The 1500hp MP15DC was designed by EMD as a replacement model for the successful SW1500 switcher. The longer frame of the MP15DC allowed for increased fuel capacity and the use of Blomberg road trucks; increased sand capacity was also offered as an option. The first MP15DCs were built for Missouri Pacific in February 1974 and a total of 246 units were produced through the end of production in November 1980. The MP15DC is a versatile locomotive that is employed by both large and small railroads across North America in road freight and yard switching duties. It was also purchased by several non-railroad corporations for use in plant switching service. Atlas? model includes the three different styles of long hood that were common to the MP15DC throughout production: standard hood, hood with square air filter box and hood with angled air filter box (the air filter box is located in the area immediately ahead of the cab). In addition, various styles of hood and cab-end sand boxes are being offered. Features (used where appropriate per road name): -Three different hood styles (standard air filter, square air filter box, angled air filter box) -Exhaust stacks: with or without muffler -Long hood sand fill: recessed or extended -Rear sand fill: Three variations of sand boxes behind cab -Pilot: standard or with snow plow Standard Features: -Golden-white LEDs -Separately-applied roof detail -Painted safety rails -Directional lighting -Blackened metal wheels -Scale Speed? motor -Factory-installed AccuMate? magnetic knuckle couplers -Many different railroad-specific details -Separately-applied coupler cut levers AccuMate? couplers are made under license from AccuRail, Inc.