Atlas' N Scale Trainmaster

[Anonymous]

I purchased the Atlas N scale Trainmaster for my N scale layout, however I was under the impression that the prototype was a fairly large locomotive. When I set the H24-66 next to Atlas RS-1's or Kato RS-2's, the Trainmaster looks only slightly larger and I couldn't help but wonder if this model really is to scale. Or was the prototype about this size? Does this make any sense? Thanks.[}:)][?]

[jrbarney]

Irenee,
I'm being lazy, so I didn't walk down to the basement to give you an answer, but instead did a search at the Index of Magazines:
http://index.mrmag.com/tm.exe?opt=S&cmdtext=TRAINMASTER&sort=A&output=3&view=0
If you have access to any one of several cited articles that include a scale drawing, the only other thing you'll need is a scale rule.
Bob
NMRA Life 0543

[davekelly]

According to the drawings in Gerald E. Bernet's Jersey Central Diesels, the Trainmaster was 66 feet coupler face to coupler face. The RS1 was a quarter of an inch short of 55 feet. This makes the Trainmaster 11 feet longer, which in N scale would only be about a little less than 7/8 of an inch (.825inches). Adding to the massiveness of the Trainmaster was a hood height 3 feet higher than the RS1 which I think is significant. What really made the Trainmasters "massive," however, was the horsepower. The RS1 developed 1000hp, the Trainmaster 2400 hp. While 2400 hp doesn't seem like much today, keep in mind that the CNJ received its Trainmasters in 1954. During this time Alco and EMD were producing RS3's and GP 7's of 1500hp each. It wasn't until 1965, over 11 years later, that CNJ purchased diesels with higher hp per unit, the 2500hp SD35. Keep in mind that other than less than a dozen RSD 7's and 12's (10 units) the Pennsy didn't field significant number of engines that had more horsepower until the mid 60's (C424/25's, RS 27's, GP 35's). For a single model engine to "rule" the horsepower wars for so long is, in my opinion, pretty significant.

Hope this helps.

Dave

P.S. In case it isn't evident - I love the CNJ Trainmasters!

[Anonymous]

So, Dave, if I understand your dimensional data about CNJ diesels (since they had both Trainmasters & RS-1's), the Trainmaster would not or should not display a massively different size from an RS-1 or RS-2 in N scale. OK, I can live with that. It was just that I (vaguely?) recall both Lionel & Athearn Trainmasters seeming to be larger than most yard switchers by a greater degree. Being a mid-westerner, however, I have little knowledge of the CNJ![;)][:D]

[DSchmitt]

A review

http://www.atlasrr.com/Reviews/ntmmrn.htm

"The Train Master was a very large locomotive, measuring 61’ pilot to pilot, and 15’ high. Atlas’ N scale model duplicates prototype measurements perfectly, even the three axle trucks with their off-center middle axle. Coupler to coupler length on the prototype measured 66’. Atlas uses body mounted, AccuMate N scale couplers on the new model which measure 66 scale feet apart. Rapido style couplers are included inside the box under the model’s tray."

Another review

http://www.atlasrr.com/Reviews/ntmmr.htm

"The model compares favorably with drawings published in the Model Railroader Cyclopedia: Vol. 2, Diesel Locomotives (Kalmbach Publishing). The model’s only discrepancy is the length of the long hood, which is about a scale 9” too short on the model."

[davekelly]

Irene,

Yes, when compared next to a yard switcher, the Trainmaster is massively bigger. The EMD SW1 and Alco S-1 are only 44 1/2 feet from coupler face to coupler face about 30 percent shorter than the Trainmaster.