ALCO built a total of 131 Century 420 locomotives between 1963 and 1969, when the builder ceased all new locomotive production.

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.

Features:

Newly redesigned AAR type B truck sideframes with optional bearing covers
Flat or "step" pilots used where appropriate
Long hood with or without dynamic brake detail used where appropriate
3,100 gallon fuel tank

Additional Features:

Separately-applied scale detail parts include: windshield wipers, metal grab irons, coupler cut levers, multiple-unit hoses, train line hoses, fine scale handrails, drop steps, cab sun shades and more!
See through step detail on sill
Etched metal radiator walkway
Painted crew members
Factory-equipped with AccuMate knuckle couplers
Coupler pocket designed to accept AccuMate? Proto-couplers
Five-pole skewed armature motor with dual flywheels for optimum performance at all speeds
Directional lighting with golden-white LEDs

Atlas Master Series Silver Additional Features:

NMRA 8-pin plug for DCC (Decoder-ready)

Atlas Master Series Gold Additional Features:

Electronic Dual-Mode Decoder (e-DMD) that allows your locomotive to run in DCC or traditional DC

QSI Quantum System Features Including:
(Atlas Master Series Gold locomotives only)

Dual speaker system
Authentic diesel engine sounds
Squealing brakes
Doppler effect
Air let-off in neutral
Coupler impact sounds when operated with DCC
Helper mode that mutes the whistle and bell for double heading
And more!

Note: Due to the higher starting voltage required to operate the sound system, it is not possible to MU a non-sound-equipped loco in DC (analog) mode