Atlas has just announced plans to do an Alco S2, this was posted to their facebook page: https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/405363_10151743379830110_125305928_n.jpg Looks like it'll be a nice model - the 6 pin decoder would be a nice standard for everyone to adopt.
This is like Christmas as a kid for me. Some S4s and S2s will help fill out my roster quite nicely. I wonder what the time frame is for the actual release?
I wonder why they decided to do the long hood in die cast? This is not the norm for Atlas. Maybe weight reasons for better traction?
I noticed that about the die cast as well. I would think extra weight for traction but I'm sure there are a lot of variables that influence the manufacturing equation. Whatever reason, I could use a couple in CB&Q. Andy Tetsu Uma
I am both happy and disappointed to see the die-cast long hood. happy for the weight, but disappointed that the mechanism will not be useable for future use for SW1500's, SW9, SW1200, HH660, etc. I'm guessin the decoder will go in the cab ala' Minitirx........die-cast........huh? No worms made from springs, please.
Love all this 'new release' news!!!!!!!!!!!!!...truly, the N scale outlook is as rosy as I've ever seen it! ATSF S-2 will be in my immediate future! Respectfully, Bruce
I guess the die cast hood is for pulling power. The arnold S2 used the same trick and whatever you could think about the engine, it pulled reasonable good compared to f.i. the SW9. Marc
Why wouldn't the mechanism be useable for other locos? If the cast on detail is good enough I'm all for die cast bodies for better pulling power, Atlas should look at this for the rest of their poorly pulling diesels. The six pin decoder is another good idea that only FVM among US manufacturers have discovered until now, I won't have to wait for decoder manufacturers to bring out yet another custom designed light board replacement decoder, and pay the extra cost this entails over a stock standard decoder.
I agree with Westfalen - don't know why the mechanism wouldn't be re-usable, and the weight of the die-cast long hood will be welcome (along with the easy 6-pin decoder swap). Atlas will have re-runs of these forever. Literally ALL the Class 1's had them, and virtually all short line/switching RR's as well - here's a list, with over 110 RR's that owned 'em: http://thedieselshop.us/Alco_S2.HTML Bring on the NKP units . . . John C.
How would you put a shell over it? If you think about the Arnold S-2, the sides over the motor were very thin, about the thickness of a plastic shell. I would have preferred the mechanism be separate from the shell providing the basis for an SW1500 or HH660 in the future. Had it been done this way, it would have been much cheaper to use the same basic mechanism for other locomotives in the future (and provide kitbash fodder while we wait). Oh well, there is still the Bman offering.
You seem to be assuming that "die cast" means that the shell and mechanism will be like the "all in one" of the Arnold. But all "die cast" means is that the hood will be cast metal. It doesn't preclude a separate mechanism underneath that the shell fits over, just as if it were plastic. Model Power steam boilers are die cast and sit on top of a separate mechanism. I guess we'll have to wait and see, but I would be very surprised if the Atlas offering is engineered anything like the old Arnold. John C.
I anticipate a set up that combines the cast long hood of the Arnold with trucks similar to the Kato NW2, that is the worm is part of the truck. That would be the most practical way to do it. I can't imagine Atlas making a metal shell ala Model Power and the FP units, but I guess we will see. I am happy to be finally getting them just the same.
Sthufferin' sthuccutash... All of these goodies all of the sudden coming out!!! Very happy to see Atlas is 'IN THE GAME' again! Too bad they couldn't do BOTH the S2 and S4. But... Bachmann has been putting out pretty decent stuff recently and many of us (me included) have renewed interest in the Bachmann products. Splitting the production between both companies is not bad... means we get more stuff... more often.
Yeah, I really don't care either, as long as the end product is smooth and pulls decently. I could use a half-dozen of them . . . John C.
I like this too! I wonder when they will start talking about roadnames? I would like to have a couple of dozen ATSF units........ I hope they go for a simple 6 pin plug in decoder ala FVM.
