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Atlas HO C40-8W - by Bob Waller 
Atlas' new C40-8W is the model that modern Conrail modelers have been waiting for and should find a home on every layout. I'm not going to focus on how well the locomotive runs (it should run just as well as every model Atlas currently makes); instead, I'm going to focus on the model's accuracy.If you've read the C40-8W prototype page, you'll remember that Conrail ordered a number of unique features on their units, such as high-mounted headlights, nose-mounted number boards, and recessed FRA classification lights. Plus some of Conrail's C40-8W's cab access doors have a different arrangement than those found on C40-8W's from Union Pacific, CSX, and other class one railroads.
This may sound odd to some of you, but I am most excited about the detailing around the trucks. You see, back in the 1990s I often sat trackside in the late evening, listening to two or three Conrail C40-8W's idling on a mixed freight waiting for the eastbound signal at Wyomissing Junction outside Reading, PA. I would lean back in my wife's Pontiac Grand Am and stare at the lead trucks of the lead locomotive. Of course, at that level that was all about I was able to see! I always wanted to model the air-line piping and brake-rigging, but I always feared that it would all break off during an operating session. All the model had to do was derail once and that would be the end of that. Plus, it was just such a pain to add those details. 
Atlas, however, has taken care of everything. The detailing around the trucks is amazing. It's just what I was looking for in an HO model. Take a look at the detail shot to the right, even though it's a CSX model and not a Conrail one. The piping and chain simply add to the massiveness of the model. I look forward to other models having this level of detail.Atlas has chosen to model units from Conrail's third order, making the models appropriate for layouts modeling 1993 and beyond. All pre-decorated models come in the Quality scheme with ditch lights, which is appropriate for these units. Furthermore, the model's air conditioner unit is the as-delivered version. As I mentioned earlier, every modern Conrail layout should have at least one of these models, if not more, hauling mixed freight and intermodals. Hopefully, Atlas will also release standard-scheme pre-decorated models from earlier orders, along with LMS units. Then we'll be in C40-8W heaven. (10/1/04)  Other HO C40-8W Models - by Bob Waller 
The best model available by far is the new for 2004 Atlas HO scale C40-8W; howver, there are two other options. A while back, Bachmann released a C40-8W. Aside from being a mediocre runner, the model has many errors that just make it wrong for a Conrail unit. For example, its AC box is wrong, its AC access door arrangement is wrong, and its dynamic brake exhaust is wrong. Most obvious is the low-mounted lights and number boards, as well as no classification lights at all. Aside from a cheaper price, there is nothing about this model that I can really recommend. I've been burned by these Bachmann models in the past and refuse to buy any more of them.Another option would be to buy an old Rail Power Products shell and do some major work on it. Since Athearn has purchased RPP, shell availability is spotty at best. Still, why even bother using an RPP shell any more? Why not simply buy an Atlas model? As you can see, I've become partial to the Atlas model. The model's retail price is a bit high, but you can often find them discounted. Plus, in this case you get what you pay for. Check out the Atlas C40-8W. (10/1/04) Photos for personal use only. All rights reserved by original owner of image. Reproduction or redistribution in any form without express written permission is prohibited. The use of Highslide JS is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 2.5 License. |
