I have a Kato SD40-2 in BNSF H1, also an Atlas GP35 in the same scheme. On the Kato model, the trucks and tank are black, but on the Atlas one they are dark green. As Atlas paint jobs are far superior to Kato's, so probably more accurate, can I take it that the parts mentioned should be green?
<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Alan: I have a Kato SD40-2 in BNSF H1, also an Atlas GP35 in the same scheme. On the Kato model, the trucks and tank are black, but on the Atlas one they are dark green. As Atlas paint jobs are far superior to Kato's, so probably more accurate, can I take it that the parts mentioned should be green?<hr></blockquote> First, the Atlas paint is correct. All BNSF units in H1 have green trucks and fuel tanks. Second, I disagree with Atlas paint being superior to Kato's but will leave that for another time...
It seems to me that Kato has better actual application of the paint, but Atlas tends to paint the handrails, and get the colors correct more so than Kato and has more pain detailing (such as painted handrails and step edges). Is that about right? (The only Katos I have are a C57 w/smoke deflector and white lining and an Sd90, I own no Atlas yet) Some BNSF SD40-2 photos are here: www.bnsfpix.com The trucks and tank definatly appear black on some of the photos, probably just the lighting though. [ 17 October 2001: Message edited by: sd9043mac ]</p>
I have to agree with Atlas' paint quality. I've seen most of the prototypes up close & personal, and I can testify to the accuracy of the paint jobs. As for Kato: great chassis, paint ain't too bad, but I'll still take the Atlas any time. One alternative remains- if you don't like the original paint job, do your own (or contract it out).
<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by friscobob: [QB]I have to agree with Atlas' paint quality. I've seen most of the prototypes up close & personal, and I can testify to the accuracy of the paint jobs. As for Kato: great chassis, paint ain't too bad, but I'll still take the Atlas any time. QB]<hr></blockquote> It seems we dont understand the difference between paint quality and paint accuracy. Atlas' paint quality absolutely SUCKS. It is sprayed on way too thick. It is globbed on the handrails. Their lettering is so thick that its shiney and is actually raised higher because of how thick it is. It's true that Atlas gets handrail color correct more often than Kato. But whats the difference when you have to redo the Atlas paint because it is globed on so thick.
<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Scott Siebler: It seems we dont understand the difference between paint quality and paint accuracy. Atlas' paint quality absolutely SUCKS. It is sprayed on way too thick. It is globbed on the handrails. Their lettering is so thick that its shiney and is actually raised higher because of how thick it is. It's true that Atlas gets handrail color correct more often than Kato. But whats the difference when you have to redo the Atlas paint because it is globed on so thick.<hr></blockquote> I understand quite well the difference, Scott. And of all the Atlas locomotives I've seen, the paint has not been "globbed on"- the Atlas models I own have no paint on the handrails at all. The only difficulty I have with Atlas paint jobs is that they're a bit tough to remove when I'm getting ready to repaint (in my case, Frisco). As I said in my last post, if you don't like the paint job, change it (or get undecorated). Or take the time to change the lettering with similar decals. If you wanna stick with what you have, try weathering them- that'll hide the sheen you despise. Helpful hints from someone who's been at this for 26 years..........
Some problems with Kato paint jobs on my locomotives: Yellow walkways on ATSF SD40-2 'snoot' - should be blue. Green walkways on BNSF C44 - should be orange. Green walkways on BN SD40-2 - should be black. Poor application of the green on top of short hood on UP SD40-2 'snoot' - yellow showing through around grab molding. BN logo way off-center on cabside of SD40-2. None of the Kato locomotives have the step handrails painted. Wrong colour trucks and fuel tanks on several. Shade of paint colour incorrect on several. I am sure there are more, but those are just off the top of my head! It was only relatively recently that they caught up with Atlas and started started to put numberboards on their models! Atlas locomotives (especially recent offerings) have excellent paint jobs. None of mine have 'paint gobbed on'. But they do have all the paint in the correct colours, and in the right places. Also, they at least do "road specific" variations on their models. Look at the B23-7, for instance. Kato do a superb mechanism, but they are sure let down by poor, or incorrect paint jobs, and attention to detail. Undecorated Kato's would be a best buy. I love to run Kato's, but just wish they would pay more attention to the painting.
Alan, I tend to agree with you. The globbed-on line was emitted by someone who, as they say in Texas, would holler if you hung him with a new rope.
Well, they tend to run a little fast, but the new offerings are supposed to have a slower drive. I haven't been able to test pulling, etc, but they run smoothly and pull quite well. We all know Scott dislikes Atlas, and he is entitled to his opinion, just please don't force it on others. I have several Atlas locos, and I am looking forward to the B40-8 due out around Christmas (probably late, but who cares?). You have to buy both if you're going to model a modern road.
For the numbers that kato did the walkways should be orange.But I have been on BNSF snoots that had green walkways(I forget the numbers as they were in the yard one day and gone the next).As for the whole paint job issues on this post. HAVEN'T WE ALL HAD ENOUGH FLAME WARS ON THIS TOPIC?????????
<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Alan: [QB]Some problems with Kato paint jobs on my locomotives: None of the Kato locomotives have the step handrails painted. Atlas locomotives (especially recent offerings) have excellent paint jobs. None of mine have 'paint gobbed on'. But they do have all the paint in the correct colours, and in the right places. Also, they at least do "road specific" variations on their models. Look at the B23-7, for instance. QB]<hr></blockquote> First, Atlas globs on paint on the endrails of their locos. THIS IS SO NOTICABLE, YOU GUYS EITHER DONT WHAT TO ADMIT IT OR YOU DONT CARE ABOUT THIS PROBLEM!!!!!! Look at the white paint, you cant miss it. The endrails look like they are a scale foot thick!!! The modeler must have to scrape off the paint and redo them. I would rather have them be left unpainted so the modeler could do it right. Kato was first in road specific variations with the C44-9W.
<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by friscobob: [QB] the Atlas models I own have no paint on the handrails at all. QB]<hr></blockquote> Which models do you own? Everthing from the SD35 until now has painted handrail. I'm not just talking about endrails. I'm talking about the whole handrail piece.
Maybe its just my cynical nature but since Atlas and Kato will not do the same locomotive and thereby obligate one to purchase a given locomotive from one or the other with no choice in the matter, I can imagne Charlie and Paul reading these posts on the Atlas/Kato debate and having a good laugh. Anyway, I'm stayin out of this one.
Well I do have to admit I enjoy some good postings here. I also would like to acknowledge Scott for being a true gentlemen in his reply . I do however feel there are good points to both Scotts statements and others here. Somehow I cant get a picture out of my mind Scott wearing a white coat being quality control inspector at ATLAS We have a good work practice which I have seen documented in mamangement practices. When a new project or action is required the person most critical is usually suited for the job as they tend to be very picky and in the end you get a better product.
<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Scott Siebler: First, Atlas globs on paint on the endrails of their locos. THIS IS SO NOTICABLE, YOU GUYS EITHER DONT WHAT TO ADMIT IT OR YOU DONT CARE ABOUT THIS PROBLEM!!!!!! Look at the white paint, you cant miss it. The endrails look like they are a scale foot thick!!! The modeler must have to scrape off the paint and redo them. I would rather have them be left unpainted so the modeler could do it right. .<hr></blockquote> A couple of points: First, going off on a tear because we disagree with you on anything diesel, model or paint isn't going to win you any friends here. I would advise you to think a bit before you type a response- ths is not the Atlas forum or Trainorders. Second, the locomotives I own have no, I repeat NO paint on the handrails- and I AM referring to Atlas diesels. If the paint (globbed-on or otherwise) bothers you, strip it off. Brake fluid or PollyS's ELO works well. In conclusion, I have neither the desire nor the time to engage in a flame war on this forum. I prefer to debate with individuals who don't fly off the handle when I say something contrary to their percieved notions. Later, Scott [ 18 October 2001: Message edited by: friscobob ]</p>
<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by friscobob: A couple of points: First, going off on a tear because we disagree with you on anything diesel, model or paint isn't going to win you any friends here. I would advise you to think a bit before you type a response- ths is not the Atlas forum or Trainorders. Second, the locomotives I own have no, I repeat NO paint on the handrails- and I AM referring to Atlas diesels. If the paint (globbed-on or otherwise) bothers you, strip it off. Brake fluid or PollyS's ELO works well. In conclusion, I have neither the desire nor the time to engage in a flame war on this forum. I prefer to debate with individuals who don't fly off the handle when I say something contrary to their percieved notions. [ 18 October 2001: Message edited by: friscobob ]<hr></blockquote> First, I think before I type. It is people like you that do not. You're the one who goes off on a tear all the time because you cant accept the truth!!! These are not opinions of mine, I am stating FACTS!!!. This battle is not me vs. everyone else. I have 3 other people on my side, and one is a very respected person on TB. I am not going to tell the other persons names because I have been instructed not to. But if you guys can't figure it out by now then you are really lost. Second, you say you dont own an Atlas model with painted handrails, then you have no right to comment on the issue one way or the other. You guys can go on and on about Kato and MT problems but you get all pissed off and shook up when somebody states the truth about Atlas. YOU GUYS KNOW THIS IS TRUE, JUST ADMIT TO IT AND THERE WONT BE ANYMORE OF THIS 'FLAME WAR' [ 18 October 2001: Message edited by: Scott Siebler ]</p>
I want to make something clear, I do not dislike all Atlas products. Their more recent rolling stock releases are top notch except for the trucks/wheelsets that have a tendancy to make the car wobble. Their rolling stock is very well done and I love the etched metal roofwalks and free standing grabs on the ACF pressureaide.
Everybody, let us all(Scott included) follow Scott's good advice on these painted handrail thingys and <blockquote>quote:</font><hr>leave that for another time...<hr></blockquote> I do not like how this thread is progressing, and I don't want anyone getting burnt up on this one. It is beginning to bore me. I hate to see so much potential put to such waste. Anyone with ideas on how to improve these handrails, your suggestions are greatly appreciated. I am sure the locomotive detailing genius has a very good solution. [ 18 October 2001: Message edited by: Benny ]</p>
