its 0530 EST and i was wondering if anyone out there could tell me if an atlas sw-9 which i read has tmcc only and no eng on board will operate as good as a similar sized MTH switcher when it comes down to creeping along at the absoulute minimum speed you can get an mth to go? I like to switch cars in a prototipical manner so it must run very SLOW!!!!!! anybody??? thanks conrail john
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I have two - a Conrail and a Raritan River, both purchased brand new - I run both using Legacy with TMCC. The Raritan River SW runs more smoothly than my Conrail version. I think the Conrail is from the original run and the Raritan River a later run, and I've noticed an improvement in the response and speed overall - especially low speeds in switching. I don't have any MTH locos to compare to, but they are as good as my Lionel Legacy Alco S switcher.
I have two Atlas SW-9s, the early Boston and Maine version and the green Maine Central. Although the sounds leave something to be desired, they operate well with the TMCC I have on my layout. Nice slow speed runners.
I have a UP version, fairly recent version. Good sounds for a small engine, runs very well. I find Atlas engines to be as good as or better than any.
John,
The Atlas diesel switchers are excellent running engines- great for smooth switching moves.
But, of course, since they don't have cruise control, they will slow down on grades and tight curves. Speed is not "locked in" through all conditions, as with a PS2 or Odyssey engine.
Jim
I'm a bit partial to this group of SW9. They seem to work well on a small layout even though there is no speed control. Click on the image to access a Photobucket video. Note the unusual beat associated with several sound systems at once. 
At the end of this video is another set of Atlas SW9's
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