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Post by nw611 on Sept 7, 2012 3:27:59 GMT -8
I just received an e-mail from Atlas announcing a new run of RS-3s and RSD-4/5s in the Master Series with ESU Loksound. The Atlas RS-3 has gone a long way since its debut in 1984. Ciao. Raffaele
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Post by bnsf971 on Sept 7, 2012 3:39:22 GMT -8
Loksound? Did the email say that was a European-only version?
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Post by Mark R. on Sept 7, 2012 4:11:10 GMT -8
Atlas has dropped QSI in favor of Loksound !
Mark.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Sept 7, 2012 4:48:04 GMT -8
I just received an e-mail from Atlas announcing a new run of RS-3s and RSD-4/5s in the Master Series with ESU Loksound. The Atlas RS-3 has gone a long way since its debut in 1984. Ciao. Raffaele But it still features generic non-prototype specific detailing. Atlas continues to lag behind the other major builders. |
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Post by nw611 on Sept 7, 2012 6:32:07 GMT -8
bnsf971, it is not a European version. As far as I know, also Kato USA is utilizing ESU LokSound for its latest sound equipped Kobo locomotives (SD38-2s, SD40-2s, C449-9Ws and AC4400CWs). In Europe, ESU is considered the most advanced company in DCC solutions. Ciao. Raffaele
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Post by edwardsutorik on Sept 7, 2012 6:53:39 GMT -8
I note this statement from Atlas about this release:
"Separately-applied handrails and stanchions..."
I don't have an Atlas RS to check, but I have the impression that previous versions had them cast onto the frame. If this is true, it would appear that the handrails have been upgraded to a finer cross-section.
Can someone who has one of these tell me if the older ones had separate handrails or ones cast onto the frame? Please.
I fancy getting one of the SP&S Alcos.
Ed
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Post by Paul Cutler III on Sept 7, 2012 7:53:56 GMT -8
Ed,
The latest runs of Atlas Classic RS-3's have had slightly finer handrails then the old Yellow Box days, IIRC. Also, they have had separate wire grabs for the past 13 years at least, and even the old Yellow Boxes always had "Separately-applied handrails and stanchions".
The real "big news" WRT the Atlas RS-3's is that they have sound(!) and that they have finally corrected the stack by making a switchable one betweel Air-Cooled and Water-Cooled. Nothing, however, about the headlights, so I assume they are still twin-sealed beam only...and also nothing about steam gen. equipment. Still, by offering both kinds of stacks, at least it opens up some more roadnames and paint schemes for them.
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Hergy
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Post by Hergy on Sept 7, 2012 8:01:16 GMT -8
Can the switch from QSI to Lok Sound be verified? Couldn't find anything on the Atlas site. If this is true that would leave QSI with no OEM'S for their sound systems. I wouldn't think this would bode well for QSI down the road. QSI is my least favorite, anyway but they do have their followers. Inquiring minds want to know.
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Post by dti406 on Sept 7, 2012 8:27:11 GMT -8
Who Cares!   It is still the Phase 1 version that has been done by everyone. When will we get a Phase III version that I can use!  Rick J |
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Post by steveturner on Sept 7, 2012 9:52:06 GMT -8
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Post by edwardsutorik on Sept 7, 2012 10:25:16 GMT -8
Who Cares! When will we get a Phase III version that I can use! Rick J Or, when will we get a Genesis RS-2/3? That SP&S RS-3 will still have the wrong number boards. Ed |
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Post by edwardsutorik on Sept 7, 2012 10:28:03 GMT -8
Ed, The latest runs of Atlas Classic RS-3's have had slightly finer handrails then the old Yellow Box days, IIRC. So, they've always been separate castings? Ed |
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Post by atsfan on Sept 7, 2012 14:45:30 GMT -8
The railings on these have always been separate as far as I know.
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Post by mowingman on Sept 7, 2012 16:08:41 GMT -8
You are 100% correct. I have 2 of the very first Atlas RS3's produced. They have separate handrails. That made it really easy to disassemble them for painting. Jeff The railings on these have always been separate as far as I know. |
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Post by edwardsutorik on Sept 7, 2012 16:30:04 GMT -8
Thanks,all, about the handrails.
Ed
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Post by Mark R. on Sept 7, 2012 17:05:02 GMT -8
I can't right off the top of my head think of ANY engine that didn't have separately applied handrails. (?) Even old Athearn blue box engines had separately applied handrails ! How would you have molded on handrails !?
Now, grab irons - that's a different story ....
Mark.
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Post by edwardsutorik on Sept 7, 2012 18:00:51 GMT -8
I can't right off the top of my head think of ANY engine that didn't have separately applied handrails. The top of my pointy head recalls my second diesel: A plastic Hobbytown RS-3 body on their RSD drive. The handrails were cast onto the chassis. But I keep thinking there's something more recent. Maybe one of the RS-11's (P1K or Atlas)  ? Oh, and I think also my AF C&O "DL600B". The one with the mechanical bell inside. Totally goofy. But a very reliable "dinger". Ed |
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Post by Paul Cutler III on Sept 7, 2012 18:16:41 GMT -8
dti406,
Why only Phase Ib RS-3's and no Phase III? Because Alco made 714 units for 43 railroads in Phase Ib. RS-3 Phase Ia production, where the only difference is the battery box louvers, was 215 units for 31 railroads. Phase III production was 245 units for 26 railroads. If you were running a business, what would you make? A model that could be easily used for 929 units for a combined 52 railroads, or one that could only be used for a third of the units for half the number of railroads? I'm not saying the Phase III isn't worth making, but it's obvious why it's the secondary choice.
And as far as, "Who cares?" How about the people that want Phase Ib's? How would you react if folks said, "Who cares if they ever make a Phase III RS-3? I got what I want with my Phase Ib models."?
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Post by Judge Doom on Sept 7, 2012 21:59:28 GMT -8
I can't right off the top of my head think of ANY engine that didn't have separately applied handrails. (?) Even old Athearn blue box engines had separately applied handrails ! How would you have molded on handrails !? Mark. The ATT C415 comes to mind... www.ho-scaletrains.net/atttrainsresource/id80.html |
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Post by gbc636 on Sept 8, 2012 6:39:20 GMT -8
Here are a few off the top of my head that had molded on handrails.
AHM GP18
AHM SW1
AHM RS2
AHM Alco 1000
Model Power Alco 628
AHM SD40
Model Power RS11
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Post by Mark R. on Sept 8, 2012 7:45:01 GMT -8
Here are a few off the top of my head that had molded on handrails. AHM GP18 AHM SW1 AHM RS2 AHM Alco 1000 Model Power Alco 628 AHM SD40 Model Power RS11 Oh yeah .... weren't those nice ? ;D Mark. |
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Post by theengineshed on Sept 8, 2012 10:50:39 GMT -8
Oh yeah .... weren't those nice ? ;D Man, we never had it so good!  |
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Post by calzephyr on Sept 8, 2012 12:35:15 GMT -8
The Atlas web site does have the following information about the RS-3 and RSD-4/5, which lists the Loksound for the units. However, on the page for the C420, it is QSI.
larry
New! DCC/Sound version available with LokSound decoder
Analog version includes an 8-pin socket for DCC
New! Improved tooling on turbo exhaust stack. Also includes option of water cooled or air cooled turbo exahust stack
Separately-applied handrails and stanchions, including separate drop step detail
Factory installed AccuMate® couplers
Dual flywheel-equipped five-pole skewed armature motor for optimum performance at all speeds
Metal grab irons
Accurate painting and printing
C420
QSI® Titan Sound Decoder Features Including:
(Atlas Master Series Gold locomotives only)
NEW QSI Titan Sound Technology
2nd Generation, proprietary sound processor for an increase in sound quality and variety
Ability to cut, paste and upgrade to new sounds with the Quantum Programmer (sold separately)
64 simultaneous sound channels
Note: Due to the higher starting voltage required to operate the sound system, it is not possible to MU a non-sound-equipped loco in DC (analog) mode.
AccuMate® couplers are made under license from AccuRail, Inc.
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Post by bnsf971 on Sept 8, 2012 12:54:40 GMT -8
They may be gradually phasing-in the new sound decoders, or they may be watching to see how well these go over before jumping entirely into bed with ESU.
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Post by calzephyr on Sept 8, 2012 17:38:50 GMT -8
They may be gradually phasing-in the new sound decoders, or they may be watching to see how well these go over before jumping entirely into bed with ESU. I have several of the LokSound decoders in the PCM models that BLI/PCM sold several years ago. The DCC motor drive is very good overall, but some of the sound was not even close to the model they were selling. The latest QSI has stepped up their quality by a large amount by my thoughts. They can be upgraded also. Larry |
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Post by nw611 on Sept 8, 2012 23:50:08 GMT -8
Larry, how long ago did you install LokSound decoders in your PCM units? Now ESU has established a US subsidiary with the purpose of reproducing faithful sounds for specific North American diesels. As I wrote, Kato USA is now utilizing ESU LokSound decoders for its Kobo custom made locomotives (SD38-2, SD40-2, C44-9W and AC4400CW). Does anybody own one of these and can tell us how faithful the sound is? Ciao. Raffaele
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Post by mlehman on Sept 9, 2012 6:13:58 GMT -8
I have 3 of the Atlas Monon C420s, which are my only QSI-equipped locos. They sound great to my ears, having heard them in person oh so many years ago.
If I was Atlas, I wouldn't sink money into changing the C420 decoder just for the sake of change when the one that's in there already is A-OK.
My guess is that the QSI system may not have been so easy to stuff under the hood of the RS2. I've never seen an ESU decoder, but small size has been one of ESU's attributes often mentioned by users. Sometimes size does matter. ;D
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Post by calzephyr on Sept 9, 2012 6:35:09 GMT -8
Larry, how long ago did you install LokSound decoders in your PCM units? Now ESU has established a US subsidiary with the purpose of reproducing faithful sounds for specific North American diesels. As I wrote, Kato USA is now utilizing ESU LokSound decoders for its Kobo custom made locomotives (SD38-2, SD40-2, C44-9W and AC4400CW). Does anybody own one of these and can tell us how faithful the sound is? Ciao. Raffaele Raffaele I purchased about ten PCM/BLI models with the Loksound installed already, but I did not install any of the Loksound. Those units were purchased at least 6 to 10 years ago when sound was first becoming available installed in the models. I also purchased one of the Trix Big Boys with Loksound, but sold it within a year or so. I am sure their products have been improved now so I cannot speak of their latest sound products. I was always impressed with the DCC motor drive since it was extremely good, but some of the sounds were so so. Larry |
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Post by bnsf971 on Sept 9, 2012 17:25:45 GMT -8
The two Loksound equipped units I have, both BLI products, and both non-turbo EMD 567's, sound very good. If I close my eyes, I can almost see the hood access doors rattling when the engineer throttle up the engines. Motor control is good as well, but some of the peripheral sounds could use some work. If the ALCo sound is as good, it would certainly not stop me from buying one or two.
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