So, I picked up an Atlas F3 powered A unit, (Missouri Pacific). It is real nice, very pleased. It has TMCC and operates the front coupler in command mode.
I do not have the dummy A or B unit. Does the dummy units have regular plunger type uncouplers that operate with a magnetic uncoupler track?.
Do the dummy A units have lights?
I will be keeping an eye out for the dummy Mopac A unit!
T hanks, Dan
Thanks, Dan
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Good luck in your search Dan - I obtained a non-powered GM&O A unit several years ago and began a search for the matching powered A. Asked here, 'watched' Atlas F3s on eBay, and tried to buy a cab from Atlas. All to no avail. Along the way I obtained a Santa Fe F3 A powered unit that was beautiful. Didn't match the GM&O however so I kept looking.
Finally, after about two years, Bill at Atlas came up with a GM&O cab and sent it to me. I pulled the Warbonnett shell and painted the silver chassis, trucks, and pilot. At last I had a proper AA pair.
Yes, the dummy should have lights but I don't remember about the magnetic coupler but probably does.
Hope you can find yours much quicker! 
Atlas dummy units typically come with electro-couplers that are not connected. Most of them, but not all, also have pickup rollers. With a TMCC accessory board from Electric RR Co. it is fairly easy to add lighting and establish operating TMCC couplers in an Atlas unit.
Good luck in your search Dan - I obtained a non-powered GM&O A unit several years ago and began a search for the matching powered A. Asked here, 'watched' Atlas F3s on eBay, and tried to buy a cab from Atlas. All to no avail. Along the way I obtained a Santa Fe F3 A powered unit that was beautiful. Didn't match the GM&O however so I kept looking.
Finally, after about two years, Bill at Atlas came up with a GM&O cab and sent it to me. I pulled the Warbonnett shell and painted the silver chassis, trucks, and pilot. At last I had a proper AA pair.
Yes, the dummy should have lights but I don't remember about the magnetic coupler but probably does.
Hope you can find yours much quicker!
I always wondered how you scored that powered A. Good for you! I am still looking for another A powered or dummy. There was a two rail version on eBay awhile back. I should have just grabbed that one.
Offered Aug. 5th 2009, from the Atlas Website. A&B units powered 513, 513B and 515. 515B.
There were two offering unpowered 514 and 516 both the A and B units. Offerings don't show what got to production.
Well, timing is everything!
The new issue of OGR, Run 273, has a review of the newest Atlas F3's. Looks like the "B" units just have dummy couplers while the dummy "A" unit does have an electro coupler, but it does not have anything to power it.
Also in the same issue is an article on how to power that electro coupler on the dummy "A" unit. Add "The Electric RR Co." Mini Commander EX board. Just program it to your remote and now you can uncouple from either end of an A-A consist.
Dan
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