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Atlas HO scale Alco HH600/660 diesel locomotive
This model runs very well. It is very easy to put a DCC decoder into, I used a TCS DP2X. The fit is a little tight, but it will fit. This is an extremely smooth running locomotive. My only wish is that it came with genuine KADEE couplers. (My personal preference is for a scale size couple also.) I would reccoment this locomotive for anyone who wants a nice small switcher.
I hope ALCO didn’t pay Otto Kuhler for his design. Only a mother and an industrial designer could love these looks.
Atlas did a nice job though. Quality fit and finish. 1 mph. Excellent! Too bad there weren’t any Great North West customers or this would be in one of my “pre-layout” boxes.
I also installed a TCS DP2X. Seems to be the best fit given the limit space.
I agree with the positive comments. I installed a Digitrax DZ123. It is an easy fit.
One caution - the DC version will not run on a DCC layout and there is nothing in the accompaning literature that provides this information. Since I normally test an engine’s running ability before installing a decoder, I thought I had a bad engine.
Once a decoder was installed, my engine ran very well.
I wish they would make one in LVRR colors.
This is a very nice looking and running model. I am especially impressed with the low DC starting voltage.
The only disappointment is that the model is only about 1/2 as heavy as other Atlas Alco switchers. I’m planning on trying to fit a sheet of lead inside the roof of the hood, since I am not going to add any electronic components.
Has anyone had any luck in installing those safety chains on the trucks? I notice they weren’t installed on the review sample. Also, note that the review sample isn’t assembled correctly - the front of the body isn’t down all the way on the frame which makes the front footboards too high above the rails.
I got one of the Milwaukee Road units. I am looking forward to more paint schemes.
Looking good, nice job. I am one of the bicentennial nuts, so a bicentennial in American Cast Iron Pipe Co. would fit my bill. Thank you Atlas for atleast building the locomotive so that we can paint it.
It looks absolutely great.
Great model, a very usefull small engine, really a beauty…
I had the same experience as Mathew Thompson. I initially tested the engine with my Digitrax Zephyr set to address “0” and got a short.
I emailed Atlas customer service on Sunday evening and received a reply around 9:30AM on Monday with the information that the engine would not run on DCC without a decoder. Excellent service by Atlas; I do suggest they include that information in future runs of the engine.
I installed a Digitrax DH165IP and the engine runs well with it.
I look forward to Atlas’s decorating this loco for the Boston & Maine with stripes like those on the Maine Central switchers. I know a lot of people want these locos with DCC and sound; I’m hoping for a plain DC version.
Something about the looks of this unit intrigued me. Kind of a look only its mother would love, but there is just something about it. I model PRR and the Reading and did some research. I found that the Reading Railroad had two HH900s, Nos 40 and 41. Tried to find an undec but they were gone immediately. I was going to just wait for sound units but ran into a great deal on a Maine unit at a train show I just couldn’t turn down.
This a great running model with excellent detail. Now if I could only get those @$%^*& chains on the trucks. Took a hour to get 4 of them on and had to take a break. The older I get the smaller these parts look. Hey Atlas, I’ll pay an additional $10 for the unit, just put these things on at the factory, like my Proto 2000 steam units.
Still this is a great running and looking unit. I used a TCS MC2 decoder and a 1 1/4" harness and it works great. I have some repainting, and hopefully down the road, a DCC sound drop-in for this unit may come out for it or one from another loco application that may fit.
I model the 1930s on a small switching layout and this loco is just what was needed. My engine runs great right out of the box no tweeking needed. Only one thing the CHAINS! I think atlas is trying drive us old guys with big fingers nuts! Great job atlas .