Hi there, I'm looking for input on the overall quality of Atlas' Master Line of GP40s from around ~2016? I've never seen one in person, but I own several pieces of Atlas rolling stock and I'm thinking toward making one of their locomotives into a grungy, modern BNSF patch job. What do I need to know or need to know to avoid with them?
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awbarlow
Atlas Master GP40s from ~2016
Hi there, I'm looking for input on the overall quality of Atlas' Master Line of GP40s from around ~2016? I've never seen one in person, but I own several pieces of Atlas rolling stock and I'm thinking toward making one of their locomotives into a grungy, modern BNSF patch job. What do I need to know or need to know to avoid with them?
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Well I cannot help with that specific loco, but if it helps any in regards to quality… I have an Atlas Master GP38 from approximately 2006. Standard factory installed decoder. It runs beautifully. Detail is quite high. I got mine undec so I can’t say if decorated models have any parts needing to be added after purchase.
But that GP38, my MP15, and C420 are all my best runners from Atlas circa 2004-2008. Safe to assume quality has only gone up. I’ve not heard of any complaints (thinking comparatively to BLI loco lately).
I cannot think of any real “beware of” aspects worth mentioning. The typical grabs are metal, railings are plastic. Antennas that came with mine were plastic (I upgraded to brass for durability). Par for the course type things that fall under personal preference.
But that GP38, my MP15, and C420 are all my best runners from Atlas circa 2004-2008. Safe to assume quality has only gone up. I’ve not heard of any complaints (thinking comparatively to BLI loco lately).
I cannot think of any real “beware of” aspects worth mentioning. The typical grabs are metal, railings are plastic. Antennas that came with mine were plastic (I upgraded to brass for durability). Par for the course type things that fall under personal preference.
Atlas's Master is their top of the line stuff. Very high quality. No company is immune from making a dog, occasionally, but it's good odds you will have a highly detailed loco that runs well.
@Old_Hobo @CTValleyRR What’s a good price for a “DCC ready” Atlas locomotive of this make and era? I’m considering offers on 2 different one.
I think Atlas called their DCC ready locomotives the Silver series….Gold series was DCC & sound….
Silver series had an MSRP of $189.95, so any price below that would be good….
What road name are you after?
Silver series had an MSRP of $189.95, so any price below that would be good….
What road name are you after?
Atlas was putting out VERY nice pieces in that time frame.
Fine details and SMOOTH running.
I doubt you'll go wrong.
However... with something that nice... I'd think twice before messin' with it too much...
(The GP40 in the avatar is an Atlas from that time frame...)
Fine details and SMOOTH running.
I doubt you'll go wrong.
However... with something that nice... I'd think twice before messin' with it too much...
(The GP40 in the avatar is an Atlas from that time frame...)
I have an Atlas GP39-2, U36C, and a couple U33C’s all excellent runners, I still have one of the old 80’s era GP40’s and it still runs good, I don’t have a lot of Atlas power but I’m definitely happy with what I’ve got
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