Atlas BNSF Dash 8

"Got it today. Not complaining, but it needs a lot of work....."

I look forward to your usual outstanding work. I appreciate the extra time and work you go thru to share here!

The engine looks pretty good from here and more like a Master line than a TM model. 

Got mine recently (CSX paint scheme); so I'm going to follow this thread very carefully!!! 

BNSF version is nice too!

jpv in France

This a mess...

Some progress...

Truck distance to wheels is insane... fixed that

A video showing the truck sides tucked in...

Did you change out the decoder for an ESU LOKSound? 

Mine was DCC ready, so I installed it 

Nice, ESU makes fantastic products. I keep a full inventory for all scales and they’re my goto decoder. I also have the ECOs system and I love it

Nice job so far, how much disassembly  was involved to get access to truck side frame screws ?

None, Hibar. Just unscrew with the model upside down

To bring the trucks closer to the wheels...

AmeenTrainGuy posted:

Sorry I had to ask but is that brass? It looks really nice and I can't wait to see any mods/weathering you might do to it.

BTW I just looked at some of your previous content, it all looks outstanding! You just got yourself another follower!

Thanks, Ameen! No, it is not brass. It's plastic. Thanks for the kind words. I post a lot on Instagram too, if you use that you can find me as toalltrains 

SANTIAGOP23 posted:

Got it today. Not complaining, but it needs a lot of work.....

Good looking model! I just bought the UP version for diorama purposes. Other question was, what's the track you're using and the ballast?

something to consider: while MTH's version is a more detailed model, my eyes can tolerate Atlas' version way more than MTH's. The overall effect is better achieved on the Atlas model-----Opinion.

SANTIAGOP23 posted:

something to consider: while MTH's version is a more detailed model, my eyes can tolerate Atlas' version way more than MTH's. The overall effect is better achieved on the Atlas model-----Opinion.

I often feel that even if MTH puts more delish on a model there's just something a tiny bit off about them. 

The windshield wipers cheapen the look on the MTH models, and they are separately applied. The wipers on the Atlas Trainman locomotives are more detailed despite being molded. The pilots are the biggest difference between the 2 models. The Premier has MU hoses whereas the Trainman does not. If it was offered as a Master, then no contest, the Atlas version would make the MTH look like a toy.

Although ProtoSound 3.0 has great features it's not as good as ESU LokSound. With the latter, you can attain better motor control and more accurate sounds.

I read posts about changing sound files on PS2/PS3 locos and it sounds like Chinese arithmetic. With LokSound decoders, it is very easy to change/update sound files and features with the LokProgrammer.

Fully agree, Catnap!

Ive found the windshield wipers on a lot of models to have the effect of cheapening the model or making it look odd. 3 rail models in general have an odd too about them even if you fix the pilot there are other things that give them that "off" look.

I love the LOKSound decoders and they are one of the main reasons I am going to 2 rail. The open endedness of the products really makes them versatile and user friendly. The ability to customize the outputs is fantastic.

The handrails ending short at the corner steps on the MTH model sticks out to me. A typical 3-rail legacy. Yuk - nasty!!

SundayShunter posted:

The handrails ending short at the corner steps on the MTH model sticks out to me. A typical 3-rail legacy. Yuk - nasty!!

shouldn't you be looking at the 2 rail version to compare?

You have to keep in mind that they're building a common model for both the 2-rail and 3-rail markets, so you're going to see some compromises. Even as a mostly (some would argue former) 3-rail operator, I don't think the wheel treads need to be as wide as they are on the 3-rail version, but I don't use "round-top" tubular track.

I have several 2-rail versions of MTH locomotives going back to my first set purchased in 2009. I've thought about moving the side frames, but it requires a high level of precision since the MTH side frames include the brake shoes which just barely clear the scale wheels. I like the addition of a better looking train line hose and MU cables and might do that to mine.

It doesn’t matter whether it’s a 2 or a 3 rail model, it’s the overall impression where the MTH one falls short (despite having more detail)

Engineer-Joe posted:

SundayShunter posted:

The handrails ending short at the corner steps on the MTH model sticks out to me. A typical 3-rail legacy. Yuk - nasty!!

shouldn't you be looking at the 2 rail version to compare?

I was just looking at the posted picture. I've never seen an MTH loco for real - they are extremely rare here in the UK. It also seems very ambiguous whether MTH locos listed as '2-rail' have the full 2-rail treatment - fixed pilots and long handrails, or just a set of 2-rail wheels to replace the 3-rail sets on a 3-rail loco.

Please forgive these posts Santiago. I'm just trying to show what is being discussed. MTH 2 rail model. Stock parts.

Nothing to apologize for, Joe. Thanks for adding to the discussion! 

Hello Sundayshunter, from the other side of the Channel,

MTH engines are very rare here too; but I confirm, they have fixed pilots and long handrails!

jpv in France

Ah, I'm in late to show a 2R model!

Sorry Santiago too!!!

jpv in France

I did all kinds of things to my former MTH models, but was never happy w them so I sold them

I understand. I have this problem in G scale. I prefer to look at those engines from a distance. Up close, they are lacking in correct scale detailing. Out in the backyard running by, they look the part.

 I think you might be the happiest, if you get your hands on a recent OMI or one of Eric's new SD series. If they don't do it, you'll have to model with the real thing.

Added sand lines.  After trying different ways, I went with bent brass...

Engineer-Joe posted:

I understand. I have this problem in G scale. I prefer to look at those engines from a distance. Up close, they are lacking in correct scale detailing. Out in the backyard running by, they look the part.

 I think you might be the happiest, if you get your hands on a recent OMI or one of Eric's new SD series. If they don't do it, you'll have to model with the real thing.

I might think so too, Joe. However, I see my modern short corn syrup train as a more causal endeavor. I have my budget invested on upcoming passenger items from high end brass and Sunset . This is for fun and for trying some new things. Will definitely try weathering it once done, for instance.

there's a crispness to the Atlas mold and castings, that I can't find on the MTH model

What is this little part, Santiago? Is it from PSC?

Thank you in advance

jpv in France

Jpv, it's a residue from a P&D  part (cab sunscreen)

Thank you for your answer. 

jpv 

When looking at the nose of the unit NS has their doors on the left while the models have them on the right.  Does any manufacture make these units with the door on the left side?

Worked my butt off today... Some progress....

To be able to solder the brass sand lines, I had to glue a copper tab to the bottom of the truck...