Description
The prototype for this detailed AtlasO Premier(R) O Scale GE P42 Genesis is based on the widely used diesels which have hauled Amtrak trains since 1993. Amtrak's Genesis diesel was the first newly designed American passenger diesel in nearly four decades. Beginning in 1993, it replaced Amtrak's fleet of EMD F40PH diesels, which were really modified freight engines - designed to be resellable in case Amtrak went out of business. Unlike most diesels, whose structural strength comes from a heavy frame, the Genesis features monocoque construction, in which the body shell carries much of the load instead of just going along for the ride. This allows for a lighter frame, less weight overall, and greater fuel economy. The Genesis GE P42DC is one-third more powerful than the F40PH it replaced, but burns 22% less fuel. Its height is also 14" shorter than its predecessor, allowing it to travel anywhere Amtrak goes, including the tunnels into Penn Station and Grand Central Station in New York. There are actually three versions of the Genesis. The original 1993 version, model P40DC, has 4,000 horsepower and a 103 mph top speed. Under the hood it is basically a 16-cylinder General Electric Dash 8. Model P32AC, introduced in 1995, was designed specifically for service into New York City, where diesel power is prohibited in stations and approach tunnels under the Hudson River. The P32AC is equipped with retractable pickup shoes for drawing power from the electrified third rail into Grand Central and Penn Station. The third version and the prototype for this Premier model is the P42DC, built from 1996-2001. Over 200 in number, this class of engines became the backbone of Amtrak service everywhere except the electrified Northeast Corridor. Compared with the earlier P40DC, the P42 features an improved engine uprated to 4200 hp, more modern electronics and cab displays, and a higher top speed of 110 mph. The Atlas Premier model features a metal chassis, two flywheel-equipped motors and is equipped with the Proto-Sound 3.0 sound and DCS/DCC decoder. This O Scale replica can be used on DCC or standard DC 2-rail O Gauge layouts. This GE P42 Genesis is one of many AtlasO locomotives.
