Atlas Gold 40005464 presents the GE B23 - 7 locomotive in N scale, representing Southern Railway #3986 in sharp black and white. Note that the picture might show a different road number. General Electric's 'Dash 7' locomotives replaced the old 'Universal - Series' of the 60s and 70s. The B23 - 7, introduced in 1977, was a direct replacement for the U23B, with better fuel efficiency, tractive effort, and reliability. It was produced until 1984, with 535 units built, and Conrail was its biggest buyer. The B23 - 7 has unique features. Its long hood steps out at the exhaust stack for an oil cooler, and the frame is 2 feet longer than the U23B's. It comes with FB - 2 style trucks, though some models have other types. The six power assembly doors indicate a 12 - cylinder GE FDL engine. Key features include directional lighting with golden - white LEDs, dual brass flywheels, a low - friction mechanism, accurate painting and lettering, and factory - installed AccuMate® magnetic knuckle couplers. For gold locomotives, DCC operation supports all programming modes, includes RailCom and RailComPlus, and has flexible function key mapping. The ESU LokSound offers over 20 sound effects, multiple user - selectable horns and bells, and manual and automatic notching modes for a realistic experience.

Using this Atlas Gold N Scale GE B23 - 7 locomotive is easy. First, connect it to your DCC system following the standard procedures. You can start by setting the speed and direction using the DCC controller. The directional lighting will automatically adjust according to the locomotive's movement. When it comes to the sound features, use the function keys on your DCC controller to access different sound effects like the engine start - up, bell, and air horn. For the notching modes, you can switch between manual and automatic on the fly for a more realistic experience. Here are some important things to note. Avoid exposing the locomotive to extreme temperatures and moisture, as this can damage the electronics and the mechanism. When transporting it, make sure it's securely placed to prevent any impacts. As for maintenance, regularly clean the wheels and the track to ensure smooth operation. Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe the body of the locomotive to keep it looking good. If you notice any issues with the DCC or sound functions, check the connections and make sure your DCC system is set up correctly.