All, Ok, During the 1980's - 2000? ATLAS Produced a variety of ALCO's such as ALCO C420, C628, c630, RS1 etc. How about these a better running ALCO C636 and a ALCO C643-DH ? Tom
Perhaps a good idea. I bought 2 Ea Atlas China-built LV C-628s and was displeased. One had a defective motor which was eventually replaced, but neither ran well and they still don't today. Comparing these with my Kato units with their watch-like precision, soured me on buying anything from Atlas for a long time. When the Atlas LV and L&HR C-420's came out, I ignored them in recollection of my poor quality C-628s.
Hardcoaler, I too purchased a pair of C628’s and was displeased, possibly you and I both ended up wit a pair which had teething issues from ATLAS However I am willing to give them another try. Tom
I've a China built DCC ready Alco C628 and I've no problems with it. I've no idea which release it's from but it was in PRR paint (road number 6305 it didn't come with a box) when I purchased it second hand at the LHS that took it in on consignment. I'm guessing it's a later release as it's a slower speed motor and runs well with my Arnold U25C it stays mated with in ore service on my DC layout. I remember hearing about an issue with the universals in the drive train on these cracking therefore slipping, but I've not had that happen with mine. I'm very satisfied with the horde of Atlas locomotives I own.
I have six C630 and two C420 and eight RS3's that all run great! You do need to break them in like all locomotives.
