What's the verdict on the Atlas FA-1 gold (first run)?

[OldEastRR]

the one I bought doesn't run very fast. The sound volume seems rather muted. Granted, I had custom DCC install on most of my other locos  (with rather robust outputs for same) but even the other Atlas RS3 (gold) is louder and faster. I thought both locos had ESU Lok Sound?

[peteski]

You can easily find out what brand decoder is installed in any model. Just read the decoder's CV8 on the programming track then look up that number in the manufacturers cross reference.

[bigdawgks]

They are ESU decoders. I agree they're a little on the quiet side but I don't know if that's due to factory programming or the speaker itself, as I haven't tried tweaking mine.

[bbussey]

I love mine.

[Dave V]

How does it compare to the old, old ones that weren't DCC-ready? I have an FA/B1 set that could use another A unit.

That old set is special to me... PRR #9605. I graduated USAF Officer Training School class 96-05. Oh, and @wm3798 did the decoder install on 'em so I have the friend connection too.

[bbussey]

How does it compare to the old, old ones that weren't DCC-ready? I have an FA/B1 set that could use another A unit.

That old set is special to me... PRR #9605. I graduated USAF Officer Training School class 96-05. Oh, and @wm3798 did the decoder install on 'em so I have the friend connection too.

I feel they perform comparably. Still heavy, still pull a ton. And the LL shells fit onto the new Atlas mechanisms without modification.

The new ones have ESU LokSound decoders. Or, you could buy a silver unit and install the LokPilot equivalent.

[Dave V]

That’s right, I guess the old ones were Like-Like! I’d forgotten!

Cool. I see Atlas did PRR 9603. I would still need to install Trainphone antennas, but I maintained a decent stockpile of those from the old days.

[OldEastRR]

Dees guys don't like to run too fast, do they? Even with the speed CVs set to max.... they make what, scale 40mph? And need a push to make them move at all. And stall out on clean straight track (let's not even talk about over turnouts). I've reset all the CVs, thank you. Atlas just makes disappointing locos.

[peteski]

Dees guys don't like to run too fast, do they? Even with the speed CVs set to max.... they make what, scale 40mph? And need a push to make them move at all. And stall out on clean straight track (let's not even talk about over turnouts). I've reset all the CVs, thank you. Atlas just makes disappointing locos.

That description seems to indicate poor electrical contact.  Dirty wheels, or truck contacts with the frame, and even with the decoder.  Pushing to get them sounds like dirty wheels.


https://spookshow.net/loco/llalcof.html
I would clean the wheels, truck's metal sideframe pickups (including the areas that contact frame contacts), and the springy contacts on the frame.

Bryan Bussey seems to imply that his run great.

[davefoxx]

Atlas just makes disappointing locos.

I wholeheartedly disagree.

DFF

[OldEastRR]

Oh I cleaned the wheels. On a brand-new loco. And had to regauge two axle sets. But the newest trick this *&**^*&%^*& does is, when going in reverse at moderate speed, on any curve from 13" rad or way more, it smartly falls off the track and rolls over on its back. Wow, I knew the new breed of N locos could do great tricks but this is the topper!!! All my other (reliably-built) locos* of various older makers can't perform this feat, either backward or forward, so this is a great step forward in N scale.

Oh well, I guess I can follow that advice from a Marx Bros film: "It doesn't work when I do this."  "Well, don't DO that."  Keep the FA always running forward, and never on curves. Modern model railroading is FUN.

I'm so so so glad I've gotten all the MR stuff I need or will need. May God have mercy on those who haven't.

*Including an LL FA1.

[OldEastRR]

I wholeheartedly disagree.

DFF

Correction: Atlas just makes disappointing N SCALE engines.

[peteski]

Many brand new locos have some sort of coating on the wheels which has to be cleaned for reliable contact. Spookshow Mark mentions this in his reviews.  If this loco behaves as badly as you described (actually falls of the tracks), it sounds like you have a defective model.

[bbussey]

Bryan Bussey seems to imply that his run great.

I have 10 of them. One NH ABBA consist, one LV ABA consist, and one NH ABA consist with an upgraded DCC/Sound FB2 added. I’ve added keep alive to all except the LV units (pending). All of them run exceptionally well and do not have a speed ceiling of 40 smph (although I do not run them much beyond that). There is video posted of the two NH consists on my layout’s FB page which shows performance.

[Point353]

But the newest trick this *&**^*&%^*& does is, when going in reverse at moderate speed, on any curve from 13" rad or way more, it smartly falls off the track and rolls over on its back.

Is it possible that one (or more) of the contact strips installed in the loco chassis is misinstalled/misaligned such that the strip is not riding on top the contact on the truck, thereby interfering with the truck's ability to rotate freely?