Ron, you missed one important difference: The electrical pick-up from the wheels is hard wired instead of the phosphor-brass springs. This is a good advance and I am trying to do the same with my older GP 38-2s. Good show.
Nice evaluation video Ron. Great sound from a little locomotive. It's amazing what has been accomplished in the past few years working within the confines of such a small space. Stay well Brother. Tom
These 38-2’s and the other new locos are a nice advancement for N Scale. I recently purchased a C630 with LokSound and I am impressed. Very nice. Thanks for the review.
Hello from Pennsylvania. I own 4 of the 38-2's for 15 years. I will have to buy a few of these sound units. I'm pleased that you opened them to show the frame differences. Wow, no phosphor bronze pick-ups. Fantastic! I love all your videos. Thank you much, Ed
I really don't like Lenz decoders. When I was first getting into the hobby atlas locomotives with LENZ decoders were on the cheaper side. I have since removed them and replaced them with Tsunami 2. Great video and beautiful locomotive.
Nice review Ron, n scale has gotten a lot better in the past few years and with sound making a great impression on it too. We can expect even better things to come as manufacturers stepping up to more challenges form each other....thanks for sharing....Jack 👍
They're nice locos, bought both of the Indiana Harbor Belt road numbers and each had unique features based on individual prototypes. Worth noting that one of the copies I received did not run out of the box (sound only, no movement) and required a quick disassembly, removal of the chip and re-adjustment of the motor contacts to seat correctly up against the contact points on the chip. The contacts are of a different (and I think superior) design relative to the old frame.
You forgot to mention that the Trucks are wired vs metal spring strips.... I would liked to have seen how well it consists with a non sound equipped locomotive. I would consist it in the middle as a grouping of 3 units. 2 non sounded DCC equipped engines on either side (DCC)(SOUND)(DCC)
My experience is that sound decoders don't play nice with non sound of different mfgrs. Thus, in you case you mentioned, I think your best bet would be to consist with 2 ESU non soound decoders.
These Gold Series Locos are so hard to find! I live in Austin, TX and we don't have a dedicated Train Shop, I don't see any on eBay either - Do you recommend an online hobby shop? Thank you!
@@RonsTrainsNThings oh ok, I noticed on ESU the sound didnt fully restart unlike Soundtraxx that resets all the way! Thanks Ron, I'm loving this N scale stuff it's very nice!
Howdy Mr Ron wanted to pass on i did get My BNSF 2256 and Wow what Darn cool little Engine and like my GP39-2 Santa Fe's in Koda and Santa Fe Blue Livery and one more my U.P. GP30 U.P. they all have the Better Wire I think hook up to the Frame, MY Question i wanna Ask and maybe a Project you could Do and Try if you haven't already is take a Kato Engine with a Lok Sound Decoder and set it up basically the same way.. I myself at this time I don't have a Good work Bench to work on any projects or tasks but I'm wondering if a Kato Frame could have small holes drilled then tapped in it to where a small flat screw could be then screwed into the frame & then a solder wire from the Trucks could be solder to the screw thats in the Frame.. if you could do this Ron could please do it on your Regular Channel at this time I have no way to pay for premium channels but maybe next year I can possibly do it I imagine that I could possibly use some kind of card to take care of the Charge i know my Dad would really like one of your Cups he a Coffee Guy all the way.. Thanks and Continue Staying Safe..
Excellent review. I have a newer GP38 Atlas Gold Series in C&O #4823 and it is one of my favorite engines. I actually have a second one on order. Quick Question for you, when you refer to speed steps what exactly do you mean? I have a Digitrax Zephyr DCC system and my throttle goes from 0-100%. Is speed step 5 actually 5% or are you referring to the CV's? It seems that I read that 0-100% on my system actually equates to several hundred CV's.....
My suggestion is try them. They are accu make couplers. That said, my experience is that usually accu make couplers work fine, but sometimes they can be problematic. On this locomotive they seemed to be fine. If you want all of your couplers to match esthetically than I would suggest changing them to micro trains. The fact is The upgrade to micro trains is inexpensive and easy.
As this engine is a part of the Master range, I feel the detail is a bit of a miss, as it’s Atlas’s top level with road name and number specific detail. This would fit nicely into their Trainman range though
While the detail does not approach that of say a ScaleTrains loco, it is MUCH better than the Trainman line. Those are extremely chunky and unrealistic.
Hey Ron! Im a new modeller and cutrently working on my 4x8 layout. This is my first layout. Electrical work and anything to do with wires and power is overwhelming for me. Is there a video that actually breaks down the meanings of different things like buswire or other terms. Also im looking at using digtrax for my layout is there a video that actually shows and describes the purpose for the digitrax or any other brand of electronics for my layout. Im looking at going big now because in 2 years i will be starting on a very larger layout.
Hi, Jeff. It just so happens that my latest video deals with installing feeder wires, and I have a short playlist dealing with various aspects of wiring and DCC. Here is a link. I hope it helps: ua-cam.com/video/6e6IecGiNtM/v-deo.html
Hey Ron this is Ron I wanted to pass along that Engine Does look & Sound Good I'm hoping get mine Soon and Hopefully I can Team it up with my Atlas GP39-2 Santa Fe I was wondering it is said there are Quit a few features in the Decoder your Horn, Bell, Dynamic Brake Sound the Air Spitters and I've heard these Engine have Brake Squeal if they Do what function turns that sound on n' off or is there such a function or does it have to be Manually switched on through a programmed CV was just wondering it would be neat to also hear some Rail Squeal or as the Engine passes By the Rails being pressed by the weight of the Engine I guess them sounds we'll soon see as these Decoders become a more demanding desire.. I Wanted to add: I heard the Engine Cut out more than once I know I'd be Gritting my Teeth if I was Trying to do a Review and the New Engine I was showing everyone wanted to take a powder on Running Smoothly but I guess that happens to all of us and with my New GP39-2 and my GP30 U.P. both Engines had Quite a Build up of Black Gunk on the Wheels which got Removed rather Quickly before I even Ran the Engines Break in Laps.. Take Care Ron Of Ron's Trains n' Things😏 we look to see some more Great Videos Allen D.
A GP38-2 BNSF Atlas N scale . I gonna buy a GP38-2 BNSF Atlas N scale with the SD70MAC BNSF Kato and SD40-2 undecorated Kato N scale DC analoges . I gonna buy a B23-7 Atlas undecorated analoge DC .
Want to install your own sound decoder in a locomotive? Here is how I did on a couple of mine: ua-cam.com/video/-tu3eKb31BU/v-deo.html
I wasn't into sound and then a friend showed me his HO Athearn GP40P with it and now I'm hooked!
The factory momentum is to enhance the "Drive Hold" feature. You want the loco to accelerate and decelerate slowly when toggling it on and off.
Ron, you missed one important difference: The electrical pick-up from the wheels is hard wired instead of the phosphor-brass springs. This is a good advance and I am trying to do the same with my older GP 38-2s. Good show.
You are correct. I did not mention that specifically but that is part of the redesign for the ESU decoders as ESU designs to be hard wired.
The new Atlas frame design is a vast improvement over the old style .
Thanks Ron , Mike
Yes it is, Mike. As always, thanks for watching. Lol.
Nice evaluation video Ron. Great sound from a little locomotive. It's amazing what has been accomplished in the past few years working within the confines of such a small space. Stay well Brother. Tom
Thanks, Tom. I hope you are well also.
These 38-2’s and the other new locos are a nice advancement for N Scale. I recently purchased a C630 with LokSound and I am impressed. Very nice. Thanks for the review.
Hello from Pennsylvania. I own 4 of the 38-2's for 15 years. I will have to buy a few of these sound units. I'm pleased that you opened them to show the frame differences. Wow, no phosphor bronze pick-ups. Fantastic! I love all your videos. Thank you much, Ed
Yes, one of the huge improvements ESU has brought to N scale is direct-wired pickup connections.
looks like fun pulling those hoppers!!😄
I plan to get one of these this year.
A worthy switcher loco! I have three in Santa Fe livery.
I really don't like Lenz decoders. When I was first getting into the hobby atlas locomotives with LENZ decoders were on the cheaper side. I have since removed them and replaced them with Tsunami 2. Great video and beautiful locomotive.
Yes, the economy Lenz decoders that Atlas used to use in factory installs were terrible.
I have the Indiana Harbor Belt version of this model, and I can say that it is a very high quality model with outstanding sound and control.
Nice review Ron, n scale has gotten a lot better in the past few years and with sound making a great impression on it too. We can expect even better things to come as manufacturers stepping up to more challenges form each other....thanks for sharing....Jack 👍
They're nice locos, bought both of the Indiana Harbor Belt road numbers and each had unique features based on individual prototypes.
Worth noting that one of the copies I received did not run out of the box (sound only, no movement) and required a quick disassembly, removal of the chip and re-adjustment of the motor contacts to seat correctly up against the contact points on the chip. The contacts are of a different (and I think superior) design relative to the old frame.
The hard wired pickups from the trucks are an NCE requirement and a big improvement as well.
Great sounds for n scale
Im always amazed at how far N scale has come. If they were this good when i was starting, i would have went with N scale.
Its not too late. LOL
You forgot to mention that the Trucks are wired vs metal spring strips.... I would liked to have seen how well it consists with a non sound equipped locomotive. I would consist it in the middle as a grouping of 3 units. 2 non sounded DCC equipped engines on either side (DCC)(SOUND)(DCC)
My experience is that sound decoders don't play nice with non sound of different mfgrs. Thus, in you case you mentioned, I think your best bet would be to consist with 2 ESU non soound decoders.
Great review of a great model.
My childhood dreams in N scale have come true 😹😹
These Gold Series Locos are so hard to find! I live in Austin, TX and we don't have a dedicated Train Shop, I don't see any on eBay either - Do you recommend an online hobby shop? Thank you!
Why was the sound cutting off slightly towards the end while pulling the BNSF hoppers?
Without going back and rewatching, if I remember correctly, I think it hit a patch of dirty track.
@@RonsTrainsNThings oh ok, I noticed on ESU the sound didnt fully restart unlike Soundtraxx that resets all the way! Thanks Ron, I'm loving this N scale stuff it's very nice!
Thanks Ron. How wide and long is the bench work for this yard?
Howdy Mr Ron wanted to pass on i did get My BNSF 2256 and Wow what Darn cool little Engine and like my GP39-2 Santa Fe's in Koda and Santa Fe Blue Livery and one more my U.P. GP30 U.P. they all have the Better Wire I think hook up to the Frame,
MY Question i wanna Ask and maybe a Project you could Do and Try if you haven't already is take a Kato Engine with a Lok Sound Decoder and set it up basically the same way.. I myself at this time I don't have a Good work Bench to work on any projects or tasks but I'm wondering if a Kato Frame could have small holes drilled then tapped in it to where a small flat screw could be then screwed into the frame & then a solder wire from the Trucks could be solder to the screw thats in the Frame.. if you could do this Ron could please do it on your Regular Channel at this time I have no way to pay for premium channels but maybe next year I can possibly do it I imagine that I could possibly use some kind of card to take care of the Charge i know my Dad would really like one of your Cups he a Coffee Guy all the way..
Thanks and Continue Staying Safe..
That was interesting!
Hi ya Ron, nice little review. Thanks. One question, are the shells of the two locos interchangeable?
YOu know, I didn't try. I'll get back to you...
i want one in wisconsin southern bad, gotta wait till i get my stimulus cash lol
Stimulating the economy through model railroading. 👍👍
Very nice video 👍 Thank you
Excellent review. I have a newer GP38 Atlas Gold Series in C&O #4823 and it is one of my favorite engines. I actually have a second one on order. Quick Question for you, when you refer to speed steps what exactly do you mean? I have a Digitrax Zephyr DCC system and my throttle goes from 0-100%. Is speed step 5 actually 5% or are you referring to the CV's? It seems that I read that 0-100% on my system actually equates to several hundred CV's.....
Nice engine, Thankyou for the video. I'm loving this sound for Nscale, brings the layout to life
What dcc system do you use?
Hi, Tony. I am using the MRC Prodigy Advance² wireless that I've had for about 15 years.
What is the MSRP of these? Any idea what road names they offer and do they come in different road numbers? Thanks!
Here is a link to what is available at Midwest Model Railroad. These are about 20% off MSRP.
midwestmodelrr.com/?s=atlas+n+gp38-2&post_type=product
How are the couplers? I've heard the best thing to do is change them to MicroTrains right out of the box?
My suggestion is try them. They are accu make couplers. That said, my experience is that usually accu make couplers work fine, but sometimes they can be problematic. On this locomotive they seemed to be fine. If you want all of your couplers to match esthetically than I would suggest changing them to micro trains. The fact is The upgrade to micro trains is inexpensive and easy.
As this engine is a part of the Master range, I feel the detail is a bit of a miss, as it’s Atlas’s top level with road name and number specific detail. This would fit nicely into their Trainman range though
While the detail does not approach that of say a ScaleTrains loco, it is MUCH better than the Trainman line. Those are extremely chunky and unrealistic.
Was the sound from the engine cutting out or was it my 15 year old computer? Great video especially during these times, thanks
On the one clip is cut out a bit due to some slightly dirty track. I had actually recorded that clip first.
Thanks for sharing. The pulling power seems good. How does it compare to the old unit? TMRCI.
I would say they pull equally well, but the new one runs more reliably and is less susceptible to stoppage on a minimally dirty spot on the rails.
@@RonsTrainsNThings Thanks for the info.
W.O.W.
Hey Ron! Im a new modeller and cutrently working on my 4x8 layout. This is my first layout. Electrical work and anything to do with wires and power is overwhelming for me. Is there a video that actually breaks down the meanings of different things like buswire or other terms. Also im looking at using digtrax for my layout is there a video that actually shows and describes the purpose for the digitrax or any other brand of electronics for my layout. Im looking at going big now because in 2 years i will be starting on a very larger layout.
Hi, Jeff. It just so happens that my latest video deals with installing feeder wires, and I have a short playlist dealing with various aspects of wiring and DCC. Here is a link. I hope it helps: ua-cam.com/video/6e6IecGiNtM/v-deo.html
Hey Ron this is Ron I wanted to pass along that Engine Does look & Sound Good I'm hoping get mine Soon and Hopefully I can Team it up with my Atlas GP39-2 Santa Fe I was wondering it is said there are Quit a few features in the Decoder your Horn, Bell, Dynamic Brake Sound the Air Spitters and I've heard these Engine have Brake Squeal if they Do what function turns that sound on n' off or is there such a function or does it have to be Manually switched on through a programmed CV was just wondering it would be neat to also hear some Rail Squeal or as the Engine passes By the Rails being pressed by the weight of the Engine I guess them sounds we'll soon see as these Decoders become a more demanding desire..
I Wanted to add: I heard the Engine Cut out more than once I know I'd be Gritting my Teeth if I was Trying to do a Review and the New Engine I was showing everyone wanted to take a powder on Running Smoothly but I guess that happens to all of us and with my New GP39-2 and my GP30 U.P. both Engines had Quite a Build up of Black Gunk on the Wheels which got Removed rather Quickly before I even Ran the Engines Break in Laps..
Take Care Ron Of Ron's Trains n' Things😏 we look to see some more Great Videos Allen D.
What's with the lack of underframe detaii - even Kaso does this!!
Hello
A GP38-2 BNSF Atlas N scale .
I gonna buy a GP38-2 BNSF Atlas N scale with the SD70MAC BNSF Kato and SD40-2 undecorated Kato N scale DC analoges .
I gonna buy a B23-7 Atlas undecorated analoge DC .
That was not smooth slow speet start.