N Scale Yard Switcher

[Anonymous]

Can anyone reccomend an N scale yard switcher that is either DCC ready or available DCC already installed? Road doesn't matter a whole lot at this point but CSX would be nice.

[retsignalmtr]

i've been using some atlas gp7's, lifelike gp20's and atlas gp38's to switch in my yard. they are not dcc ready except for the gp38's which are decoder ready. i will be sending the metal frames to aztec to mill a slot for the decoders on the gp7's and 20's. i have purchased the digitrax super empire builder and some decoders for the gp38's. they are all good slow speed runners, good for switching. i've seen them all in csx livery but i don't know about availability as i bought them some time ago. i also just purchased the atlas u25b's with decoders already in. also good runners are the atlas rs1's and rs3's.

[Bikerdad]

Atlas VO1000 w/ factory DCC. Might be a bit tough to find, but that's the only one I know of that's factory installed.

Depending on how soon you need it, the upcoming Atlas MP15 and the ConCor MP15 may be DCC ready and/or equipped.

[Anonymous]

Be aware of the VO1000. It has mixed reviews and from the posts that I read, a hit or miss thing. It's not made in your typical Atlas China factory. It's a Korean made loco. The good ones run will but if you happen to get a bad one....

[Wdlgln005]

The only other small switcher is the LL, but they are not DCC ready.
There may be milled frames for them.

I hear that the Atlas H115-16's make good switchers.
You may find one with DCC. similar to their small GP's.

[Anonymous]

I bought two (2) VO1000 WP & SP and had my hobby shop install Lenz decoders and a flashing beacon. Excellent runners and great slow speed. Just need a switching layout to put them to work.

[Anonymous]

Kato also has great switchers, I have a RS1 that runs fine,I also have a Atlas RS1 that is great too, I use those for my switching needs.And they are both DCC compatible. They are in "N"scale. Look up buynscale.com you should e able to fine the loco you want.MY layout is modern era(eventhough I have the RS1,s) I could not find a SW12 anywhere,I was told to look up this website and "whatta ya know" I hope this helps.
HAPPY MODELRAILROADING:)

[brokemoto]

I have numerous copies of the Atlas Baldwin. It is the best running N scale yard goat out there. I have yet to get a bad one.

There are those who complain that it is noisy. It is, at forty SMPH or higher. There things rarely ran at speeds greater than twenty-five MPH, so the noise is really a non-problem.

Some of the body parts are not the best-fitting and do be careful if you pick it up by the hood.

Others have complained about installing the handrails. I have had a few where the railing did not want to go into the hole provided for it. I simply opened it up. If I went to far, a discreet drop (and a VER-RY discreet one , at that) of MicroScale window stuff will hold it in place.

[Anonymous]

I have to vote for the Atlas RS-1. Railroads use older units for switching duty. I have seen pictures of an SD-7 used for switching. A GP-38

[Anonymous]

My computer messed up. I was saying that a GP38 would do well. I have watched NS use one in its yard in Nitro,WV. Kanawha Valley Terminal, in Ceredo/Kenova, WV., uses two GP40s among other engines.