Atlas SD45's

[tehachapifan]

I hope the mech isn't a POS like their SD50/60 and C628/630,

What was wrong with the SD50/60 mechanism? Seems like a pretty good one to me. I don't have a C628/630 though, so I can't comment on that one.

[Steveruger45]

I am confused, on the flyer it says the sound equipped units will be equipped with Soundtraxx decoders. I do not want Soundtraxx decoders myself, so I looked at the silver version stats, and it said it takes a 21 pin decoder. I am not sure, but last I checked 21 pin decoders won't fit in N Scale engines...

I was wondering the same and Just checked soundtraxx interweb site and the only decoder listed that is slim enough and that is plug-in, is fitted with a next 18.

Could a 21 pin decoder fit in the fuel tank?

[C855B]

What was wrong with the SD50/60 mechanism? Seems like a pretty good one to me. I don't have a C628/630 though, so I can't comment on that one.

I don't have an SD50/60, but I have a trio of the Alcos. They split universal joints. I have one on the bench right now waiting for me to find the little pillbox of replacements I bought 10 years ago for this exact issue. My bench is such a mess I'd be time ahead by firing-up the 3D printer and making my own.   

[Steveruger45]

What was wrong with the SD50/60 mechanism? Seems like a pretty good one to me. I don't have a C628/630 though, so I can't comment on that one.

I found the SD 50/60 locos ok too.
I also don’t have any C628/630 either but I do have some older IM locos that used the same plastic doughnut on the motor shafts that always crack and then slip.
 That style of drive is a problem. 
Ive swapped out the motors and flywheels and converted some to a Sd50/60 style of drive and drilled and pinned the original flywheels on others to fix this issue.

[ednadolski]

Molded-on grabs?   

[oakcreekco]

I hope the mech isn't a POS like their SD50/60 and C628/630,

Agreed.

[peteski]

Molded-on grabs?   

Would you expect Scale Trains Rivet Counter level of add-on details on an Atlas loco?

[Nick Lorusso]

Wow! It says they're doing L shaped windows on the SP units, but the artwork also shows SP style lighting on the nose. This might be a first for Atlas with this kind of road specific detailing on an N scale loco.

Also, it seems like a couple MFR's have gone away from ESU for their sound units. Wonder why.

Soundtraxx might have a new N-scale board to try out.

[sp org div]

With sountrax and so many SP specifics it sure sounds like an HO flub announcement to me
Issues loading their webpage almost solidifies a rushed announcement…
But I sure will keep my fingers crossed!

Other issue with the SD50-60’s was the crappy trucks that just wont go away as they still live on even in the latest intermountain releases too
The slipping drivetrain issues were easily solved by just cleaning the grease and a dot of CA on the cracked u-joint / motor shaft

[tehachapifan]

Molded-on grabs?   

On the subject of grabs, if a manufacturer was not to go so far as to do separately applied grab irons on a loco, would you prefer molded on grab irons or dimples for drilling should you want to add your own (FVM did the latter on at least some releases). I prefer the latter option. Would this be a good poll topic, assuming it hasn't been done already?

[peteski]

It is disappointing that American manufacturers are moving away from ESU, especially since ESU came up with several decoders specifically designed for American locos.

AFAIK, ESU has the most advanced decoders out there as far as programability goes.  Sundtraxx?  You can't even upload or modify any sound projects.  Yes, it does have lovely graphic equalizer.      I'll take ESU's flexibility and customization over the silly graphic equalizer any day.

[peteski]

On the subject of grabs, if a manufacturer was not to go so far as to do separately applied grab irons on a loco, would you prefer molded on grab irons or dimples for drilling should you want to add your own (FVM did the latter on at least some releases). I prefer the latter option. Would this be a good poll topic, assuming it hasn't been done already?

Bachmann made some locos with no molded on grabs.  I really don't mind well done molded on grabs on N scale models.

[ryan_wilkerson]

This announcement came out of the blue. SD45 is one of my favorites so I'm looking forward to seeing these. I hope these are actually using ESU.

Looks like I'll wait to see the SP rebuilt versions with 7400-7566 series
http://espee.railfan.net/spsd45r.html

The SD40M-2 Morris-Knudsen rebuilds with speed lettering (not all use the SD45 carbody in the 8574-8706 series).
http://espee.railfan.net/spsd40m-2.html

Originals that Atlas is doing in this first run:
http://espee.railfan.net/spsd45.html
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[Wolf N Works]

Wow I two am hoping for these to come with ESU, just like all the other Atlas locomotives... new SD45s looking forward to these as ones with an L windows yay

[Doug W]

Great to see this locomotive from Atlas. While it may take a while, they will do a full range of roads and schemes (unlike some other manufacturers) and be handsomely rewarded for it. Hope the Soundtraxx decoder is a typo though.

Cheers
Doug