operation. The MP15DC began moving steadily at less than one scale mph on DC. We had to adjust the model’s starting voltage by setting configuration variable (CV) 42 to a value of 5 to obtain the same slow speed performance on DCC. The top speeds were 52 mph on DC, and 80 on DCC.

This switcher is a powerful hauler delivering enough tractive effort to pull 48 free-rolling cars on straight and level track. It will also negotiate a 36″ radius curve.

Overall, this heavy-duty switcher is excellent in all respects. It’s solid construction, specific prototype detailing, powerful mechanism and top quality finish make it a winner.

O scale EMD MP15DC
Price: two-rail (with dual-mode DCC sound system), $479.95; dummy units, $249.95
Manufacturer:
Atlas O LLC
378 Florence Ave.
Hillside, NJ 07205-1102
www.atlasO.com
Road names: (two road numbers) Genessee & Wyoming, Alaska RR, Burlington Northern Santa Fe, Conrail, CSX, Manufacturers Ry., Missouri Pacific, Norfolk SOuthern, Reading, Southern Ry., Southern Pacific, Union Pacific

Atlas O MP15DC features
Can motor with dual flywheels
Dual-mode DC or DCC sound and control system
Drawbar pull: 16 ounces
Eight-wheel drive and electrical pickup
Magnetic knuckle couplers mounted at the correct height
Minimum radius: 36″
Weight: 3 pounds 6 ounces