I own mostly Atlas locos, and most of them run great. However, I had one silver series GP-38 that ran like crap after I plugged a decoder into the factory light board. The throttle would respond erratically and it would often runaway. I had to desolder the capacitors on the factory light board to make it run properly.
At our club we have Atlas engines that are over 35 years old and still running great. Can't say that about any other brand. We have most problems with Proto engines, even the new ones.
Another vote for Atlas, I have an RS32 (old stock DCC ready) that runs beautifully.
Other locos around $150: Visit TrainWorld.com and see what's on sale. You can often find DCC-ready Athearns and Walthers for $90 and sound-equipped locos (Walthers, Athearn) in the $150 range. Just bought an Athearn RTR SD40-2 (I know, that's six axles, not four) for $139 -- regular price, not on sale. Keep an eye on the Walthers.com sale page as well. Not long ago I nabbed a Bachman FA and FB, sound and DCC, for less than $90 apiece (one from TW, one from Walthers). If you're patient, the deals are out there!
graymatterMexico? Does Atlas still make anything in Mexico?
Part of a release from Con-Cor, under the Atlas name. Just one of a few sources out there on the subject:
http://tycotrain.tripod.com/atlashoscaletrainscollectorsresource/
You need to see the markings on the bottom of the trucks. Atlas/Rocco from Austria locos run fine, from Japan, it's made by Kato. Usually go for $20 - $40 or more, than Austria made.
Mike.
My You Tube
Mexico? Does Atlas still make anything in Mexico?
PC101So look over the "bargins'' closely.
What I look for, and ask for if the seller doesn't show it, or state it in the description, is the marking on the bottom of the trucks. Austria, or Japan. If it's completely, and sometimes crudely, "scratched" out, and not legible, it's from Mexico.
I have a small collection of yellow box locos.
Atlas is my dominating brand of diesels. FYI, watch the early yellow box they have molded on grab bars (if it would matter), later manufactured Atlas will have seperately applied grab bars. Watch early yellow box RS3, couplers mounted on the plastic/deck, will flex some. So look over the "bargins'' closely.
I agree with all on the quality of Atlas. I have several, from the old yellow box to Classic and they are all very good running locos.
I have a few Atlas engines ( mostly FM Trainmasters ) and they run great. On par with my Stewart/Kato engines.
I have an Atlas GP 38-2 all I had to do was pop the top panel plug in the decoder and off it went very smooth runnin.
Joe Staten Island West
I have a Pan Am Railways GP40-2 with QSI decoder and two speakers standing in an A frame aluminum support. Very nice loco. I sometimes see the prototype in Northampton, Ma.
Rich
If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.
I have two CN GP40-2(W)s. Its tough to beat the Silver series. Nice detail and drivetrain, with operating front LED ditch lights. The newest Gold version has a brand of onBoard sound decoder that I don't care for, but that is a matter of preference.
Edit: I like the QSI sound decoder in the older run.
- Douglas
Atlas is top-notch. The Atlas Trainman line RS-32 I bought at a flea market for I think $25-30 is one of the quietest, smoothest running engines I have.
I have some 40 year old Atlas/Roco S4s and they still run like a swiss watch as does my Classic and Silver Atlas engines.
You can not beat Atlas locomotives for quality and price.
Larry
Conductor.
Summerset Ry.
"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt Safety First!"
I think my Atlas GP-38 is my favorite locomotive.
Chip
Building the Rock Ridge Railroad with the slowest construction crew west of the Pecos.
Gotta agree with Tom and Mike. You cannot go wrong with Atlas diesels.
Alton Junction
I agree. I have a couple of the Master series, with the dual mode decoder, no sound, and they run great.
I think the Master series is an earlier release date, according to their web site. Which, by the way, their web site has a great deal of info for diagrams, part numbers, and such.
EDIT: Some other locos to check out, Athearn, Kato, Proto 2000, Walthers, just to name a few.
I have a few Atlas Silver diesels: HH660s, RS-3s, S2, MP15AC, and an H16-44. They are all very fine runners. The Gold series comes with sound and the Silver series is DCC-ready. All you need with the Atlas Silver is to install your own decoder.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
Does anyone have experience with the atlas silver line locomotives? Been thinking about getting a CN GP40-2(W) Also what are some other good 4 axle locos that are around $150?