The direct-current Atlas Genset has an eight-pin plug for a Digital Command Control (DCC) decoder. A board-replacement sound decoder is available from Model Rectifier Corp (see the product review).
Going green. National Railway Equipment debuted the 3GS21B in 2006. The goal of NRE’s design was lower emissions and greater fuel economy. The power plant of a Genset switcher consists of three 700-hp Cummins diesel engine-generator sets. At idle and at low speeds, only one engine operates. As power needs increase, the other engines are brought on line. A computer program cycles the engines to distribute wear among them. This system reduces noise, emissions, and fuel consumption.
Gensets for the BNSF Ry. first appeared on that company’s roster in 2007. The locomotives work in yard, transfer, and other light-duty service.
The model. Our sample is decorated as BNSF no. 1255. The major dimensions of the Atlas model match those given in BNSF Railway Company 2009 Locomotive Roster by Robert C. Del Grosso (Great Northern Pacific Publications). All the lettering matches prototype photos, including the warning stencils on the long hood.
The Genset is part of Atlas’ Trainman Plus line and has the same level of detail as Atlas Gold and Silver series models.
All the m.u. hoses and hand grabs are separately applied. Other separate parts include the twin air conditioners on the cab roof. The two air horns are correctly placed per prototype photos. The model doesn’t include figures, but there are seats for fireman and brakeman figures.
Our BNSF sample has a cab-mounted headlight, which is correct for a Union Pacific prototype but not for a BNSF Genset. All Gensets on the BNSF came from the factory with headlights mounted on the short hood.
The printed-circuit (PC) board is attached to die-cast metal weights above the motor by four screws. A jumper is installed in the eight-pin DCC socket, which you’ll need to remove if you want to add a decoder. All the wiring, including the headlights in the shell and the ditch lights at each end of the frame, are connected to the PC board with removable plastic clips.
The light-emitting diode headlights and ditch lights came on at 1 volt. These lights operate automatically according to the locomotive’s direction, unlike the prototype’s headlights.
The model ran through an 18″ radius curve and through a set of no. 6 yard turnouts without any difficulty. The model’s all-wheel electrical pickup also ensured that the headlights didn’t flicker.
According to Atlas, you shouldn’t run the locomotive with the factory PC board using an MRC Tech 6 power pack or with a DCC system using the address 00. This could damage the model’s PC board. Atlas will replace the damaged components under warranty.
If you model contemporary railroading, then this HO scale Genset provides a well-detailed model of a 21st century switcher for your motive power roster.
Manufacturer
Atlas Model Railroad Co.
378 Florence Ave.
Hillside, NJ 07205
www.atlasrr.com
Era: 2006 to present
Road names (two road numbers each): BNSF, CSX, Norfolk Southern, Pacific Harbor Line, Union Pacific. Undecorated version also available.
Features
- Accumate operating knuckle couplers at correct height
- All-wheel drive and electrical pickup
- Can motor with two brass flywheels
- Eight-pin DCC socket
- Light-emitting diode headlights and ditch lights
- RP-25 contour metal wheels in gauge
- Weight: 15 ounces
