New Atlas C424s

[tehachapifan]

Is there any logical reason why Atlas keeps flipping between using ESU and Soundtraxx decoders in various recently released models?  Seems kind of schizo to me.

This is a great question that I am also interested in hearing the answer to.

[wmcbride]

Is there any logical reason why Atlas keeps flipping between using ESU and Soundtraxx decoders in various recently released models?  Seems kind of schizo to me.

Soundtraxx probably offered them a less expensive cost on their decoder and Atlas may have wanted to keep their options open with competition between suppliers.

That said, I prefer the programmability etc of Loksound. Sorry Soundtraxx...

[robert3985]

On the other hand, I prefer Soundtraxx for steam and ESU for diesel.

No apologies to either.  Soundtraxx just sounds better for steam for my applications, and ESU sounds better for diesels.  Operationally, I don't see any big-deal difference between them.

Cheerio!
Bob Gilmore

[Lackawannae8]

Not sure If I missed but is it NXT18 or E24?

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Could've sworn the same thing. Pre-ordered the RDG units with sound, but dont want SoundTraxx.

The S.

Right? Eh, no biggie. I didn't pre-order.

I'm trying to decide what I want. Do I want to go all in and get an EL and a Reading one? Probably...

In that case, it's kinda nice being able to get em now and get decoders when I'm ready.

[haasmarc]

Do I want to go all in and get an EL and a Reading one? Probably...

Now Ed, don't you go defacing another Reading loco   

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Now Ed, don't you go defacing another Reading loco   

I can't help myself. lol.

No joke, I was pawing through my stash of projects last night thinking "I really want to patch something tonight".

I ended up swapping the sound RS3 mech under my RS11 instead. But I've got the itch.

[wmcbride]

I need another engine like a hole in the head but I am sorely tempted to get a Silver Reading ... most likely to patch!

Now how to add scale drip rails ... ?

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Now how to add scale drip rails ... ?

I usually use tiny music wire.

[Point353]

I can't help myself. lol.

No joke, I was pawing through my stash of projects last night thinking "I really want to patch something tonight".

Is it still a patch job without the patches?

https://rr-fallenflags.org/cr/cr2496ccd.jpg

[haasmarc]

I received mine today from Lombard Hobbies.  They run really well so far.  I got the silver version and installed ESU 58928's and they fit fine.

Surprisingly, they have MT 1015's on them.  I didn't think Atlas would get them on their locos that fast.

I am working on adding the frame beams to take up some of that space above the trucks.

Oh, and I did put tape over the bottom of the speaker to make it sound better.  It was a little too tinny for my taste.

[wmcbride]

I received mine today from Lombard Hobbies.  They run really well so far.  I got the silver version and installed ESU 58928's and they fit fine.

Surprisingly, they have MT 1015's on them.  I didn't think Atlas would get them on their locos that fast.

I am working on adding the frame beams to take up some of that space above the trucks.

Oh, and I did put tape over the bottom of the speaker to make it sound better.  It was a little too tinny for my taste.

Where is the speaker -- in the fuel tank?

Did Atlas decide to follow Scale Trains and their obdurate holes in the fuel tank to let the sound out mistake. Ugh.

My Atlas SD35s had great, non-tinny sound and NO holes...

[haasmarc]

Yep, the speaker is in the fuel tank.  At least on the silver versions.

[wmcbride]

The base of the fuel tank has a slight recess which will be good for adding material to close up the holes Atlas wierdly put over the speaker location.

I finally put my Reading unit on the track today. Sharp paint and it runs smoothly although the gap between the frame and trucks will nees some plastic added to hide that gap.

Was Atlas channeling Broadway Limited with that nuclear-powered lighted cab interior or is my unit just missing a light cover?

[packers#1]

Is there any logical reason why Atlas keeps flipping between using ESU and Soundtraxx decoders in various recently released models?  Seems kind of schizo to me.

Probably some combo of: cost, availability, and diversity of supplier base. If Soundtraxx is significantly cheaper, or ESU doesn't have the capacity and can't provide the decoders Atlas needs when they need them, or Atlas is wanting to have a stream of sound decoders for diesels from two suppliers in case one has a disruption. When I was a customer quality contact this was actually something our customers both asked us if we were doing to make sure they wouldn't be impacted by a disruption at our suppliers as well as committed to doing themselves in how they award business.