Hey guys,
I was flipping through walther’s monthly sale catalog, and saw that both atlas and P2K GP38-2s were on sale. I think the price difference was less than $5. What I want to know is, in your opinion, which is a better loco? I have seen the atlas one in person, and like the way it runs. Also, it is dcc ready. Meanwhile, the P2K has a higher retail price (which is pretty much irrelevant, but sometimes means something). Thanks for your insight!
I have a P2K GP-38. Great looking and functioning unit. The only thing to watch out for is if you want to install a decoder on the DCC ready ones you’ll have to re wire the lights. The numberboard and headlights apparently conflict and the unit won’t work. I know I installed a Digitrax. I haven’t had the time to work on the re-wiring so I removed it and installed it on a P2K GP7. I know there are instructions on a few threads and at Tony’s just in case you want to install one.
As for the Atlas I don’t have a GP38 but Atlas Loco’s are very smooth. I certainly would buy an Atlas GP-38 if I was in the market for one, because of what I have seen.
my[2c]
Tom
I have both and like them very much. However, you’ve likely heard that age old slogan:
It’s hard to beat an Atlas!
I’ve got both, but I would still buy the Atlas first. Its one sweet smooth running engine.
I have a pair of the Proto GP 38-2’s and an Atlas GP-40. I have to admit that the Atlas seems to be a smoother runner, but you can’t go too far wrong with either.
Chris
Unfortunately, P2K has had a history of little “oopsies” such as the split gears and whining worm bushings on the GP7/9’s, the improperly-wired numberboards on some of the GP38’s, and the SD60 gear ratio fiasco.
On the other hand, Atlas has had no issues of that sort that I can think of, and as already mentioned in this thread, the Atlas locos just seem to run more smoothly. So even though I have a number of P2K locos in my modest collection, Atlas is the winner.
HTH,
Steve
To sum it up in a word, Atlas.
I’d just flip a coin. I have one of each, and they are both sweet runners. I’m still running an “old school” layout, though (DC).
Atlas locos always seem to run smoother, as others have said. There is one minor difference though: the P2K model is a GP38-2, while the Atlas* is an earlier-model GP-38.
I recommend Atlas. But just keep in mind the Atlas Silver/Gold model is the earlier GP38. The Atlas GP38**-2** is a Trainman series, which has the same Atlas drive system, but lacks the detailing of either the standard Atlas, or the P2K.
Nick
Though Atlas is known for quality, remember that quirks show up in them also.
On another thread I posted that one of my Altas units, a GP7, would not run at all. My LHS swapped it out for me and was surprised when he tested it and only the headlight came on. Wouldn’t run.
Also, just as with automotibles it is important that maintenence be performed. Atlas units CAN become noisy after a lot of running if they’re not properly lubricated. BTDT.
ATLAS IS THE WAY TO GO
If you really mean the Silver/Gold GP38 vs the P2K GP38-2, that’s flip the coin territory unless you specifically want a -2 or the older one. Trainman GP38-2 vs P2K, no contest, P2K for sure.
With older GP’s, like the GP7, it’s no contest, the P2K version is better detailed by far, and the Atlas ones only come with the single note honker horns on the side of the hood. The P2K ones have more road-specific details.
–Randy
I have several of the Trainman 38-2’s and the Proto 38-2’s. I think the Trainman line is much better running and you only need to add the details yourself. The Protos have had too many out of the box issues and that knocks them down a notch in my book.
Very well said!!
I have both and they run flawlessly.
Atlas has had it’s share of screw-ups as well.
They had dimensional problems with the current crop of EMD locomotives with the cab and sub base being the wrong height.
The old RS-11 and the RSD-12 was dimensionally incorrect because they cheaped out and used the RS-3 and RSD-4/5 chassis to cut corners.
The GP-7 suffered from the same problem.
Thank you all! I guess I should have specified I was talking about the Trainman atlas. I think I will probably go with an atlas, just because my LHS has one, and I think I should support them before anything else. However, how are the Atlas units when converting to DCC? Any rewiring required, or do I just need to plug in the decoder? Thanks!
I have a slightly different take on the debate. I’ll probably get disagreemnet on this but in my opinion, the P2K is a stronger puller.
Yesterday I was killing some time in the train room and put together a 26 car train (not NMRA weighted) and stuck my Atlas U23B on the front of it. The engine and about a half dozen cars were on the grade and the rest of the train was on level track. The grade is about three percent with a 26" curve, about two feet of straight track, and another 26" curve at the top. In other words, a fairly stiff test.
The Atlas U23B pulled the train successfully but as the engine cleared the second curve I could hear some wheel spin for about six to eight inches. I couldn’t tell for sure since the engine was behind the backdrop.
When I put my P2K GP38-2 on the point, it also pulled the train successfully, but without the wheeel slip. I got the same results when I used my P2K GP7 (early version).
I will agree with what has been said about the Atlas being a smoother runner, but my experience has been that the P2K is a better puller.
This was all done on straight DC with a home built transistor throttle. Again, this was only my experience. Your mileage may vary. See dealer for details.
Tom
EDIT: The Atlas was not the Trainman series, nor was it a gold or silver series.
I haven’t seen the Atlas locos in person, so give them their credit where its due when reading this posts by considering the reviews from other members. I just purchased my first Proto 2k today and let me tell you, the detail blows my mind. What isn’t already installed is mainly included with my loco, things like sunshades and the winterizing hatch. I’ve heard great things from both sides, but for now, I’m hooked on P2k’s. I might get a GP38-2 P2k for my b-day, and I think I won’t be depressed. It will put my two Bachmann GP units to SHAME! (My old fav…)
-beegle55