The Atlas Dash 8-40C Silver series locomotive seemed to help bridge the gap. This 4,000-horsepower, six-axle diesel electric was purchased in large numbers by both Union Pacific and the wide safety cab Dash 8 40CW by the Santa Fe. These two large Class I railroads pass each other daily at Cajon Pass and Tehachapi Loop.
The Dash 8-40c was first built in the early 1980s for the UP, in 1989 the Dash 8-40CW arrived on scene just as many of the EMD products at Santa Fe were getting long in the tooth and not costs effective to rebuild. Santa Fe purchased Dash 8-40CWs in large numbers and can be seen today in BNSF colors.
Many of the Santa Fe requirements morphed in the DASH 9 series, such as split tower cooling. The Dash 8-40CW was produced until 1993 when the Dash 9 series first appeared around 1994. Many of the Dash 8s are still in service today in UP, NS and BNSF paint schemes due to mergers and the power/rugedness of the design.
This Atlas model is very detailed and includes most options that one would expect from high end lines such as KATO or Athearn Genisis models. These are my first Atlas engines, I was a bit leery based on 20 year ago bad experience. I was pleasantly surprised. The paint scheme is razor sharp, decals in the right location and readable, although I had to use my flip down glasses for the very small, such as GE logo. I have learned the hard lesson of always taking and checking every nook and cranny of the shipping box, tapped to the bottom are handrails, sun visors and rear view mirrors. One bag of plastic forms and screws is still a mystery to me. I’ve gone over the schematics and no joy as of yet.
Following advice contained in numerous Mode Railroader articles, I assembled and placed Kadee no 58 couplers to replace the factory installed couplers and began my break-in routine. My mainline is 135 feet long in a continuous loop, so I run each engine in both directions and three different speed settings, then I run one engine pulling 30 coal five-bay coal hoppers for around 30\ minutes, then MU the units and run a 40 car train for 30 minutes.
To be honest, the locomotives operated without any problems through out the breakout routine equivalent in my mind to KATO or Genisis, level. The directional lights also light up the number boards on the front of the locomotive. The engines come with crew figures installed as well. From painting, detailing and running ability this is an outstanding model that will look great on your layout. Oh, by the way, all wheels were squeaky clean so hats off to paying attention Atlas. I strongly recommend this model to my fellow model railroaders. Atlas has won me over and I look forward to their future efforts. Hooah!
Atlas Master Series Gold MSRP: $259.95
Atlas Master Series Silver MSRP: $149.95
