Powered by a 12-cylinder, turbocharged, 2,000-hp 251-series prime mover, the C420?s direct competitor in 1963 was the EMD GP18. In fact, EMD did not offer a 12-cylinder, 2,000-hp prime mover until the GP39 model was produced in 1969. The shorter 12-cylinder engine block allowed the C420 to have its distinctive set-back cab and extended short hood.

The first road to purchase the C420 was the Lehigh & Hudson River, with its first two units built in 1963. The largest fleet was purchased by the Long Island Railroad, with 30 units built between 1963 and 1968. All were equipped with a high short hood which housed a steam generator for passenger service. Over time, the largest fleet of C420s was amassed by the Louisville & Nashville. While only 26 units were purchased new, their total fleet grew to well over 60 units through mergers and acquisitions. The C420 can still be found in daily service today in the US. Currently the largest fleet of C420s is operated by the Arkansas & Missouri Railroad.

Atlas? first release of the C420 is a low-nose ?phase 1? model. The combination of stanchions mounted into the top of the walkway deck and a high-mounted engine air intake (located ahead of the radiator area) identifies this C420 variant. Phase 1 models were produced between June 1963 and October 1964 and this first production run covers all original owners of the low nose version.

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New Paint Schemes & Road Numbers!

The GP-40 was produced the Electro Motive Division in the late 1960s and early 1970s, the GP-40 was a 3000 horsepower locomotive best characterized by the three full size radiator fans on the rear of the roof.

The GP40-2 was the successor to the popular EMD GP-40. The GP-40-2 had mostly internal changes but several outside details varied as well. Such details include bolted down battery box covers and a roof that extends slightly beyond the rear of the cab.

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