Great review, Steven! I’m hoping that Atlas eventually releases replacement LED PCBs with corrected warm white LEDs for those not willing to do it themselves. BTW…the Atlas board can now be used with a PowerPack assigned to AUX6 which has solder pads. I hope they use the 13x18 driver on all new models going forward.
This is a great review ! One of the very first videos of these models. I’ll have to say, just looking at Atlas’ website photos of the other road names, it seems like Atlas re-ran the True Line Trains tooling without much effort in updating the old tooling or matching the road specific details. The cool white LEDs are also a mild disappointment not matching the prototype. The Metrolink units in particular look drastically off from the prototype like wrong color grab irons, horn placement, etc. Atlas needs to step up their game to match Genesis, Rivet Counter, or Rapido level details for the price they’re asking for these models. I guess for what it’s worth, it’s better than nothing, but just a little additional research could’ve went a long way. Great review nonetheless !
Thank you! I definitely hope that Atlas can figure out the paint and led issues at a minimum. I'm glad these locos are back on the market, but I hope this isn't their final form.
Sadly, you can say that about all the Atlas models. None of the Master series really match the road name/number type of detail other higher-end manufacturers have. On top of that, they seem to pick and choose which road names to add details to ie SP GP40's to WC's GP40's. Because of this has put them under Walthers Proto as far as the level of details. But on the other hand Atlas cars are a different story. Good presentation.
Good overview! I just got mine. Did you know the cab doors are sprung just like on the Proto 2000 E8's? It would have been nice to show how and where to install the brake chain. I think some of differences that you pointed out could be either changes they have made over the years or the True Line Trains model was based on the GO Transit version. I think no one else has done the MP36 models because of the difference the model had between each transit agency.
@jeremyvehring9259 I hadn't heard about the doors. If I do a follow-up, I'll try to incorporate that and the chains. I currently don't have a permanent layout to leave the loco out, so I didn't want to add the details yet. It definitely makes sense with these units being based on the Go Units. Hopefully, some things can be fixed for future releases. Either way, I'm enjoying my mode and can't wait for the coaches to arrive.
I was looking forward to getting a Metrolink and a few Metra models, but they dropped the ball. Other companies are doing road specific detail for around the same price Atlas is charging for these. It just feels lazy using old tooling from 10 years ago.
Too bad Atlas was stupid enough to put blue LEDs in there so the gold and white LEDs so I guess I won’t be buying an MP 36 unless they fix it. you really dropped the ball there Atlas.
I’m quite disappointed with atlas on this one, as a Chicagoan I love these MP36’s but come no gyra light is a big turn off not to mention the incorrect steps etc.
The gyra light was definitely a bit disappointing, but it looks like there's a fairly simple fix for it. Of course, it would be great not having to do it, but it's better than nothing.
![Review: Atlas Metra Bi-Level Gallery Cab and Coach Cars [HO Scale]](/img/1.gif)
Are you going to pick up one of these MP36s?
I'm buying 3 of them but the DCC ready version.
Great review, Steven! I’m hoping that Atlas eventually releases replacement LED PCBs with corrected warm white LEDs for those not willing to do it themselves. BTW…the Atlas board can now be used with a PowerPack assigned to AUX6 which has solder pads. I hope they use the 13x18 driver on all new models going forward.
This is a great review ! One of the very first videos of these models. I’ll have to say, just looking at Atlas’ website photos of the other road names, it seems like Atlas re-ran the True Line Trains tooling without much effort in updating the old tooling or matching the road specific details. The cool white LEDs are also a mild disappointment not matching the prototype. The Metrolink units in particular look drastically off from the prototype like wrong color grab irons, horn placement, etc. Atlas needs to step up their game to match Genesis, Rivet Counter, or Rapido level details for the price they’re asking for these models. I guess for what it’s worth, it’s better than nothing, but just a little additional research could’ve went a long way. Great review nonetheless !
Thank you! I definitely hope that Atlas can figure out the paint and led issues at a minimum. I'm glad these locos are back on the market, but I hope this isn't their final form.
Sadly, you can say that about all the Atlas models. None of the Master series really match the road name/number type of detail other higher-end manufacturers have. On top of that, they seem to pick and choose which road names to add details to ie SP GP40's to WC's GP40's. Because of this has put them under Walthers Proto as far as the level of details. But on the other hand Atlas cars are a different story. Good presentation.
Good overview! I just got mine. Did you know the cab doors are sprung just like on the Proto 2000 E8's? It would have been nice to show how and where to install the brake chain. I think some of differences that you pointed out could be either changes they have made over the years or the True Line Trains model was based on the GO Transit version. I think no one else has done the MP36 models because of the difference the model had between each transit agency.
@jeremyvehring9259 I hadn't heard about the doors. If I do a follow-up, I'll try to incorporate that and the chains. I currently don't have a permanent layout to leave the loco out, so I didn't want to add the details yet. It definitely makes sense with these units being based on the Go Units. Hopefully, some things can be fixed for future releases. Either way, I'm enjoying my mode and can't wait for the coaches to arrive.
Hey Steven, what ESU loksound decoder does your metra MP36PH loco have?
I was looking forward to getting a Metrolink and a few Metra models, but they dropped the ball. Other companies are doing road specific detail for around the same price Atlas is charging for these. It just feels lazy using old tooling from 10 years ago.
I noticed it is missing the MU all together. It has the two HEP covers as a hep and a mu cover. Small mistake, but a mistake nonetheless
I ordered is engine today in the metrolink livery
@depressedcavsfan Please post your opinions here once you get yours. I always liked the Metrolink Scheme, it's simple.
Too bad Atlas was stupid enough to put blue LEDs in there so the gold and white LEDs so I guess I won’t be buying an MP 36 unless they fix it. you really dropped the ball there Atlas.
I’m quite disappointed with atlas on this one, as a Chicagoan I love these MP36’s but come no gyra light is a big turn off not to mention the incorrect steps etc.
The gyra light was definitely a bit disappointing, but it looks like there's a fairly simple fix for it. Of course, it would be great not having to do it, but it's better than nothing.