operate the sound system, it is not possible to MU a non-sound
loco in DC (analog) mode.
Here’s an early look at a
new HO scale NRE Genset
II locomotive in the works
at Atlas. The prototype
features reduced fuel con-
sumption and low exhaust
emission. Power is gener-
ated by two or three inde-
pendent 700 hp diesel
engines that engage and
disengage as more or less
horsepower is required.
Gensets are preferred in
metropolitan areas where air pollution is closely monitored.
Due in the second quarter of 2013, Atlas’s HO scale version
will be produced from all-new tooling. It represents the sec-
ond phase of production by the National Railroad Equipment
Company and is unofficially referred to as the “Genset II”.
Primary spotting features from earlier prototypes are the lon-
ger hood that includes a provision for dynamic brakes, and
a noticeably shorter low hood resulting from the cab being
moved forward on the frame. The Atlas Trainman® series DC
model will have an NMRA plug to accept after market decod-
ers. The MSRP will be $144.95. Road names will be Belt Railway
of Chicago, BNSF, Canadian Pacific, CSX (blue and yellow),
Indiana Harbor Belt, and NRE Demonstrator. An undecorated
model will also be available.
Atlas has upgraded the tooling for its Master® series cylindrical
hopper cars with several new features including see-through
January News column - 7
is based on a group of eleven diesels built for GO Transit (the
Ontario provincial government commuter service) which were
later sold to CN and numbered in 9668-9677. Prototype spe-
cific details on the Atlas ready-to-run model include two styles
of long-hood (CN single light without number boards and GO
Transit dual lights with number boards and classification lights),
3,000 gallon fuel tank, optional CN-style working ditch lights,
optional snow shields over air intakes, round or square sand
hatches, cab-mounted bell, three-chime air horn, and etched-
metal radiator fan grilles.
Standard features on all Atlas GP40-2 models include golden-
white LEDs, directional lighting, cab interior with crew, mov-
able drop steps, walkway safety tread, uncoupling levers, MU
and trainline hoses, snow plow, windshield wipers, individual
grab irons, and fine-scale handrails. Road names available
on this run will be Aberdeen, Carolina & Western; CN (zebra
stripes, as seen here); CN (CNNA); Central Michigan; Huron &
Eastern; Pan Am Railways; and GO Transit (new road numbers).
Undecorated models will be available for early GO Transit ver-
sions, and both early and late CN versions.
Each roadname will be available DCC-ready (Atlas Master™
Silver series at $169.95) with an NMRA plug for an aftermarket
decoder. Also DCC and sound equipped (Atlas Master™ Gold
Series at $259.95) with QSI® Quantum System™ sound and
Dual-Mode® Decoder (e-DMD) that allows operation in DCC or
analog DC. QSI includes dual speakers, diesel engine sounds,
squealing brakes, doppler effect, air release in neutral, and
coupler impact sounds when operated with DCC Helper mode
that mutes the whistle and bell for double heading. Atlas cau-
tions that due to the higher starting voltage required to
MRH-Jan 2013
