<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by moose: How are they these days? An affordable alternative to Kato/Atlas? Or is it best to stay away from them?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE> Sorry moose - didn't answer the original question! As other have already pointed out, the GP20's, SW900/1200'S, and FA/FB units are just fine using a split-frame chassis as Atlas and Kato do. The GP20 has an almost identical chassis to those used by Atlas in their GP7/9 and some parts are interchangable. The earlier models do have some less than desireable running characteristics, though. In fact, I use the GP20 chassis for inexpensive kitbashed GP7's and 9's. They cost me around AU$50 each plus AU$20 for a complete body from Atlas. Alot less than the AU$120-140 being asked for a 'real' Atlas Geep! Gary.
Probably isn't worth posting, but I have one life-like gp38 (conrail) it runs... ok... it is a little hesitant compared to my CW40-8 (bachmann) I used to own some life-like engines (orginionals) a few years ago, in HO they only ran 5-6 months before self- retirement, I vowed never to buy anoth life-like again, then they introduced the proto2000 line, I bought 4 Conrail gons in HO scale, they were (and still are ) wonderful. I'm getting rid of my HO stuff now, and going to N. I tried a that GP38 in N but it reminds me of those good old days I'll try P2000 when I can scrape up some money.
Hello A&A, Try a set of the LL FAunits and you will not be sorry. LL has plans to retool the GP38 and BL2 to the FA standards but until then they both utilize LL's older technology. Russ/NYC - The Hoffman Valley RR NARA member#28 P.S. Anyone who has a set of the FA's will agree!
I really like LL locos. The only problem I have had is if you want to run Atlas, and Kato locos at the same time. You either better have double mainlines everywhere or use DCC. The LL are good pullers, but SLOW... not bad, and maybe we would be better off if the Atlas and Kato were more the speed of the LL. Art
