Looking for opinions on the Athearn MP15 with the Tsunami decoder. The detail is amazing. I have tried searching on the forum, but it appears most if not all of the reviews pertain to the previous decoder. Any general thoughts on the model?
I read that the model has electrical pickup issues on turnouts. Is that still the case?
I have never purchased an Athearn product. In the event of an issue , how is their customer service?
Should I hold off for the Atlas version? I have read that the detail is not up to par with the Athearn.
Athearn: Great detail, but in some cases, poorly attached to the model. The handrails tend to fall out and bend out of shape. Has pickup issues which will be amplified by sound decoder. Sound decoder is first class.
Atlas: Good(er) detail, but detail is applied by user and tends not to break otherwise. Sound decoder (QSI) is a great one.
Given the choice, I would opt for the Atlas units.
Both the Athearn and Atlas MP 15 models are excellent - the Athearn model offers an AC version that is accurate and well done. The QSI sound leaves a lot to be desired in my opinion - the Tsunami from Soundtraxx is a superior decoder with far better authentic sounds - QSI is largely synthisized sound.
The biggest problem for these models is not the quality -both are superb models of the MP15/MP15AC.
The issue is the physical demensions of this loco do not allow sufficent room for a large enough speaker to fully take advantage of the sound decoders capabilities.
Thus, the sound quality tends to be a little shallow and lacks the fidelty that a larger speaker can offer.
If you don’t need the sound, you’ll save some money - if you want the sound, I’d go with one without sound and add your own decoder and speaaker- that way you can install the best possible available speaker to maximize sound output.
Both Athearn and Atlas offer non-sound versions, the latter from Atlas is a Silver Series model.
One more thing is that the Atlas tends to have a little better pulling power which is due to a better engineered drivetrain.
I have the Athearn Southern Pacific model and the sound and running qualities are excellent, EXCEPT on some Atlas turnouts with plastic frogs.
I would never settle for a non-sound version and then attempt to install my own sound decoder if a factory installed version is available. With the factory version, you even get red flashing lights as well as mars lights and regular lights on both ends. You may not be able to do that with your own decoder.
The issue is that the Athearn MP15 can have pickup problems. Typically a return back to Athearn results in a new unit, but out of the box can have pickup problems that are not fixable by the end-user (the holes in the pickup bolsters are too large for the axles).
As a professional DCC installer, I have come across a number of these units that I had to refuse to install in. The the aid of a multi-meter, I have found poor pickups in the designs of the trucks. In fact, in all cases the customer has returned the unit back to Athearn with good results.
To the OP…are you going to buy this online or at your LHS? I think a test drive at your LHS would be a good idea if you are going to purchase the Athearn unit, just make sure the track at your LHS is not clean…this is test the pickup of your loco…however, the Atlas unit can be ordered online with no loss of sleep.
In response to cacole’s concern about installing your own decoder, installing a Tsunami decoder is fairly simple and would affrod you the option of installing a better quality speaker than the 1" round which comes from Athearn.
However, if you’re not familiar with decoder installation, you could have a professional installer do it for you. You may want to check with your LHS and see if they offer this service or can recommend someone who is reliable.
If you’re comfortable with the factory installed sound, then stay with that decision…the cost is going to be about the same in the end, but a better bass reflex speaker will improve the sound quality.
Also, installing your own Tsunami decoder will still afford you all the lighting affects you want - cacole’s SP units, like those I have - are equipped with additional warning lights( like the real locomotive) and can be operated with a DCC throttle. if you don’t use DCC or do not have a suitable throttle for this type of operation, your basic DC throttle will work but limits your capabilites.
The Atlas models are easier to install sound in, than the Athearn MP15, based on my own experience.
Of course, all of this is only suggestive - you have to decide what you want and how much money and effort you want to devote to the model.
The factory installed decoder/sound on either is acceptable to the majority of modelers - it will be based on your preference and/or skill level.
I wish you the best of luck on your decision and hope you will enjoy the outcome either way you choose to go…have fun.
As noted, Athearn is running Tsunami’s. Atlas is running QSI. Both top notch. I prefer Atlas Golds over the Athearns. Better run quality and more forgiving details IMO.
When ever you are testing a loco at your LHS, make sure to hold one truck off the track and then the other…this will tell you how well the pickup is working…or not working.
A straight piece of clean flex track is the worst possible “test track” when purchasing something. I would go to the LHS’s second hand box, raid it for some curved brass track and test it on there…
I have the Atlas mp15 and absolutely love it. Details are great, it is very quiet, runs perfect and has awesome pickup. My only complaint would be that the lights are too yellow for me. Other than that I would not trade it for anything. I am a strong Atlas and Kato supporter, they seem to have the best running quallities and some really good details. Plus they are a snap to work on and add decoders to.
Wanted to thank everyone for all the feedback. I went to my LHS and checked out the Athearn. While doing so I also talked to the owner of the shop about both models. After debating both models, I decided to go reserve an Atlas.
I model SP and UP. I have plenty of SP switchers, so I will add another UP to my roster.
It depends on the prototype you wish to re-create. I wanted MP15ACs, with the tunnel motor style grills. Athearn was my only choice. The pair I have runs well enough for me. No sound, though. They also look good.
For what it is worth, I have both the Atlas MP15 and the Athearn MP15AC. They both run very smoothly and quietly. I often pair them together. They have virtually the same starting voltage.
I have had no issues with parts or details breaking off the Athearn, nor any electrical problems. I did replace the couplers on the Atlas unit with Kadees as I am not fond of Accumates. The couplers on the Athearn are working fine, so far. I assume they are McHenry’s.
All in all, I have had only one problem ever with any Atlas locomotive. My Athearns have been inconsistent. Some good, some in need of help right out of the box. But again, the MP15AC has been a delightful exception.
