In 1939, the Baldwin Locomotive Works introduced a standard line of production switchers featuring a cast frame, an end cab and low hood for improved visibility for the crew, and the option of either a 6- or 8-cylinder in-line diesel, which would deliver 660 or 1000 horsepower. These prime movers were based on a De La Vergne design, with vertical cylinders, low fuel pressure requirements, and spherical combustion chambers, a design which provided a broader power curve and could tolerate lower grade fuel than high-pressure fuel injector systems. The “VO-1000” generated 60,000 pounds of starting tractive effort, and 34,000 pounds continuous – values which were extremely useful for branchlines, yard work, and industrial switching such as in steel mills.

As early as February of 1940, Baldwin announced they would be manufacturing the 660 and 1000 horsepower switchers “for stock”, as compared to producing to order. Even during wartime, this was a risky proposition, however such confidence paid off, as by the time production ended in 1946, Baldwin had produced nearly 550 1000 horsepower units, making the “VO-1000” one of the most popular naturally aspirated diesel switchers built – and rebuilt – over their long operational lifetimes.

Features:

• Prototypical decoration, stack configurations and step guards per railroad / era

• Directional lighting

• Blackened wheels

• Atlas Master Silver version is Sound Ready and equipped with speaker for easy conversion to DCC sound

SILVER SOUND READY FEATURES (SILVER LOCOMOTIVES ONLY):

• Sound ready & equipped with speaker for easy conversion to DCC sound.

• E24 DCC Plug Equipped

DCC OPERATION FEATURES (GOLD LOCOMOTIVES ONLY):

• Supports all DCC-programming modes; DCC includes RailCom and RailComPlus, with 14, 28 or 128 speed steps and with 2-digit and 4-digit addressing.

• Flexible mapping of function keys F0 to F28.

• A total of 6 DCC function outputs are available, and all can be function mapped (disable, brightness, light effects) individually

• Follows all NMRA DCC standards and recommended practices.

SOUND FUNCTIONALITY FEATURES (GOLD LOCOMOTIVES ONLY):

• Over 20 sound effects are available, including engine start-up and shutdown, prime mover sounds through all eight notches, bell, air horn, air compressor, dynamic brakes and more.

• There are up to 16 user-selectable horns, 2 user-selectable bells, and 2 user-selectable synchronized brake squeals.

• Equipped with ESU’s Exclusive “Full Throttle” features for ultimate realism in prototype running.

AccuMate couplers are made under license from AccuRail, Inc.