I bought an Atlas CP 8900 Trainmaster (HO scale) a couple of weeks ago and when I compare it to my Athern ones, I notice the Atlas version has one large panel over the engine compartment while the Athern has several.
I have not been able to find an overhead photo of the CP units, especially the 8900 which is a bit different than the rest of CP’s TM’s, so my question is: is Atlas or Athern correct on this as it pertains to the CP 8900?
Other than this one item, I am very pleased with the detail on the Atlas model as compared to the CP units. Atlas got the rear grills right and the fidelity is very nice. Just need to add the correct horn, bell and brake stand/wheel and she will be good to go.
Thanks,
P
Pathfinder,
This won’t be a definitive answer. I’m no expert on Trainmasters, but I found several pics of 8900 and 8912 in “Trackside around British Columber, 1966-1982” by Matthew Herson (Morning Sun Press, 2006). None of them are overhead shots. However, from the side it appears that the area over the engine compartment is one large panel. It starts just behind the dynamic brake cooling vent and ends just before the radiator section, with a seam at both those spots being the only break in the panel visible from the side.
Being of much more recent vintage than the Athearn, I’d imagine that the Atlas Trainmaster is more accurate in general.
The Atlas one is the more correct model. Morning Sun Books Fairbanks Morse Locomotives in Colour will give you some better shots.The CLC( FM’s Canadian licencee) built engines did have a few more roof top vents and quirks than the US built engines, mostly for better cooling and heating for the candian winters.The Atlas is basically right on, and you will be happy wiht how well it runs compaired to the older Athearn ones as well.
Thanks for the answers, it is as I thought.
But what made me ask was I saw and ad for the Atlas N TM, that showed the roof and it clearly has hatches like the Athearn ones, so that is why I am confused.