Atlas BNSF Dash 8

"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

This a mess...

Some progress...

Truck distance to wheels is insane... fixed that

A video showing the truck sides tucked in...

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

To bring the trucks closer to the wheels...

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 

SANTIAGOP23 posted:

Got it today. Not complaining, but it needs a lot of work.....

Good looking model! I just bought the UP version for diorama purposes. Other question was, what's the track you're using and the ballast?

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.

SANTIAGOP23 posted:

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.

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.