Atlas introduces two N scale GE Dash 8 wide-nose diesel locomotives

Atlas has added a pair of General Electric modern road diesel locomotives to its N scale line. The Dash 8-32BWH is an Amtrak passenger unit while the similar Dash 8-40BW is a freight locomotive. Both have North American wide-nose safety cabs and share many mechanism parts with the Dash 8-40B freight locomotive reviewed in the August 2002 Model Railroader.

While similar in appearance, these locomotives play very different roles, as explained in Contemporary Diesel Spotter’s Guide – 2000 Edition [Kalmbach].

• The Dash 8-40BW is a Dash 8-40B 4,000-hp road freight locomotive modified with a North American safety cab. The Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Ry. purchased 83 of these distinctive wide-cab locomotives in 1990 and 1992. Numbered 500-582, they were assigned as motive power for Santa Fe’s Super Fleet intermodal service.
• The Dash 8-32BWH is a similarly sized 3,200-hp locomotive Amtrak purchased with a smaller 12-cylinder FDL engine and a second alternator which supplies head-end power (HEP) for passenger trains. Amtrak’s 20 units, numbered 500-519, were built in December 1991 and operate nationwide.

Both models match the dimensions in General Electric specifications right down to their different wheelbases. The Dash 8-32BWH’s trucks are a scale 6″ closer together than the Dash 8-40BW’s.

Both models come assembled and ready-to-run. The body shells are made up of about a dozen pieces which are neatly held together with a variety of concealed latches. Freestanding details like the brakewheel, handrails, m.u. cables, and snowplow are separate pieces which come factory assembled. Clear glazing fits into the cab window openings to provide the proper set-backs from the exterior walls.

The models also share a mechanism that follows the common N scale split- frame design. A PC board carrying the components for either directional constant lighting or Digital Command Control (DCC) is mounted across the top. Light-emitting diodes at each end of the board deliver illumination for the headlights. The balance of the running gear follows the same design as the Dash 8-40B, including a cast zinc-alloy frame, a can motor, turned brass flywheels, and GE’s FB-type “floating bolster” trucks.

A single 5¾” x 8″ printed instruction sheet has exploded isometric drawings of the body on one side and the chassis on the other. See the Atlas Web site at www.atlasrr.com for additional technical information.

Accumate magnetic knuckle couplers are mounted at the proper height in boxes attached to the metal chassis with small screws. Rapido-style couplers are also included.

Model Railroader’s review samples started easily and ran smoothly on conventional DC. In fact, both models drew such low amounts of current that it was hard to discern their draws on our meter. The drawbar pull is equivalent to 15 free-rolling freight cars on straight and level track, while the passenger unit is capable of hauling Amtrak’s usual five-to six-car trains.

Modern era N scalers will enjoy these smooth running and distinctive GE road locomotives. They’ll be great additions to any contemporary model railroad.

N scale Dash 8 locomotives

8-32BWH (passenger)
Dash 8-40BW (freight)
Price: $99.95 each, or $129.95 with factory installed Lenz DCC decoder

Manufacturer:
Atlas Model Railroad Co. Inc.
603 Sweetland Ave.
Hillside, NJ 07205-1799
www.atlasrr.com

Description:
Plastic and metal locomotives

Road names:

• Dash 8-32BWH:
  Amtrak (as delivered nos. 505 and 509), Amtrak (Phase IV nos. 506 and 515), Amtrak California (as delivered no. 2051 and 2052)
• Dash 8-40BW:
  Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe (red warbonnet nos. 502 and 518), Burlington Northern Santa Fe (red warbonnet nos. 557 and 573), BNSF (Premium heritage scheme nos. 509 and 546)

Features:
Accumate knuckle couplers
DC or DCC versions
Directional headlights
Drawbar pull: .64-ounce
Dual flywheel drive
Engine weight: 3 ounces
Minimum radius 9″