I am considering purchasing a CSX MP 15AC road engine with a decoder and sound. The two brands on the market are Atlas and Athern Genesis. Does anyone have any experience with either of these locomotives and their performance aspects? Any feedback would be appreciated.
Larry
Hi,
I heard that you can pull more cars with the Atlas model. Plus, it’s more quiet.
Sincerely,
Chris
The Atlas is a real beauty! I wish I could afford one.
FWIW the Athearn is a MP-15AC, the Atlas one is an MP-15DC. Two different versions of the same engine - or two different engines, depending on how you look at it.
So if you want a CSX MP-15AC you’ll need to get an Athearn one, although Atlas does make a CSX MP-15DC.
I dont think so. I have test run a multitide of both units, I have to say that the Athearn is the quietest loco I have heard run in years.
The Athean model and the Atlas model are 2 different locomotives. So you will have to decide which one you want.
David B
I saw that Athearn engine at this year’s Trainfest in Milwaukee in November. It is an exquisite model, one of the nicest ones they have done. I did not see it run during the times I was near their booth but even if I had, there is enough ambient noise at Trainfest that I would not be able to register any opinion about its noise level.
Dave Nelson
Thanks to everyone who responded. I didn’t know they were different. It appears that there are more of the CSX Athearn available than the Atlas.
Larry
How many different forums names do you have?
David B
Probably two; 68 Camaro and Camaro. I believe one was from home and the other from work.
David, I assume you’re talking about WITHOUT the sound decoder, right? Is that MRC they put in those worth taking a chance on? I really like the looks of the Athearn unit, but don’t know if I should give the one with sound a try or not.
I would AVOID the Athearn unit with the MRC decoder. I have had customers return them ALREADY!!!
David B
David,
What NCE decoder would you suggest for the Athearn MP15AC loco?
D13SRJ has a 9 pin connector and enough functions to drive that beacon.
David B
Where can I find a good picture so I can check them out?
When were they first released?
They were out for about a week…
David B
I received an Atlas (sound/dcc) MP15 for Christmas from the wife. It runs great with good sound quality. I have not looked at the Athearn units, but the major part of my locomotive fleet are Athearn units.
JIM
I have been unsucessful finding any Atlas CSX units with sound. There seem to be plenty of Athearn units available. I wonder if that says something about the MRC decoder. I like the looks of the Athearn, but I don’t want to spend that kind of money just to turn around and replace the MRC decoder. If anyone comes across a Atlas CSX loco/sound let me know.
Larry
Try looking at this URL for your CSX MP-15 with sound.
http://www.mainlinehobby.com/in_stock_locomotives_atlas.htm
I have an Atlas MP-15 with Sound and it’s great. I have also purchased locos from this Hobby Shop and they are good too.
Short,
Thank you for the heads up on the website. It looks pretty detailed.
Larry