Erie Lackawanna
Railfan.net 'erielack' E-Mail List Photo Archive

ALP45PD_loco_10430.jpg   Original: 4418 by 2526 pixels - Current: 4418 by 2526 - 100%
                          Try your mouse wheel too!

(No Previous Image) B1651.jpg - Next Image

From: "Howard Haines" hhaines AT bresnan DOT net
Date: Sat, 1 Apr 2017 19:16:06 -0600
Subject: NJT modern commuter train runs on EL tracks
"ALP45PD_loco_10430.jpg" - image/jpeg, 4418x2526 (24bit)

NJT modern commuter train by Atlas, a "running" review

These models did not run on the EL (they are too new), but they do operate
on EL tracks.
Atlas' New Jersey Transit modern commuter train arrived in Helena about a
week ago. I test run the ALP-45DP locomotive (about 1.5 hours) and train
(4/31/17) with the following results.

The locomotive is neatly packaged in a plastic case WITHOUT bottom
connecting screws (a welcomed absence). Right out of the box I felt that the
NJT ALP-45 DP was heavy: 1 pound 4.25 ounces heavy, without the front grab
irons installed. Paint was nice and lettering clear. I do not know how
accurate the lettering is because I have only have seen these units running
in New Jersey, and have yet to ride them. Since this was a cooperative
effort with NJT I assume the lettering is accurate.

The Atlas ALP-45DP NJT #4515 locomotive was programed and run on a newer
Digitrax powered layout without problems. I also ran it on an NCE system.
Power had to be supplied before the sound came on as with all ESU LokSound
equipped locomotives. The locomotive sounded great, and close to the
prototype as far as I can recall. The horn in my locomotive needs a bit of
tweaking as it sounds like a single blat doodlebug (I have to figure out
what CV changes the horn sound). The LED lights were nice and bright. I did
a bit of switching trains and cars through #6 and #4 switches (to break it
in) without any problems. I usually report how many freight cars a
locomotive would pull around a "light bulb" shaped 32-inch radius yard lead*
onto a main line. I had 65 freight cars** behind the locomotive -all the
cars and trains in the yard- and the locomotive kept going. It is a
fantastic puller.

The attached photo shows the locomotive coming onto the main with the
caboose bringing up the rear (the roundhouse is in the middle). The NJT
ALP-45 DP handled a 7-commuter car train up and around with ease. I suspect
the prototype trains place the locomotive on the East-bound end (heading
into Hoboken) for the morning rush. Mine was reversed for ease of running. A
second locomotive (one on each end) would look nice and eliminate the cab
car, but one will do the job.

I purchased my Atlas NJT ALP-45DP from my local dealer with four "safety
slogan" cars and the 3-car (trailer, toilet & cab) car set. I am a Montana
Operation Lifesaver facilitator/presenter, and the safety slogan cars put
out the safety message nicely. Most Montana drivers' education students have
never seen a commuter train. NJT probably never operated all four slogan
cars in the same train.

All in all, a very nice train and all very easy to get on the track. It is a
lot easier to model than the Stillwell equipped trains of my youth that are
either pricey brass or (very nice build them yourself) resin. I am now
installing Intermountain roller bearing wheel sets on the brass Stillwells I
have-a pricey train indeed. I have modeled one of the push-pull trains of
the early 1970s with Walther's Comet cars and an Atlas U34CH of some years
ago. It locomotive has Tsunami DCC, but it does not correctly model the HEP
generator sound of those U34CH locomotives. (Maybe Atlas will come out with
a correct "modern" Stillwell train.) Well, mine are close enough for now.

Howard Haines, Helena MT
Member: Erie Lackawanna Historical Society, NYS&W T&H Society, NJ Midland
Historical Society, ELDCPS, and more; President, Helena Modular Railroad
Club (HO).

Atlas number Description
10-002-504 ALP-45DP LOCOMOTIVE NJ TRANSIT #4515, GOLD (sound equipped)
UNIT
20-004-129 NJ TRANSIT "Stop & Look Both Ways" NJT #7638
20-004-130 NJ TRANSIT "Watch The Gap" NJT #7640
20-004-131 NJ TRANSIT "Trains Can't Stop Quickly" NJT #7580
20-004-132 NJ TRANSIT "Always Expect A Train" NJT #7283
20-004-139 NJT Modern Commuter Cab & Trailer 3-Pack

*Locomotives are tested pulling trains around the 32-inch radius "lightbulb
curve" yard lead, through at least four #6 switches back onto a "S"-curve
then straight main line (paralleling the yard tracks). Cars (or trains) are
added or dropped until the locomotive could pull no more (at any throttle
setting) to determine the locomotive's car pulling capacity on curved but
level track. Two other pulling challenges include a helix and an "almost"
straight grade. The largely enclosed double helix has a 29- and 32 inch
radius (22-inch height) tracks with a 2.6 and 2.8 percent grade, depending
on the side of the loop. The "cutoff" is a 3 percent (22-inch height) grade
with curves at each end.

** Freight cars are weighted to "at least" NMRA specification with KD #5
couplers and Intermountain metal wheel sets. Open hoppers, gondolas, and
flatcars with loads are a bit more.
The 65-car train above included:
Seven-34 foot long cars ,
24-40 foot long,
22 cars of 50 foot length,
eight-55 foot (5 with loads) or longer, and
four (35') extended vision cabooses including one Rapido lighted caboose.



ALP45PD_loco_10430.jpg

Image EXIF Data:
Image Description   OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
Image Creation Date   2017:04:01 19:06:37
Image Capture Date   2017:03:31 19:57:15
Image Digitized Date   2017:03:31 19:57:15
Make   OLYMPUS CORPORATION
Model   TG-4
Exposure Time   1/30 Sec.
Aperture   f2.6
Focal Length   6.42mm
35mm Focal Length   35mm
ISO Speed Rating   10 (250)
Metering Mode   Multi-Segment/Pattern
Exposure Bias   0 EV
Exposure Program   Program Normal
Light Source/White Balance   Automatic
White Balance   Auto White Balance
Flash   Flash Not Fired; Auto Mode;
Exif Image Width   4418 pixels
Exif Image Height   2526 pixels
Exposure Mode   Auto Exposure
Software Version   Adobe Photoshop Elements 6.0 Windows
EXIF Version   0230
FlashPix Version   0100
X Resolution   314 Pixels/Inch
Y Resolution   314 Pixels/Inch
Max Aperture Value   f2.8
ColorSpace   sRGB
Component Configuration   YCbCr
Digital Zoom Ratio   100/100x
YCbCr Positioning   Datum Point
Scene Capture Type   Standard
Gain Control   High Gain Up
Contrast   Normal
Saturation   Normal
Sharpness   Normal


Click Here or on the corner X to close this window.


    All photos are the property of the original photographer unless otherwise noted and are to be used for personal viewing purposes only.

    The use of these photos on any website or other distribution media is strictly forbidden without the express consent of the image copyright holder.

    Linking directly to this page is permitted as long as "Railfan.net Erie Lackawanna Email List Photo Archive" is creditted on the linking page.