In the late 1980s, as General Electric and General Motors' Electro-Motive
Division engaged in heated competition (that continues today) for market share
in the high horsepower category, GE announced the Dash-8 class of diesel
locomotives. Although the first demonstrator version had only 3,200 hp, most of
the Dash-8s had 4,000 hp when delivered. Because GE builds its diesel
locomotives in five modules, it was able to customize its Dash-8s for each buyer
to an unusual degree. Some railroads ordered their Dash-8s with the conventional
narrow cabs, while other opted for the wider safety or comfort cabs. Some
Dash-8s have 4-wheel trucks, and other have 6-wheel trucks. All this variety
means that these diesels, which were designed for fast freight duty, are also
well suited for Amtrak's passenger service. Despite their many differences, all
Dash-8s share microprocessor control. The microprocessor, a small computer,
regulates rpm, fuel injection volume, generator excitation, and many other
operational features to make the engines run more efficiently than any diesel
ever had before them.
FEATURES:
- ProtoSound® 2.0 Digital Sound with Digital Command System, Speed &
Light Control, Diagnostic Memory, Remotely controlled ProtoCouplers® and Freight Yard
ProtoEffects™ sounds
(see more below)
- Operating ProtoSmoke™ diesel exhaust smoke
- 2-precision flywheel equipped motors
- All-metal wheels & gears
- Compatible with most AC transformers
- ProtoSound® electronic reverse unit
- Die-cast 6-wheel trucks
- Intricately detailed ABS body
- Directional constant voltage headlights
- Lighted marker lights
- Die-cast trucksides, pilot & fuel tank
- Metal handrails & decorative horn
- Lighted cab interior
- Illuminated number boards
- Engineer cab figure
- Remote controlled Proto-Couplers®
- Stamped metal floor
- Operates on O-31 or greater curves (3-rail)
- Length: 18-1/2"
ProtoSound® 2.0 Features
ProtoSound® 2.0 makes the most technologically advanced locomotive on the
market. Locomotives equipped with this sound & train control system offer
tremendous expandability. They offer more features right out of the box than any
other engines, & when paired with the DCS Digital Command System they offer
features other manufacturers cannot begin to compete with. ProtoSound 2.0 is
perfect for people who love technology & how it multiplies their fun.
Right out of the box, ProtoSound® 2.0 engines deliver:
- Horn, bell and locomotive digital sound effects
- Sound effects including Freight Yard Sounds and cab chatter
- Speed control equipped to eliminate throttle adjustments and make for
smooth starts and stops
- Remotely controlled operating couplers to release cars on the fly (no
operating track needed)
- Wide range of State-of-the-Art digital sounds
- Add hundreds of features when operated with DCS
This engine has been track tested to make sure that it is in proper operating
condition.
