Which switchers to buy, I would prefer one with DCC installed, or plug n play type arrangement. Bachmann makes alco switchers, with dcc, but how good is there decoder. micro trains has the sw1500 that I do believe is non dcc. One dealer at a train show said they run great, ut not dcc ready.
I had dcc decoders installed in my Kato NW2s. Run very nicely. Have not seen the MTL SW1500, but suspect dcc can be installed. Actually, I have a Life-Like SW-9 that is/was one of the earlier non-steam locomotives I purchased. It ran very well until it ate some ballast. I would have a dcc decoder installed in it if the gear could be replaced. It ran very smoothly at low speed which is one of my first criteria for a switch locomotive.
Atlas makes the MP15, GP15-1, GP-7 and GP-38's. Bachmann has RS-3's, 45 and 70 ton switchers, 2-8-0, 2-6-0 and 4-6-0 steamers, and there are other switchers as well that I can't think of now. All come with decoders that the manufacturers install as well as decoder ready models. I prefer putting in the decoders of my choice when I can as I prefer Digitrax, but if I like a specific small loco I will buy the DCC equipped loco and live with it as the decoders are pretty good as is. I don't do wire in decoders myself.
Atlas S2, Atlas MP15, Atlas VO-1000, Bachmann S4, Bachmann NW-2, Bachmann 45, and 70 ton, are all available with DCC decoders. All these switchers run great, my favorite is the new Atlas S2 with sound. There are also a lot of road switchers available with DCC decoders.
The MTL SW1500 has decoders available specifically for it from Digitrax and TCS. Install is reported to be drop-in but since I haven't done one I don't think I should comment. Here's a link to TCS' own install of their decoder in the MTL SW1500: http://www.tcsdcc.com/Customer_Content/Installation_Pictures/N_Scale/Micro Trains/SW1500_MT1500.html
I have done two and the ones I purchased (Reading),were far from just drop-in, the motors were not insulated when the bodies were installed. I ended up rewiring the motors and adding a small piece of plastic to keep the chassic apart. They do run really great after all the work was done!
I'd go along with new Atlas S-2. I have the Bachmann S-4, 44 and 70 tonner--they're ok but have issues; the Kato NW2 is better--very solid. But I'm having much more fun with the S-2 with sound.
So what issues do the Bachmann engines have. Are the Bachmann decoders as good as after market products. I guess I am wondering if engines perform smoothly and good slow speed.
I have the Bachmann 44 Ton and the Bachmann 70 Ton switchers. These are my observations: - Small wheelbase leads to difficulty on turnouts (switches), particularly with the 44 ton diesel. This wouldn't necessarily be specific to Bachmann locos of this size. - Decoders are "entry-level" - they provide basic functions like speed control and headlight on/off. Changing the address from the factory preset of 3 to either 44 or 70 took more tries than I expected (I have an NCE Power Cab). - 'Momentum' appears to be the factory setting. If you change direction without bringing the loco to a stop, the loco comes more gradually to a stop first, pauses and then starts in the opposite direction. This may be a nice feature depending on your perspective. However, I've also noticed the there is not an instant response to regular acceleration either. - If you lose connection with the track, the headlight will sometimes shut off and needs to be cycled back off and on with the throttle. - Speed control is reasonable-- not what you would get with a higher level brand like Kato or Atlas. In short, I think you get what you pay for. I would not consider these units at the standard MSRP (in fact, I would not consider buying anything from Bachmann at their standard MSRP!) but if the locos can be had at a discount they would be a reasonable tradeoff. That is how I purchased both of my units. I'm not in the market for any more, however. My sample size of one complete, I'll open the floor for other opinions...
I used to think the stock Bachmann decoders were fine , when I was using the old Command 2000 set-up . After switching to the Power Cab set-up some ran OK and others ran poorly . It was mostly a matter of throttle response . The stock decoders don't support CV 's for mid range speed and top speed adjustment. Some locos I just couldn't get to run the way I wanted them to . I ended up changing all of the decoders to Digitrax decoders and they run much better .
