Atlas recently sent us one of their new “Dash 9” diesel-electric locomotives from the Premier line: the C44-9W. Cody Grivno, in a 2019 Model Railroader review, wrote a nice summary of the prototype Dash 9 series in a review of a ScaleTrains HO scale model. GE built more than 3,500 of these diesels between 1993 and 2004.
Atlas announced this model in mid 2024, and product No. 30138376, Santa Fe No. 627, arrived in our offices in late May 2025.
Out of the box
This has to be the easiest new engine I’ve ever removed from the original packaging. The Atlas O ribbons slid out easily, the plastic and foam unwrapped quickly, and the foam separation pieces came out without breaking or tearing.
First impression: this is an amazingly detailed model. Comparing it to prototype photos, everything looks right on, except for one thing–the gap between the shell and the trucks. To allow the truck to pivot through tighter curves, parts were omitted above the truck. It’s an unfortunate but necessary design.
Out of curiosity, I compared it to photos of other manufacturers’ C44-9Ws. MTH’s model had a similar gap while Lionel’s was smaller (with a smaller radius recommendation of O-36 versus Atlas O’s O-42). Third Rail offered a brass model many years ago that had the smallest gap (see a photo in our online review).
That being said, there are oodles of impressive details, such as the red fuel fill, the added grab irons and handrails, an air horn, and so much more. All of the added placards and graphics were legible–impressive for such tiny items!
The warbonnet paint scheme was crisp and nicely done. I found no flaws in the paint anywhere on the body.
The model weighs a hefty 5 lb. 9 oz., and measures 18 ¾” including the couplers. It scales out almost perfectly (less than half an inch difference) to 1:48 proportions compared to prototype drawings I found online.
On the track
This model can be operated conventionally or using MTH’s DCS system. If you’re using MTH’s Track Interface Unit (TIU) system plus the add-on Wi-Fi (WIU) module, either the app or a DCS remote control can operate the engine. If you’ve upgraded to MTH’s WTIU system, you’ll need to use the app, as the wired tether to operate the remote is not yet available as of this writing (late May 2025).
I used the WTIU system with the app on my smartphone to start the engine. It scanned and recognized the engine immediately, adding to my active list.
The model crawled along–stiffly at first–at 2 smph. You may wish to reduce the default volume of the sound system. I made coworker David Popp jump in surprise when the engine started up!
It’s equipped with Proto-Sound 3.0, and sounds great. After a few minutes on the track, the diesel exhaust started and the output seemed appropriate.
LED lights are a wonderful innovation, adding extra detail without drawing a lot of current. The operating ditchlights are a nice touch, as are the illuminated number boards.
This model is offered in nine paint schemes in the three-rail version (see roadnames below).
In summary, the C44-9W from Atlas is quite a looker and has impressive sounds to boot. I like that I can use MTH’s app to flawlessly run this engine. If you run diesels from the 1990s through the 2000s, you’ll want to add this one to your fleet!
Atlas O Premier C44-9W, three-rail version (No. 30138376)
Features: Proto-Sound 3.0, onboard DCC/DCS decoder, 2 remote-controlled ProtoCouplers, O-42 operation, operating LED ditch lights, illuminated LED number boards, ProtoSmoke diesel exhaust
Roadnames: Alabama & Gulf Coast (Veterans unite), BNSF/ex-Santa Fe, Norfolk Southern (two versions), Santa Fe (two versions), Southern Pacific, Union Pacific/ex-Southern Pacific, Union Pacific (future network)
MSRP: $679.95
Website: shop.atlasrr.com
