Newly arrived Atlas Dash 8-40BW

[robert3985]

I'm sure the "skid mark" problem is because of Kato Unitrack's extra high rails.  It's only logical that higher rails means they'll run closer to the bottom of the fuel tank than lower Code55 or Code40 rails will.  Right?  RIGHT??? 

Cheerio!
Bob Gilmore

PS...I'm joking...

[Steveruger45]

I'm sure the "skid mark" problem is because of Kato Unitrack's extra high rails.  It's only logical that higher rails means they'll run closer to the bottom of the fuel tank than lower Code55 or Code40 rails will.  Right?  RIGHT??? 

Cheerio!
Bob Gilmore

PS...I'm joking...

I was putting it down to frame sag due to weight of speaker.

I’m joking too.😉

[tpwillie]

I was putting it down to frame sag due to weight of speaker.

I’m joking too.😉

I was figuring the added weight of the speaker in the fuel tank was casing the loco to be overweight on the wheels causing extra heat in rails.  The resulting expansion in height causing the fuel tank to rub.  Or maybe the magnetic pull of the speaker was causing any ferrous materials in the rail to raise up and make contact with the fuel tank.  Maybe the real problem is the paint being too thick on the fuel tank.   Of course it couldn't be anything to do with the scale of the product being produced.  Engineering errors in figures and/or expansion/contraction ratios may come into effect when an injection molded item is produced a few microns thicker than specified.  Could also be 33" wheels being used instead of 36".  Of course we all know the real reason this is happening.  We have been given an early Christmas present of finding something wrong with a manufacturer's product to complain about.  This helps keep our thread count and page counts increasing.  All tongue-in-check from this end, but not in the manner some might slant it to be.  Keep it in good humor with the season we are getting into and try to enjoy the hobby with the good things we have and the right solutions for the "not exactly" that sometimes crosses our paths.
John 

[peteski]

I really like Bob's explanation!  As I see it, the model needs larger diameter wheels!   

[MK]

New requirements for Atlas Dash 8-40BW: Code 20 tracks needed to run.

[spookshow]

I contacted Atlas to see if they have any comment/opinion on the subject.

-Mark

[wmcbride]

So there is no DCC only board for newer Atlas/IM engines from ESU? At least it appears NCE has a board that will fit. I have been using them with good effect. I really dislike Digitrax

Which NCE board are you using?

I canceled two Scale Trains SD40-2 preorders because they would require a nonexistent non-sound decoder t fit into the factory board's ESU propriatary plug.

[Curtis Kyger]

I had an older GP35 fuel tank I moved to a sound equipped mechanism. To do so, I too had to mill the fuel tank ever so slightly to keep from having it come slightly loose just enough for it to rub on the rails or even catch on a rail joint or switch point. I did this milling carefully with a hand held Dremel and had success with all three units on which I had to perform this remedy.

[ski]

I contacted Atlas to see if they have any comment/opinion on the subject.

-Mark

If they respond, please advise...my new sound equipped Dash 8 suffers the same affliction.

[spookshow]

Their less than helpful response - "Remove the fuel tank and push the speaker up than reinstall the fuel tank. See if that helps. Let me know if you have any questions".

-Mark

[daniel_leavitt2000]

Which NCE board are you using?

I canceled two Scale Trains SD40-2 preorders because they would require a nonexistent non-sound decoder t fit into the factory board's ESU propriatary plug.

https://www.ncedcc.com/online-store/N14A3-p178947872

Should be back in stock soon.

[MK]

Their less the helpful response - "Remove the fuel tank and push the speaker up than reinstall the fuel tank. See if that helps. Let me know if you have any questions".

-Mark

Maybe they need to be told (if you haven't already) that multiple people with different units are having this issue.  Then give them the link to this thread.

[spookshow]

Maybe somebody over there should actually take a look at one instead of just sending out blow off emails.

-Mark

[John]

Paul@atlasrr.com

[wmcbride]

https://www.ncedcc.com/online-store/N14A3-p178947872

Should be back in stock soon.

Thanks!