Atlas Unleashes Surprise NMRA Announcement –
HO GP40-2 Phase 1 Locomotives!

A new Gold Rush erupted in Anaheim, California today when the Atlas Model Railroad Co., Inc. surprised thousands of National Model Railroad Association (NMRA) conventioneers with news of the imminent arrival of all-new HO Master Line GP40-2 locomotives!

In a complete departure from Atlas’ standard pre-order policies, the company took the bold step of calculating order quantities without taking advance reservations, bringing these exceptional locomotives directly to the market this August in limited quantities.

“This is the first plastic, high-end, phase specific locomotive of this popular prototype to be produced in HO Scale,” said Thomas W. Haedrich, Atlas CEO. “While other GP40-2 models have been produced, we can assure HO enthusiasts they have never seen one with this level of detail in plastic before. As part of our Master Line of locomotives and freight cars, these stunning GP40-2s offer the maximum in design, technology and sound. The amount of detail reaches new heights for Atlas.” Mr. Haedrich cautioned that a “conservative” estimate of order quantities could result in some product allocation to meet the anticipated demand, and urged consumers to place their order immediately.

“We haven’t ordered locomotives in this manner in over a decade,” he added. “We wanted to surprise NMRA Conventioneers, who have been extremely supportive of Atlas over the years. Many model railroaders have told us they will be spending their summer vacations at home working on their layouts. We trust these exceptional locomotives will help make that experience more exciting and pleasurable.”

A prototype photo of the Conrail GP40-2 appears on the cover of the new Atlas Quarterly All Scales Catalog, debuting at the NMRA as well.

History

The GP40-2 was EMD’s follow-up to the very successful GP40. While many internal upgrades were introduced (such as the use of improved, modular Dash 2 electrical components), there were some external differences between the early production GP40-2 and late-production GP40, including an engine water-level sight glass on the right side of the body (a feature common to all EMD Dash 2 models), a larger electrical cabinet air filter box, a lengthened battery compartment on the left side, and a slightly modified cab.

All GP40-2s featured a 16-cylinder EMD 645-series diesel engine which was rated at 3,000 horsepower. The early or “phase 1” GP40-2 was produced from mid-1972 through mid-1975. Most phase 1 units included features which were standard for EMD at the time: an 81” low nose and wire mesh radiator grilles. The first units built went to Rio Grande, but the largest purchaser was Chessie System with 147 units delivered.

The Model

“Due to the disproportionate number of Chessie System units produced, we are offering 8 Chessie road numbers on this first release,” said Rob Pisani, Atlas HO Product Development. “Included are four road numbers each for B&O and C&O split evenly among our Gold and Silver Series. Chessie System units will feature a rock-style plow and hood-mounted bell to match the prototype.”

Additional features include:
1. Etched metal radiator and dynamic brake fans (included where appropriate per road name).
2. Dynamic Brake options: standard range, extended range or non-dynamic brake hatch used where appropriate per road name.
3. 2,600 or 3,600 gallon fuel tank.
4. Early Blomberg or Blomberg Type-M trucks included where appropriate.

The Atlas HO GP40-2 Phase 1 locomotives are available in Silver or Gold (w/sound) versions. In addition to an undecorated and the Chessie System units, road names offered include Conrail, Atlanta & West Point, Western of Alabama, Georgia Railroad, Grand Trunk Western and Alaska.

Standard features:

-Golden-white LEDs -Directional lighting
-Movable drop steps -Coupler cut bars
-Snowplow -Walkway safety tread
-Detailed cab interior with crew -Realistic die-cast underframe
-Multiple unit hoses and trainline hoses
-Factory-equipped with AccuMate® knuckle couplers
-Separately-installed scale windshield wipers, metal grab irons and fine scale handrails
-Five-pole skewed armature motor with dual flywheels for optimum performance

Additional features specific to Silver, Gold and QSI® Quantum System sound, pre-production artwork of the paint schemes and more information can be found at www.atlasrr.com/HOLoco/hogp40-2.htm. MSRP: Atlas Master® Silver Series - $149.95. MSRP: Atlas Master® Gold Series - $239.95.

“We’ve received numerous requests to produce this model in the Atlas Master® Line tradition, offering top-of-the-line details, painting, printing, quality and performance,” said Rob Pisani. “Many months of planning and strict production oversight at every stage has resulted in a model we feel will meet the high expectations of our most discerning customers.”