Atlas Model Railroad Co. Product Review

GE U30C DIESEL: HO SCALE

RAILROAD MODEL CRAFTSMAN – July 2004

Atlas continues to release many new products, and their latest locomotive model in HO scale is the General Electric U30C. Offered in “Silver” and “Gold” versions, the replica will delight modelers with conventional d.c. and DCC controlled layouts, respectively.

The November, 2003, issue of RMC featured a detailed article on this very locomotive. To summarize, the 3,000 h.p. six-axle U30C was GE’s best selling “U-Boat.” Six hundred units were sold between November 1966 and October 1976. During that decade of production, four distinct variations of radiator air intake housings were used. The first two fall into what has come to be called the “Phase I” carbody. The majority of the production was of the “Phase III” style and covered units built after the spring of 1969. It is this final U30C variation that Atlas has chosen to offer for their first release. This is a wise choice since it includes the numerous Burlington Northern and Union Pacific units purchased for Powder River unit coal train service.

The model follows current practice with a highly detailed injection-molded plastic shell that matches prototype dimensions exactly. Grille-work, rivets, doors and latches are excellently reproduced. Separately applied details complement the shell. These include an exhaust stack, horn, windshield wipers, handbrake wheel, free standing grabs, cut levers, m.u. hoses and snow plow. Handrails and stanchions complete the package. The side railings are already installed, and the end ones must be applied by the modeler. These latter handrails are supplied in a small plastic package that also includes a pair of cab sunshades and a “firecracker” antenna.

Our sample came decorated for the Union Pacific in an opaque coat of yellow that was cleanly and thinly applied. Striping and lettering run straight and true. Of particular note are the myriad GE safety stickers faithfully printed on the hood. Window gaskets are rendered in black with side window frames in silver. Particularly striking are the number boards, with sharp black numerals on a white background. In short, the decorating is superb.

The model’s drive is equally impressive. It’s smooth, powerful and has better flywheel action than most models. On pure d.c. current, without any spike or pulse, it begins moving at a mere .8 volts. It then creeps along at fewer than 2 scale miles per hour. With the track power increased to 6 volts, the U30C cruises at 30 s.m.p.h. At 12 volts it reaches a prototypically correct 65 s.m.p.h. Current drain registers .1 amp starting and never exceeded 0.45 amp under heavy pulling. Although our sample was a “Silver Series” unit without a factory-installed decoder, it is equipped with an eight-pin NMRA plug to facilitate later DCC installation. Directional lighting is standard. The “Gold Series” models have a decoder installed.

The model comes equipped with Accu-Mate plastic knuckle couplers in coupler boxes secured with a small screw. These can be easily replaced with other brands of couplers if desired.

Initial paint scheme offerings comprise BN, CSX, L&N, Milwaukee, N&W, Rock Island, and UP. All are available in two numbers and an unnumbered version. Two undecorated variants, with and without a nose headlight, are offered as well. Next up, and probably available shortly after this review goes to press, will be “Phase II” models including CB&Q, Chessie, C&NW, MP, Soo Line, SP and perennial favorite D&H, which is sure to sell out quickly. Silver Series models without decoders carry a suggested retail price of $109.95, while the Gold Series with decoders list at $139.95. Both offer good value and earn an unqualified “thumbs-up” from this reviewer – KEN GOSLETT

Manufactured. by
Atlas Model Railroad Co., Inc.
378 Florence Ave.
Hillside, N.J. 07205