Hello folks,
I wanna get myself an HO scale GP38-2 for my mexican passenger train (not NdeM, I have to paint it by myself). Engine should be without sound but DCC ready would be fine. Whose GP38-2 is the better one in terms of running quality and pulling power? Atlas or Bachmann?
I am not personally acquainted with either company’s GP38-2. But on the basis of other engines I have owned or observed, I believe the Atlas model would far exceed the Bachman model for smooth running and pulling power. According to the Atlas web site that model comes equipped with an NMRA 8 pin plug so installing a decoder should be a five minute job.
If you don’t mind paying a bit more, the Atlas unit is by far is the better choice. Not to “bad mouth” Bachman, as most of their newer “stuff” has been of much better quality over the past.
I have 6 of the earlier Atlas Master (black box) dual mode decoder versions. They are all some of my best running ones in my roster. Decent pulling power, excellent detail and a very smooth, dependable drive. Of all my 20 or so Atlas engines, I have never had any issues. Many have seen considerable use running at club shows and open house.
If the number one concern isn’t cost, go with Atlas. The Atlas model is higher quality in just about every way. You could also consider Athearn, as their RTR and Genesis GP38-2s are both good options at least as far as the drives go.
The Bachmann GP38-2’s are generally considered “value” locos. They look and run okay, and are relatively inexpensive.
The Atlas GP38-2 is part of their Trainman line, which has somewhat more coarse detail than their Master line (the Atlas GP38 is a Master loco).
What I would consider to be the deal-breaker between the Bachmann and the Trainman, is that the Trainman locos use the same drive as the Master locos. It’s much quieter and smoother than the Bachmann drive.
So I personally would take the Trainman over the Bachmann.
As usual, I take the hard way out … I find the Atlas Trainman versions on the cheap when I can and mount Athearn shells on them. Best of both worlds …
Mark.
Atlas is a strong puller but,if you are interested Athearn GP38-2 is the best shell.
I would step it up a notch and buy a Atlas Trainman GP38-2 and a Athearn Shell.Add the grabs,the newer plastic handrails and you have a sure winner with the most accurate body.
There must be an echo in here… [:D]
and for good reason. Buy the Atlas.
The Atlas for sure, I’ve got a bunch, and they are all winners.
One other thing that no one has mentioned. Atlas products do enjoy great parts support should one ever need. (they can get dropped you know!) My past experience with obtaining B-mann parts has been hit or miss.
Get the Atlas. I have one of their GP38 locos. Excellent in every way, running, pulling, whatever.
Rich
That’s great to know, but I have never had the need to ever contact them for any reason. Must be a “good thing” Over 20 Atlas locos and not one issue! And these are not shelf “queens” by any means. My only better runners are Kato and Stewart/ Kato.
Definitly the Atlas. I have GP38-2 with sound.
The Bachmann come with a low end non sound decoder that some replace with the NCE Bach-DSL decoder. A much better decoder.
Rich
But,for some of us we buy our detail parts there like horns,bell,radio antennas etc…
So,its a very good thing indeed.
Atlas. 'Nuff said.
Atlas all the way, but if you include omissions, a used P2K can be had for cheaper than the bachmann.
The P2K has good detail, pulls like a mule, and is smooth. The only downside to the P2K is the factory wiring and some dimensional innaccuracies (looks fine to me though). Just hard-wire (and convert to LEDS) it and it’s fine.
I don’t have an Atlas trainman Gp38-2.I have a trainman GP39-2. It runs nice, but shell detail (not including grabs and w/e) doesn’t seem to be as good as the P2K or atlas’s regular line
Bachmann GP 38-2 - the engine of choice for the budget conscious.
Atlas is a much better engine, however.
Oh yeah, I got the echo!
I´m going for the Atlas one!
Just one question: can the handrails of the Atlas engine be (easily?) removed?
I´m asking this because I will need to do so in order to apply decals.
De Luxe,
Something to view. They have a review, of the Bachmann, on the right also:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-oOA_9ENg1o
Frank
For diesels, Atlas over Bachmann any day. With that said, the Proto 2000 GP38-2s are quite nice.
Tom
Tom,I fully agree…I have four…Two SCL(500/509) and two Seaboard System(2680/2690) all are great runners…I heard of some detail boo boos like the fans being to small but,I compared these P2K units with my Athearn RTR GP38-2 and my Atlas GP38s and couldn’t see any difference in the size of the fans so that must be a scale inch thing.