Got it today. Not complaining, but it needs a lot of work.....
Replies sorted oldest to newest
"Got it today. Not complaining, but it needs a lot of work....."
I look forward to your usual outstanding work. I appreciate the extra time and work you go thru to share here!
The engine looks pretty good from here and more like a Master line than a TM model.
Got mine recently (CSX paint scheme); so I'm going to follow this thread very carefully!!!
BNSF version is nice too!
jpv in France
Attachments
Attachments
Attachments
A video showing the truck sides tucked in...
Attachments
Did you change out the decoder for an ESU LOKSound?
Mine was DCC ready, so I installed it
Nice, ESU makes fantastic products. I keep a full inventory for all scales and they’re my goto decoder. I also have the ECOs system and I love it
Nice job so far, how much disassembly was involved to get access to truck side frame screws ?
None, Hibar. Just unscrew with the model upside down
Attachments
AmeenTrainGuy posted:Sorry I had to ask but is that brass? It looks really nice and I can't wait to see any mods/weathering you might do to it.
BTW I just looked at some of your previous content, it all looks outstanding! You just got yourself another follower!
Thanks, Ameen! No, it is not brass. It's plastic. Thanks for the kind words. I post a lot on Instagram too, if you use that you can find me as toalltrains
something to consider: while MTH's version is a more detailed model, my eyes can tolerate Atlas' version way more than MTH's. The overall effect is better achieved on the Atlas model-----Opinion.
Attachments
SANTIAGOP23 posted:
I often feel that even if MTH puts more delish on a model there's just something a tiny bit off about them.
The windshield wipers cheapen the look on the MTH models, and they are separately applied. The wipers on the Atlas Trainman locomotives are more detailed despite being molded. The pilots are the biggest difference between the 2 models. The Premier has MU hoses whereas the Trainman does not. If it was offered as a Master, then no contest, the Atlas version would make the MTH look like a toy.
Although ProtoSound 3.0 has great features it's not as good as ESU LokSound. With the latter, you can attain better motor control and more accurate sounds.
I read posts about changing sound files on PS2/PS3 locos and it sounds like Chinese arithmetic. With LokSound decoders, it is very easy to change/update sound files and features with the LokProgrammer.
Fully agree, Catnap!
Ive found the windshield wipers on a lot of models to have the effect of cheapening the model or making it look odd. 3 rail models in general have an odd too about them even if you fix the pilot there are other things that give them that "off" look.
I love the LOKSound decoders and they are one of the main reasons I am going to 2 rail. The open endedness of the products really makes them versatile and user friendly. The ability to customize the outputs is fantastic.
The handrails ending short at the corner steps on the MTH model sticks out to me. A typical 3-rail legacy. Yuk - nasty!!
SundayShunter posted:The handrails ending short at the corner steps on the MTH model sticks out to me. A typical 3-rail legacy. Yuk - nasty!!
shouldn't you be looking at the 2 rail version to compare?
You have to keep in mind that they're building a common model for both the 2-rail and 3-rail markets, so you're going to see some compromises. Even as a mostly (some would argue former) 3-rail operator, I don't think the wheel treads need to be as wide as they are on the 3-rail version, but I don't use "round-top" tubular track.
I have several 2-rail versions of MTH locomotives going back to my first set purchased in 2009. I've thought about moving the side frames, but it requires a high level of precision since the MTH side frames include the brake shoes which just barely clear the scale wheels. I like the addition of a better looking train line hose and MU cables and might do that to mine.
It doesn’t matter whether it’s a 2 or a 3 rail model, it’s the overall impression where the MTH one falls short (despite having more detail)
Engineer-Joe posted:SundayShunter posted:The handrails ending short at the corner steps on the MTH model sticks out to me. A typical 3-rail legacy. Yuk - nasty!!
shouldn't you be looking at the 2 rail version to compare?
I was just looking at the posted picture. I've never seen an MTH loco for real - they are extremely rare here in the UK. It also seems very ambiguous whether MTH locos listed as '2-rail' have the full 2-rail treatment - fixed pilots and long handrails, or just a set of 2-rail wheels to replace the 3-rail sets on a 3-rail loco.
Please forgive these posts Santiago. I'm just trying to show what is being discussed. MTH 2 rail model. Stock parts.
Nothing to apologize for, Joe. Thanks for adding to the discussion!
Ah, I'm in late to show a 2R model!
Sorry Santiago too!!!
jpv in France
Attachments
I understand. I have this problem in G scale. I prefer to look at those engines from a distance. Up close, they are lacking in correct scale detailing. Out in the backyard running by, they look the part.
I think you might be the happiest, if you get your hands on a recent OMI or one of Eric's new SD series. If they don't do it, you'll have to model with the real thing.
Attachments
Engineer-Joe posted:I understand. I have this problem in G scale. I prefer to look at those engines from a distance. Up close, they are lacking in correct scale detailing. Out in the backyard running by, they look the part.
I think you might be the happiest, if you get your hands on a recent OMI or one of Eric's new SD series. If they don't do it, you'll have to model with the real thing.
I might think so too, Joe. However, I see my modern short corn syrup train as a more causal endeavor. I have my budget invested on upcoming passenger items from high end brass and Sunset . This is for fun and for trying some new things. Will definitely try weathering it once done, for instance.
there's a crispness to the Atlas mold and castings, that I can't find on the MTH model
Jpv, it's a residue from a P&D part (cab sunscreen)
Thank you for your answer.
jpv
When looking at the nose of the unit NS has their doors on the left while the models have them on the right. Does any manufacture make these units with the door on the left side?
Attachments
Attachments
Attachments
Santiago, great work!
Dan Weinhold
Thanks, Dan!
Great effort sir!
Attachments
Really well done!
jpv in France
Awesome work. When it's all done, you should put the model in front of a green screen and Photoshop it into a real world picture.
Edit: Does the coupler lift bar operate the coupler?
Awesome. Can't wait to see all this come together
Attachments
Installed incandescent bulbs, I just can’t stand LED’s 😡
In the above pic, you can see that I filed the 3 rail handrail hole. Big improvement
MichaelB posted:Awesome work. When it's all done, you should put the model in front of a green screen and Photoshop it into a real world picture.
Edit: Does the coupler lift bar operate the coupler?
I can't say it does....
MichaelB posted:Awesome work. When it's all done, you should put the model in front of a green screen and Photoshop it into a real world picture.
Edit: Does the coupler lift bar operate the coupler?
Will do! I've done shots like that before with other engines! I call them digital dioramas...
Key Model Imports MILW E6 famous #15 on a record setting trip...
3rd Rail D&RGW F7 on the point...
3rd Rail S4 post war Alice pulls the Exposition Flyer...
Atlas O CB&Q F3' pull a 1947 Expo, the California Zephyr is only months away...
Attachments
Attachments
I'm with you until now. I prefer the LEDs. I can understand why you don't. I don't have all my pics handy. These are G scale.
They will light up the track outside in the dark, so that it looks like the real loco. If you look right at them, you'll have to squint so they don't blind you!
Attachments
Attachments
Attachments
Attachments
Thanks! I test at every step...
Attachments
Attachments
Great detail work, it almost makes me feel like I'm back in the engineer's saddle again. Keep up the great work by showing all O Scale modelers what is possible with a bit of effort and time to make a prototype model. Best Regards; Gene
You found the way to turn this engine into a master piece!
jpv in France
Attachments
Attachments
Santiago, Very nicely done!
You have attained museum quality..incredible
Thanks, guys. Studio shots this weekend....
Well, good news! I will stand in front of my PC to not forget!
jpv in France
buzz on the streets says your kitty supervisor MIGHT get you that raise you've been asking about!...………….just gorgeous work Santiago!...………………...Pat
Thanks, Pat!
Attachments
!!
I only have to do as well as you and that is not given.......
jpv in France
That looks more awesome then I imagined!
Thanks, Michael! I wanna document it before weathering. Weathering is an art I have yet to master. No easy feat, but no more excuses for me. I’m diving in after this on my modern equipment.
Attachments
Top photo; this engine looks like real!
Why these journal boxes in blue on the covered hopper? Is there any reason I don't know?
Thanks in advance
jpv in France
jpv69 posted:Top photo; this engine looks like real!
Why these journal boxes in blue on the covered hopper? Is there any reason I don't know?
Thanks in advance
jpv in France
Trinity puts blue bearings on their cars. Not really sure why but they look neat.
Thanks, Will!
So, a kind of hallmark!
jpv in France
The blue bearing caps are an ASF Brenco bearing thing, rather than a Trinity thing. It started when they went to the Class K bearings. From what I've read, it's sort of a "marketing" thing. Although it's hard for me to imagine that the prevalence of ASF trucks on many or even most recently built freight cars would be news to the railroads.
Jim
Hahaha that’s terrible, Will! In some respects these really came up short, mine has overspray in a couple of areas.... unacceptable for Atlas’ standards
I was generally pretty pleased with mine. There was one spot with a little orange where the should be yellow but weathering will take care of that. It's no brass model, but with a $350 price tag I think it beats a $500 MTH or Lionel engine. I'll probably buy a 2 rail DC version for a non powered unit to go with it. I also plan to 3 Rail Scale this one.