Atlas RS3 less than satisfying

[peteski]

Sir, this is a family web site 

OOPS!   

[robertjohndavis]

Jeesh....when did this turn from "Model railroading" to "Open the box, put it on the rails railroading."

The second “R” in RTR isn’t repair.

I expect a $200 RTR locomotive to run (properly maintained) for years.

[Dave V]

Sir, this is a family web site 

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you and I are in the same camp. Brand new locomotives get torn down, over oiling and grease is cleaned up, and proper amounts applied, then strait to wheel cleaning, Even before programming. After wheels are clean, then it gets programmed, and break in time with a small consist.

For locos that have sat a long time, pretty much same process, minus programming, and break in running.

I always felt this was just common maintenance, and it seems to work, given I have several locomotives, Mostly Katos and Atlas, that are 25 to 30 years old, that still run great.

I don't generally "tear down" a new locomotive unless I'm doing a DCC install. If I can't get performance up to snuff, I'll consider and perform a tear-down on a case-by-case basis, usually when I have a reasonable idea of what the problem likely is. The the majority of my locomotives are steam, so disassembly takes considerably more care in my experience than it does with a diesel.

IMHO, a new locomotive shouldn't need a full teardown. A wheel cleaning and some break-in running for sure. If your standard operating procedures include tear-downs as a matter of routine, you certainly have my respect. I would argue, though, that if it's necessary, the manufacturer didn't quite finish the job.

[Lackawannae8]

send it in to atlas but make sure you call Wilson and tell him your sending it to him to warranty. postmark it as Attn: Wilson. Ive had to send back I think 10-12 new run engines in the past 2-3 years and he has taken care of me.

[bman]

Jeesh....when did this turn from "Model railroading" to "Open the box, put it on the rails railroading."

I'm guessing when DCC and sound became the norm whenever that was. I run DC at home. I've too many non-drop in mechanisms to switch over. I've purchased a couple DCC equipped Atlas locos that ran sluggishly on our DCC club layout. Taken it home and put a standard DC board in it and it runs fine on.DC. I put the decoder onto another mechanism and that one ran fine on my loop of Kato track and a Zephyr I have on hand if I need it. Am I motivated enough to investigate why that was? NOPE.  Not one bit. Both locos run well where I want them to. I am a happy guy.

[Maletrain]

Sir, this is a family web site 

They must think I have a strange family, considering the buxom cougar ads usually appearing on top and bottom my screen.  Latest is "Brandi Passante, 45, Flaunts Her Huge Size In Latest Photos"  They seem to have a lot of "brass", but I'm not sure about the "bras".

[peteski]

They must think I have a strange family, considering the buxom cougar ads usually appearing on top and bottom my screen.  Latest is "Brandi Passante, 45, Flaunts Her Huge Size In Latest Photos"  They seem to have a lot of "brass", but I'm not sure about the "bras".

Judging by the smiley Ed included at the end of his post, I'm fairly certain that the prudish statement he made was with his tongue firmly in his cheek, and this entire typical OT diversion is pretty darn funny.

[Olivani]

Step 4 "Demand a forum do your research for you and then never thank them." 

Hahaha, but I just did, well, yesterday   

[Dupesy]

send it in to atlas but make sure you call Wilson and tell him your sending it to him to warranty. postmark it as Attn: Wilson. Ive had to send back I think 10-12 new run engines in the past 2-3 years and he has taken care of me.

10+ returns in a couple years?  What issues have you encountered?  Out of the 120+ Atlas engines I have I've had one issue, with the latest GP-20 motor.