In particular, the ALCO RS-3 diesel locomotive. Athearn RTR vs Atlas Classic
Novice here. I’m in the planning stage of my small switching layout, but I want to buy 2 or 3 of these CNJ striped ALCO diesels now.
As far as detailing, do these two lines differ very much?
I see the Athearns are cheaper. Is that because of the level of detailing, or because of drive train quality, etc?
Thanks, Jim
Jim,
The Atlas RS-3 came out in the 80’s. It has been upgraded(the exhaust stack for one thing) through the years, but it has held up quite well considering it’s age. The running qualities are supurb(either the original Kato chassis, or the current China version). The chassis is ‘heavy’ and they do pull good.
The Athearn RS-3 is more accurate, but the drives have been ‘hit & miss’. Most of the time it seems to be bent motor shafts. Not sure if it is shipping or assembly is to blame. I do not own any, but have ‘fixed’ a few for friends or put in sound decoders.
Both are good models and I think in this ‘RTR World’ you have to get one with the paint scheme you need - Correct decals/paint are getting hard to come by.
Jim
I agree with Jim on the Atlas drivetrain being a more reliable performer.
Keep in mind that details in Athearn’s RTR line are a moving target. Each run seems to get more detail, but this also varies depending on the model. If you’re talking a model from several runs back, it may vary considerably from the current run if you happen to find some on a shelf somewhere.
Atlas is somewhat less generous with detail improvments, but they do them from time to time. Same caveat about older runs applies, but probably not to the degree as the changes with Athearn.
The Athearn shell has more applied detail parts and thinner handrails, but the Atlas runs better with a better drivetrain, IMO.
Also, Athearn still uses incandescent bulbs that seem to burn out quickly where as Atlas has nice LEDs.
I’d choose the Atlas.
What this amounts to is a Cadillac versus Escort.
Even the older Atlas/Kato RS3 will beat the Athearn not detail wise drive wise… As others as said Athearn is hit/miss.
Atlas wins…
Thanks all, you answered my question.
I’m buying two of the new Athearns at $69 each, and I’m putting down a deposit for one of the Atlas models with Loksound DCC (that are due in early this year).
The Athearns, at the very minimum, can sit at my small engine servicing area on the layout … while the Atlas will do the running.
These CNJ ALCOs with the striping are my favorite engines, and I wanted to buy whatever roadnumbers are available now.
I don’t think this is a very popular paint scheme, but I hope more become available in the years ahead. I like having a small fleet of alike engines.
Perhaps my fat little fingers can learn to do some super-detailing, DCC installations, and drivetrain improvements that many of you folks do.