Dear HO Scale Customers;

Atlas (Classic) is excited to announce New ALCo (American Locomotive Company) RSD-4/5 Diesel Locomotives

Prototype Info:

Well over 1,300 RS-3 road-switcher locomotives were built by ALCO between 1950 and 1956. It can be considered one of the most successful four-axle diesel road-switchers ever produced by the builder. ALCO’s Canadian subsidiary, MLW, produced an additional 146 RS-3s in Canada. These 1,600hp locomotives were powered by an ALCO 244 V-12 engine which was complemented by rugged GE electrical components. The RS-3 was truly a versatile locomotive. It could be found in virtually every type of service from passenger and commuter runs to heavy-haul and local freight assignments. Original owners of the RS-3 tended to be in the eastern and central regions of the US (with heavier concentrations in the northeast and southeast).

During this same time-period, ALCO offered a six-axle road-switcher which was more commonly found in the west. The RSD- 4/5 was externally very similar to the RS-3, having six-axle trucks as an obvious spotting feature. They produced the same 1,600hp as an RS-3, but offered increased tractive effort due to the use of a larger generator. Many RSD-4/5s were assigned to operate in mountainous territory (with varying degrees of success) on the Southern Pacific, Santa Fe and the Utah Railway.

Features:

• Option of water cooled or air cooled turbo exahust stack
• Separately-applied handrails and stanchions, including separate drop step detail
• Dual flywheel-equipped five-pole skewed armature motor for optimum performance at all speeds
• Metal grab irons
• Accurate painting and printing
• Silver Sound Ready

Silver Sound Ready

• Wired speaker and enclosure included  for easy conversion to sound.
• Atlas Silver Sound Ready models are equipped with a speaker for easy conversion to sound with the addition of a decoder.

ESU Loksound Functionality Features:

• ESU LokSound decoder, supporting all DCC programming modes.
• Flexible mapping of function keys F0 to F31.
• Follows all NMRA DCC standards and recommended practices.
• Over 20 sound effects are available, including engine start-up and shutdown, prime mover sounds through all eight notches, bell, air horn, air compressor and more

About Atlas HO Scale Locomotives

Atlas HO 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 HO scale locomotive will provide you with years of enjoyment and smooth operation.

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.

Order Due Date: January 7, 2026

Anticipated Delivery Date: December 2026

Looking for more Atlas ALCo (American Locomotive Company) RSD-4/5 Diesel Locomotives? Click here!