Super Detailed Atlas American GP40 | Unboxing & Review

[@andrewpalm2103]

Atlas locomotives are known as reliable, excellent runners with good detail, as your review found. Their mechanisms are considered to be among the best available at a decent price, including on the second-hand market. Definately solid meat and potatoes engines that are the workhorses of many layouts in the US. By the way, the prototype Dash 2 versions from EMD introduced modular electronic controls, which was a big deal at the time. Thanks so much for reviewing this unit from Atlas. Cheers from Wisconsin.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks Andrew - I can see this being reliable, and it's already proved to be an excellent runner! The price was certainly very reasonable for what this was - very impressive! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@sambrown6426]

Those red and silver diesels are known as "E units" which stood for "eighteen hundred horsepower", which they got from a pair of 900 horsepower Winton 201A V-12 diesel prime movers, each connected to their own generator, which each drove 1 of the trucks. Those particular ones are in the famous Santa Fe railroad "warbonnet" paint scheme. And to top it all off, they too were made by EMD.

[@lirrindevelopment8926]

EMD E8?

[@SamsTrains]

Ahh thanks so much Sam - appreciate the info! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@Zebrails]

I have 28 Atlas locomotives, KATO (Japan), ROCO (Austria), and Atlas (CHINA), ranging from the 1960's to present day. Their method of manufacturing is/was always having a quality five pole motor since day one. Speed is/was precise and as close to accurate as possible. Railings range from rugged and flimsy (pop off to make for easy removal when weathering the body), to fine and delicate... lift the locomotive by the fuel tanks, not the body shell. Other's have pointed out truck/bogey and shell removal as actually simple. The plastic is not brittle as you would think. The parts bag provided two black plugs from where the screw hole mounts were in the fuel tank. I believe your model is over 20 years old to show that its quality as a product remains high with no need to change. This locomotive will last forever under normal running conditions, as do the ones I have that are just over 50 years old and still running like a top. Servicing the locomotive will be seldom needed, I promise you that. Once you learn how to properly remove the shell and truck/bogey components, it'll be a breeze to work on. John BC, Canada (nee Wisconsin/Minnesota)

[@mgr_video_productions]

Awesome review! Finally a review of modern North American locomotive type. I have a few Atlas locomotives and a lot of their rolling stock in my collection. Silver series from Atlas means the locomotive is DC/DCC Ready. The Gold Series version has DCC & Sound from the factory.

[@SamsTrains]

Thank you! Yes at long last - ooh very interesting - I didn't consider it would be that... so is there no bronze range then? Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@mgr_video_productions]

@@SamsTrains There is a budget/less detailed range called Atlas Trainman

[@BoaFilmsPlc]

Hi Sam, I have several Atlas locos in my US collection. To remove the body you need to first, remove the coupler pockets at each end. Sometimes there might be a screw between the truck & the fuel tank. After undoing them the body will, with a gentle wiggle come off. Just be wary of any wires going to the headlights etc. The Master range is the higher end of Atlas models, Silver denotes DCC ready & Gold is DCC Sound fitted, both my GP40's are sound fitted. The only slight downside is that they are not fully detailed. Your version should have 2 ditch lights on both ends. But as you say, the value is certainly there. Keep up the great reviews Boa

[@SamsTrains]

Hey Boa - thanks a lot for this - I've had a number of comments explaining how to remove the body, so I will have to try it - didn't like to pry too much mid-review as I didn't want to damage it - thanks so much! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@Herriot7]

I wish more UK model train makers offered this level of running quality and value.

[@ohiovalleyrailfan]

A definite classic! However, I do disagree with some things from this review: 1. The body shell is very easy to remove, you just have to remove both coupler pockets at each end and wiggle the shell off. Missed opportunity for you to see the built-in speaker housing (for sound decoder installations). 2. The slow speed was intentional. The real engines could only go around 65-70mph, and by gearing the engine low you have more torque- something very much needed when hauling large amounts of freight. 3. The wheel cover plate is also very easy to remove, you have to really wedge the screwdriver in there. The wheelset (rather basic), is a universal design. Atlas, Athearn Genesis, MTH, Kato and Walthers (to name a few) all use a design very similar to this. And last but not least, the Santa Fe diesels in question are EMD E8s. Rivarossies/AHMs, very old (a good 40 years I believe). If you want matching coaches, I suggest either getting the high-detailed Walthers Proto Super Chief cars (metal wheels, interiors, metal couplers), or go for the more budget friendly IHC cars (all molded detail, no interiors, plstic wheels). Cheers from the USA, TRP.

[@thehobbyistden3720]

As I get some new locomotive's I notice they are getting more and more in tune with a scaled speed.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks very much for sharing! And agreed on the slow speed - I reached that conclusion myself in the end! I'll have to try again with the wheel cover - I'm not keen on just ramming a screwdriver under it to pry it away... screws and base keepers are 10x better in my opinion - but it's good to hear they're easier than I thought! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@ohiovalleyrailfan]

@@SamsTrains You're welcome, glad to help out!

[@metalstorm242]

Atlas and Athearn locomotives were the reason I switched from OO to HO, Hornby just didn't cut it for me.

[@SamsTrains]

haha I don't blame you - value for money here was very impressive... especially given how American models have a reputation for being more expensive than ours! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@dylanruppert4547]

@@SamsTrains You also gotta try out Scaletrains from here in the US as well! They're defiantly worth the money and very popular considering they've only been around since 2015!

[@BattleshipOrion]

@@dylanruppert4547 Are they economically viable to get already discounted MSRP, and then pay customs import fees? "Worth" money is the example shown in this video. an overrated model that everyone owns practically is another.

[@solar_9878]

@@SamsTrains wait hornby is american?

[@BattleshipOrion]

@@solar_9878 They make American models (Availa Liberty that's not even accurate). Athearn is our Hornby if that makes sense.

[@AQuietNight]

Atlas makes a good quality product. Their engines are by design meant to be run slow or shall we say run slower. The handrails are not as fragile as they appear because Atlas uses Delrin plastic, a durable and strong material but a bear to get paint to stick to. Keep in mind many American freight locomotives are geared to drag heavy trains at a medium speed.

[@SamsTrains]

I'd agree with that based on this - and the speed seemed just fine to me in the end! Thanks for all the info, Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@DADeathinacan]

12:10 That yellow ribbon is another part of the veteran saluting. The PAL's logo is present, on each end of the Geep.

[@creaslin]

The yellow ribbon goes back at least as early as a song released during the Vietnam war "Tie a Yellow Ribbon Around the Old Oak Tree"

[@fredashay]

Hi Sam. I'm really glad you sometimes review American model trains! Atlas is one of the biggest model train companies here in America. Atlas is sort'a equivalent to Hornby. They're the company everyone thinks of when they think of model trains. Like Hornby, Atlas' quality isn't absolute top of the line, but their models are competently made, sturdy, reliable, and reasonably detailed to the satisfaction of most hobbyists. As you've seen, American companies tend to be over the top in their packaging 😕 Oh, and yes, Kadee couplers are the standard default here, like Tension Lock couplers are the standard default on your side of the pond.

[@nathanschronce8703]

Difference: SILVER: DCC Ready with 8-pin decoder socket. Speaker pre-installed GOLD: Has sound already installed

[@PaulinesPastimes]

It looks very impressive and the waggons are great. I have a Walthers Trainline EMD GP15 which is incredibly similar to this one in some areas, the handrails and bogies are identical. It is not as lavish in it's detail but was not as expensive as this GP40. It has all wheel drive and all wheel pickup with big flywheels on the motor and runs very smoothly and quietly. Not fast but fast enough. These American locomotives are very good and are good value for money. The body shell on mine is attached with 4 screws and comes off easily but is not DCC ready so more of a budget offering. I like them because they are more similar in outline to some of the Victorian Railways diesels so seem more familiar to me than a British outline diesel. Nice to see a video about these locos. 😊

[@TexasCat99]

As an American, it seems your American audience is growing. I've been enjoying your reviews on UK/Euro trains. Wonder if Japanese and other trains would be of interest?

[@freebrickproductions]

Having seen a good number of modern and relatively modern locomotives here in the US, the bell color is definitely going to be accurate. Usually, they're located on the underside of the locomotives, usually next to the fuel tank, and are usually painted (or left) black. However, if the bell is on the sides of the long-hood (like this one is) or on the front of the cab, then the bell is usually painted to match the color on the locomotive around it, like this one is. The horns are also usually painted the same color as the rest of the locomotive as well.

[@therailfanman2078]

Great engine. Atlas is a great brand of loco's. I recently got the atlas B30-7 and it's a great engine. You should get the athearn Genesis ho scale gp40-2 I have one in the Boston and Maine paint and it's a great engine. Or any athearn Genesis loco all of them are great. Also if you think this is very detailed then you'll be surprised when or if you get a scaletrains locomotive

[@sharkymcsharknose2979]

I'm a fan of Atlas. They occupy a nice middle ground in the US market between toy electric trains and super-detailed, super-expensive models. I have several of their HO & N scale locos. They are all great runners & quite reliable. Atlas has a section on their website that tells how to remove the body shells from their locomotives. For the base plates on the bogies, you will need a very small flathead screwdriver to undo the clips. Apologies if this is a repost, I think KZbin ate my old post.

[@James-Railyard]

I recently got an older Atlas silver series Fairbanks Morse trainmaster diesel locomotive and while I have not yet run it as all my engines have to be DCC equipped to run on my layout, the engine is beautiful for the years it came out. I can only use an 8-pin decoder and it can have TWO 30mm speakers installed for that loud horn and low grumble from the prime mover. I’d love to see you review an MTH sound equipment diesel locomotive. I have had more positive experiences with them over the steam engines, only because the steamers were second hand. Good runners and sound good. My favorite from the fleet is my two Conrail GP35’s that have a remote activated coupler so I can do switching, or shunting, operations without having to worry too much about coupling. You can even open them on the fly for quick drop and goes.

[@DarthSantaFe]

American models do usually have a matte finish, and the Atlas model here actually looks more realistic for a railroad's daily use. In real life around here, the weather can wear off the shine pretty quickly, and they don't get cleaned or repainted so often (especially freight units like the GPs). Atlas has always been known for good quality at reasonable prices (their early models were made by Roco and were basically bullet-proof), and all the ones I've owned from old to new have been very good runners. I don't know what your model budget looks like, but if you want to try a truly unique American steam engine, Rivarossi recently brought their Heisler locomotives back (£198 at Train World)! These were geared locomotives built for high torque and the ability to run on rough track, and are recognizable by their "V2" engine in the middle. Since they were geared for torque and had small wheels compared to most steam engines, they would run at about 10MPH, or maybe even 15MPH if the engineer was pushing it!

[@SteveScotsman]

The livery is a P&L design (Paducah & Louisville) Based in Kentucky. It runs on old Illinois Central track and infact I have seen these locomotives myself hauling coal trains from a local mine.

[@tcbuk9042]

Sam you have run an Atlas before…. On your video 8 years ago entitled ‘A Day Out with Hornby Diesels’ you run a Green American loco with running number 912…!

[@azuma892]

Sam I do believe it was not your intention to poke fun at the handicapped. You are such a sweet and caring person, can’t imagine that is what you were going after. Though the characters are merely a tool to portray the incompetence of the company, some people are bound to find them offensive when a comedic disabled guy is involved. People pressured you into removing the ‘racist’ Hispanic El Cheapo last time, why would you think your audience will react any differently now? It pains me to see you putting weeks of hard work onto a video only to have it unlisted. :(

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks for the comment! Don't worry about it - I'd rather unlist it than have it upset people, thanks for your understanding though! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@greatunwashed1856]

Azusa, normally I’m any thing goes in humour, but on this one I think you’re right, it was a bit naive of Sam.

[@mrbluesky2050]

the big silver and red locomotives are EMD E8's the 'car' in between them is a baggage car or RPO car and shouldn't be there.... as many have said, Atlas is the lower/ middle end of the U.S. market, but still out strips the majority of U.K. offerings, certainly in price and performance.

[@sargentrowell81]

Holy crap! I didn't expect to see a locomotive from my hometown pop up on your channel! While I do live in Louisville and have probably seen GP-40's at some point, the Paducah and Louisville run west out of the other end of town so I've never seen them in person. Regardless, that's very cool!

[@SamsTrains]

haha that's awesome - glad to have covered something that's based close to you!! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@Rosetrainz]

yeah i'm from easter ky i've never seen a PAL loco irl but i still think it's neat that Sams reviewing a train from my home state

[@sargentrowell81]

@@Rosetrainz Only thing that could be cooler would be a Louisville & Nashville locomotive. Now I have managed to see a few L&N engines in person. The 152 Pacific and the 411, both from the Kentucky Railway Museum. There's one local modern railroad that I have seen a bit of though, the Louisville & Indiana. That would be cool to see represented as well. Especially since the livery pays tribute to the Pennsylvania Railroad.

[@martinpattison1567]

Sam, this engine is a switcher (Shunter) and that is why it is geared for slow speed operation. I agree it is a bit plasticky looking. It is a shame that other manufacturers do not follow the same when it comes to gearing for the type of loco. Martin. (Thailand)

[@peters1127]

When new, the CB&Q and Western Pacific used them on their fast freights. But the last 40+ years they have been used as switchers, all they do is change the gearing for the most part .

[@SimRacin14]

Agreed. I have shot photos of the real thing working the small yard at Cecilia,Kentucky a time or two, along with many sister units. Track speed on the PAL is probably 40-45 tops. PAL rosters a fleet of GP40-2s and GP38-2s along with SD70MACs. They're an interesting operation, and have a "sister" railroad not far away out of Evansville called the Evansville & Western. Same paint scheme, just different lettering. The parent company also owns a third railroad in West Virginia too I believe.

[@MrCommanderfox5]

Hey Sam since you’ve reviewed a few American locos I think you should check out an Australian models by auscision but the are quite expensive either dc or ddc/sound

[@a2020vision_official]

There were plenty of similar locos going on all the railroads in and near my home town when I was growing up, and the speed this model runs at 50% power looks... perfect. They pull freight, they aren't speedy. My recent Atlas NRE Genset has a similar speed range, similarly slower than most others but looks realistic enough. My older Atlas RS-3 has a Kato-designed drive so it's not directly comparable, I think. On the other hand, the passenger F40PH was directly derived from the GP40-2 and had different gearing to accommodate. I believe I've seen one of those in some of your older videos, it's the very common Amtrak B-B diesel locomotive. If you're looking for another manufacturer of American locomotives in HO... I like my Scaletrains dash 8, but I'm not sure how easy it would be for you to get anything from them. Some people might be interested in reviews of cheaper diesel models from Walthers or Bachmann. I can't think of many steam models that will have reasonable prices which you haven't covered already. Bachmann allegedly has retooled their USRA 0-6-0 so I guess I'd be interested to see how much better than the old one (represented in their Prairie... they just slapped extra wheels on an 0-6-0 for a completely fictional engine). Athearn are also releasing some steam models with some long history but they're on the higher end for price. Oh, and Rivarossi have their new 2-truck Heisler, I really want one but not at the $260 I'm seeing it selling for.

[@glhx2112]

Early 1970's, I lived just a few hundred meters from the Conrail (Former PRR & Penn-Central) rail yard in Altoona PA. On Sundays my friends and I would often sneak into the turntable area of the Juniata Shops and "Play" in GP-40's, earlier Model Geeps, and there were plenty of "F" units available for exploration. We never got chased away by railroad police. We had blast. There are still plenty of GP40-2's locally and at the national level plying their trade on local lines, and for shunting as needed. Speed range displayed by your Atlas version appears to be realistic.

[@Muffins-yn6vq]

I bought my first GP40 a few months ago (Made by Athearn) to pull my CMX track cleaner as none of my UK made locos had the hauling power to pull such a heavy thing. I've bought two Atlas locos since and found them all very similar in terms of pulling power and mechanism. They are a bit noisy compared to Hornby and Bachmann in my experience. If I had one criticism it's that the manufacturers don't include info on how to get into the thing, meaning I had to go on RMWeb for advice more than once. As Sam said the Atlas locos often have fragile handrails which snap off soon as look at them so much care is require when handling/disassembling. Still, a good price for a nice loco. Will we be seeing a Fleischmann review some time I wonder?

[@dasmann3904]

I’m currently in Norfolk watching this! Off to the North Norfolk railway on Monday.-Das Mann

[@jasonjohnson892]

GP40s were heavy freight locos and weren't know for going very fast(60-70mph the max). In fact, many have been geared down or reduced to shunting duties making them the US's version to the Class 08. Also the long heavy trains as well as track infastructure would have made it impossible for them to often hit their max speed of 70mph anyway. Can't wait for the next review!😁

[@dylanruppert4547]

There were passenger variants for example the F40PHs, GP40PH-2s, GP40TCs, GP40Ps, GP40FH-2s, GP40WH-2s, GP40-2Hs, and also GP40MCs. Now most are either rebuilds (GP40PH-2 is rebuilt GP40Ps, GP40TCs now GP38-3s on Amtrak) or retired but they were ALL built for commuter and passenger services.

[@jasonjohnson892]

Kabuki Kitsune and Dylan Ruppert, I was talking about specifically the freighter version which Sam's Trains has. 90% of the all freight locos in the US have a passenger version(Amtrak's diesel locos are perfect examples). In fact, Amtrak's Siemens Charger is one of the only US diesel locos to be exlcusively made to be a passenger loco. Also, I knew of the passenger versions of the GP40 but there are geared exclusively for passenger service not for freight.

[@dylanruppert4547]

@@jasonjohnson892 well technically not in the sense of Amtraks GP38-3s and B40-8WHs theyre used mainly in MOW and switching dutys but CAN lead passenger trains and still reach speeds of 75mph and they were both originally built for strictly passenger dutys before newer locomotives like the F40s and Gensis locomotives came along

[@jasonjohnson892]

@@dylanruppert4547 True. Though those two were built to be more like mixed-traffic locos(A compromise between freight and passenger)

[@BattleshipOrion]

@@jasonjohnson892 The P42 (though based on the C44-9) is the last cowlbody Amtrak unit made based off a freight platform. Infact, the GP7 (the unit before the GP9) was based off the F7 series. Many of the early EMD engines where built/based off of the F & E series engines. With how small Amtrak is for a Class 1 (post KCS/CP merger approval), and history (1971-present) Amtrak (& Conrail) had 2% of total roster. Back in the age of steam though, you could stick a passenger engine on a freight, and a freight on a passenger as it was standard practice (don't need to go further than the numerous 4-8-4 classes to see what I'm getting at). If we're talking diesels, then it's roughly taking into account the early inter-war diesels 25% of the total roster are (true) passenger engines with a freight variant. After 1960(-ish), you'll see the flop. The SD40 came first, then the SDP40, then the GE U-boats, then their passenger variant, then the last freight design, the C40-8W, then the B40-8W (the only way the B32-8WH was even possible), then the B32-8WH. Even the F40 was a freight locomotive. So technically, your percentage is 63%, or even lower considering that there is no other variants other than models made from the 70's to 90's A span of 20 years Amtrak wise, as most engines used steam to provide heat & electrical before hand (and even then, not that many, mainly EMD F & E series), that and that most engines by the 1960's where used for freight exclusively, with 5 times as many freight engines for the entire passenger locomotive fleet. All this is also excluding DMU's EMU's and HSR sets.

[@Kmwildride]

Love the loco, love that green colour, one of the best colours I've ever seen on a train.

[@michaelschultz5127]

I always bought atlas locos, and a lot of their added pieces too, I thought it was worth the price at the time, an those I bought 20 yrs ago, still work today.

[@paolomargini7904]

The tsunami of appropriate comments and tips from over the ocean is really to appreciate.

[@thedie-castaviator4081]

G'day Sam I've got 6 Atlas locos. Love them all. The Alco RS-1"s are my favorites. All mine run beautifully.😎

[@ecidaho]

If no one has mentioned the yellow ribbon references a song by Tony Orlando and Dawn by title of Tie a Yellow Ribbon around the old Oak Tree. It is for a welcome home from being gone alone time and was adopted by people to welcome veterans home from service. Cheers! I have a lot of Atlas Nscale locos, mode by themselves and Kato being resold under Atlas’s name. Love them all run way better than Bachmann.

[@ecidaho]

The Santa Fe E units would be be together back to back then the coaches would follow.

[@richardsweeney197]

There is a gold series from Atlas which comes with DCC/sound, also an "economy" line called trainman. Two round plugs go in where the shipping screws come out of. The railings are made of a flexible engineering plastic called delrin which is much more flexible than you think. They don’t tend to break though the stantions might pop out of their mounting holes. Bodies are much easier to remove than. You think.

[@Ryan_Rail]

20:00 Yes it's slow, Atlas and its parent company Bachmann GP40-2s are known to be slow. However, it is very prototypical because those types of locomotives were used a lot on short runs and switching operations in yards.

[@Rio_Grande_Foamer]

Hi Sam, Great review, the couplers are always plastic even if you get a top of the line model in HO, also in the US they use compressed air for the brakes instead of vacuum brakes. Other than that, great review, keep up the great work Sam! Edit: That diesel locomotive on the inside line is a Santa Fe EMD F7 in the Warbonnet livery. Edit 2: HO scale locomotives never have spinning fans by the way.

[@Kris-qy7hh]

I have 3 US Army Medical Corps. coaches form Lionel HO, and they have metal couplers. Not sure if much locos also have metal couplers instead of plastic though.

[@Rio_Grande_Foamer]

@@Kris-qy7hh Thats interesting, I never even heard of metal couplers in HO, and never seen any company's selling it, so maybe thats just a little quirk that Lionel does, or, just rare.

[@TheLoachman]

@@Rio_Grande_Foamer H0 scale Kadee couplers are all metal. Imitation couplers from other manufacturers may be metal or plastic.

[@Rio_Grande_Foamer]

@@TheLoachman Oh ok thanks!

[@randytaylor1258]

The yellow ribbon simulates thr lapel ribbon/pin reflecting the slogan "remember our troops", particularly those serving overseas.

[@benmcwhinnie3020]

Hi Sam that's a nice looking gp40 there Mate Plastic hand rails is normal on most modern model American diesel locos and with the weight just consider that the locos you compared it with were full enclosed body locos more room for extra weight. Where the gp40 has a narrower body hence the less room for weight. Just a thought I had the Santa Fe engines you had running around they look like EMD E8/9 locomotives Also some other brands of model locos you should consider are Scaletrains, Broadway Limited, Athearn's Genesis line and Intermountain for American locos. For Australian loco brands SDS and Aucision I'm a big fan of the channel Can't wait for a big boy review

[@derkaiser50]

Let us remember the old Atlas' growl, the old Austrian ones used to make a growling noise, there was nothing wrong with them, they just made noise, the new ones don't make that noise unless you MU two together without speed matching them.

[@RAVAGERrules]

I have a number of atlas models, though most of them are much older models 80’s-90’s era and they have always seemed to run really well and reliably.

[@hewflint2539]

I work with a GP40-2 as a Switcher, they are slow but strong.

[@australianmodelrailway]

I recommend an Australian brand named Auscision, they are our top models down here and I'm sure you'd be all round impressed. I'd send you one to review but I doubt I'd get it back! 😂 If you have time, you'll see many examples of Australian model trains in my videos, it might even convince you to add one to your collection!

[@sturmtigerking4263]

I think manufacturers over here should look at this. The fact some £150 locos don't match this. Although it was very slow to start! I can't believe about the April fools video, I found it hilarious but I suppose it's the modern world isn't it, similar to how some Mr Bean episodes had complaints.

[@SamsTrains]

Absolutely - this is much closer to perfection than several more expensive British locos... I'd agree with that!! Wow really? Did Mr Bean get complaints? Bonkers! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@FierroDuroRails]

I own 2 gp40s and 4 altas dash 8s they might not be a scaletrains but are my favorite... The slow speed is intentional... If you want a fast runner maybe you should get a tyco.

[@vanenmar7491]

That company make very popular maps too 😆

[@GaryNumeroUno]

Hi mukka, Hope this finds you well. The large metal plates "(buffer beams)" around each end of the loco which the air hoses rest against are "cow catchers"... yes, they are still called that. The rings on the top of the body are for the removal of the light bodywork panels which are removable when the power unit or main generator needs major work or replacement. (The whole locomotive is generally lifted with support points under the framework on each corner) The three fans together are for radiator cooling, the solitary fan is for the cooling of the resistor grids when in dynamic braking. Cheers from Gaz

[@fredtedstedman]

love these diesels , the guy who ran our club had a "cheap" basic one of these ( I think he was a little ashamed of it , regarded it as "foreign muck ! ) and it was the best runner at the club (, compared to collector locos and hand built stuff .) - totally reliable and a good crawl !

[@jimmyseaver3647]

One could make a Thomas the Tank Engine episode or something out of it. Point is, there's a lesson to be drawn here, and that's one of not underestimating what doesn't seemingly fit in.

[@fredtedstedman]

@@jimmyseaver3647 Yes , I think this Yank Stuff has to be taken seriously .

[@abbasraza5254]

Once you've seen one American diesel you've seen em all. There I said it

[@SimRacin14]

Know how I know you haven't seen too many American diesels then?

[@MayoHosko]

I don’t live in the US but atlas are really good quality for their budget prices. I’m pretty sure they’re geared to run slow because you don’t see a lot of high speed freight trains in the US given how poor their track is. If you can find another one of these I’d highly recommend the Union Pacific livery over anything from the eastern or southern United States 🇺🇸

[@peters1127]

When NEW they had been used for fast freight, CB&Q along with the Western Pacific (CP & CN ?) had the gearing change for this purpose. After 5 + years they changed back to standard freight gearing of the time, with the exception of commuter railroads which that changed the Number to GP40P, GP40FH GP40MC,etc. Not sure what the Poor track comment means exactly.

[@PennsyPappas]

So after watching your reviews for some time now I have my opinion about the American products vs British products when it comes to engines and rolling stock. So while typically yes a number of the British locos are cheaper than say alot of American engines I believe the value for money whether it be detail, DCC sound features, weight, pulling power, etc I believe the American Locos come with more bang for your buck. An example could be how some of your more expensive 200 plus pound engines (about 300 in US) didn't have nearly as much as say what we would expect here in the states for the same money. This isn't to put any shade on British products especially since you haven't had to pay anywhere near the amount of money some of our models can cost. But that is ultimately my observation on US vs UK products. An amazing review as always and I hope to see more US locomotives in the future. Cheers mate.

[@muir8009]

just such a pity that's all that Sam tests: UK or US, I think he's tested a Jouef loco before, but that was by accident. mind you, the finer EU products can be a premium product so probably not that useful for Sam's audience

[@PennsyPappas]

@@muir8009 Well keep in mind UK themed products are going to be readily available for him to test anything else he has to pay for import fees and what not. Even his US stuff he had to pay overseas shipping so more money for him to spend. I can understand why he doesn't do other countries products.

[@muir8009]

@@PennsyPappas fair call. Admittedly I have no idea about UK import taxes etc. I'm just kind of thinking about kato n scale start sets, or maybe a marklin. I get stuff from japan with say 8 pounds shipping to Australia. The US has by far the highest postage costs to here. I'm probably just being overly picky. I like Sam's reviews, although sometimes I digress a little over the term quality, my Bemo krokodil with its non flywheel 3 pole motor having far better crawl ability than many a cheap motor with flywheels. I just find it a little frustrating when so many comments are saying try a BLI, or the most expensive Atlas or Genesis or whatever variation when that would cost Sam many, many hundreds of pounds. Or the usual Bachmann is crap, when in actuality they provide a very cost effective, and generally reliable product with excellent running capabilities, with some commentors seemingly oblivious to the fact that Bachmann make more than just HO US outline. Be interesting if Sam could review a loco kit Thanks for your comment :)

[@sidetraxx779]

I watch all your videos, well as many as I can. It is especially nice to see North American locos being reviewed. I saw that someone explained on how to remove the shell off the Atlas loco. Remove the coupler boxes and the shell slides off. As for the base plates on the trucks, a precision screw driver is needed to pry the clips up. I have a few Atlas locos. I am a Canadian railroad collector. Canadian National and Canadian Pacific. If you are making a list of North American model manufacturers to review, here are the makes I have: Rapido, Athearn, Atlas, Bowser, Stewart, Intermountain, Scale Trains, Kato, Walthers. Athearn Ready to Run (RTR) is Good, Athearn Genesis are best. Atlas Master Gold is best. If you are interested in old but good, check out Life Like Proto 2000 and True Line Trains. Cheers.

[@shakeyhandsshedmodelrailwa2494]

detail parts are sun blinds for over the cab side windows

[@limeddasch382]

Sam: The first time an Atlas loco has ever run on my railway. I think I'm right in saying that. Sam having so many locos he can't remember them all: Suffering from success

[@jcstrainsandthings]

You’re gonna love that GP40 Sam!

[@SamsTrains]

I sure do! :D

[@crazypickles8235]

Sam, military veteran from the states here. I think it's really neat you've broken in to the Atlas models reviews and I appreciate that you espouse support for veterans of both the UK and the US. I found your channel while serving in the US Army and I've been in love with your content since! Thanks for the review, cheers!

[@Ducknuck84]

maybe it's the speed maybe its the weight but that GP40 looks buttery smooth running on the track, where as a lot of others i have seen in review seem to have a bit of a wobble when run

[@joneades1364]

Your "unknown" diesels are the E8 or E7 Class, apart of class E, the first mass produced passenger diesel locomotives in the US, and the first class of diesels in the US not to be permanently coupled to a set of passenger coaches.The EA, built for the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad in the 1930's, was the first of this class. EA number 51 is on display after a semi-recent cosmetic restoration, and it is a beautiful work of art.

[@TheLordFinwe]

The Couplers on the Atlas HO range are McHenry plastic couplers. it is very quick to change them out for far better Kadee couplers. I have a Alco RS-5 with sound and it can haul a good load. would highly recommend a Sound fitted Fairbanks Morse or Alco loco from Atlas if you get around to acquiring one.

[@vibingwithvinyl]

50% speed would be about 52,3 kph or around 14,5 metres per second. Considering the loco was about 18 metres long, I'd say the speed seems to be roughly in correct scale.

[@williamsquires3070]

Atlas Master (silver or gold), Athearn Genesis, Kato, Bachmann Spectrum, and InterMountain all make excellent-running locomotives. Just the level of detail, and whether they’re DCC ready or DCC equipped are the main differences. They all make HO/N, but only Atlas (I think) makes O-scale models as well. The “Accu-mate” couplers are plastic (except for the trip-pin, which is steel, I believe) and are (or were) made by Accurail (I think they got bought out by Atlas or Walthers.) I prefer the Kadee brand couplers on my equipment. There’s also the new kid on the block, ScaleTrains. They have two lines; “The Operator” and “Rivet Counter”. Both have DCC, just the level of detail (and perhaps, DCC sound equipped) are the main differences, if you can afford to buy them.

[@rayshowsay1749]

I've read through (most) of the comments; perhaps I missed mention of these but in case I didn't: -- GP stands for 'General Purpose'; this series were Bo-Bo(4-axle) with highest number reached in series being GP60; as name suggests these were meant to be versatile engines and with the appropriate gearing and appliances suitable for, most commonly, freight service, but also passenger service(ie, GP40TC) . -- A matching horsepower sister series to the GP was the SD, for 'Special Duty'; these were of Co-Co(6-axle) type and are still on offer(by the successor owner of EMD, Progress Rail), and one model, the SD40/SD40-2 variants sold well over 5000 units; in contrast to the GP type, EMD(ElectroMotive Division of General Motors Corporation) was originally purposed for heavy-haul relatively slower freight service. -- The large looped yellow ribbon, though it is used to increase awareness for a number of causes or societies, in this context it symbolises past and present US armed forces personnel involved in armed conflicts. -- A flat finish on models is preferred in North America; if it's shiny or glossy it is seen as being 'toy-like'.

[@azuma892]

Can you review Rapido North American models and Kato USA? :)

[@SamsTrains]

Yes! I do have an American Rapido model to review soon! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@sailormatlac9114]

Atlas Silver means no DCC Sound decoder, Atlas Gold is equipped with sound. Same quality, just a difference in electronics.

[@arrow1414]

The unknown locos are EMD E8s, built for long distance passenger service. The models look like Rivarossi or Model Power makes.

[@kenruble5292]

The handrails are probably made from Delrin which is a very tough but flexible plastic. You should be able to bend them all over the place without them breaking. Delrin however, does not take paint well and any paint on the Delrin parts would start flaking off. The lift rings on the roof are for lifting off access panels. They would never take the weight of the entire loco. In North America, the bogies are called trucks.

[@DavidScholz-bu1ix]

By the way, General Purpose locomotives like the GP-4O certainly are actually often referred to as Geeps!

[@jade-a7990]

I want to see big American locomotive (like ES44AC,SD70ACe)

[@jeramyclay4541]

And you probably might need a new transformer because if you have a buzzing sound inside your locomotive that is not good it's trying to pick up sound and you must get a DCC controller for Batmans cuz if you're wanting DC or not DCC you still have that buzzing sound DCC will stop that buzzing sound if you use a DC controller it'll stop it too but if you use a DC controller on that engine you have buzzing sound if you are using a DCC controller was that train no buzzing sound but if you have a buzzing sound that's inside your locomotive that's a crucial sign to stop whatever you're doing and get that thing off the tracks immediately unless you want the whole entire engine fried it means the motor will actually come to part it's not good you are damaged the locomotive and you damage the motor

[@k.kristianjonsson4814]

It is not slow. It is made to scale. American freight train are very long and running very slow. Generally speaking most model-train set-ups are moving to fast and unrealistic.

[@jeramyclay4541]

It does have metal in it it's just that you don't see it it's inside the locomotive itself and it was a count of weight that's in the locomotive that also is metal also if you don't have a DCC controller it won't work you also also you have a buzzing sound inside the diesel engine and that's not good if you don't if you hear that buzzing sound get it off the tracks immediately because if you are wanting a DCC locomotive on a on a power pack supply then you need to get a apartment controller that has DCC equipped because if you have a chirping noise you will ruin the motor the engine bolt explode and then you ruined your Daniel room the motor itself you ruined the whole entire engine if you have a buzzing noise and if it's not DCC compatible I command you to get a DC because you are burning out the electrical cords you are bringing out the motor and you are bringing out the headlights use DCC controller for DCC engines that have the coders Dakota inside of it or tsunami 2 tsunami 2 would actually work the whole entire get twice and whiting and sound you have to use a bachman controller that has DCC equipped with sound

[@E-man5375]

New Jersey Transit still uses these diesel trains for passenger service

[@arrow1414]

Actually those handrails are likely very durable even if plastic with the modern locos if it was made within the last 10 years or so. They can be surprisingly hard to break.

[@LIMowersAndMore]

I love them “geeps” they’re beautiful and powerful in real life! Atlas is pretty good! Had good luck with their o scale track!

[@KingHenryIXX]

Sam, US freight trains are very slow and long, if you live in a town in the US with a crossing you know what I'm talking about.

[@mikeking2539]

The "Streamlinde" Diesel locomotives, run coupled 'back to back' with the train coupled to the nose of the locomotive, rather than "HST style" But just off hand I can't remember what class of loco they are!

[@DavidScholz-bu1ix]

EXCELLENT WORK WITH THIS OFFICIAL VIDEO REVIEW ON A MODEL OF A GM-EMD CLASS GP-4O FROM START TO FINISH FOR SURE!

[@randytaylor1258]

I would like to see you review an American Shay locomotive with offset boiler and external all-wheel-drive

[@thegillingroup1303]

The red white and yellow engines are either E8's or E7's the specific engines paint scheme you have is the Santa Fe warbonnet.

[@ivoryjohnson4662]

Looking good !!!!f From the Midwest USA

[@TexasCat99]

American diesel-electric locos are not glossy. The overall body color is pretty accurate, other than being that clean.

[@infinitethenextkazekage392]

has to be one of the most beautiful diesels I’ve ever see

[@SamsTrains]

It's an awesome livery isn't it - and very patriotic if you're American! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@randytaylor1258]

@@SamsTrains I wonder, Sam, if you've misinterpreted the flat finish "plastic like"? This is a military tribute scheme so perhaps, in keeping with that, the loco is actually finished in matte olive drab, like so much military equipment?

[@SimRacin14]

Nice, a P&L Geep!. I've got a few photos of the prototype on my Flickr if you wanna see the real thing in action. They painted this and 2127 into special schemes about 6-7 years ago.

[@clivewilkinson6076]

Sam, I was very interested in this. I lived for ten years in the US as a teenager and had lots of Atlas products. You should also try Walthers and Athearn Genesis locos as well. I think your score was a little on the low side but must agree about the plastic railings. I have a fifty year old Tyco GP20 (1960s red box era, when Tyco made good products) and it has metal stanchions and rails. My GP 20 is also impossible to service, but is still running after 50 years, and the 5-pole motor though very noisy still crawls amazingly, especially with a heavy rake of boxcars behind. The Santa Fe loco is probably an E7 or E8. Rapido are producing an awesome model of the E8, due the end of this year - hint-hint. I have mine on pre-order.

[@ashoke.nandan]

I never bought any Atlas locomotives because whenever I purchased any American locomotive I opted for broadway, athearn or MTH locomotives from trainworld. But I do prefer Atlas rolling stocks for both my HO scale and N scale models. Their rolling stocks are nicely detailed and well decorated and reasonably priced. The N scale comes with metal wheels as well. i guess you have to keep an eye on what kind of atlas items you are buying because some of them do come with plastic wheels.

[@benofphoenix2723]

Awesome review, like always Sam, and maybe we can see a Model review of the German Model Train Company Märklin, that would be something nice and new. Maybe a review of a Inter City Express, or from a old German Steam Locomotive.

[@timtheeagle1]

Atlas are excellent engines, the plastic rails are good because they pop back to where they should be instead of metal that bends or breaks. They're meant to be more durable, not make them fragile. The body comes off when you remove the couplers from each end. I have lots of Atlas engines and they are one of my favourite. The gold series is even better and comes with ESU loksound decoders and sound, and I can get them for about $200Cdn pretty reliably, even the shops aren't more than $250Cdn. They have a beautiful crawl, lots of detail, nice paint, honestly the backbone of a railroad.

[@squiz1982]

please review an ARM (australian railway models) 38 class please

[@chasesrailwaylinesrr6447]

Atlas makes great trains And good track and other things to use

[@SamsTrains]

If this is anything to go by, they sure do! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@Thelefevrefever]

Hey Sam! Did you know that the yellow knot on the side of the locomotive Symbolizes a soldier overseas in the United States?

[@bentullett6068]

These locomotives aren't designed for speed and I guess the model is geared for realism when you have two or three locomotives attached and a load of freight wagons or as American's say freight cars in tow which can go on for miles when you watch some of the live streams on KZbin.

[@SammoKarm]

I tried to order a locomotive but could not progress it due to a box which said I had to select a shipping method but another box said shipping method unavailable as the system could not work out shipping costs, How did you manage to get yours?

[@lukebarber9511]

If you want to hear a gold series locomotive in action, the engine on the outside track in this video clip of my layout is an Atlas Gold Series engine (a General Electric U30B): kzbin.info/www/bejne/ene7eoabocZopJI

[@exarkun42]

That one on the third track is lomely an F7 if I'm correct.

[@FerroequinologistofColorado]

The engines at 27:25 are EMD F7’s the setup you have is know as a A-B-A setup

[@TheLoachman]

Six-axle Es, not four-axle Fs (the extra length is the biggest giveaway in this video). This is only an A-B-A consist if the "B" refers to "Baggage", as that's a heavyweight baggage car stuck in the middle rather than a B unit.

[@FerroequinologistofColorado]

@@TheLoachman thank you for the corrections. Much appreciated

[@bow-tiedengineer4453]

Speaking of geared slow, do you think you could find a Shay or some other American geared logging loco? If it's geared right, a Shay's top speed would be a decent crawl. :P

[@0v3rr1d3]

Looks like a pair of E7A's on the inside

[@edwardvincentbriones5062]

@Sam’sTrains The red and chrome white diesel that you’ve asked me to identify has to be an EMD E-unit DMUs painted in the iconic Santa Fe Super Chief livery. As you can notice, it has two locos on both front and back of the train. They are known as A units. The middle one is a cabless unit called B-units. All in all, the train is in an ABA arrangement. They can be separated for certain reasons.

[@rayshowsay1749]

Umm ... The 'middle one' is absolutely not a B-unit but rather a baggage car(~parcel van), resulting in a highly unorthodox push-pull arrangement!