Atlas HO GE U30Bs, Frisco

You guys must be getting yours from L Cheap model supplies. Mine runs and looks great. Wonder what they do with the rejects? Anybody know? Maybe they sell them for 30% off.
William Jackson

 

I would agree with this theory, but mine came from whole sale trains and has no defects that I know of. I don't think they purposefully send factory seconds any where, I think they just randomly get dispersed.

Ethan

 

To All:

Attached is a specific photo that was part of my submission to Atlas when proposing the production of the U30b. I believe it was taken at or near the GE plant as it is spotlessly clean. Taken special note of paint behind the grilles as it shows the division of the orange and white paint under them. Enjoy!

 

To All:

What is the preferred choice for the snowplow casting (detail part) for the U30b/B30-7's?

Thanks in advance.

 

A short update on my order:

WST inspected my two replacements before shipping them to me, and discovered that the new units had even more serious paint flaws than my original two, though not in the same locations on the locomotives.

They have spoken with Atlas about the issue. It didn't sound like Atlas was aware there was a problem - perhaps things are happening (or not happening) at their overseas production facility they are just learning about.

Anyway, I appreciated the care that Wholesale Trains took, and that they proactively contacted me to keep me informed. I told them that one more week to await replacements wasn't a problem ... these models have been a long time coming.

On another note, I was really impressed with Keith's custom installation of sound and lights. His units sounded fantastic, and I appreciate and enjoy the prototypical lighting effects - even the number boards!

 

Hello guys,

Did anyone try to re work the headlight nose, I heard it was incorrect housing.

Larry

 

Has anyone tried to install a decoder in the Silver Series (non-sound) U30B? There is precious little room. I ordered an NCE D13SR with 8-pin plug but there's definitely no room for it. Tried a D14SR which is very small and has the pins right on the board facing down, but it's still to tall to fit in the shell. Has anyone done a successful installation, and what brand and model of decoder did you use? Would like to get this baby running by my op session on 11-16. Thanks!
dw

 

Looks like that's a replacement board - makes sense in a tight space. Thanks Keith!

 

I bought the gold version. Wasn't impressed with the Qsi's lack of programing so I'm going to pull it and replace it with a TCS A6X for the time being.

Ethan

 

Dave, I used a NCE 14NSDR decoder. Placed it on top of the speaker encloser. However there are 2 things that I did so the shell fits better.
1. trim off the tab that holds down the roof top above the radiator grills.
2. trim off the tab of the front no. boards that is painted black that hangs down.
Also, FYI the pick ups on the side frames have been painted/coated black. When I ran the loco it would stall on straight sections of track. I use some electric contact cleaner on a micro brush and applied it to the axels making contact to the sideframes. That did the trick, loco ran without stalling

 

Hi Folks,

This is my version of 846. I'm an Seaboard Coast Line modeler primarily and became aware of Frisco motive power appearing in SCL consists as far south as Tampa, FL, where I grew up. SD45s, Geeps, and U Boats could be found often. While I'm not sure if 846 wandered into my neighborhood, I wanted to model one of U Boats, and was able to find this unit. I also have the L&N XR unit and thought they'd make good "sisters" in the collector's sense.

This unit was a non-sound unit I equipped with a QSI Titan decoder, with the beta version of the Emulator sound scheme for FDL engines. I applied the dry brush method previously mentioned to the radiator grille (great idea by the way). As an option you can use PollyScale GTW Morency Orange for the add-on parts. I installed the DW pilots, beacon, wheel slip modulators, and Gyralight; CalScale horn and Custom Finishing speedometer.

Carl in Tarpon Springs, FL

 

I finished the install of an Econami ECO-100 last night following the instructions from the Soundtraxx web site. It was straightforward, but not easy. They recommend hard wiring and placing the components where the Atlas PC board is removed. Both the lights and direction were reversed following their instructions, but easily changed with JMRI. It sounds and runs great, but lacks the nose light.

 

Keith,
Were you able to fit a "keep alive" in there? or will it fit?