Atlas Model Railroad Co. Product Review

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This review appeared in the September, 2000 issue of Railroad Model Craftsman Magazine. Reproduced with permission of Carstens Publications.

AEM7/ALP44 electric locomotive: HO scale

Review by: Frank Cicero

Atlas filled a long-standing desire of electric traction fans for the Amtrak AEM7 electric locomotive and the ALP44 with the release of their HO scale models. The Atlas AEM7 and ALP44 are, as advertised, quiet, powerful and well-detailed locomotives, and available at an attractive price.

The origins of the AEM7 date back to 1976-1977, when Amtrak tested a Swedish State Railway’s Rc4 locomotive, EMD assembled the AEM7’s under license from ASEA. The class designation derives from (A) SEA, (EM) D, and (7),000 h.p. All the Amtrak units were assembled by EMD, as were most of those for SEPTA and MARC. The New Jersey Transit ALP44 is derived from the AEM7, and all were built by Adtranz (ABB). These units differ in many aspects, most notably, the larger upper body vents. NJT is the only operator of the ALP44

The Atlas version of the AEM7 matches the dimensions of the drawings which were published in the August, 1985, issue of Railroad Model Craftsman. The only significant difference appears to be in the dimensions of the rooftop cooling grids. The length of that assembly is oversized by about a scale foot. There are some other minor discrepancies, but on the whole, these locomotives are excellent reproductions. With wire formed grab irons and handrails, a well-detailed roof, an excellent set of operable pantographs and DCC ready, the AEM7 is an outstanding effort by Atlas.

The paint job is very good, and the lettering stands up very well to examination under a magnifying glass, with sharp and clear lettering. Two items of note with respect to painting are as follows: on the original paint scheme, the cooling grid is silver and not black as on the model, and the grey color of the roof on the Northeast Corridor paint scheme is too light when compared to the prototype. These are not serious problems of course.

Most modelers will be very impressed by the locomotive’s running characteristics. The drive is very smooth and surprisingly quiet. The speed range easily matches that of the prototype, and even pulling a consist, the locomotive is s fast runner for Northeast Corridor and commuter service. It easily matches the indicated top speed of 125 m.p.h. and will easily handle a typical six car set of Walther’s Amfleet I or Comet II cars up a moderate grade. Tests show the minimum operating voltage to be a little over two volts with a speed of about 15 m.p.h. on a new model; the current draw was less than .15 amps. At mid-range, seven volts, the locomotive will hit 60 m.p.h. It tops out at 127 m.p.h. at twelve volts, .3 amps.

Other than the cooling grid, the only other significant shortcoming is the lighting. The models do have directional lighting, including lighted number boards and tail lights. However, the lights are extremely dim except at high speed. While the units are capable of running off an overhead, some pantographs have a tendency to stay partially retracted if the height of the contact wire drops below 16 scale feet above the rail heads. Stronger springs would help. The optimal wire height for smooth operation appears to be within the range of 18 to 20 scale feet.

The ALP44 is a modification of the AEM7 model more than a true ALP44. When comparing the model to official Adtranz plans, the model differs in rooftop details, cab front profile, air horn size and location and the rooftop cooling grid. Interestingly enough, the air conditioners are correct in size and shape. They are, however, unique to the ALP44 units and are not correct for an AEM7! The upper body venting, which is the most visual spotting feature, is correctly proportioned. Fortunately, NJT modelers can easily replace or modify the grid, as this is a separate piece, as well as make other cosmetic changes. All in al, any shortcomings of the model are offset by the fact that NJT fans would not otherwise have a model of the ALP44.

Again this is an excellent and fine running model, one which electric traction fans will want to have. Atlas is to be commended for it. See your dealer for current prices; the model has been made available in two Amtrak schemes, NJT, SEPTA and MARC.