I have read the previous thread on this loco and wanted to add some comments.

The wide tires are probably not a problem on many switches depending on how they are wired and insulated.

However, the narrow flange gauge will be a problem on layouts built to newer strict standards. We know that Atlas switches are non standard - long guard rails and wide flange ways. On hand built switches or switches from Right-of-Way or Old Pullman with nmra standard flangeways for the frog and guardrails, the locos will probably bounce. The guard rails are designed to pull against the back of the flange to keep the flange on the other side of the axle from picking or climbing the frog. The NMRA gauge provides for the back of the flange at this distance. If the switches have wide flangeways, the O-6-0 will go through very well - but larger steamers may climb the frog. If the flangways are correct, the Atlas narrow flanges can be expected to bounce or bump or in worst case derail. However, with correct flangeways, all the other models built to standards in the last 50-70 years will run OK.

Atlas should be striving for compatibility with existing standards instead of trying to come up with something new based on 3-rail practice.

quote:

Originally posted by prrjim:
Atlas should be striving for compatibility with existing standards instead of trying to come up with something new based on 3-rail practice.

Atlas will keep building that way as long as they get away with it. O scalers are a needy bunch and will take a lot!
Some time in the future there will be a ton of Atlas stuff sitting around with everyone wondering why it all has crappy trucks or wide wheels but prototypical paint schemes? :>) It will be a big mystery!!.....dave

quote:

Some time in the future there will be a ton of Atlas stuff sitting around with everyone wondering why it all has crappy trucks or wide wheels but prototypical paint schemes? :>) It will be a big mystery!!.....dave

Doubt it. Dinosaurs of the future will be there to remind you of these days & times....

Kinda funny that the "King of Scales" can't even get a switcher that has wheels that look like the real one. Well, I guess since they're round that's a start!

Pehaps it's time for a 2008 set of standards to be developed and issued. The scale is never going to move forward without them.

I am wondering why this thread was started? If these posting are about the other thread, should'nt they be posted there?

Or better yet. They should be posted on the Atlas forum, where Atlas will be sure to read them.

Bruce

quote:

Atlas should be striving for compatibility

This will never happen in our life time.

Bill