U25B Atlas/Kato or Atlas/China- which one is better and why?

[GP38-2freak]

I have a set of U25B's on my wish list, now I'd be asked which ones I'd like to have...2 from Atlas/Kato or 2 newer from Atlas/China?
Could you tell me which one is the better one and why it is so?

Tim

[Bendtracker1]

Atlas/China

A bit better detail.
Crisper paint.
Full pilots for easier coupler conversion.
DCC ready.
Quieter.
Slow or scale speed motors.

[ChristianJDavis1]

I believe that depends on what you are looking for in a model.

1. Are you running DCC? Both will run fine on DC, but if you want to add DCC, the newer run is much easier to install DCC in, being a simple drop in. In the older Kato run, you will need to install a hardwire decoder like the TCS CN-GP, which does not appear to be too difficult (depending on your skill with a soldering iron).

2. What road names are you looking for? The different runs had different road names and numbers, so you should also take that into consideration. I believe both shells will fit on both mechanisms if you want one over the other, though.

3. What are you willing to spend? The older run Kato/Atlas will likely be cheaper, but will most likely be second-hand. Most new-run wil be new, but you can also find some second-hand ones as well, which wil also help price.

4. Will you want knuckle couplers/MicroTrains? The old run came with a wide-open pilot and a rapido coupler. The new run comes equipped with Accumate couplers from the factory. Both can be converted to MicroTrains couplers, but the old run will need a pilot conversion to get rid of that gap.

Those are just some things to consider before you make any purchases. Also, not sure if it is true or not, but I believe the old run will probably pull more, seeing as it has more metal on its frame. Both should run nice an smooth, though. Also, beware of second-hand products. Some good deals can be had on the second-hand market, but you usually get what you pay for, and be wary of dishonest dealers.

[FloridaBoy]

Read what christian davis said.  Right on target.

First, the older ATlas Kato units run just fine, as all (or most) Kato units do.  But the new split frame locos all seem to perform well too.
 
To bring the old Atlas Kato unit will be cheap on the initial buy, but it is quickly made up by adding the MicroTrains conversion set which is close to $15 now, plus the cost of the decoder. 

The old paint on the Atlas Kato units is sharp but not bright like the new paint on current trains.  I can't put my finger on it, but the new trains coming out seem to be almost monochromatic.  Since I model Pennsy, my units are Brunswick Green which translated to 66 years old is semi-dull black.

Ken "FloridaBoy" Willaman

[peteski]

First, the older ATlas Kato units run just fine, as all (or most) Kato units do.  But the new split frame locos all seem to perform well too.

Just so there is no confusion, both, the old and new mechanism are split-frame design.

[nkalanaga]

"Slow or scale speed motors."  I'll take the opposing view - maybe.  If you have a lot of old Atlas, or Kato units of any age, AND plan on MUing these with them, AND use DC, stick with the older, faster Atlas motors.  The new ones run a lot slower than the Kato units.

If you don't mix loco types, or you use DCC and are comfortable changing speed tables, the slower motors make scale speed operation a lot easier.

[u18b]

Good long advice above.

My short take.

China- Low friction trucks.  Wonderful.

Japan-  doughnut motor mount.... crap.

For those two reasons..... China!

[johnh35]

Good long advice above.

My short take.

China- Low friction trucks.  Wonderful.

Japan-  doughnut motor mount.... crap.

For those two reasons..... China!

Ron, the China version still has the crap mount

[strummer]

Wow,a topic I can actually "weigh in" on...

Guess I got lucky again; just picked up a Kato-built Atlas U25 (in ATSF colors) with the coupler conversion already done. Runs extremely quietly,great low-speed control,a fine engine.

It does look a little "dull": the China-Atlas SF GP9 I have looks much brighter and "clean"; dunno if that's good or bad.

It (the U25) is a lot heavier than its Chinese cousins,as are all my Kato-built units. I'd guess the SD-35 I have is the lightest engine I own,followed by that Geep 9, both China-built locos. (Yet my Chinese GP40 is heavier than both of those engines.)

I'm not into DCC,so I can't comment on that.

Suffice it to say I like aspects of both,but I guess I am partial to the Kato-built line. Plus,I don't mind doing the coupler conversions...

Mark in Oregon

 

[u18b]

Ron, the China version still has the crap mount

Wow.  Thanks John.  I'm surprised I missed this.

Since I'm a CSX modeler and CSX only had 4,  I only picked up a Family Lines U25B a while back.
I guess I was obviously mistaken.

Sorry for the misinformation.

If anyone is unfamiliar, the motor is mounted by a sort of doughnut on each end.
These doughnuts are notoriously hard to get back in place and have a tendency to break over time.

They are definitely more compact (so the loco has a bit more weight), but I confess I don't like them.

[spookshow]

Is that the same PITA doughnut that the RS-1's use? When I was installing TCS decoders in a bunch of those I eventually started just gluing them to the motor housing. Saved myself a lot of hair pulling.

Cheers,
-Mark

[u18b]

You know Mark, that doughnut is so unique and frustrating you probably ought to have a photo of an opened mech on your page.