Decoder recommendation for Atlas Master Series Dash 8-40BW

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I’m looking for recommendations on the appropriate decoder for a Atlas
Master Locomotive Series Dash 8-40BW locomotive. Atlas #7238, DCC ready
(includes NMRA 8-pin plug).

I’m looking for decoders with best bang for the buck, basic features, low
cost. Also looking for a source where I can buy online since I live out in
the boonies far from a brick/mortar train shop!

2

Kevin,
I beleive that the Master Series is already equiped w/ the Atlas dual-mode decoder. I don’t have a Dash-8, but all my Master series GP-38s and SD-35s have the factory decoder. All the Atlas Classics (GP-40s) non decoder , I used the Atlas decoder in place of the circuit board. Not sure lately about Atlas w/ all the Silver series Master etc., they seem to be going nuts with the packaging.
Bob K.

3

i used a DH123PS in my 8-40CW

4

Thanks for the reply Bob… This particular model comes w/o decoder (#7238) and w/decoder (#9066). I purchased #7238. I may call Tony’s Train Exchange tomorrow, I would think they would have specifics on this???

5

I would say that unless you are into programming CVs - you should attempt to match decoders with whatever other engines (other dash 8s?) you will run with this one. For all of my Silver dash 8s I just added a 2 or 4 function Atlas decoder - thinking this would be more compatible with the factory equipped DCC units.