antv
New Member
Posts: 2
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Post by antv on Sept 2, 2024 11:10:19 GMT -8
I’m new to this forum and getting back into the hobby (from o scale). I have a scaletrains rivetcounter engine and love its detail. Are the Atlas c40-8 master golds similar in detail and features?
I would like to get a union pacific c40-8, but only Atlas seems makes them in HO. Is it likely Scaletrains or Rapido will make them too?
Thanks, Ant |
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Post by hudsonyard on Sept 2, 2024 12:21:17 GMT -8
The Atlas will have less detail than the SXT, however it will run and pull extremely well and you will likely never have an issue with it. The newer run dash-8s are better detailed than previous runs and will hold their own appearance wise in a consist with the SXT.
It also helps that both scaletrains and atlas use the same decoders, that is a huge consideration as you build your fleet.
I'd almost be tempted by the CN ones, saw those on the DMIR in northern MN for many years.
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Post by middledivision on Sept 3, 2024 7:14:11 GMT -8
The new Atlas Dash 8's are very nice for a model of their age. The added ditchlights and 21 pin boards are welcome. The only complaint I have with my new NS unit is, like most newer Atlas releases, it weighs less than the older versions.
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antv
New Member
Posts: 2
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Post by antv on Sept 3, 2024 11:43:35 GMT -8
Thank you for the replies!
Is it possible to add features like rotating end caps to these Dash 8's? I was under the impression that all new high end engines came with them.
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Post by hudsonyard on Sept 3, 2024 14:23:09 GMT -8
Thank you for the replies! Is it possible to add features like rotating end caps to these Dash 8's? I was under the impression that all new high end engines came with them. It would be an incredible amount of work, if a unit doesn't have them for the factory i'd just let it ride. They may look neat (and they do, i cannot deny that) but i'm starting to have some concern about their longevity, a friend has a pair of SD-40-2s on his layout that are maybe 4-5 years into relatively light layout service and the derlin around the bearing caps is starting to wear off and create a white dusting around the bearing. |
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Post by middledivision on Sept 4, 2024 8:22:07 GMT -8
Thank you for the replies! Is it possible to add features like rotating end caps to these Dash 8's? I was under the impression that all new high end engines came with them. These Dash 8's are not "high end". They are old models, at least 25 years? Compared to today's Scale Trains and Genesis, they lag a bit behind. However, they run great, are built well, have the latest electronics and Loksound and cost about two thirds of a ST/Genesis model. |
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Post by edwardsutorik on Sept 4, 2024 9:03:31 GMT -8
These Dash 8's are not "high end". They are old models, at least 25 years? 21 years. Aside from being the only standard cab version, I like them because they have (nearly?) full-form air tanks showing, as opposed to them being done in relief. Ed |
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Post by drolsen on Sept 4, 2024 11:57:29 GMT -8
These Dash 8's are not "high end". They are old models, at least 25 years? Compared to today's Scale Trains and Genesis, they lag a bit behind. The biggest visual difference between my ScaleTrains CSX CW44ACs (which I love) and my Atlas Dash 8s is the see through grills in the radiator section, and I don’t personally see those as a big selling point. Having looked at the real thing a lot, I think see-through grills on modern GEs are a bit gimmicky and approach the appearance of old brass diesel models with their perforated screens that you could put a scale-sized baseball through. When properly weathered, I think solid (molded) GE screens look just fine. The Atlas underbody is very plain and could use a detail upgrade, but from the walkways up, I think the Atlas model holds up great next to newer models. Dave |
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Post by Funnelfan on Sept 13, 2024 22:10:59 GMT -8
I just received UP #9129 from the latest run, as it's a locomotive that I've operated the prototype of. I also have a older run model of UP #9240. While they have made some detail improvements, wish they would do some more retooling. The truck detail is really shallow, and the shock absorber really should be a separate detail part. They added a handbrake chain, but it's nothing like the prototype. The ditchlights were in the wrong spot. The headlights and ditchlights have a green tint, with the headlights being very dim compared to the ditchlights. They changed the internal framework, such that the Scale Sound Systems speaker I bought for the older model will not work on the newer model. Also wish they would get rid of the plastic sunshades that break off so easily. Also noticed they painted the grab irons on the nose white when they should be yellow like the earlier runs.
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cn2240
Junior Member
Posts: 70
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Post by cn2240 on Sept 23, 2024 14:50:32 GMT -8
I just got my model of CN 2017 today. CN 2017 was formerly UP 9040. The CN models have the same problem as the UP ones in that the ditch lights are placed too close to the center.
The main draw with this latest run is the addition of ditch lights and that they have a LokSound 5 decoder. One thing I did notice is that they have the latest ESU GE sound file appropriate for the Dash-8. This is in contrast to ScaleTrains which with the reproduced Rivet Counter CN/IC Dash-9s still had the older sound file.
As others have said, Atlas really isn't comparable to ScaleTrains Rivet Counter. I have 15 Rivet Counter models and 4 Atlas models now and there's a big difference between the two. The sound quality for starters is much more crisper on the ScaleTrains models whereas the prime mover especially sounds muffled on the Atlas ones. Detailing-wise as mentioned before, the Rivet Counter models have extra details such as see through grills and roller-bearing caps which the Atlas models don't have. The Rivet Counter models also have extra lighting features such as walkway lights and ground lights which are not found on Atlas models. Rivet Counter models also come with an ESU powerpack keep-alive which makes them pretty reliable while my Atlas models are amongst the pickiest when it comes to dirty track. Another thing is that ScaleTrains models are pretty heavy and they have the strongest pulling power in my roster, the Atlas model's pulling power is alright. When I put CN 2017 on a scale, it weighed about 500 grams. I then put my newest Rivet Counter model which is CN/IC 2717 on the scale and it came in at 632 grams. Atlas models are significantly cheaper than Rivet Counter ones which makes up for their lack of extra features and detailing.
All in all, I'm happy with my model of CN 2017. I never expected it to have the same quality as a Rivet Counter or Genesis model since that's just setting you up for disappointment but for what it is, it's perfectly fine for me.
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