Similarly, I made a simple product post and the first couple replies and several later were the Statler and Waldorf type (the guys up in the balcony on the Muppet show). Looking at this sort of thing and how every post it seems these days in the N scale forum devolves quickly into a "waaaah, it's not my favorite roadname" or "waaaah, they messed up this easily rectified detail as it appeared on one prototype loco back in Fall of 1978" or whatever complaint thread I would be hesitant I think to get into manufacturing for N scale. I'd pick a scale where people didn't complain so much, like HO, or O... or Z... or T... or any of the "G" scales... or just about anything other than inferiority complex why is this not available in my roadname right now super-detailed at a low price with the precise amount of digitalization or non-digitalization I want with all the correct details for that fall day in 1978 that I model scale, also known as N. Oh well, you can't spell "whine" without the letter N. As to the die cast shell, I think I have been convinced to just leave well enough alone and just go with the molded on grabs. I know from other models that die cast metal can be a bit brittle if you mess with it too much. I have a set of jeweler's files, but I don't think I want to work up a jig to drill the holes with a drill press, especially not the giant floor model monstrosity in my garage. That just sounds like it's asking for trouble.
No insider information, but this release looks like Atlas is going to follow their HO line model that they've done for more than a few years now. There are the Silver (DCC Ready) and Gold (DCC Sound) versions. Used to be the Master line had a DC/DCC decoder board already installed, but that changed when the sound equipped started coming out. If I was a betting man, the frames will have a cavity for the speaker that is filled with a blank, which would make it easy to convert in the future if so desired. This allows Atlas to run the frames once for both versions. Interesting to see this evolution finally come to N Scale. You guys aren't half as bad as the HO guys over on Trainorders. Brian
Ha, yes I was about to post something to that effect. I figure, everybody is passionate about certain locos or roads, etc. so I don't get to worked up about the "over-reaction". I doubt the manufacturers do either. I personally think this is a great release, and one which I wish I could take advantage of but I really don't have a need for an S-2. (still trying to justify one though!) But I'm glad Atlas has announced...this is one of those iconic locos and we should be grateful that Atlas is taking the reins on this one.
Yup... Why I was asking Paul if they where going with a light board with the 6 pin socket on the DCC Ready one. It has a stock DC chip and on it...at least the FVM ES44AC was easy peesy to take out that DC chip...slide in a DCC chip...program it...and having it running on the layout in less then 5 minutes ! I am looking forward to days when...taking the shells off, loosening frame screws, wiggling the old DC board out and usually throwing it away (wasted $), then workin and wigglin a DCC board back in its place...will be no more. May the 6 pin socket and DCC chip live long and prosper
Amen. Can't tell you how many decoder boards I've had to place extra solder on the pads just to make them fit snuggly. FVM changed the game in that aspect. Brian
I don't use it for anything sensitive - watching videos and old movies, posting forums, online contests. I avoided for 1 or 2 years, then discovered it plays videos better than Firefox, so decided to use it for my "hobby" browser.
Which is one reason I love my intermountain F's. Those screw-in DCC boards are simple and secure..... funny enough, I finally unpacked my DCC box and fired up my Northern Pacific FP-7 with DCC/sound just last night! Hadn't run it yet. So the FP7 is chugging up/down my test track, my wife comes over, peers at it (jaw agape), and starts turning the lights & bells & whistles on and off! Then she says "You need a layout. You could do shows with this!" and goes back to running my train. The S2 with DCC and sound is in my list of must-haves, and I'll tell ya what, I may not get to run it much when it arrives! I can tell you that, without a doubt, Sound & DCC is the most interesting (& fun) addition I've ever had to any train or loco. Today I finish wiring up my heavy hitter, a 2-8-8-2 Mallet with DCC/sound! Atlas (Paul), keep 'em coming! And for god's sake, keep on keeping us NP guys in mind! There's a reason most every loco I own is Atlas or IM.....
Southern Alco switcher, with sound!!! And 2 road numbers.. Just wow. Thank you Atlas. I can't wait to get mine.
I may have to paint up an Undec to a Santa Fe Zebra Stripe. Blue and yellow is a little bit of a stretch for my era. However, as soon as I finish I am sure that Atlas will announce that paint scheme.
I wonder if they got wind of this and are working out how to put sound in the S4? I can always dream.
I just pre-ordered 2 sound equiped EL Alco S2s, I hope the price was correct for the sound units, it was so good I almost ordered all 3 numbers!
