IIRC, the older runs were made in Japan while the newer versions were made in China. MR just had an article on installing the TCS CN decoder in the newer version. I just completed mine and the install went fine.
rrinker Try to get a picture, or a look at the loco. The older run is not the same as the newer run. The pictured install from the TCS web site using their decoder shows the 2008 run, not the 2004 run. Although the Atlas web site doesn't seem to make any distinctions. Maybe they are enough alike. The TCS product page doesn't even mention the RS-3 as being suitable for the CN decoder but the product install picture I posted says otherwise. --Randy
Try to get a picture, or a look at the loco. The older run is not the same as the newer run. The pictured install from the TCS web site using their decoder shows the 2008 run, not the 2004 run. Although the Atlas web site doesn't seem to make any distinctions. Maybe they are enough alike. The TCS product page doesn't even mention the RS-3 as being suitable for the CN decoder but the product install picture I posted says otherwise.
--Randy
Valid concern, but the RS 4/5 I put mine is was an older Atls Classic unit. Not sure what year I bought it but I am sure it was before 2004. On some units there are tabs between the notches for the light board and the end that will need to be cut off and filled smooth. Its not that big a deal. You can do it.
John
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Well, it looks like an RS-3 and a TCS CN decoder are on my list.
Thanks so much for your help.
Scott
Or you could try a TCS CN decoder that replaces the 2 piece light boards.
http://www.tcsdcc.com/Customer_Content/Technical_Info/Tech_Manuals/TCS_Book_of_Classic_N_Installations.pdf
Looking at the Digitrax website, the Atlas RS3's need frame milling to fit in a decoder. A DZ123 or DZ143.
Oh, sorry. I should have been more clear. The model is CNW, so according to Atlas, it was made in November of 2004.
How old of one? They've been making various Alco road switchers for years now, the original ones need frame milling, the latest ones are a board swap: http://www.tcsdcc.com/Customer_Content/Installation_Pictures/N_Scale/Atlas/RS3/RS3.htm
Does anyone know if this model is DCC-friendly or not? I'm thinking of purchasing one, but I want to know how much is involved in the conversion process. Are we talking milled frames, etc. or just some soldering?
Thanks,