Atlas N scale SD9

I am considering purchasing some Atlas gold SD9 locos, but I am concerned how they run? It sounds like the detail quality is the typical Atlas, but I haven't seen much on running quality. My thinking is to buy three to be consisted together. I may just do one gold series with sound and two without sound.

Any thoughts on running quality would be appreciated.

 

Good thoughts, especially if the locos will spend their layout lives lashed together.

You might check to see whether the factory-supplied sound and non-sound decoders are the same brand/series. That will make them easier to speed match. If not, and if the loco's DC version has a shorting plug in lieu of a decoder, it might be better to get the DC model, and pick a compatible plug-in decoder from the same manufacturer as the decoder in the sound-equipped model.

 

Thanks BigJake, the gold come with ESU and I would stick to the same brand for the very reason you state.

 

Mine runs really well, and the sound is quite nice.

 

There is no DCC without sound option on the latest run. You would have to get all sound units to have them run together or decoder equip some of the DC units and probably speed match them.

 

I see that. I could buy two sound units and add a basic ESU decoder to the third and be happy.

 

I picked up 2 silver SD7s from this last run. They run very well, after fixing the wheel gauge. These have a new design of the chassis and therefore DCC is not a board replacement, it's a plug-in. I suspect next18 but have been unable to confirm.

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On questions regarding quality of N-Scale engines, it's a sure bet, Spookshow has you covered: http://www.spookshow.net/loco/atlassd7.html

 

Thanks. I didn't think he would have anything on them yet, but he does have a bit of info on the current run.

 

Yes he does..page to the bottom 2023 SD 7

 

Yep. That is where I found it.

 

I picked up two of the Gold SP SD9s. They run exceptionally smooth and sound great out of the box. Minimal motor/gear noise. Much better than the last generation of Atlas engines. I would say smoother than the S2s. I wanted these the last time they did this paint scheme in 2005 and though, I don't have to have these, I'll wait till the run them again. It's SP, they will re-run these. I didn't think it would take 18 years.

I also have a set of the S2s with the Loksound v4 decoders. These new SD9s have the ESU Loksound v5 decoder. The key difference that I can tell is with the v5 decoders, you can't easily adjust the horns/bell. Unless there is something I'm missing. With the v4 decoder you could set CV48 to change the bells and horn. With the v5 it is more or less fixed unless it is hidden in the functions and not documented. You can change the sounds with a LokProgrammer. But at least with the SD9 the sounds are appropriate and don't need to be changed. No issues programming them with JMRI; they auto-detect as Loksound v5 nano DCC decoders.

-Matt

 

I believe the plug in the SD7/9 silver models is the ESU-only E24, so there is only one decoder on the market that can be plugged in, the ESU 58923 Loksound 5 Nano. So at least at this point, you can't even put a non-sound decoder in it, at least without doing a lot of cutting and soldering. I would like to think that at some point they will offer a Lokpilot decoder with the E24 plug.

Jim

 

I'm curious if anyone has an opinion about if there is space to add extra weight to the new SD7/9. It looks like maybe a little space on the ends, but maybe, if electrically insulated, a bunch of tungsten putty could be placed on the top of the board?

Jim

 

I would be concerned with mismatched coefficients of thermal expansion between the tungsten and the electronics assembly/components, if the putty dries/cures hard. I'd probably cover the decoder with Kapton tape and apply the putty over that. But I'd probably apply the putty to the inside of the shell, cover the decoder with Kapton tape, then install the shell and let the putty mold itself to the top of taped decoder. But that might not work if there are light pipes installed in the shell to conduct light from decoder's LEDs to the lenses/openings in the shell.

That's my initial assessment...

 

ESU is coming out with the 59925 DC Decoder for these units. They are on their way from Germany. Info from my supplier.

 

Not sure if this is feasible or not, but if these will always run together, and to save some money, maybe you can remove the DC board and disconnect the drive lines from the center unit and run it unpowered?

 

I received my two backordered decoders from SB4DCC at the end of January. Easy install. So now I have two gold, and two silver without sound. So far I am a bit disappointed. One sound decoder stopped controlling the motor after 10 to 15 minutes of run time. Now I only have light control and no sound either. One of the silver locos acts like there is ballast in the gears as one truck assembly clicks and bucks then locks up. I'll have to do a warranty claim on the gold unit, but will tinker with the silver unit as it sounds like an easy fix. The old SD35's suffered something similar.

 

Tangential to the topic, but I’m a bit worried -

not about your SD9s, but it seems Mark’s output rate at spookshow.net has dropped considerably. His review of the Kato 4014 has been in “incomplete” status for months, now.

 

Mark is a Godsend to us N-scalers. I've often wondered what will become of his tremendous body of work, as well as who might carry that torch when he is no longer up to the task. Just the simple obligation of acquiring units to test is probably beyond most modelers' financial resources. Someone would need the time for testing and writing, as well as the technical knowledge to maintain a website and database. It might take a few people to carry that heavy torch.

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