New paint schemes now available in my road (Frisco) and am thinking of picking one (or two) up. Have asked before on other threads for some ratings on other locos, but ratings on this model seem pretty clear from reviewing other threads:
(1) Detail–very good
(2) Pulling power–very good
(3) Reliability–also very good
My main question relates to the ease of DCC conversion. The RS-1 is one of the Atlas “Classic” series, meaning it’s not DCC-ready–just to clarify that, this means there’s no NMRA pin, but the frame is isolated from the motor. My question is, how easy is the conversion? I’m assuming that one of the specific Atlas/Kato pop-in decoders will work (e.g. the Digitrax DH-165, etc.). I noted a thread on Tony’s Trains that the body width is a little tight (by .02 inches) and that ? a “little filing” is neccessary to the decoder to fit.
I sent two of my Atlas RS1’s to TOny’s to have the Soundtraxx Alco decoders installed. At the end of the installation service I had sound and DCC in the engines. I deemed the installation properly done and executed but due to a poor space for baffle and inadequate wattage etc… the sound was not a success for me.
I will keep the units and run em as test locomotives so that if anything happens to them during construction, it will not be one of the better engines I have in the fleet.
Yes, I’ve gathered and planned just to run either a DH-165(or poss. the DZ as D. Beddard suggests if fitting is an issue) and not do sound–they’re fairly well discounted on internet sites and ebay–I’m sure this is part of the reason. Still, if, as appears to be the case from other reviews, they’re good runners and seem to have the usual good Atlas detail, that would be OK as far as being a member of my fleet. Brings up the issue: do you want all of your locos to have sound? Would probably be nice, but with the RS-1 and other locos (my Stewart D-S-4-1000 comes to mind, though there are those that have managed to install sound/speakers in these too) might not always be feasible; just the nature of space limitations sometimes.
The sound bug by Digitrax just needs left/right power to operate. If you use a DZ123 decoder, then when you install the soundbug, there are no CV issues. If you use a non-Digitrax decoder, you will run into issues with CVs.
I enjoy sound, I see it as a asset in model trains. A few engines at a time with sound is PLENTY. for a while. Otherwise the whole fleet creates noise pollution.
Wathers released thier -10 Switchers to come to the market with QSI sound and I will be replacing my RS1 units with those next spring. I dont feel too “Poorly” about my RS1 experience, it helps to firm up what I want to do or dont want to do. Example, I will not do any more analog to DCC conversions. Ive accepted that I am all DCC and the old Analog technology has been phased out of my railroad. That automatically removes analog model engines or Blueline type (Ready for DCC plugs) from consideration for future purchases.