I have been wondering, how well do the atlas tmcc locomotives run? Do they compare to mth premier? Also how good are the sounds on them?
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Originally Posted by NSRailfan100:
I have been wondering, how well do the atlas tmcc locomotives run?
They run excellently.
Do they compare to mth premier?
Just as well.
Also how good are the sounds on them?
Obviously the sound packages in Atlas models is at the mercy of the Lionel licensing agreements, so the various features that MTH has would not be in the Atlas models. However, when it comes to diesel sounds, pretty much any model should provide the correct engine sound, a horn and a bell.
You have opened the can of worms. I have learned that the MTH folks are staunch defenders of their items. I am unwilling to spend the money required to have both Legacy/TMCC and DCS. Since TMCC was made available to Atlas, Weaver, and I can retrofit, it is and easy choice. However, the older TMCC apparently lacks some of the features that make others drool. My older Atlas (around 7-10 years) function fine but don't expect the sounds and finite control from the newer Legacy or DCS equipment. For me the control and sounds are sufficient and I like the level of detail Atlas provides. Others will likely differ in their opinions and from the outside looking in MTH has a leg up on features but I cannot be bothered with investing in two different systems.
necrails,
Yea I thought the same way for years, only running DCS, then Lionel came out with FT Command Control switches, and now I have both DCS & Legacy, just wait the advanced engineering bug will finally bite you, and you will decide to run both, it does open some great doors for layout expansion.
PCRR/Dave
Originally Posted by NSRailfan100:
I have been wondering, how well do the atlas tmcc locomotives run? Do they compare to mth premier? Also how good are the sounds on them?
Atlas TMCC locomotives that have the EOB cruise are very smooth runners -- especially under Legacy control. TMCC locomotives in general perform a bit smoother when using Legacy vs. the original TMCC w/CAB1 configuration Detail level is excellent, and many Atlas-O locomotives from years ago still hold a candle to those produced today in terms of attention to detail.
Sounds tend to be good considering Atlas (and others like 3rd Rail and Weaver) are dependent upon the sound-package that Lionel chooses to license them. They will lack the raw dynamic range that a native Lionel Legacy locomotives has. But if you're planning to run multiple trains on your layout, the ambient train noise tends to mitigate that to a large degree in all but the quietest running layouts. I find Atlas-O's attention to detail outweighs the fact they don't have the latest Legacy sound gimmicks. The Atlas-O TMCC locomotives with EOB cruise on the secondary market are a great bang for the buck.
David
This is an Atlas GP7 with (4) Atlas SW9's. The SW9's do not have speed control but probably the best horizontal drive available. Detail is exceptional on these models. Atlas also provides undecorated models for custom painting. Click on the triangle to access a video.
I have several Atlas units.
FYI: I bought an Atlas GP-7 new when they first came out. Beautiful. Ran great.
It did have a real problem with a constant buzzing coming out of the speaker, even with the sound turned off. I sent it to Atlas and they couldn't do anything about it. I sold the loco off the buzzing bothered me so much... I didn't get my brand new loco fixed and lost money. I have heard they have since fixed this issue, but they never even acknowledged it was a problem on my loco.
First and last new Atlas loco purchase.
Mrnabisco,
Got to admit I have no diesel Atlas engines never knew there had been a problem at one time with them, my little steamer works perfectly.
PCRR/Dave
