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Post by unittrain on Feb 26, 2023 7:00:05 GMT -8
I got my PRR unit a couple days ago overall very happy but the holes are š³š³š will fill those in. I got a U30C on preorder too in PRR these will go good with my Riverossi U25Cs. I like Atlas they are really reliable just wished they put more out but then again it helps to keep spending spread out more.
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Post by JohnJ on Feb 26, 2023 8:25:36 GMT -8
I got my PRR unit a couple days ago overall very happy but the holes are š³š³š will fill those in. I got a U30C on preorder too in PRR these will go good with my Riverossi U25Cs. I like Atlas they are really reliable just wished they put more out but then again it helps to keep spending spread out more. I have mine in a lashup with my Rivarossi U25C and they play well together. Iāve had problems getting a good speed match with other models for that U25C in the past (on DC), so this works out for me. I will consider getting a U30C to join the mix. |
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Post by Deleted on Feb 26, 2023 10:03:39 GMT -8
Umm, bigger problem with those PRR units than the yellow stripe on the front:
All the photos I was able to find quickly of PRR U28C's show as-delivered footboard pilots. The Atlas model does not have the footboards. Are they in the box for the modeler to install? I don't think anybody has mentioned that in this thread.
Also the yellow stripe is at too high an elevation to represent the long grab iron that would be there IF there were footboards. It appears somebody thought it was some kind of yellow safety stripe or frame stripe?
In any case with the footboards removed (flat pilot face) that long grab should NOT be there at all as they were removed with the footboards.
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Post by JohnJ on Feb 26, 2023 10:51:51 GMT -8
All the photos I was able to find quickly of PRR U28C's show as-delivered footboard pilots. The Atlas model does not have the footboards. Are they in the box for the modeler to install?Ā I looked at the U28Cs on Fallen Flags from the Penn Central era and those units have footboards, so not something PRR likely removed during their time there. rr-fallenflags.org/pc/pc6522ags.jpgThe part is not included in the box, nor does it appear on the parts diagram. Luckily I have some from the old U33C in my parts box. The line will get painted out, new wire grabs installed and pilots put on. |
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Post by theengineshed on Feb 26, 2023 11:05:04 GMT -8
Umm, why not simply fill the holes with squadron putty, wet wipe off excess, touch up paint and be done?  A better way to fill holes. Instead of putty, drill the holes out to fit polystyrene rod, then add a drop of liquid cement. When dry, just shave off the excess. These were the holes left after removal of the winterization hatches that Athearn accidentally fitted to their SAL Geeps.  Athearn Genesis Seaboard Fix 05 by Pete Piszczek, on Flickr |
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Post by SCL618 on Feb 26, 2023 13:32:26 GMT -8
The Atlas unit represents an interesting collection of phase features. More importantly if one was so inclined, a modeler could use the long hood from the U28C to accurately model an early Phase I U28B or U30B as well. Prior to the introduction of the U33/36B model, I would routinely use a U23B sill and shorten the long hood of a U33/36C shell to get the appropriate model. Herein lies the difficulty, though.
Atlas used a later cab headlight found on post-ā73 built GEs, on an early U28/30C model. The headlamp affixed to the cab wall was rectangular as opposed to oval. The grill work on these new U28Cs looks great. The other often missed detail when modeling Uboats is the vertical depth of the notch in the stepwells. The U28 is appropriate. I would love to get my hands on a shell for one of these new U28s to make an early Atlas U30B that could rival the Proto series. The biggest detractor on those were the Blomberg trucks with missing casting holes.
Several items are in need of replacement depending upon your modeling skills, such as the reservoirs, brake hoses albeit those donāt look too bad, the train line air hose, the cab holes need filling with styrene rod, and the wheel slip indicators need replacing. May as well add an ATC shoe to the PRR while doing the heavy lifting too. The Sinclair antennae looks fine enough to rival any aftermarket part. Atlas used the correct side frames, the shell looks spot on, and only the cab and handrails truly need attention if you are wanting to upgrade the model. The small louvers on the brakemanās front step well are amazingly well done too. It has excellent bones and the drive is one of the best.
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Post by crrcoal on Feb 28, 2023 11:10:24 GMT -8
Anyone remove the shell yet? If so how? Buddy if mine got some in CR and having a heck of time with the shell. He wants to change speakers out. Thanks!
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Post by 12bridge on Feb 28, 2023 11:32:10 GMT -8
It is beyond absurd to me, that a brand new "Master Line" locomotive, has "printed on" grabs.
Atlas is really getting left behind in the dust these last few years. Too bad, they made some nice stuff, that has lots of potential.
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Post by middledivision on Feb 28, 2023 11:52:18 GMT -8
Anyone remove the shell yet? If so how? Buddy if mine got some in CR and having a heck of time with the shell. He wants to change speakers out. Thanks! Look at the parts diagram sheet. The shell has tabs along the sides that need to be moved. The speaker should go. I use a Scale Sound System Atlas Universal. |
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Post by lvrr325 on Feb 28, 2023 19:25:04 GMT -8
I wonder if it recycles some older tooling.
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Post by crrcoal on Mar 1, 2023 15:16:18 GMT -8
Anyone remove the shell yet? If so how? Buddy if mine got some in CR and having a heck of time with the shell. He wants to change speakers out. Thanks! Look at the parts diagram sheet. The shell has tabs along the sides that need to be moved. The speaker should go. I use a Scale Sound System Atlas Universal. Thanks! He got all the tabs. For whatever reason the shell was on super tight. Shell was finally removed. |
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Post by middledivision on Mar 2, 2023 8:24:57 GMT -8
Watch the rear headlight bulb when you put the shell back on, it needs to be in the small "cup" behind the headlight. The shell won't sit all the way down if it's not in there.
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Post by waverly5 on Mar 3, 2023 8:36:13 GMT -8
A cursory visual inspection of Conrail 6532 : The headlight housing certainly seems to be "more rectangular" (pre-1973 GE) style than what I see in the PRR pics posted in this thread (perhaps an optical illusion on my part, but appears to be a different cab style on mine). No obnoxious sunshade holes on this one either. The screens are real nice. The fireman's side handrail at the long hood step-up portion is "wonky", but otherwise the handrails seem nice. The number font on the cab sides is slightly off (a bit thick, not correctly proportioned). Haven't placed on track yet.
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Post by Baikal on Mar 3, 2023 8:49:47 GMT -8
A cursory visual inspection of Conrail 6532 : The headlight housing certainly seems to be "more rectangular" (pre-1973 GE) style than what I see in the PRR pics posted in this thread. Perhaps my imagination, but doesn't seem to be as oval as those in the pics (perhaps an optical illusion on my part). The screens are real nice. The fireman's side handrail at the long hood step-up portion is "wonky", but otherwise the handrails seem nice. The number font on the cab sides is slightly off (a bit thick, not correctly proportioned). Haven't placed on track yet.
That handrail bend draws the eye more than anything else on the model. A must-fix (for the modeler), shouldn't be too hard. Too bad it's made that way.
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Post by tom on Mar 4, 2023 12:26:24 GMT -8
My PRR U28C came in today. Overall pleased with it although the handrail on the engineer's side does have that odd bend but mine is not that bad. The cab does have the incorrect round headlight housing style instead of the square style and those open holes on the side of cabs are really bad.
Mine will be a Penn Central unit so I will be stripping the model and doing some detailing. Cab holes will easy to fix since I will be repainting it. If Atlas releases the upgraded cab with the square housing I will replace it later. I will also be be adding the foot boards and add those pilot grab iron instead of the painted on ones. I'll be upgrading the air tanks with wire piping (I've done that to my U23Bs), truck detailing and other things.
Overall I am pleased with it and since the price is not crazy I am OK with having to do some upgrades. It certainly captures that burly look of a U28C which is appropriate for the Penn Central. PRR DGLE (dark green) looks fine as does the graphics. Handrails are not welded or glued on so they should be easy to remove for paint stripping.
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Post by locochris on Mar 4, 2023 20:26:58 GMT -8
This is my first Atlas locomotive and I made the mistake of trying to take the shell off. Is this thing supposed to be new tooling? Can't believe a modern locomotive uses plastic tabs to hold the shell on. Broke two tabs on the same side getting it off, now the shell won't stay down. Not to mention the coupler box covers are completely flat and won't line up straight; it just screams old tooling. Also it's a bit lightweight.
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Post by tom on Mar 5, 2023 4:12:39 GMT -8
This is my first Atlas locomotive and I made the mistake of trying to take the shell off. Is this thing supposed to be new tooling? Can't believe a modern locomotive uses plastic tabs to hold the shell on. Broke two tabs on the same side getting it off, now the shell won't stay down. Not to mention the coupler box covers are completely flat and won't line up straight; it just screams old tooling.&off ; Also it's a bit lightweight. I was able to get my shell off with damage to only one of the tabs. Best solution that I do to all of my hood locomotives (Atlas, Walthers, Scale Trains, Bowser) is to glue the hood to the running board/frame assembly making sure that everything lines up. Once the joints have hardened I then trim off the part of the tab so it cannot lock onto the chassis. I leave the sides of the tab in place to act as guides into frame. Once this is done it is very easy to install and remove this one piece assembly to the chassis. It is then held in place with the screwed on coupler boxes. Make sure you remove the bottom of the tabs before installing onto the chassis as it is very difficult tor remove without doing this. I did not see any problems with the coupler boxes. I would not consider it a light weight as I weighed mine and it came out as 16 ounces (1 pound). It is new tooling but very similar in style to the older Atlas U33C/U36C. |
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Post by waverly5 on Mar 5, 2023 9:18:23 GMT -8
Sure looks like Atlas used two different style cabs, at least based on comparing the PRR and CR version. The CR version is sans the gaping sunshade holes and has the rectangular headlight housing.
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Post by JohnJ on Mar 5, 2023 12:08:46 GMT -8
Sure looks like Atlas used two different style cabs, at least based on comparing the PRR and CR version. The CR version is sans the gaping sunshade holes and has the rectangular headlight housing. Rather baffling since 100% of Conrailās U28Cs were from the PRR order. |
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Post by locochris on Mar 5, 2023 14:58:27 GMT -8
I was able to get my shell off with damage to only one of the tabs. Best solution that I do to all of my hood locomotives (Atlas, Walthers, Scale Trains, Bowser) is to glue the hood to the running board/frame assembly making sure that everything lines up. Once the joints have hardened I then trim off the part of the tab so it cannot lock onto the chassis. I leave the sides of the tab in place to act as guides into frame. Once this is done it is very easy to install and remove this one piece assembly to the chassis. It is then held in place with the screwed on coupler boxes. Make sure you remove the bottom of the tabs before installing onto the chassis as it is very difficult tor remove without doing this. Thanks for the tip, I will look into this. I had been thinking about cutting out new tabs from a sheet of styrene.
The coupler box was just an annoyance, not a problem. All locomotive manufacturers that I had worked with so far put grooves into the coupler box and cover so the cover just slides in, but the Atlas doesn't do that and you have to hold the cover straight while you screw it on. Just seemed illogical to me.
As for the weight, I guess it had just seemed too light because I had been working on a Genesis SDP40F for a while, which was a lot heavier. I don't have a scale for them.
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Post by middledivision on Mar 5, 2023 20:43:15 GMT -8
My PRR U28C came in today. Overall pleased with it although the handrail on the engineer's side does have that odd bend but mine is not that bad. The cab does have the incorrect round headlight housing style instead of the square style and those open holes on the side of cabs are really bad. Mine will be a Penn Central unit so I will be stripping the model and doing some detailing. Cab holes will easy to fix since I will be repainting it. If Atlas releases the upgraded cab with the square housing I will replace it later. I will also be be adding the foot boards and add those pilot grab iron instead of the painted on ones. I'll be upgrading the air tanks with wire piping (I've done that to my U23Bs), truck detailing and other things. Overall I am pleased with it and since the price is not crazy I am OK with having to do some upgrades. It certainly captures that burly look of a U28C which is appropriate for the Penn Central. PRR DGLE (dark green) looks fine as does the graphics. Handrails are not welded or glued on so they should be easy to remove for paint stripping. You're in luck. Atlas put black handrails on the PRR U28C's. That and the missing footboards are my biggest complaints. it would be nice if they provided a correct DGLE set of handrails and footboards to PRR buyers but I'm not holding my breath. Hopefully, it's corrected on the U30C's. |
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Post by wmrdgfan on Mar 6, 2023 5:43:35 GMT -8
My PRR U28C came in today. Overall pleased with it although the handrail on the engineer's side does have that odd bend but mine is not that bad. The cab does have the incorrect round headlight housing style instead of the square style and those open holes on the side of cabs are really bad. Mine will be a Penn Central unit so I will be stripping the model and doing some detailing. Cab holes will easy to fix since I will be repainting it. If Atlas releases the upgraded cab with the square housing I will replace it later. I will also be be adding the foot boards and add those pilot grab iron instead of the painted on ones. I'll be upgrading the air tanks with wire piping (I've done that to my U23Bs), truck detailing and other things. Overall I am pleased with it and since the price is not crazy I am OK with having to do some upgrades. It certainly captures that burly look of a U28C which is appropriate for the Penn Central. PRR DGLE (dark green) looks fine as does the graphics. Handrails are not welded or glued on so they should be easy to remove for paint stripping. You're in luck. Atlas put black handrails on the PRR U28C's. That and the missing footboards are my biggest complaints. it would be nice if they provided a correct DGLE set of handrails and footboards to PRR buyers but I'm not holding my breath. Hopefully, it's corrected on the U30C's. BUT, If they put 3 air filters in front of the radiator like the illustration shows, then they will be completely wrong. |
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Post by cera2254 on Mar 6, 2023 6:33:45 GMT -8
I for one would not find black handrails on those PRR units to be acceptable. That was fine when they were inexpensive in the red box era but a modern master line locomotive shouldnāt have that issue.
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Post by ChessieFan1978 on Mar 6, 2023 8:38:11 GMT -8
Pictures ? |
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Post by tony on Mar 10, 2023 11:32:23 GMT -8
Can someone confirm if the coupler pocket part is a seperate part or is it part of the shell pilot? It appears to be super wide and that requires the snow plows center opening to be wider - both combined for a double whammy in appearance.
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Post by locochris on Mar 10, 2023 17:47:46 GMT -8
Can someone confirm if the coupler pocket part is a seperate part or is it part of the shell pilot? It appears to be super wide and that requires the snow plows center opening to be wider - both combined for a double whammy in appearance. The coupler box is a separate piece that has a removable cover. It's just a flat, plain looking black box. |
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Post by amrec99 on Mar 11, 2023 13:07:41 GMT -8
My first post. Promise I'll be good! Tom, what footboards were you planning on adding to the PRR U28C? Thanks.
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Post by tom on Mar 12, 2023 7:36:28 GMT -8
My first post. Promise I'll be good! Tom, what footboards were you planning on adding to the PRR U28C? Thanks. I do not think that there are any commercial footboards that exist for U-boats so I cobbled mine together. I used cutdown Plano end platform etched metal ones attached to strip styrene. See photo. I also lowered the coupler lift bar so that there is enough room to add the crossover grabiron (and to match the prototype).  |
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Post by middledivision on Mar 13, 2023 8:22:14 GMT -8
I contacted Atlas on their website about the black handrails and missing footboards a week ago and have not heard back yet. I have a feeling the U30C's will suffer the same fate. Someone at Atlas needs to wake up.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 13, 2023 9:08:41 GMT -8
I cannot find any complaints about the Santa Fe U28CG's.
Both paint schemes look excellent. The paint work is fantastic. The handrails are pretty good, appearing better on my two units than in the photos shown here so far.
They run very well, but do not have lighted class lights.
The Mars light in the nose can be flashing white; flashing red; OR alternately flashing white and red. So that is very nicely done indeed.
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