Prototype Info

The RS-1 was introduced by ALCO in March of 1941 with the delivery of the first of two units to the Rock Island. Combining the accessibility of a switching locomotive and the higher-speed tracking of a road unit, the RS-1 started a revolution in locomotive design that was soon embraced by all of the major diesel-electric builders. Despite ALCO's own introduction of higher horsepower roadswitchers, the 1,000 h.p. RS-1 had a production span of 19 years (1941-1960) with 623 units.

Features:

• Die-cast metal chassis and fine scale handrails
• Golden White LEDs
• DCC/Sound version available with LokSound decoder
• Separately-applied wire grab irons, coupler cut bars, trainline hoses and lift rings
• Accurate painting and printing
• AccuMate couplers
• Realistic die-cast mainframe
• Five-pole skewed armature motor with dual-flywheels for optimum performance at all speeds
• Directional lighting

Note: Undecorated version comes with both friction bearing and roller bearing truck sideframes

Silver Sound Ready

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

Sound Features for Gold Series:

DCC Operation

• Supports all DCC-programming modes
• Flexible mapping of function keys F0 to F28.
• A total of six DCC function outputs are available
• Follows all NMRA DCC standards and recommended practices.

Analog (DC) Operation

• The LokSound Select Dual-Mode decoder allows your Atlas Gold Series locomotive to be used on DC as well as on DCC layouts.
• Please note that the Atlas Quantum Engineer will NOT operate an Atlas Gold Series locomotive equipped with a LokSound Select decoder on an analog (DC) layout. However, the sound and lighting functions of the LokSound Select decoder in the Atlas Gold Series RS-1 locomotive can be controlled by an easy-to-use basic DCC system
• Also note that on a DC-powered layout, a DCC and sound equipped locomotive (such as the Atlas Gold Series RS-1) CANNOT be consisted with another locomotive that does not also have both DCC and sound. (This statement does NOT apply to DCC-equipped locomotives operating on a DCC layout.)

Sound Functionality

• 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 16 user-selectable horns, 2 user-selectable bells, and 2 user-selectable synchronized brake squeals.
• Manual and Automatic Notching modes with the ability to change modes ”on the fly” are provided for true realism.

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 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.

Order Due Date: April 15, 2026

Anticipated Delivery Date: December 2026

Looking for more Atlas ALCo (American Locomotive Company) RS-1 Diesel Locomotives? Click here!