My new shelf layout is powered up I've so been running some of the engines on it
Bachmann GP7 w/ DCC/Sound.
This engine is a fantastic value. It has been the lead loco on the new track of a few layouts to find issues and it does great. The sound is similar to other much higher priced engines, its just lacking a few features. Slow speed control is good and its also very smooth. With this (and their RS3) I set the accel momentum CV almost to the max and it just lugs on the way up! The biggest sticking point is that the lighting is too yellow and not very bright. But for only $90 at Trainworld you cant beat it.
Atlas Master Gold C424
A good looking engine and like most Atlas' it runs very well. However the sound is only average for me though - there is lots of treble/"white noise" in it, even with overall volume set at to 60/128. Hate to say it but I think the Bachmann sounds better. Also, not long after this photo was taken the front light and number board started flickering. Maybe a CV reset will fix it, we'll see.
Bowser Executive Series Baldwin 4-4-1000
Easily the wins "top dog" of this trio. Great looks/details and amazing lighting. Excellent slow speed control that crawls smoothly at speed step 2 of 126! It also has the best sound quality of any engine Ive ever had (been a few). Clear, void of white noise and accurate. It lugs like no other. I think Im a Bowser guy now.
Bachmann GP7 w/ DCC/Sound.
This engine is a fantastic value. It has been the lead loco on the new track of a few layouts to find issues and it does great. The sound is similar to other much higher priced engines, its just lacking a few features. Slow speed control is good and its also very smooth. With this (and their RS3) I set the accel momentum CV almost to the max and it just lugs on the way up! The biggest sticking point is that the lighting is too yellow and not very bright. But for only $90 at Trainworld you cant beat it.
Atlas Master Gold C424
A good looking engine and like most Atlas' it runs very well. However the sound is only average for me though - there is lots of treble/"white noise" in it, even with overall volume set at to 60/128. Hate to say it but I think the Bachmann sounds better. Also, not long after this photo was taken the front light and number board started flickering. Maybe a CV reset will fix it, we'll see.
Bowser Executive Series Baldwin 4-4-1000
Easily the wins "top dog" of this trio. Great looks/details and amazing lighting. Excellent slow speed control that crawls smoothly at speed step 2 of 126! It also has the best sound quality of any engine Ive ever had (been a few). Clear, void of white noise and accurate. It lugs like no other. I think Im a Bowser guy now.
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