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This review was taken from the August, 2001 issue of Model Railroader Magazine and is reproduced with permission of Kalmbach Publishing Company, Waukesha, WI.

HO GE Dash 8-40B

Review by Jim Hediger, Senior Editor

Atlas has released a model of a General Electric Dash 8-40B locomotive that once again raises the standard we’ve come to expect for performance and detail. The Master Series model has a Dual-mode decoder which can be easily switched between conventional DC and Digital Command Control operation. All it takes is moving a jumper plug concealed beneath the radiator on the top of the long hood.

This all-new model is based on the 4,000-hp prototype locomotive that General Electric introduced in April 1988. According to The Contemporary Diesel Spotter’s Guide – 2000 Edition (Withers Publishing), GE built 150 standard-cab Dash 8-40Bs by the end of production a year later.

The Atlas model closely matches prototype drawings which were published in the April 1989 issue of MODEL RAILROADER. The model comes assembled expect for its fragile sunshades and the end railings, which simply press into place. A printed 8 ½” x  11” instruction sheet explains the Dual-Mode decoder with a reference to the Atlas Web site for additional technical information. A separate 8 ½” x 14” sheet has an exploded isometric drawing of the model.

Under close inspection, I became more and more impressed with the design and finish of this locomotive. It continues the pattern Atlas established with the revised GP40 (reviewed in the October 2000 MR). A pilot and sill assembly fits on top of the metal chassis and then the hoods and cab lock into place with concealed latches. Each of these assemblies is loaded with separate detail parts like grab irons, window glazing, and radiator panels which are secured by friction fits or tiny catches. Many other detail items are included on the model including a crew in the cab.

The chassis has a heavy cast zinc-alloy frame with a can motor mounted over the fuel tank. Turned brass flywheels are pressed on both ends of the motor shaft along with universal joints which drive both truck gearboxes. All wheels are driven and pick up electrical current. A detailed two-piece fuel tank and pair of air reservoirs snap onto the bottom of the chassis.

The locomotive has GE’s FB (floating bolster) trucks which have detailed acetal plastic sideframes. The brake cylinders, shock absorbers, and sand lines are separate added details. The metal wheelsets have RP25 contours and they matched a National Model Railroad Association standards gauge.

A printed-circuit board, mounted on top of the motor, includes the Dual-Mode decoder. It also has circuitry for the reversing headlights which operate in either mode. A small jumper plug controls the mode of operation (DC or DCC) and is located on an extension board under the radiator where it’s readily accessible without disassembling the locomotive.

The Atlas Dual-Mode decoder conforms to the NMRA’s DCC standards. It can be programmed for 14-, 28-, or 128-step speed control (14 steps is the default setting). The decoder can handle 1A of continuous motor current, and a pair of 200mA function outputs are provided, which can be used for ditch lights, dimming headlights, or other functions. The decoder supports advanced consist control and extended addressing and all forms of programming as specified in NMRA Recommended Practice 9.2.3.

Decorated locomotives come programmed to the address which matches the last two digits in the engine number. Thus, our sample, CSX no. 5933, performed perfectly on channel 33 of a Lenz DC system.

The locomotive also performed flawlessly on conventional DC, starting and accelerating smoothly and quietly. Its 3.2-ounce drawbar pull is equivalent to a 45-car train of free-rolling cars on straight and level track.

Accurail’s Accumate knuckle couplers are provided. The coupler boxes slip through the pilots and they’re attached to the metal chassis with small screws. Our sample’s couplers matched a Kadee height gauge. A pair of horn-hook couplers are also provided.

The paint and lettering on our sample Dash 8-40Bs were first rate, as were sample Conrail and Cotton Belt engines. All of the colors were neatly applied, and the lettering is sharp right down to the red DANGER 600 VOLTS warning labels. Each road name is available with two numbers as well as unnumbered.

It’s great to see Atlas introduce a modern GE high-horsepower B-B locomotive that continues the firm’s traditional leadership in the hobby. This new Dash 8-40B is the perfect power to hustle any hot intermodal train across the country.

Price $139.95

Description:

Plastic and metal locomotive


Features:

Accumate knuckle couplers

Cab interior

Dual-mode Digital Command Control decoder

Directional headlights

Drawbar bull: 3.2 ounces

Dual flywheel drive

Engine weight: 17.5 ounces

Minimum radius: 18”

Road names:

Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe ; Conrail; CSX; LMX; New York, Susquehanna & Western; Norfolk Southern; St. Louis Southwestern (Cotton Belt); Union Pacific