Dear HO Scale Customers;

Atlas is excited to announce New ALCo (American Locomotive Company) HH660 Diesel Locomotives

Prototype Info

Between 1931 and 1940 ALCO built 177 high hood (HH) switching locomotives of various horsepower ratings and body styles. The “HH” models were forerunners to the popular S-series of switchers which featured lower hoods. ALCO’s high hood switchers were in production long before similar models from competitors EMC/EMD (1935) and Baldwin (1937). Interestingly, the “HH” model designation is a term coined by rail historians to describe what ALCO documentation had simply referred to as 600-hp or 660-hp switchers. In later years ALCO had referred to these early units as “high hood switchers” so this designation is appropriate.

Of the 177 high hood switchers built, 104 were HH600s, 18 were HH660s, 21 were HH900s and 34 were HH1000s. Some of the largest users of these models included New Haven, Lackawanna and New York Central. Various physical changes occurred during the 9 years these locomotives were in production. The biggest change occurred in 1934 when ALCO hired industrial designer Otto Kuhler to improve the appearance of their very boxy, utilitarian switchers. The post-1937 production units we are now offering featured many of his suggested improvements.

In 1938 ALCO introduced a line of high hood switchers powered by the new model 538 diesel engine which featured a cast iron engine block. This engine was offered in both a 660-hp (non-turbocharged 538) and 1000-hp (turbocharged 538-T) switcher, each weighing approximately 196,000 pounds. The horsepower rating could be adjusted downward slightly per customer specification by lowering the RPM of the diesel engine. Therefore, 600-hp and 900-hp models were offered concurrently. The HH600 and HH660 locomotive models we are offering were produced from 1938 to 1940 and were externally identical.

Features:

• Early Blunt truck with separate brake cylinders, molded coil spring detail (optional) and metal truck chains
• Separately-applied metal grab irons and lift rings
• Separately-applied fine scale handrails and stanchions, coupler cut lever and piping
• Directional lighting with golden-white LEDs
• Five-pole skewed armature motor with dual flywheels for optimum performance at all speeds
• NMRA 8-pin plug for DCC

Silver Sound Ready

• Atlas Silver Sound Ready models are equipped with a wired speaker and enclosure for easy conversion to sound with the addition of a decoder.

Gold models are equipped with ESU LokSound.

ESU Loksound Functionality Features:

• ESU LokSound decoder, supporting all DCC programming modes.
• Flexible mapping of function keys F0 to F31.
• Follows all NMRA DCC standards and recommended practices.
• Over 20 sound effects are available, including engine start-up and shutdown, prime mover sounds through all eight notches, bell, air horn, air compressor and more

About Atlas HO Scale Locomotives

Atlas HO scale locomotives are noted for their prototypical, fine details, printing, reliability, excellent throttle response, and smooth operation at slow speeds. They are often available in both Silver Sound Ready and Gold Sound Equipped versions, allowing you to choose which experience you want from your locomotive right from the start. Will you run with sound and DCC controls, or will you run them without with the possibility of upgrading later? No matter what you choose, your Atlas HO scale locomotive will provide you with years of enjoyment and smooth operation.

About Atlas Master Line Locomotives

Atlas Master Line locomotives and rolling stock are highly detailed models that faithfully recreate the prototype down to the paint scheme and even railroad-specific details. They are offered in two varieties--Atlas Master Silver and Atlas Master Gold. Atlas Master Silver locomotives are sound and DCC-ready, with the appropriate speaker and plugs so you can use whatever decoder you prefer. Atlas Master Gold locomotives are DCC and sound-equipped right out of the box, making them the perfect choice for those who don't want to deal with installing decoders.

About Atlas Model Railroad Company

The primary mission of Atlas is to produce and offer to the public, multiple scale lines of high quality, model railroad products based on prototype information. Atlas’ philosophy is based on a dedicated commitment to prototype research, design and construction. The desired and demanded goal is to create, market and distribute durable operational scale models utilizing the full range of exacting detail which accurately depicts life-sized objects, while providing exceptional service to Atlas customers.

By keeping up the high standards set by Steve Schaffan those many years ago, Atlas will remain a leader in innovation and technology in the model railroading industry for years to come. Although many things have changed since Atlas incorporation in 1949, they follow the tradition and values of their founders. As Atlas have for the last 50 years, they will continue to produce quality, precision products for the model railroad enthusiast.