I have been trying to find a Santa Fe GP40-2, with no luck. I am wondering....did Atlas ever do this engine in Santa Fe? Also, is there a website that lists Atlas' release history like on Kato's site? Thanks to all!
Atlas, going back to '99 can be found at http://www.atlasrr.com/highlights/new.products.asp - as for GP40-2 in ATSF, don't think they did it, check this site out, only lists a standard GP40. http://home.cfl.rr.com/dawestern/nscale/ATSF.html [ 01. October 2002, 05:11: Message edited by: Harron ]
Prototypically, Santa Fe never owned any GP40-2's. Since the GP40-2 is one of Atlas' more recent releases, they likely never produced a Santa Fe model due to the recent pattern of N scale manufacturers releasing units in prototypical colors and road names. Additionally, Santa Fe never purchased any GP40's either. They did acquire one GP40 from the TP&W in the 1980's, but rebuilt it into a GP35M and renumbered it to 2964, at the tail end of the GP35 series. I apologize if you already knew these facts, but I thought I would present them in case you were unaware. For good information on the Santa Fe, visit http://www.qstation.org/atsfresource.html
Thanks for the info, guys. I primarily wanted an engine of this ilk for use in my yard, and because I can install a plug-n-play Digitrax decoder inside. I guess I will have to find another model that fits the bill. Mark [ 01. October 2002, 13:49: Message edited by: ATSF160 ]
My suggestions would be either a GP20, GP30, GP35 or GP38, the Santa Fe had modernised versions of all of these in use in yard/local service in their latter years. I don't know about N scale model availablility / DCC compatability though (perhaps someone else here can fill in the blanks?) One of the GP7's with the new cab would do for a yard engine as well, though it wouldn't be quite as simple to model!
GP20 is a LL make, available and requires modification for DCC. GP30 and GP35 are both Atlas (Kato) releases and more recently Atlas releases (made in China) that require some milling to convert to DCC (frames from Aztec work good here). GP38 is also a new release from Atlas, and should be DCC ready.
Not only is the GP 38 from Atlas DCC ready, it's available with the decoder installed. Also, it's the same decoder as the SD-35, and other models. Jeff Augsburg & Concord R.R. (a fictional shortline in Central Illinois) http://www.pegnsean.net/~revnjeff
This is an excellent suggestion, and they did release the GP38 in Santa Fe colors with two road numbers and an unnumbered model. Here's the link to the page: http://www.atlasrr.com/highlights/ngp38.asp
I ordered one with a decoder today fellas! Now if i can find one or two more, I'd be set. Of course, if I can find the money for one or two more, I'd really be set.
