The Atlas 40005038 is an N - scale DCC model of the ALCO RS - 2 locomotive, specifically representing the Chicago & Northwestern #52. Note that the picture might show a different road number. After the successful RS - 1 road switchers, Alco introduced the stylish RS - 2 in late 1946. It retained features like the long carbody and short front nose of the RS - 1 but had many upgrades. The rounded carbody and a new 244 prime mover were key improvements, boosting the horsepower to 1,500, a 500hp increase over the RS - 1. This extra power made the RS - 2 popular among railroads for handling various services, such as powering general merchandise freights, coal trains, or passenger trains. Some railroads like the Delaware & Hudson retrofit their RS - 2s for passenger service. Alco and Montreal Locomotive Works built over 370 of these versatile locomotives. Today, only a few prototypes remain, mostly in museums or tourist operations. This model comes with great features including a slow - speed motor, golden - white LEDs, directional lighting, dual brass flywheels, a low - friction mechanism, dynamic brakes, factory - installed AccuMate® magnetic knuckle couplers, and accurate painting and lettering. DCC locomotives also have a factory - installed decoder.

Using this N - scale DCC locomotive model is easy. First, make sure it's properly placed on the track. You can control it using a compatible DCC system. The slow - speed motor allows for smooth and precise movement, so you can operate it at a pace that suits your setup. When it comes to lighting, the golden - white LEDs and directional lighting add a nice touch, enhancing the overall look. Just connect it to the power source as per your DCC system's instructions. For maintenance, keep it clean. You can use a soft, dry cloth to gently wipe the body and remove any dust. Avoid using harsh chemicals as they might damage the paint or the components. The low - friction mechanism and dual brass flywheels work together to ensure smooth operation, but over time, you may need to check for any signs of wear. If you notice any issues with the dynamic brakes or the couplers, make sure to handle them carefully and refer to the manufacturer's support if needed. And always remember that since it has a factory - installed decoder, be cautious when handling electrical connections to avoid any damage.