Atlas 2-8-0

@Brian DeFazio posted:

Anybody doing any custom runs???

Atlas said NO for this first-run but we have our requests in for the second run.  We are excited since this 2-8-0 Consolidation tooling was our first "custom-run"  locomotive with Weaver Models long before "custom run" locomotives was popular with other dealers.

@JR Junction Train & Hobby posted:

Atlas said NO for this first-run but we have our requests in for the second run.  We are excited since this 2-8-0 Consolidation tooling was our first "custom-run"  locomotive with Weaver Models long before "custom run" locomotives was popular with other dealers.

Ok, thanks!  Willl definitely be interesting to see what comes down the road.   The Southern 630 is sharp looking though.   Very tempting. 

Yes these are identical to the Bachmann HO/ N tooling.

Here's a quick clip of the new Atlas 2-8-0 I took today at the Atlas booth in the Orange Hall at York.  IMHO it's a great looking engine!  

Anyone know if the 2-rail version is switchable to 3-rail operation -- i.e., Proto 3/2? I'm interested in the engine and if the one with scale wheels goes both ways, I'd prefer that one.

Good question Matt. If I had thought of it I would have asked the guys at the Atlas booth at York but my guess since it is former Weaver tooling not MTH it probably won’t be 3/2 convertible.

I placed my pre-order for the (2 rail) NYC version with Mr. Muffin when I got home from York.

This is an Atlas locomotive, not MTH. Atlas never offered the 3-2 switch and has historically sold either a 2 rail or 3 rail version of their locomotives. Guessing this one will follow suit. It would be nice to see the 3-2 feature on Atlas products but doubtful it will ever happen as they market the 2 rail stuff to guys like me that prefer true "scale" models. I've got a 2 rail B&M ordered through Mr Muffins and anxiously await delivery!

What's strange about this one is that it's going to be equipped with Proto-3. The voltage delivery is really irrelevant, just whether the locomotive has the mountings for pickup rollers. Apparently the 2-rail Trainman Diesels do and some have converted them to Proto 3-2.

Has Atlas made any comments on the chuff rate on the pre-productuon model? I am hoping that is somethig they will work on for the production run - 3 chuffs per revolution just doesnt work.

@MissingME&WV posted:

Has Atlas made any comments on the chuff rate on the pre-productuon model? I am hoping that is somethig they will work on for the production run - 3 chuffs per revolution just doesnt work.

It has DCS you can adjust the chuff rate to anything you want

Is UP the only western road, and what dealers are taking orders?

@Mark V. Spadaro posted:

Please be aware, as you plunk down your $720, that this is the current Atlas warranty for zinc pest:

From a previous thread l posted:

I contacted Atlas, and I was told since my items were over 10 years old, I would not be granted any price consideration by them. In fact my protestation led the management to draft a policy specifically directed at zinc pest damages. See below:

Warranty determinations need to be specific to the condition under consideration.

For the deteriorating zinc situation that Bill and Don have submitted, Atlas will cover the truck/chassis part without charge for up to three years, following manufacture date, dependent on part(s) currently availability.

Over three years, Atlas will supply the part, if currently available, for an original warranty registered product. If not registered the customer can purchase the part if available at the standard parts rate.

After 5 years from the manufactured date, Atlas will supply the part if available at the standard parts rate.

You’re on the Right Track…with Atlas®️

Thomas W Haedrich

Executive Chairman

Atlas Model Railroad Co Inc

908-687-0880 ext. 7018

It’s unlikely zinc rot will show up before 5 years, so this is just feel good hyperbole. Won’t cost Atlas a cent.

based on this the Atlas warranty is mostly useless.

@MissingME&WV posted:

Has Atlas made any comments on the chuff rate on the pre-productuon model? I am hoping that is somethig they will work on for the production run - 3 chuffs per revolution just doesnt work.

In the catalog live stream they said it would be adjusted to 4.

Some of the original TAS, Train America Studio, electronic drives, had Adjustable chuff rates, even for diesels. IMO: When you have small drivers, trying to do, four chuffs per revolution, except for very slow speed, it all becomes a sound blurrrrr.  Again IMO.   Have fun, Mike CT.

Before TAS, there was another sound system ??? (Ed Bender)???, that used a small reed switch and magnet(s) imbedded in a driver, to trigger the chuff.

@Mike CT posted:

Before TAS, there was another sound system ??? (Ed Bender)???, that used a small reed switch and magnet(s) imbedded in a driver, to trigger the chuff.

Digital Dynamics was Ed Bender's company. AFAIK, DD never had a cruise product, just TMCC.

Before I came up with the Chuff-Generator, I used magnets glued to the drivers to generate the chuff, but it was a kludge.  A few folks I saw actually countersunk the magnets into the drivers.  I think Pete @Norton may have done that a time or two, I was never that ambitious.

I considered magnets but one of my alternate methods is using an optical sensor and white lines on the drivers. Pretty sure both Alex M and Norm C have used magnets though.

Only place I have used magnets were on tender wheels before going to engine chuff switches.

I did do a couple of Digital Dynamics installs on a pair of Williams F3s. They were my first TMCC upgrades in fact. Shame he was pushed aside by Lionel as he had some innovative products.

Pete

I'm happy to see Atlas doing 2-rail steam locomotives.  Is the production tender going to be plastic or die cast?  Also, if the model is based on an Illinois Central prototype, how about an Illinois Central model, Atlas?

@Mike CT posted:

Some of the original TAS, Train America Studio, electronic drives, had Adjustable chuff rates, even for diesels. IMO: When you have small drivers, trying to do, four chuffs per revolution, except for very slow speed, it all becomes a sound blurrrrr.  Again IMO.   Have fun, Mike CT.

Before TAS, there was another sound system ??? (Ed Bender)???, that used a small reed switch and magnet(s) imbedded in a driver, to trigger the chuff.

Agree completely with Mike. I have selected the 3 chuff setting for my mth steam, so as to avoid the machine gun staccato of 4 chuffs. A happy medium and my ears appreciate it.

@Norton posted:

I considered magnets but one of my alternate methods is using an optical sensor and white lines on the drivers. Pretty sure both Alex M and Norm C have used magnets though.

I tinkered with the optical sensors and reflective patches on the drivers, but positioning the sensor was always a custom fit, and I didn't like it hanging under the locomotive, they didn't always fit inside where you could see the driver.

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

I tinkered with the optical sensors and reflective patches on the drivers, but positioning the sensor was always a custom fit, and I didn't like it hanging under the locomotive, they didn't always fit inside where you could see the driver.

Its not my go to method but works well on Pullmor Steamers due to frame geometry and some brass engines where adding a cam is a PITA. Also some MTH engines. I used a optical sensor on my MTH Blunami Hudson as milling out the frame would have required major disassembly.

Pete