Locomotives other than MTH and Lionel

[Anonymous]

I am sure alot of guys here have locomotives other than MTH and Lionel. I have a question, with the newer MTH and Lionel locos having some sort of sound system, what about the engines like, say from Atlas and other companies? Do they have sound systems or control systems that would be compatible with DCS or TMCC? Though I plan to go with the DCS system later I was just curious with the compatiblity.

I am sure that any loco can be run in conventional mode with either system. Im wondering on the quality of the engines like Atlas and other brands besides Lionel and MTH.

Ive been looking at some Atlas locos on the AM Hobby site and like the designs on some of them. Never considered Atlas until I saw some of those freight cars (the Gunderson car sets).

Any thoughts?

Chris

[csxt30]

Hi Chris ! I have an older Atlas B-40 dash 8, & it is a terrific engine, except the horn. It sounds sick ! But the detail & the rest of the Lionel Railsounds are ok. I don't think Lionel gives Atlas the good sounds, it works great in TMCC & conventional, will pull lots of cars with the dual motors, & just has exceptional details like hte rest of most Atlas engines. The ditch lights even alternately flash when you pu***he horn button.
Thanks,

[tmcc man]

Atlas has some of the best quality models out there. Their loco's are compatible with the TMCC system, and have a different speed control (EOB, Engineer On Board) than Lionel's Odyssey system. It is compatible with TMCC, and is made by TrainAmerica Studios. They do have the Lionel Railsounds system as well. The first engine on my list from them is a GP30 in the Reading roadname. The only problem for me is that a most of their Loco's and roling stock require 036 curves, where as I have 031. I may switch to 054 so I can have those locos, and cars, as well as some larger engines. They also have a level of detail that amazes me. The stenciling is so crisp, the rivets are actual rivets, the floorboard detail actually feels like the real thing, I am just blown away by them. The cars as well. This is the reason why I have my working papers in order so I can make the money for all of the stuff I want.

So yes, in my opinion, Atlas would be a great buy.

[dougdagrump]

I have two SD-35's by Atlas. They both have TMCC & RS. Although kinda pricey for new, mine came off E-Bay and I love them.
My newest will be debuted on Tom's "Sunday Photo Fun".

[^][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][tup][^]

[Anonymous]

Don't forget Weaver. I have a MEC RS 11 with Railsounds. It looks great and runs even better. And its minimum is 031!

[dougdagrump]

q, I'm glad you mentioned Weaver. With the demise/absorption of K-Line, I wonder if Weaver will be doing more of the Pacifics that they had done with K-Line. They sure look good and if they are as nice as my K-Line mikados they could be serious contenders in the steam market.

[tmcc man]

Yes, I knew I forgot a company, Weaver. They will be a contender when I finally get the money for the diesels and steamers of my choice. But, the Atlas GP 30 is still on the top of the list.

[jefelectric]

Chris,

On compatability, only MTH engines work with DCS, they do not licence other manufacturers. TMCC will work with Lionel, K-Line, Weaver, Atlas & 3rd Rail that I know of, there are also three companies that make aftermarket conversions for TMCC. Of course both Lionel and MTH are supposed to be working on new versions of there systems to keep things interesting.

[phillyreading]

Have you considered Williams locomotives? Good quality at a more affordable price, not sure if they offer TMCC or other systems. A while back Williams had a nice sound system in thier F7 ABA combinations. The GP-9's are great for pulling many cars, the
S-2 turbine Pennsy is a great puller around 28 frieght cars, the S-2 might pull more but my layout won't permit it.
Also have some K-Line locomtives that I am happy with. Can not say for sure that I will buy any new K-Line now that Lionel took over K-Line.
Lee F.

[spankybird]

QUOTE: Originally posted by jefelectric

Chris,

On compatibility, only MTH engines work with DCS, they do not license other manufacturers. TMCC will work with Lionel, K-Line, Weaver, Atlas & 3rd Rail that I know of, there are also three companies that make aftermarket conversions for TMCC. Of course both Lionel and MTH are supposed to be working on new versions of there systems to keep things interesting.

AS it is true that MTH will not license DCS to other manufacturers, BUT you can buy the up grade kit and have it installed yourself. IT will work with other make engines. [;)]

[AntonioFP45]

I attended a trainshow last year and one of the layouts that attracted a lot of attention had a pair of new O scale Atlas GE units pulling a long train of hoppers loaded with rocks.........real rocks!

The sounds emitted from the locomotives, to me, was crisp and clear: The GE 4 cycle 16 cylinder FDL series diesel, the air compressor, air pop off, and the Nathan K5LA horn all were music to my ears.

[ben10ben]

The only other brand engines I have are from K-line, which of course will soon be Lionel, but there are also plenty of their older offerings out there.

I have a Hudson and a Trainmaster, both of which have TMCC and Railsounds.