I am considering purchasing a CSX MP 15AC road engine with a decoder and sound. The two brands on the market are Atlas and Athern Genesis. Does anyone have any experience with either of these locomotives and their performance aspects? Any feedback would be appreciated.
Larry
Hi,
I heard that you can pull more cars with the Atlas model. Plus, it's more quiet.
Sincerely,
Chris
camaro wrote: I am considering purchasing a CSX MP 15AC road engine with a decoder and sound. The two brands on the market are Atlas and Athern Genesis. Does anyone have any experience with either of these locomotives and their performance aspects? Any feedback would be appreciated. Larry
FWIW the Athearn is a MP-15AC, the Atlas one is an MP-15DC. Two different versions of the same engine - or two different engines, depending on how you look at it.
So if you want a CSX MP-15AC you'll need to get an Athearn one, although Atlas does make a CSX MP-15DC.
I saw that Athearn engine at this year's Trainfest in Milwaukee in November. It is an exquisite model, one of the nicest ones they have done. I did not see it run during the times I was near their booth but even if I had, there is enough ambient noise at Trainfest that I would not be able to register any opinion about its noise level.
Dave Nelson
Thanks to everyone who responded. I didn't know they were different. It appears that there are more of the CSX Athearn available than the Atlas.
davidmbedard wrote: crisco1 wrote: Hi, I heard that you can pull more cars with the Atlas model. Plus, it's more quiet. Sincerely, ChrisI dont think so. I have test run a multitide of both units, I have to say that the Athearn is the quietest loco I have heard run in years. The Athean model and the Atlas model are 2 different locomotives. So you will have to decide which one you want.David B
crisco1 wrote: Hi, I heard that you can pull more cars with the Atlas model. Plus, it's more quiet. Sincerely, Chris
I dont think so. I have test run a multitide of both units, I have to say that the Athearn is the quietest loco I have heard run in years.
The Athean model and the Atlas model are 2 different locomotives. So you will have to decide which one you want.
David B
David, I assume you're talking about WITHOUT the sound decoder, right? Is that MRC they put in those worth taking a chance on? I really like the looks of the Athearn unit, but don't know if I should give the one with sound a try or not.
davidmbedard wrote: I would AVOID the Athearn unit with the MRC decoder. I have had customers return them ALREADY!!!!!David B
I would AVOID the Athearn unit with the MRC decoder. I have had customers return them ALREADY!!!!!
David,
What NCE decoder would you suggest for the Athearn MP15AC loco?
When were they first released?
I received an Atlas (sound/dcc) MP15 for Christmas from the wife. It runs great with good sound quality. I have not looked at the Athearn units, but the major part of my locomotive fleet are Athearn units.
JIM
Jim, Modeling the Kansas City Southern Lines in HO scale.
I have been unsucessful finding any Atlas CSX units with sound. There seem to be plenty of Athearn units available. I wonder if that says something about the MRC decoder. I like the looks of the Athearn, but I don't want to spend that kind of money just to turn around and replace the MRC decoder. If anyone comes across a Atlas CSX loco/sound let me know.
Try looking at this URL for your CSX MP-15 with sound.http://www.mainlinehobby.com/in_stock_locomotives_atlas.htm
I have an Atlas MP-15 with Sound and it's great. I have also purchased locos from this Hobby Shop and they are good too.
Short,
Thank you for the heads up on the website. It looks pretty detailed.