The Atlas Model Railroad Co. HO scale Electro-Motive Division (EMD) GP40-2(W) includes a QSI Quantum Digital Command Control (DCC) sound decoder. Model Railroader senior editor Dana Kawala runs the locomotive on our model train layout.
Video: Atlas HO scale EMD GP40-2(W)
By Angela Cotey | September 9, 2011
| Last updated on February 11, 2021
The Atlas HO scale diesel locomotive includes a QSI Quantum Digital Command Control (DCC) sound decoder
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The QSI decoder has a voice that will tell you things like "mph F10", the value of a CV, and the road #. It's a good little loco.
The sound of GP-40-2W sounds like a GP-38-2, non turbo charged. The model detail is first rate, typical Atlas.
will there be another run on the gp4o-2w? I cant find in stock
I agree with Thomas Klimczak. I purchased two non-sound equipped GP40-2W's and installed a Sountraxx 645 decoder to get the correct engine sounds, horn and bell. I am also able to manually turn on the headlight, ditch lights and back up light independently as well as dim them (although normal CN practice does not include dimming ditch lights). Soundtraxx also gives the option to manually notch the engine RPM's which, for me, is more prototypical. These units did not have dynamic brakes, so that feature should be turned off. The Atlas model is a beautiful rendition of a staple of CN's motive power used on many of their express trains in the 80's and 90's. After replacing the couplers with Kadee's, the units are now right at home on my layout. Thank you Atlas.
Another fine model from Atlas. The sound decoder does not do the tooling justice. The sound coming from that great looking model is not that of
a turbocharged EMD 645.
Dana, Another fine atlas locomotive, and the horn is changeable by resetting then CV's of the locomotive, while in the horn function, the bell is changeable as well. you should be able to match the canadian prototype you desire. Mice running and great sounding locomotive.
they gotta get that horn right!
It is very hard to make realistic sound for a diesel engine but you did a very good job except for the bell it sounded very tinny. The other sounds would be better if they were louder if there is a volume control
nice video. I'd like to see the manufacturers make a change to the headlight operation though. Engineers don't keep turning the headlights on and off when reversing directions, maybe dimming once in a while. That would be a nice operating option to include.
When I saw this, I was like, "Hey, that's really cool!" Makes me wish I had DCC.
The horn sound is not CN prototype,but the detail is correct for a CN GP40-2W.
A lot of good comments by MR readers that have accute awareness of important details that make model railroading so enjoyable. Model Railroader magazine is the champion for scale looks, operation and sound effects that keep the manufacturers keenly aware of what we like and are willing to pay for. What else is in the future Dana, the smell of diesel exhaust and burning brake shoes?
beautiful sound from a very special looking locomotive Changing to full view does help Keep up the good viedos.
I got two of these engines they ,function9 when activated makes the engine sound like its pulling hard
Wow that sound was awsome and i love F9
Sounds great; adds alot of dimension to switching and overall operations.
Great engine! Dana, your right. Switching is more fun with sound!!!
very nice need one for my layout.
The bell sound is louder than the revving of the engine. Can this be corrected by using a different function key? I wish I could hear more of the engine sound but all -in-all a great model.
nice to see the bigger manufactuers making locos with the canadian cab,instead of having to buy after market parts.nice video dana, oh, and go pack go!
Good or mabey great loco./sound
Great demo. I agree either the sound of the bell is a little loud or the clanking of the coupler crash is too soft. Yes, the ditch lights did go on in the beginning when the engine started its forward motion.
Vary cool nice loc.
Audio features in model railroading are progressing very nicely. The time is coming soon when "sound" will be standard equipment (with a mute-switch, of course).
Maybe I couldn't hear the turbo charger but it sounds like a non-turbo charged GP38-2 to me, otherwise a great model for CN fans.