G Dash-8 Diesel SF/3.0

In the late 1980s, as General Electric and General Motors’
Electro-Motive Division engaged in heated competition (that continues
today) for marketshare 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.

M.T.H. is proud to make this rugged American prototype
available to garden railroaders in a variety of roadnames in a narrow
nose body that are sure to please. These highly detailed 1:32 scale
models provide realistic operation and the long list of features shown.

Did You Know?

The microprocessor in the Dash-8 prototype recognizes if the
engine is overheating while in a tunnel, as opposed to a malfunction on
the open rails, and allows it to keep operating a full power for ten
minutes, so the crew doesn’t find itself stranded in a tunnel.