New Owners Weigh In - should I get a Atlas Dash 8, GP60 or a Lionel SD70?

Classic Toy Trains Forum
1

As I mentioned in my prior post, I’m looking to get a new Diesel for my layout.

I really like the Atlas attention to detail, but have heard that Lionel’s new SD70 is right up there with Atlas. Thanks to Lehigh for pointing out the Dash 8’s from Atlas, which just arrived in my favorite line - UP.

I’d like to hear from folks as to the good/bad with each engine, and even more preferably from owners of NEW diesels of the above variety (with TMCC).

Please let me know your thoughts on which engine you feel would be the best first engine for a layout.

Thanks!

SeanCon

2

Atlas O’s 840-B is a great loco, Ive run the new demo unit all weekend. Its has prototypical ditchlights that ossilate when the horn is blown.

The only thing that may be better on the Lionel is the sounds, as they will be specific to that road and number loco.

Chris

3

I would go with the dash 8. The lionel does have better sound and better resale. But the lionel sd-70 isn’t actually prototypically correct for example the brake wheel isn’t recessed. I also don’t like how the number boards and cab stay lit when the engine is not in use. The Atlas can be parked in a yard and it looks dead until addressed. I also have had bad luck with lionel engines working out of the box. My CNW dash-9 made one trip around my track and fried. Lionel does have one of the best service centers, but for four hundred bucks it should work out of the box.

I am not trying to persuade you to the dark side, but I have just recently switched to DCS. It can run my Tmcc locos and now gives me an oppertunity to buy more engines than before. The nice thing about DCS is that you don’t have to remember what each number does or having tp hit aux.and then a number. Plus MTH’s engines have a lot of cool sounds such as a conversation about putting fuel in the engine, a simulated train crash, and comments about when their relief is coming in. You also can program a doppler effect which increases and decreases sound according to a certain viewing point. There are also features such as a clickity clack sound over 30 mph and coupler slaps and tugs. Oh well I hope I helped.

4

Just out of curiosity, what diesels do you currently have?

Also, what do you think of the Lionel Dash-9’s quality - I thought the SP version I saw at a hobby store this week looked like a plastic toy rather than a scale model (the wipers were comical) - wondering your thoughts.

5

My choice would be the GP-60 because I’m an EMD fan. Plus Atlas is offering cabless B unit dummys to go with it.