what do you guys think of the atlas engines? are they worth the $$? and is it worth buying from ebay ? or is there better deals out there?
ozzy said:well i got an atlas FM "c" santa fe on the way, got it off ebay for 20.00. hope i did good????.....lol
i just got this one to have somthing here to test my track with as i get it layed out, will buy others to run im sure.
3railguy said:Atlas FM "C" as in "C Liner"? It's an early Atlas engine made by Rivarossi. They came out in the late 60's. They are noisy and high geared. They are OK for circle running but the electrical contacts must be squeaky clean. Shelf display is another option as they are good looking and loaded with nostalgia.
I have several current China made Atlas engines and they are smooth running and well detailed. They are finicky when it comes to dirt and crud. They do not like dirty track. A clean running enviroment is a must. It's best to keep them sealed in their cases or a closed box when not running. I tear mine down once a year or so for a good cleaning and lubrication. Atlas sells a lube kit for this that works pretty well. Maas metal polish is good for scrubbing contact strips.
Kato is catching up with Atlas in the detail department but still has one over on Atlas in the mechanical department. They are super smooth and seem to run forever on the dirtiest track. The new SD-40-2 is a knock out.
Unless I got it dirt cheap, I would only buy Atlas N scale engines on ebay if they were in mint condition from an established dealer or one of those "buy it now" retail stores.