Atlas HO Scale ALP-45DP NJ Transit 4534 100th Unboxing, Function Demo, and Running Session 5/29/20

Описание: This is an unboxing and operating video I took to showcase my latest model train acquisition, an Atlas HO Scale ALP-45DP decorated for New Jersey Transit. My example is numbered 4534 and best represents the engine as it appeared between 2011 and 2015, prior to receiving a Veterans decal in the latter year. It was from Atlas's second run of ALP-45DPs announced in Fall 2017 and released in Summer 2018. It was packaged in a nice cardboard box that provided it excellent protection for storage and transport. The locomotive is an exact match to prototype photos I found online during that time frame. It's had the "100th ALP" decal on the side since it was built. It also has an advertised minimum radius of 22’, although it was able to negotiate the 18’ radius curves on the inner loop of my layout without any issues. I'm generally very impressed with the work Atlas did with this item and gotta admit that the $175 I paid for it with DCC and sound from Nicholas Smith Trains was well worth the investment. I was a little let down by some of the detail, notably the molded-on wipers, opaque fans, and the fact that the grab irons are not installed from the factory, but rather provided with the model to be installed by the user. There were also no MU cables and the pantograph is non-functional. As this locomotive is part of Atlas's Master Line, this is disappointing for a top-range model like this. Despite these shortcomings, Atlas and ESU have done a fantastic job making this model as accurate as possible to the real thing. The LokSound Select decoder features authentic sounds recorded directly off a real dual mode and even has both electric and diesel mode functionality in it. Overall, despite those shortcomings, I am very pleased with this locomotive. I'm running some Amtrak Clocker equipment behind it until I get a hold of some Multilevel coaches to go with it. Hope you like, comment, and subscribe for more!

Final verdict: 8.5/10 stars (B)
-1 star for molded-on details
-0.5 stars for non-operating pantograph

Atlas Modern Commuter Train: http://archive.atlasrr.com/HOFreight/...

NJT ALP45-DP #4534 100th DCC

The ALP-45DP is a “dual mode” locomotive, capable of drawing power from either overhead electrical wires or its own pair of 12-cylinder Caterpillar diesel engines. These flexible locomotives were designed to provide a one-seat commute from NJ TRANSIT’s various diesel-only lines into the electrified territory that leads to New York City’s Penn Station. This fulfills the requirement of not operating diesels through the North River Tunnels and within the subterranean Penn Station complex. Produced by Bombardier Transportation in Kassel, Germany, the first ALP-45DP locomotive entered service on NJ TRANSIT on May 30, 2012.

NJ TRANSIT’s 35 ALP-45DP locomotives are commonly seen on commuter trains traversing the Morristown Line, Montclair-Boonton Line, Raritan Valley Line, and North Jersey Coast Line. These lines do not have overhead electrical wires for their entire length, necessitating a change of power source somewhere en-route. Previously, locomotives or entire trainsets would have to be changed, inconveniencing riders. The ALP-45DP alleviates this need, performing the switch from diesel to electric power (or vice versa) in just under two minutes during a routine station stop.

Features:

Designed from prototype drawings and field research with the cooperation of NJ TRANSIT
Illuminated directional LED headlight/ditchlights and red marker lights
Pantograph (non-functioning) can be positioned up or down
Five pole skewed armature motor with dual flywheels for optimum performance at all speeds
Factory-applied railings, air horn, and antenna details
Grab irons packed separately for customer application (includes drilling template)
Equipped with Kadee® metal couplers

Gold version includes:

ESU LokSound decoder, supporting all DCC programming modes
Flexible mapping of function keys F0 to F28
A total of six DCC function outputs
Follows all NMRA DCC standards and recommended practices

IMAGE SHOWN IS A REPRESENTATION. THE ACTUAL ROAD NUMBER IS IN THE PRODUCT DESCRIPTION.

WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD - SMALL PARTS! NOT INTENDED FOR CHILDREN UNDER 3.
Ages 14+
HO Scale

Discord:   / discord  
Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/1467659...
Instagram:   / centraljerseyrailfan