I tried a search and it didn’t get me any good info. I have an Atlas S-1 on order through my LHS. It’s the first time I’ve pre-ordered a product like this, but it was an interesting Roadname (USAF) and I happen to LOVE the P2K Switchers. My thought is that as well as I like the P2K, the Atlas would be even better??? I hope??? So… What do you folks think? Are these a good runner in their most recent release? Chris
If the new Atlas S-1’s are anything like all the other S-1/2/3/4’s they’ve made over the last 20+ years, then you’ll have an excellent runner. The Atlas Alco switcher is possibly the best switcher produced in HO scale by virture of it’s smooth running and lugging power. This little loco pulls more cars around then a lot of road power out there. Behind the hood, it’s all metal. And since the frame and walkways are all metal as well, the switcher is quite heavy for it’s size.
Put it this way, I routinely push 25+ cars around on the flat with mine with no trouble at all. I think you will be very pleased with this engine’s performance.
Having said that, these locos are not the most finely detailed locos ever made. The P2K switchers have them beat there, hands down. Especially the S-1 and S-3, as they are just a smidge smaller then their S-2 and S-4 cousins…and Atlas made their S-1’s and S-3’s using their older S-2 and S-4 frames.
So, the P2K S-1 is by far the best plastic scale model of the real thing…but the Atlas S-1 is by far the best performing plastic model of the real thing.
Paul A. Cutler III
Weather Or No Go New Haven
Wow! I look forward to see one. Like Chris, I’m VERY fond of my Proto 2000 S1. Mine not only looks good, it crawls at low speed. I’ll be curious to see how much better the Atlas version runs than the Proto 2000.
Tom
I’m spoiled by my 2 P2K S-1’s, the Atlas ones look crude by comparison. Sorta like my Walthers FA, now that I have a P2K FA set the Walther’s one looks kind of cheap, even though it runs just as well.
Being Atlas, it will run nice though. And sometimes less detailing is a good thing - using the P2K FA as an example, it’s nearly impossible to pick those things up - there are very fine scale-size handrails and grab irons all over the place, there’s almost no place to touch it that does not have a detail part on it.
–Randy
Well, it doesn’t look like I’ll be purchasing any of the Atlas S1s anyhow: No NYC, no Erie. In any event, I would still be interested in seeing them run.
Tom
Right now I have 18 Atlas Alco switchers and 5 of the Life-Like units. In terms of overall performance, the Atlas units are superior - they are heavier and therefore have greater pulling power. They are also easier to hack up and superdetail, as I have done to the units in the photo below.
The Life-Like Alco switchers are quite light, and the only advantage I see in them are the separate grab irons and the detailed cab interior. They use the same type of motor as the Atlas Alco switchers.
Also, some modelers say that the older Austrian made Atlas Alco switchers run better than the newer Chinese made units. Fiddlesticks! I have Austrian and Chinese made Atlas Alco switchers and both versions run equally well.
If you are looking at converting an Atlas Alco switcher to DCC, the NCE S4 decoder is the easiest to install. It is a direct replacement for the light board and comes with the headlight bulb already installed.
If Atlas are going to do a sound-equipped option, I’ll jump at the chance, otherwise I’ll stick with my P2K’s.
Jon
aloco,
I have both a Chinese Atlas S-1 and a Austrian Roco Atlas S-2. And there’s no doubt in my mind that the Roco S-2 is quieter. Why? I dunno…but it still is. My Chinese S-1 is still very, very good…but the Roco is still just a smidge better.
Does it make any difference? Not really. But if I had a choice between the Roco-made and the Chinese-made Atlas switcher, I’d pick the Roco (and not because the other is made in China).
Paul A. Cutler III
Weather Or No Go New Haven
Gentlemen, Thanks for the Information. I was hoping that I could get a fine runner and this sounds about what I’m looking for. Nothing wrong with my two other SW’s by P2K. I like them well enough. Thanks for the tip on the DCC decoder too. I’ll probably call the LHS and make sure they have one when I pick it up. I may just have him do the install also. (Free with purchase of a Loco and decoder at the same time!) I have some older Roco N guage stuff that runs like a Swiss Watch. They do have some nice stuff. Thanks again! Chris
I also love my P2K S1’s. Even though the Atlases have better pulling power, I find the P2K’s to be a much better value-- I live 8 miles from Trainland and I bought three P2K S1’s from them for $30 apiece (!). For the price of one single Atlas S1 I can get two P2K S1s.
I know Tom, but sometimes I like to spread my money around a little bit. My P2K’s , one was a Show Buy at $30 for a NYC SW, and the other was a Shop find for $40. Both are up on DCC and LED’s and run very nice. I did look at the picture detail on the Atlas site, and I am hoping they come through a little better than the picture shows. Might be time for Detailing? LOL! Chris