Atlas - N Scale - EMD (Electro-Motive Division) SD-24 High Hood Diesel Locomotive - Gold Model with ESU Sound - Illinois Central Gulf (ICG) #6304 - ex-SOU - Black/Imitation Aluminum/Gold with White Lettering & Numbering (SKU 150-40006315)
Available On: December 1, 2026


Prototype Info:
In 1958, EMD released their first locomotive equipped with a turbocharger, the 6-axle SD24. Realizing 2400 horsepower from the venerable 16 cylinder 567D3, the SD24 produced 33 percent higher power than the Roots-blower equipped SD18, and was able to maintain this power output at all altitudes, which a standard blower-equipped locomotive could not do. This factor appealed greatly to the mountainous western railroads, with Santa Fe and Union Pacific purchasing the majority of units produced. The SD24 was also one of the first locomotives to feature a “low nose” short hood, which greatly improved visibility for freight and general road operations, although the high hood variants were still produced and purchased by the Southern and Chicago, Burlington, and Quincy railroads as original owners.
In 1973, the Santa Fe began a program to rebuild its fleet of 80 SD24s by replacing the aging 567 prime mover with the more modern EMD 645 (thus increasing the horsepower rating from 2400 to 2625) and upgrading the entire electrical system, along with other improvements. These locomotives were in service through 1986 on the Santa Fe, when the majority were sold to Guilford Rail Systems. The last was scrapped in 2012.
The Atlas SD24 / 26 features accurate body and lighting configurations for each of the major high and low hood variations, as well as roadname-specific details and paint schemes.
Features:
Silver Sound Ready
DCC Operation Features (GOLD LOCOMOTIVES ONLY)
ESU LokSound Features (GOLD LOCOMOTIVES ONLY):
About Atlas N Scale Locomotives
Atlas N 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 N 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.
Looking for more Atlas EMD (Electro-Motive Division) SD-20 Diesel Locomotives? Click here!
