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 continuestoday) for marketshare in the high horsepower category, GE announcedthe Dash-8 class of diesel locomotives. Although the first demonstratorversion had only 3,200 hp, most of the Dash-8s had 4,000 hp whendelivered. Because GE builds its diesel locomotives in five modules, itwas 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-8shave 4-wheel trucks, and other have 6-wheel trucks. All this varietymeans that these diesels, which were designed for fast freight duty,are also well suited for Amtrak’s passenger service. Despite their manydifferences, all Dash-8s share microprocessor control. Themicroprocessor, a small computer, regulates rpm, fuel injection volume,generator excitation, and many other operational features to make theengines run more efficiently than any diesel ever had before them.

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

Did You Know?

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