New Model!

ALCo built a total of 131 Century 420 locomotives between 1963 and 1969, when the builder ceased all new locomotive production.

Powered by a 12-cylinder, turbocharged, 2,000-hp 251-series prime mover, the C420’s direct competitor in 1963 was the EMD GP18. In fact, EMD did not offer a 12-cylinder, 2,000-hp prime mover until the GP39 model was produced in 1969. The shorter 12-cylinder engine block allowed the C420 to have its distinctive set-back cab and extended short hood.

The first road to purchase the C420 was the Lehigh & Hudson River, with its first two units built in 1963. The largest fleet was purchased by the Long Island Railroad, with 30 units built between 1963 and 1968. All were equipped with a high short hood which housed a steam generator for passenger service. Over time, the largest fleet of C420s was amassed by the Louisville & Nashville. While only 26 units were purchased new, their total fleet grew to well over 60 units through mergers and acquisitions. The C420 can still be found in daily service today in the US. Currently the largest fleet of C420s is operated by the Arkansas & Missouri Railroad.

Atlas’ first release of the C420 is a low-nose “phase 1” model. The combination of stanchions mounted into the top of the walkway deck and a high-mounted engine air intake (located ahead of the radiator area) identifies this C420 variant. Phase 1 models were produced between June 1963 and October 1964 and this first production run covers all original owners of the low nose version.

Features:

• Separately-applied scale detail parts include: windshield wipers, metal grab irons, coupler cut levers, multiple-unit hoses, train line hoses, fine scale handrails, drop steps, cab sun shades and more!
• See through step detail on sill
• Etched metal radiator walkway
• Painted crew members
• Factory-equipped with AccuMate® knuckle couplers
• Coupler pocket designed to accept AccuMate® Proto-couplers
• Five-pole skewed armature motor with dual flywheels for optimum performance at all speeds
• Directional lighting with golden-white LEDs

Atlas Master™ Series Silver Additional Features:

• NMRA 8-pin plug for DCC (Decoder-ready)

Atlas Master™ Series Gold Additional Features:

• Electronic Dual-Mode® Decoder (e-DMD) that allows your locomotive to run in DCC or traditional DC

QSI® Quantum System™ Features Including:
(Atlas Master Series Gold locomotives only)

• Dual speaker system
• Authentic diesel engine sounds
• Squealing brakes
• Doppler effect
• Air let-off in neutral
• Coupler impact sounds when operated with DCC
• Helper mode that mutes the whistle and bell for double heading
• And more!

Note: Due to the higher starting voltage required to operate the sound system, it is not possible to MU a non-sound-equipped loco in DC (analog) mode