N Scale - Atlas Gold Series - Alco S-2 Review

[@Trains-With-Shane]

I wish that manufacturers would start installing capacitor banks in their N scale locomotives. Iowa Scaled engineering makes some. BLI claims to have a keep alive on their N scale units but the one I have doesn't act like it has one.

[@roncrook8656]

I have 2 of these of 2016 manufacture I purchased used without sound that were DCC ready. After installing a drop in DCC decoder, both of these run perfectly, they will literally creep tie to tie even through turnouts. I recently received two new Atlas RS2's that just became available. Out of the box, both of them ran horribly. One has been completely torn down, all wheels, contact surfaces cleaned and contact wipers adjusted. After doing that and allowing nearly 20 hours of break in, the one I tore completely down runs smoothly as i would expect. Additionally, all 4 wheel sets were under gauged. A lot of work to do on a locomotive right out of the box to get it run as it should.

[@someguy2637]

Thanks for taking the time to do a review on this one. This should run a little bit better for you, after a "break in" period. I find that this helps most engines run a bit smoother. I have a habit of breaking in all my locos, even the ones that run well right out of the box.

[@ATSFNW22408]

Hi. Great review. I have four of the N-Scale S-2. I had the same problem with all four of them. After break-in the performance improved. I had to add jumpers on the points of my turnouts and I also added frog juicers. (Typical Atlas turnout issues). With the break-in and electrical repair they run great. Pressing F-9 will increase the prime mover rpm. F-10 will decrease the RPM. Both F-9 and F-10 are the manual notching functions.

[@cee1667]

I have a sound S4 version. I carefully pulled the trucks apart for lubrication, but one of the wires was way short and it broke loose. Had to send it to a local hobby shop for service. I also don't like the front and rear grab irons, as they were a bit loose and flimsy. I solved it with a bit of matt Medium. Other than that, its a nice little unit.

[@ApproachMedium]

Great video! Does anyone know how to disassemble the trucks/wheels? I have an undecorated model I need to disassemble for painting and for the life of me I can't figure out how to pull apart the trucks.

[@jimvaneckoute3971]

I got the same loco recently and had trouble getting to run. After several try’s and working on the wheels I finally got it running smoothly. I did have any sound problem, but I am running DC

[@AlleghenyNorthern]

i did a review of this loco in the undecorated scheme. it performed terribly out of the box but after using an electronic's cleaner on the wheels removing either residue from the chemical blackening process of the wheels or just excessive grease, it runs fine. it even crawls like a switcher should with that awesome prototypical Alco growl. i also run Digitrax and don't have any issues with runaways - so that might be an issue with your controls and not the loco. keep cleaning those wheels until it runs - shoudln't need anything more than that.

[@nscaler454]

That's encouraging. I will continue to clean more.

[@AlleghenyNorthern]

@@nscaler454 took about 3 good scrubbings - which is ridiculous to be honest - but once i did it - she purrs now.

[@jamesdenny4734]

GP38 has a longer wheel base!

[@Howie2025]

What brand of decoder is it? Perhaps the "run away" is power notching, an effect in some decoders where you can ramp up engine rpm without changing speed (I believe ESU brand). As for cleaning the wheels, I've found most new locomotives require a fair bit of wheel cleaning from the factory. Break in should improve this engines performance. I must say I was more than impressed with this locomotive and considering it's a 4 axle switcher, 👍🏻👍🏻. Thx for the review.

[@nscaler454]

It is an ESU decoder

[@theplumber33]

Sweet locomotive! Sounds great. The details I think are good!💯🫵👍✌️

[@theplumber33]

I find most wheels have manufacturing oil still on them.

[@williamwhite4833]

Thanks for the review. I just bought an undecorated one to paint Norf South. Can you do a vid on teardown?

[@nscaler454]

I can't say I intend to take mine apart unless I have an internal problem.

[@NitroStarGT]

Enjoyed your review 👍

[@brianclow5704]

Great review. I am wondering is you got the bad exception of this loco or I got the good one. Out of the box mine has been very good in all categories. Over all i am impressed with mine and it makes a great little switcher for my layout.

[@randydobson1863]

Hello nscal454 it's is randy and I love you video is cool 😎 thanks friends randy

[@pumpme53]

I bought four engines of the same type one ran good but the other did not two were atlas RS3s and two were broadway limited SW7s. I guess no two are the same. one noisy one not in both cases. the atlas under performed. mabe some work and break in don't know what will happen or send them back because of price

[@Longshadowsmodeltrees]

Like with all Atlas N scales, a bit of work and they run good.

[@wesleycrostley6673]

I have an atlas gold series Alco S-2 as well and have the exact same issue with it stalling/cutting out from brand new. Even after thorough cleaning it still happens.

[@nscaler454]

it never got better?

[@garystrutt2078]

I also have one that does the same thing especially if it hasn't run for a few days.

[@wesleycrostley6673]

@@nscaler454 It did but improvement was minimal.

[@stars-in-the-galaxy333]

I have noticed several of my Atlas loco wheel sets get dirty VERY quickly! Far more quickly than any of my Katos’. I wonder if they changed the metal composition or if there is an issue with the chemical used to blacken the wheels. Regardless, it shouldnt be happening!

[@ET-dg3ud]

The number boards should come on with F6.

[@rayopeongo]

When I saw your video pop up, I thought “I would love to have one of those in my yard”! Now, I am not so sure. Flawless operation is more important to me than flawless, detailed looks. I’ll keep looking. Thanks for the review.

[@NYCS19339]

Same thing here. I'm a fan of the prototype, even changed heads and liners in one!

[@dexterdog62]

I’d give it some time, let the loco run for a few hours and give it a thorough breaking in period. I realize with the prices of model railroad equipment these days our expectations are quite high, but in my experience plenty of running time seems to cure most issues.

[@nscaler454]

I hope so!

[@theplumber33]

Keep alive need?

[@gerdeguelle1967]

Nice loco

[@donaldshroyer8633]

You should prominently mention which decoder the loco uses.

[@sergioarroyoguerrero5434]

N scale locomotive CN, Atlas Gold Series. I have a Atlas GP15-1 BNSF 🎃 N scale. Is Dummy.

[@lkat5113]

I have the earlier edition of these…terrible performers…very halting.

[@markdemedeiros3239]

2 words....Broadway Limited.

[@minutemanmac]

😂

[@readingthebible5413]

@markdemedeiros3239 You forgot to add “are junk”. I’ve three. Two new and a refurb. They all have varying degrees of issues that are unacceptable.

[@cllines604]

nice but I don't care for the sound

[@allenheimsoth7883]

Another useless review

[@minutemanmac]

Another useless comment

[@roady1710]

Horrible Way too much work probably going to sell it and brand new too