QUOTE: Originally posted by faricelli I would go with the dash 8. The lionel does have better sound and better resale. But the lionel sd-70 isn't actually prototypically correct for example the brake wheel isn't recessed. I also don't like how the number boards and cab stay lit when the engine is not in use. The Atlas can be parked in a yard and it looks dead until addressed. I also have had bad luck with lionel engines working out of the box. My CNW dash-9 made one trip around my track and fried. Lionel does have one of the best service centers, but for four hundred bucks it should work out of the box. I am not trying to persuade you to the dark side, but I have just recently switched to DCS. It can run my Tmcc locos and now gives me an oppertunity to buy more engines than before. The nice thing about DCS is that you don't have to remember what each number does or having tp hit aux.and then a number. Plus MTH's engines have a lot of cool sounds such as a conversation about putting fuel in the engine, a simulated train crash, and comments about when their relief is coming in. You also can program a doppler effect which increases and decreases sound according to a certain viewing point. There are also features such as a clickity clack sound over 30 mph and coupler slaps and tugs. Oh well I hope I helped.
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