Atlas TMCC to PS3

Following this.  I'm thinking about doing the same to a GP60m...

You can keep the lights if they're LEDs. Just figure out the polarity of them before you reconnect.

Rip it all out and rewire. I did a dash 8 with PS2 years ago, it wasnt that bad.  It took a standard tach reader tape size, but needed a reader with a spacer (a standard MTH part, just not the reader in the upgrade kit) for it to pick up the stripes.

Depending on the Atlas model, you may have to get creative with the lighting as they might have a PCB with multiple LED's on it.  The PS/3 diesel kit comes with a ton of discrete 3mm LED's on wiring harnesses.

You will have some tight areas to clear and if it has smoke you need to modify for PS-2/3.  I have done several and they are excellent runners.  The above on the LED lights is correct.  Some model had alternating led depending on motor direction.  Take it out.  I would also replace the HL/RL though they could be used.  G

@GGG did an Atlas SD40 for me several years ago (TMCC conversion to PS2, as PS3 wasn't released yet) and I can attest it turned out great and runs great.  George & GRJ know their stuff!

It's rumored that the 2nd run of Atlas F3s, and perhaps some road switchers got a lower (numerically higher) gear ratio to improve their slow-speed operation.

Every MTH diesel that I've ever measured has motors geared 10.5:1 to the wheels, so that's what the sound/personality files are programmed for.  If the Atlas is different, Hobo will have to adjust the tach tape striping if he wants accurate scale speed, or to lashup with other MTH locos.

It would be nice to know whether Atlas really did change the gear ratio on their later runs.  Also, whether said change was limited to the 2-rail versions because that audience complained the loudest.  Something to consider as part of this conversion.