This ready-to-run model has a powerful, smooth-running, dual-flywheel drive fitted into a superbly detailed styrene body. The unit has numerous individually applied detail parts and a set of well-proportioned flexible acetal plastic railings. The cab includes clear window glazing and there’s an engineer and control stand inside.
Prototype. Alco introduced the HH600 (high hood, 600-hp) in 1931. The Atlas model is a later HH600/660 that debuted in 1938 after Alco hired industrial designer Otto Kuhler to clean up the switcher’s appearance. These later engines had rounded hood corners.
By varying the maximum rpm of its new 538 engine, Alco offered this locomotive in both 600-hp and 660-hp versions that shared identi-cal hoods. Interestingly, all of the high-hood units had an unusual machinery layout that was reversed compared to most other switchers. These units had their cab and generator at opposite ends, with the radiators mounted in the hood sides close to the cab.
Alco built 78 HH600s and 43 HH660s between 1932 and 1940. They rode on Alco’s Blunt trucks and were easy to service in the field, so some operated in industrial switching roles for nearly 40 years.
This model follows Atlas’ typical construction, starting with a body shell made up of several interlocking detailed styrene castings. The high hood, cab, and cab interior snap-lock into the running board assembly, and numerous details press-fit into holes molded into the larger parts.
The Alco’s mechanism also follows Atlas’ proven design. It has a heavy cast zinc-alloy frame with a five-pole can motor and turned brass flywheels mounted above the fuel tank. Its Blunt switcher trucks have enclosed gearboxes, and both trucks are retained with snap-on clips. An acetal plastic universal joint connects each truck to the
motor. A set of eight safety chains are included for user installation between the trucks and the frame.
The switcher has RP-25 contour blackened nickel-silver wheels that match the National Model Railroad Association standards gauge. All eight wheels are driven and all pick up current.
Flexible wires and plugs connect both trucks and the headlights to the printed-circuit board that controls the directional lights. The PC board also includes an 8-pin socket and jumper plug for easy installation of a Digital Command Control (DCC) decoder. There’s enough space inside the tall hood to mount a small DCC decoder on top of the mechanism.
Our sample came with body-mounted Accumate magnetic knuckle couplers, but other couplers can be substituted easily. The model’s coupler height is correct per NMRA standard S-2.
The Elgin, Joliet & Eastern sample came neatly painted black with sharp, white lettering typical of most early switchers. Five
other appropriate early paint schemes are also available in two numbers each.
Overall, this new HO diesel switcher delivers excellent detail, a quality finish, and a smooth-running mechanism. Since it spans the steam-to-diesel transition period, it can be useful in many different roles.
Price: $149.95
Manufacturer
Atlas Model Railroad Co.
378 Florence Ave.
Hillside, NJ 07205
www.atlasrr.com
Road names: (two numbers each) HH600: Elgin, Joliet & Eastern; Erie; New York, New Haven & Hartford HH660: Maine Central; Milwaukee Road; Southern Pacific
Features
DCC socket
Directional, constant headlights
Dual flywheel drive
Engine weight: 7.5 oz.
Eight-wheel electrical pickup
Five-pole can motor
Minimum radius: 15″
Nickel-silver RP-25 contour wheels
