I am looking into getting an Atlas Genset. Anything I should know about the product before I buy? Also, if you have one I would like to hear any comments you have about it.
Acela
The timbers beneath the rails are not the only ties that bind on the railroad. --Robert S. McGonigal
I have one and may get another one, not quite sure. Mine has run flawlessly and is quiet, which is expected for an Atlas loco. There was some problems with the first run regarding a set of capacitors messing with some DCC system, but I resolved it by removing the capacitors before I installed a DCC decoder.
Will
I have at Genset, CSX 1300, and I got it when they first came out and I love it. I was into switching prior but now I can make a day of it having it running around my layout picking up and dropping off loads. I put in a digitrax DCC chip and have had no problems with it. Wish I could find another one!
Is it relatively easy to install a decoder into one? (No sound) I did see that they have a "NMRA 8-pin plug for DCC"
Post #100!
Mine was pretty easy to install. Just remove the dummy plug and install the decoder. Mine is equipped with a TCS DP5.
Acela026 Is it relatively easy to install a decoder into one? (No sound) I did see that they have a "NMRA 8-pin plug for DCC" Acela Post #100!
Depends on how hard you want to make it. some sound decoders come with an 8pin on them, others will have to be soldered, which isn't all that hard but it's not as easy as "plug N Play". Also, I've read people who had sound nbot as crisp because of those crapacitors, we'll see on the second release.
-Morgan
I don't have one, but I've held a couple in my hand as a couple guys at my club bought them. They look pretty nice to me as a non-expert.
The one piece of advice I can give you is to NOT buy the MRC sound decoder for the Genset. Besides being of poor quality, it doesn't even use actual Genset recordings. Instead of 3 small prime movers, the recordings are of an Alco 539 (from the 1930's) or an EMD 710 (from the 1980's).
Real NRE Genset:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jw89SjyHhgoMRC Sound Decoder (with EMD 710 option...note the whining turbo sound):http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTQ2YAyjKGs
MRC Sound Decoder (with Alco 539 option...note the chugging Alco sound):http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JXJHFdq9X_A
To be fair, they don't advertize that they used real Genset recordings, but they certainly lead you to believe that they did. "3-Distinct Prime Mover Sounds – 3-non-sync motor sounds… “Just Like The Real GenSet Locomotive” - MRC website
Paul A. Cutler III
"one piece of advice I can give you is ti NOT get an MRC sound decoder..."
Who makes a good sound decoder? (Preferably under $85)
Who makes a good sound decoder for the Genset? Nobody, yet. Soundtraxx says they are working on one.
Who makes a good sound decoder in general under $85? Soundtraxx Tsunamis are pretty good. Those are the only sound decoders I have.
The next run have a delivery date of August 2011.
http://www.atlastrainman.com/HOLoco/tmhogenset.htm
Springfield PA
Ok-I've been sucessfully convinced. I have the money saved up to buy one from trainworldonline.com , I am debating between UP & CSX. UP had the first one, but CSX has great colors-I like the roads equally. Decisions, decisions... I'll probaly end up with a BNSF model anyway I'll post photos when I get it!
Should I wait until the second run or should I order it now? I guess I don't need one right away if the second run would have some improvements. When would you expect an "overstock" website (trainworldonline.com is where I plan to order it from) to have the second run in stock?
Well, I'm gonna do it this weekend and I'll let you know when she arrives! I'm getting the UP #2732. It will be like an early! Only you have to pay for it.
Acela, you will like it a lot, it's very nice. Happy B-Day
I have the BNSF Genset, and stupidly I got the MRC decoder for it, and it's complete crap. Not only are the sounds not like a Genset, but the running characterisics are horrible. I will never buy another MRC anything again.
I'll replace it when somebody else comes out with a Genset decoder. Any word on this yet? Soundtraxx or QSI? Why is it taking so long, or will they ever produce one?
Michael
CEO- Mile-HI-RailroadPrototype: D&RGW Moffat Line 1989
Hi...
I have 4 of these from the first run and they run great(Its an Atlas) and I've installed decoders without any problems ,but there were a lot of issues with the capacitors on the 1st run.
Since Atlas has announced a re-run, I'd opt for the newer ones if I were you. Whatever the problems were on the 1st issue, they will be worked out of the 2nd run for sure.
Just a note that except for the NS versions, the 2nd run will offer new road#s.
Wish you the best in your purchase.
HF1
If you can get one of the first run you should be ok if using DCC. DC users had issues with some controllers because of the capacitors. Being young I'd assume you'll do that.
If you decide to wait here's a link that shows the status. When you see the container date show up it's getting close. Otherwise as of now the ship date is August which means on the shelf in Sept.
http://www.atlasrr.com/ordership.htm
Heritagefleet1 Hi... I have 4 of these from the first run and they run great(Its an Atlas) and I've installed decoders without any problems ,but there were a lot of issues with the capacitors on the 1st run. Since Atlas has announced a re-run, I'd opt for the newer ones if I were you. Whatever the problems were on the 1st issue, they will be worked out of the 2nd run for sure. Just a note that except for the NS versions, the 2nd run will offer new road#s. Wish you the best in your purchase. HF1
Also new roads. I have one NRE Demo engine on order and two undecs from the second run. That Army engine is purty too.
Yup...the Army one looks real good. Forgot to mention the new roads.. thanks for the correction.
Hamltnblue If you can get one of the first run you should be ok if using DCC. DC users had issues with some controllers because of the capacitors. Being young I'd assume you'll do that. If you decide to wait here's a link that shows the status. When you see the container date show up it's getting close. Otherwise as of now the ship date is August which means on the shelf in Sept. http://www.atlasrr.com/ordership.htm
Great...more indecision! I can wait if I decide to get a second run. I have an extension planned and am also saving up for a Power Cab, so I can work on that in the meantime. Hmmm......give me a night and I'll know in the morning. Then again, I have been drooling over that MoPac SD70ACe...
The SD70 is an entirely different loco wiht different use. It also takes larger radius turns and turnouts to run smoothly. Another thing is if it's the athearn model I personally would stay away. I've seen and heard of many problems with them. Everything from warped trucks to incorrect wiring on the DCC plug.