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 Posted - October 06 2010 : 9:41:11 PM
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I'm guessing this is the most appropriate place to post this question.
I'm looking to buy a new engine. I love running my Tycos but would like something more reliable and with more pulling power for regular use.
I think the three biggest limiting factors are budget, turn radius and engine type based on what we see in real life locally. I'm looking for a BNSF engine that is the same or very similar to those that my son sees just down the street. It looks like most of what we see down the street are SD40-2, GP39-2 and SD60M. There are some others larger engines as well but since the layout is small I'm thinking they might look out of place.
Also, I I hooked up an Athearn EMD F45 dummy to one of my engines and it could not make the turns without the trucks hitting the steps on the side and the whole thing derailing.
The other thing I am considering in an engine is that it be DCC ready. I don't want to make that leap yet but I think I may go that route in the future as my son would really get a kick out of the trains making sounds.
So, I'm drawn to the Atlas Trainman item 10000486, the GP39-2 Phase I. Aside from the road number this is basically the same as one of the workhorses down the street.
I'm wondering if anyone has experience with this engine or has other recommendations. The Atlas Trainman GP39-2 DCC-ready goes for about $60. Is there another brand in that price range for a dcc ready (not equipped) Geep? Should I also consider just buying a DCC train and using a jumper to run it on an analog track?
Any thoughts appreciated.
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Country:  USA ~
Posts: 178 ~
Member Since: July 02 2010 ~
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Posted - October 06 2010 : 10:14:19 PM
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You'll never regret getting a loco that is DCC ready---one that, with the removal of a jumper plug, can have a chip installed. It won't hurt the engine. Last I knew, while they say either can be run on the other with limitations, it just doesn't live up to it. I've gone back to DC, but I installed jumpers on my Digitrax plugs for any future considerations. They all run just fine and some of them are 35+ year old engines...
http://s126.photobucket.com/albums/p96/1shaygetz/videos/?action=view¤t=unleashed_0001.flv
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Posted - October 06 2010 : 11:03:53 PM
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| I have several Atlas engines and they are top of the line. All of them have brass flywheels and run well at low speeds. Definitely a quality product.
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Country: USA ~
Posts: 668 ~
Member Since: April 28 2010 ~
Last Visit: February 14 2026
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Posted - October 07 2010 : 07:57:33 AM
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Atlas and Kato are pretty much the cream of the crop when it comes to diesels. The best price on the web looks to be at M.B. Klein, which is also one of the most reputable dealers. $60 ain't bad.
http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/10000487_GP39_2_Phase_I_BNSF_Wedge_2776_p/atl-10000487.htm
The Tyco Depot
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Posts: 3927 ~
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Jim
Little Six
Status:
offline
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Posted - December 10 2012 : 4:58:25 PM
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| I have one of the BNSF 2703 GP39-2 PH2 (Phase 1??) Locomotives, and I love it, it runs pretty smooth at low speeds and for the most parts will work on my 18" curves at times it likes to try and jump the rails but it will for the most part get around the 18" ok with no derails so I think its just my track that is the issue there. tested it on other track and it runs well on the code 100 track.
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Member Since: September 26 2012 ~
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Posted - December 10 2012 : 5:13:05 PM
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I've had a few of them in the shop for custom painting and extra details....the owners are local guys at the train club, and they run GREAT! One member has a section of his yard with 16 inch radius, flex track, and run slowly, goes right around it! speed it up and at times it will go around and others not at all without jumping the tracks....
And is a GREAt puller as well, you won't go wrong for that locomotive, I just picked up a Atlas GP-7 about a month ago in trade, brand new black and red Atlas box, and it runs GREAT too!
As a few has said, Atlas and Kato are a never miss with diesels, both are GREAT quality locomotives!
~John
Many have tried to, and failed, ya just can't repair stupid... 
Do NOT try to Idiot-Proof anything!!!! God, will simply create a better......IDIOT!
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Posted - December 10 2012 : 5:38:51 PM
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I own a Atlas Trainman GP15-1 in N, great runner.
" Heck with counting 'em rivets, TRAINS ARE FOR FUN! Not called the Mad Scientist for nothing either!"
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Posted - December 11 2012 : 02:30:23 AM
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Alas, Atlas At last!
and what the other members said.
John
I don't have a one track mind. It depends on the turn-out.
"I love your catenary!"
Is that a power-trip or just another pick-up line?
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