Atlas O Premier SD70MAC

The headliner of the spring 2023 Atlas catalog was the SD70MAC, a classic six-axle diesel electric locomotive.

The SD70MAC was produced by General Motor’s Electro-Motive Division (EMD) in the 1990s. The SD70MAC was part of the transition from DC to AC traction motors. These AC powered locomotives would prove to be more efficient while in service and allow BN to reduce the number of locomotives needed for heavy consists. The first adopter was Burlington Northern in 1993.

The 70MACs pumped out 4,000 horsepower compared to 3,800 from the 60MAC predecessor. Production wrapped on these locomotives in the early 2000s; many can still be found on short and mainline service.

Out of the box

side view of model locomotive — Chris Montagna photo

Atlas’s version features intricately applied details on a die-cast frame. The locomotive has LED directional lighting and cab illumination with painted crew figures. The pilots feature a removable snowplow and front and rear Proto-Couplers. The smoke unit is fan driven and can be filled directly from the stack; however, a needle dropper is recommended to prevent spillage.

closeup of colorful paint on model locomotive — Chris Montagna photo

These ex-MTH tooled models check every box: crisp paint, see-through ventilation, and quality sounds add a dynamic appearance to any layout. The model pictured here, Union Pacific “We are ONE” paint scheme, features more complex details than other cataloged models. The prototype was launched in 2021 to celebrate Employee Resource Groups across the Union Pacific company. The locomotive features a rainbow of colors on the side. Atlas was able to replicate this flawlessly on their model. Furthermore, Atlas continues to mix in see-through ventilation with traditional molded in details to create a dynamic appearance that is sure to turn heads as it rolls down the track.

At 18.5 inches in length, this model checks the “pretty much scale” box as the prototype is 74 feet long. With an unflanged middle axle this model can navigate O-42 curves, making it just about small enough for anyone to add to their layout and collection.

Atlas cataloged a variety of roadnames when they announced the MACs, BNSF (30138201), CSX (0138217), Lake State Railway (30128219), Union Pacific “We are ONE” (30138225), and Union Pacific “Big Boy Escort” (30138226). Atlas did not do any custom runs with this model.

Get more O gauge action on the Chris’s Trains & Things channel on YouTube.