Hello there. I will buy my first N loco early next week. I'll choose between two models: - Kato SD40-2 (#176-4954) plus Digitrax DN163K1c decoder - Atlas GP38-2 (#47825) decoder equipped I want the best one I can get. It'll be my first purchase so if you would advice me with your knowledge and experience I'd be able to make an informed decision. Thanks you very much in advance. Andrew
I dont have either of these myself, but know of them. Personally, you can't go wrong with either. Both are awesome choices. That said, just pick the one you like the best, because as far as good units, they both are and you cant go wrong.
I don't know the specifics of these two models, but since this will be your first loco, I will just point out that if you are working with very tight radius curves (9.75 inch or 11 inch radius) you will be better off with a 8-wheeled model such as the GP.
Andrew, The decoder Atlas uses is Lenz basic decoder. I would buy one without decoder and put a better decoder in it, You can't go wrong with the Kato and Digitrax combo. That is a very good way to get started. Rodney
Personal preference >>> I would go with the Atlas GP38-2. Cant ever remember having an Atlas go bad...or any little problems either. Like I said...just my personal preference... .
I would have to suggest the Kato too, but then again I'm a little bias with 95% of my fleet being Kato's. But I would suggest that if you do go with the Atlas get the DC version and pick up a decoder as you'll be getting a much better decoder and usually less money then the decoder equipped.
Get the SD40-2! But I just love that style of locomotive. But seriously, the Kato/Digitrax combo would be better than the Atlas/Lenz combo, like what Rodney posted. -Mike
Agree with what the others have said--the Kato/Digitrax has the edge. However, I do have a few Atlas/Lenz locos and they are also superb. Atlas locos, Kato locos and Digitrax decoders are all top of the line; the Lenz decoders are just a notch or so below (although I am quite happy with mine). Now if you are talking about an Atlas GP38-2 with a Digitrax decoder (which I also have), it's a toss up. Jamie
Hello, I've neither the knowledge or experience to answer with authority. :tb-embarrassed: But I do have an opinion. smile: But my personal choice would be the Atlas/Lenz combo. Review the information and make your call. Remember, " Sometimes ya wins and sometimes ya lose." Hope you win. :mbiggrin: See ya Ron
wow! What great enthusiasm around here! So far its 7-2 for Kato SD40-2 (including a PM voice). I think it's clear..... Go Kato:thumbs_up: By the way the tightest radius I'll have is 12.5". I attached the plan just for the heck of it. I like it a lot and I want to show it off:tb-cool:. I asked Kato directly and they said all their engines can take 9" 3/4 except the longest ones like SD80/90MAC which need 11". It's looking good. Thanks you very much to all who contributed! Twin Hollow Core Door design v3-3 RC1
Non- DCC: I have both and feel they are equally good locos. The Kato will pull more for lots of reasons. You may want to post your layout in the "Layout Design" forum to get input. I personally would at least redesign the yard.
I have a pair of Kato SD-40's with plug n' play Digitrax decoders installed. The installation is easy if you want to try a decoder installation. The Kato diesel will perform much better than the Atlas diesel you chose as your second choice. The SD-40-2's will run well on the radii of track in your track plan. Have fun...
I've had both but the first question to ask your self is "dose that come painted in the road I want?" If your going to do BN/ATSF/BNSF I would go with a Kato SD40-2. But I like the Atlas GP38-2 for switching. Plus if your going to have just one unit for know I'd go with the Atlas so it looks a little better. Just my 0.02.
My recommendation is to purchase the Kato/Digitrax combo. I have both Kato SD40-2s and Atlas GP38-2s. As stated by others both are good choices. As to radius...all my C truck Atlas and Kato locos go through a short Peco turnout (9 inch radius). The Digitrax decoder will have more functions then the decoder that comes in the Atlas loco. If you purchase the Atlas you can always change the decoder later. Either will be a good purchase.:thumbs_up: Gary
Kato for the quality of mechanism. Drop-in decoder choice is currently limited, unfortunately. If you need the 2-axle truck for tighter radii then the Atlas with a TCS AMD4 drop-in decoder. It's about the same price as the factory equipped unit in the end, but with a far better decoder.
I haven't had any problems with the decoders in my factory equipped Atlas DCC locos. What are the specific problems with them? Back to the original question, another consideration is that Kato locos generally have better pulling power than Atlas, but otherwise like everyone says they're both good.
