Which is a better runner?

I need some help from you experienced N-scalers. Which model would you consider to be a better runner, the newer Life-Like SD-7's or the 1991 Atlas SD-9's? I have a choice between the two and I'm not sure which to get.

Thanks for your help

 

I have never run an Atlas SD-9 from 1991, but if it doesn't have a flywheel like other early Atlas' then I would have to say that the Life-Like unit is better. The all around construction of the Atlas is better being split frame. But for my money, I would opt for the L-L units. They usually need a little "tweeking" right out of the box but being as you can get them for $20 or so off Ebay, in my mind they are worth the extra trouble in tuning them. I have two and love them.

 

The Atlas/Kato SD-7s and 9s run great. Unlike the Life-Like they do not need "tweeking"!

Jerry

 

HermanZGerman,

I have a LL SD7 and find that it doesn't run as well as my Atlas engines. What kinds of tweaking have you done to your SD7? And after the tweaks, do you find that it runs as well as a newer Atlas?

Thanks,
Dan

 

I've had both, and I prefer the Atlas/Kato units to the LL ones. The Atlas's run better, and in my experience, will pull more cars.

My main gripe with the LL 6 axle loco's is that they only power 4 of them. I think this greatly reduces their pulling power.

 

As I said before. I have never had an Atlas/Kato one of these to compare a L-L with but if the Atlas units don't have flywheels, I would prefer the L-L. Having said that, I have found that the L-L SD-7's are assembled rather poorly and usually need either the weights or wires moved around to make everything fit correctly with no binding anywhere. If everything isn't just so, they either run badly or just plain don't run at all. The body has to be snapped all the way down on the chassis and they come from the factory often not so. I have even seen two that had a wire broken off the truck from being soldered poorly right out of the box. In no way would I claim that they are better than an almighty Kato/Atlas. But if you are budget minded, This and the L-L GP-20 are the best low cost locos out there IMHO.

 

The atlas/kato SD7s I have do have fly wheels and are nice runners. I have one LL and runs okay. I hate the LL because it will be a harder to convert DCC due to it's design.

 

That is a definate for sure on the DCC conversion. Most people feel that converting a sub-$50 loco is a waste. I only would if the decoder was $10 or less. I often recommend the LL SD-7's to customers as an alternative to the LL GP-38. It is hands down a better loco than the GP-38 both in looks and running.

 

Running wise I prefer the ATLAS/KATO SD7/9.Looks wise I like the LifeLike SD7.I wish the A/K mech would fit the LL unit cause I would swap them out in a heartbeat.

 

I have owned both,,,, in fact, the Atlas (Kato) SD7/9's were the first N scale locos I ever owned. They were extremely smooth runners right out of the box, and very strong pullers (VERY HEAVY). Other than having to install the M-T pilot conversions, I did not have any issues with them.

The LL units are M-T ready (1015/16's) and well detailed, however, they are very light and a little "shiny". I had a pair and tried to MU them together.... one ended up dragging the other. I ended up selling them and got more than the $19 I paid for them.

Harold

 

I have had both over the years and without question the Life Like is the better overall model. The Atlas does have a good drive but so does the LL. What really sets them apart is the Atlas SD's shell sits too high on the frame and you need one of the MT pilot conversions to run MT couplers. The LL shell sits the correct height and has much better detail plus you do not need the pilot converion. One more plus for the LL is the price, you can get two of those for the price of one Atlas.

 

I have an Atlas SD7 and an Atlas SD9, both of which run great. I also have a pair of LL's which also run great. Constructionwise, I think the Atlas models have a slight "edge" on the LL. But, I don't think you'll be unhappy with either.

 

The Atlas SD-7/9 are the better engines. They run better and the paint for the at least the UP versions were closer to the correct colors.

Jerry

 

I'd go for the Atlas as well. Life-Like is still at the lower edge of the quality scale. The newest models feature split frame and flywheels too but not DCC ready. That's a must today. I have some of the newer Life-Likes C424. What should I say ? I better bought some six-packs with that money. I also have to say that Atlas don't run the way they used when produced by Kato. Currently there's simply nothing like a Kato.
(this is MY opinion)

 

This is the first time I have been able to get on trainboard in over a week. I have 3 LL SD7's and 1 Atlas/Kato SD7. The Atlas/Kato has all 6 axels powered but a fast moter and speeds to fast. It is fair slow running. Two of the LL's I bought off E Bay were decoder equiped. I see no way I can DCC my new layout for several years so removed the decoders from the 2 LL's. All three LL SD7's have lower speeds and run more like proto engines. The 3 LL's have only 4 axels powered which is a drawback and they are lighter than the Atlas/kato. It takes 2 of the LL's lashed together to equal the pulling power of the Atlas/Kato. In my opinion, between the drawbacks and pluss of both types they about equal out.

 

I will be using the SD-7/9's at slow speeds and small cuts of cars, more of a road switcher/ milk train roll. I think I'll go the LL route for now and if Atlas, Kato or whoever produces a better runner with the detail we've come to expect then I'll add them to the layout.

Thanks to all for your input!