The Atlas HO scale Alco RS-1 diesel locomotive comes equipped with an ESU LokSound Select Digital Command Control (DCC) decoder. See and hear the HO scale locomotive haul a freight train along the Model Railroader staff’s club model train layout, the Milwaukee, Racine & Troy.
Video: Atlas HO scale Alco RS-1 diesel
By Angela Cotey | June 22, 2015
| Last updated on December 3, 2020
The Atlas HO scale diesel locomotive model features an ESU LokSound Select Digital Command Control (DCC) sound decoder
Another great looking and sounding loco brought to us by Dana and the MR staff. Thank you! P.S. "I GOTTA GET ONE OF THESE!"
Will the B.L.I. D.C. MASTER CONTROL THE SOUNDS ON THE ATLAS LOK-SOUND? EUGENE SOBIERAJSKI, POTAGE,IN
When I read the reviews of engines such as this fine Atlas model. I am not sure if I should purchase the Dc or the Dcc version. AS I use a Lenz DCC system, I can purchase a Lenz gold series decoder for $53 .00 that has a 21 pin connector for a sound decoder, supports xpressnet feedback, and with the addition of a speaker, arrive at the same price as the DCC version. Of course I must supply the the labor. As l am by no means a pro at making this kind of decision, it seems that you would get a better engine using a Lenz decoder in this situation. Any comments are welcome.
Michael–keep in mind that the Atlas model was designed specifically for the Loksound decoder and speaker combination. Will your Lenz decoders and your choice of speaker fit in the space provided? It might but how can you be sure in advance?
Larry Puckett
Model Railroader
Contributing Editor
I noticed the Phillips screws (yes there is one on the other truck too), I'll have to look at my Atlas RS-1s more closely to see if they have it too. If so, I never noticed it before.
BTW a couple of these reviews recently have said something like "goes through no. 6 turnouts with ease". Well ya, a No. 6 is the equivalent of something like a 90"R curve in HO, everything in HO should go thru a No. 6. What about testing it on a no. 4?
you meant lets take a "look" and a listen
The sound on the Atlas RS-1 is very correct and brings back memories of the Alco S-2 yard switchers. My dad was Nickel Plate Road engineer on the Buffalo Division. Growing up, dad often took me to work with him. I spent many hours around the NKP Abott Road Yard and well remember the sound of those Alco yard switchers with their unique burbbling idle and the high pitch turbo-charger sound as the throttle was opened. While the Nickel Plate never had RS-1 road switchers, their S-2 Alco yard engines used the same 1,000 HP prime-mover. The S-2 yard switchers had the same distinct Alco sound as an RS-1. During my high school years, I had many an opportunity to run those S-2 switchers. It was always a great thrill listening to an S-2 locomotive almost ready to stall at idle, then opening the throttle and hear the Alco 244 engine power up and the resultant exhaust bark along with the turbo whine as the cut of cars started moving.
In one low angle straight-in shot, I saw what looked like the head of a Phillips screw in the gearbox under the front hood, next to the steps. True? Of course, a little paint will cover to make it unnoticeable. Probably one in the other gearbox as well. Very surprised and pleased by the 3+ oz of pull noted in the mag review. Atlas has always been noted by excellent slow speed and pulling performance.
The Diesel Prime Mover engine sounds, remind me of a Ford Model T 4-cyl.engine, that has a burned exhaust valve, and a bad exhaust leak… 🙁 (Someone will now say): "That's exactly how an Alco sounded!"
I agree with Gary Payton—the locomotive sounds on many of these review videos are frequently underwhelming. I have a couple of the models featured in MR video reviews, and I can report that the audio in the videos does not really do justice to the actual (well—model) sounds from my locos! Keep in mind however that the physical size of the model limits the depth of sound possible; my Lionel 3-rail locos ironically make the HO scale engines sound like toys in comparison!
Great Alco sounds and thanks for the demo. I did not hear the "coupler crash" sound – is it included in this decoder?
Using the camera microphone is a little counterproductive since the whole idea is to hear what the actual sounds on the engines are like. You'd get much more realistic sounds with an external mic held close to the engine.
Great video, I have heard some real Alcos run over the years, that one sounds kinda sick, like it's got a couple plugged injectors. LOL
Is the engine sound for a new alco engine or one that has been used for many years?
Didn't hear the engine rev up. The comment below about yard limits. Yard limits were more for operational standards than a physical location. Yard limits had certain rules and speed restrictions. A whole town's industrial/commercial area might be within yard limits. In a large city with freight yards the limits may be extended to include industrial track and sidings. The switch engine would be allowed to use part of the main line subject to schedules and daily orders without dispatcher permission. It is more about the operating rules than location. EG: all the former Western Pacific mainline in Oakland is operated as yard limits as is the central part of the UP ex EsPee mainline. Sometimes there will be one or two mainline tracks with switching access tracks on one or both sides, all the switching tracks are within the yard limits and certain sections of the mainline will be included usually continuous to the yard itself. Then there were one upon a time passenger yard limits, especially if the train was to rebuilt or cars added or removed, and they had their own rules. The loco might almost be enough to get me to change from the Nice, Neat, Nifty scale to Half oversize,, almost. Add a smoke unit, maybe, what's an Alco without the smoke?
In the intro the caboose can be see over Dana's shoulder.
This is After all just a quick demo so not sure what Stephen was worried about.
As far as the video goes Dana covered all the basic available functions whilst using the loco as a model railroader would, if purchased for use as a road switcher on a local.
Great video extra Dana.
Very satisfactory demonstration of the loco's smooth operation and appealing sounds. But why isn't there a caboose on that local freight train, which presumably is running in the 1950's or very early 1960's. I doubt that that country feed mill or elevator is within yard limits.
What a cool model loco, to see it weathered would totally finish it, really choice
Very good. Some of the sounds could stand a little volume tweaking (horn and bell). All that was missing was the cloud of black smoke from the stack every time the throttle was notched up (and particularly on engine start).
Hi Stephen,
I'm not sure what you're what you're seeing, but the end of the train is never shown in the video. We actually did run this train with a caboose.
Thanks for watching,
Dana Kawala
Senior editor