Atlas GP38-2s are in!

Martin Station Feb 24, 2020

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  1. Martin Station

    Martin Station TrainBoard Member

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    HI all,
    Just picked up my new Atlas GP38-2 in BNSF about a week ago. It's a really nice unit and once given a little break-in time runs good! Mine is dcc-sound ready and is really quiet and put together very well. What I like is that if I ever do switch over to dcc and sound all I need is just the decoder right?
    Also just wondering if anyone else here has one yet and what they thought. Now just waiting on my Kato SD70ACe also in BNSF with the lower headlight to arrive.
    Thanks, Ralph
     
  2. CedarCreek

    CedarCreek TrainBoard Member

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    My Understanding was you would have to purchase a decoder for DCC or a sound decoder/speaker combo for DCC/Sound. so I guess yes is your answer..
     
  3. RBrodzinsky

    RBrodzinsky November 18, 2022 Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter In Memoriam

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    You will also need to work out the speaker install. As I show in this thread for installing an ESU LokSound Select Micro Direct decoder,https://www.trainboard.com/highball...select-direct-install-in-atlas-gp38-2.116466/ there is a tiny bit of milling required at the rear for ensuring sufficient room, and a customized enclosure to maximize size.

    Keystones Details shop on Shapeways has a printed enclosure based on my initial work in the thread.
     
  4. digimar52

    digimar52 TrainBoard Member

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    Are you sure about that? I haven't seen one of those myself, but according to Spookshow http://www.spookshow.net/loco/atlasgp3840.html even the non-sound unit will come with a speaker installed. If so, the OP will only need to swap the PC board to upgrade his model to DCC with or without sound.
     
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  5. MK

    MK TrainBoard Member

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    I was about to ask the same as digimar52. There shouldn't be any need for milling, no?
     
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  6. RBrodzinsky

    RBrodzinsky November 18, 2022 Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter In Memoriam

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    Ah, sorry, the new frames. These have the speaker in the fuel tank.
     
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  7. Rossford Yard

    Rossford Yard TrainBoard Member

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    Just got mine. Must be best N scale sound units yet. MU together nicely, creep at speed step 1 right out of the box, both bell and horn sound a bit clearer and crisper than other sound units I have (an Atlas 630, IM SD40-2, and ST C-44-9)
     
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  8. grymg

    grymg TrainBoard Member

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  9. Martin Station

    Martin Station TrainBoard Member

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    Thanks everyone. So if I ever take a leap into DCC/Sound, just need only a sound decoder. I agree about the running quality, I believe even the "base model" like mine runs more smooth than older chassis did.
    Thanks again
    Ralph
     
  10. nssd70m2

    nssd70m2 TrainBoard Member

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    but atlas is using a new frame on the latest run of GP38-2 which would require a new board design
     
  11. RBrodzinsky

    RBrodzinsky November 18, 2022 Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter In Memoriam

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    Correct, the only current sound decoder (that I am aware of) that will fit, without modifications and use the included speaker, is the ESU 73199 LokSound Select Direct Micro
     
  12. grymg

    grymg TrainBoard Member

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    Is this the Atlas Master series GP38-2? I knew that the Classic had the older non-DCC Kato Chassis and the later one was DCC Ready but never knew about the "newer" chassis.
     
  13. Metro Red Line

    Metro Red Line TrainBoard Member

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    ...Still waiting for Atlas to come out with a sound-equipped Geep in UP post-2000 lightning stripe scheme...
     
  14. sidney

    sidney TrainBoard Member

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    wheres the pics at
     
  15. grymg

    grymg TrainBoard Member

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    Does anyone know if on the new Atlas GP38 DCC Sound there are any perforations under the tank for the speaker? Or is the speaker above the chassis? Thanks.
     
  16. digimar52

    digimar52 TrainBoard Member

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    On the site I linked above, Spookshow says this:

    Note that speaker holes in the fuel tank are not provided (and not really required since the speaker is positioned such that sound projects upward rather than downward).

    You can find almost anything you want to know about n-scale engines there.
     
  17. tehachapifan

    tehachapifan TrainBoard Member

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    Contrary to what seems like common sense, my experience with N scale installs is that you need no perforations or openings in the shell or fuel tank to "let the sound out". In fact, my experience is, the more enclosed the speaker, the better (plus the speaker itself needs an enclosure on one side). I know of a few others who do a lot of sound installs that would agree.
     
  18. RBrodzinsky

    RBrodzinsky November 18, 2022 Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter In Memoriam

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    yep. Never put extra holes in your shell. Nothing in N scale is air tight.
     
  19. gatrhumpy

    gatrhumpy TrainBoard Member

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    I've had a sound-equipped GP38-2 for years. Sounds great!
     
  20. SOO MILW CNW

    SOO MILW CNW TrainBoard Supporter

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    I got mine the other day. Kind of made me upset,,did not fire right up. The board was not making contact with the frame. So I had to do some adjusting. Luckily I was not in the mood to use a BFH. Big F———- Hammer.

    I am satisfied with the sound quality, I really do not see the need to mill the frame for a under board speaker install.

    Just wish the stock headlights were brighter.

    Greg
     
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