(erielack) New Atlas GP 38's (off topic). New revolutionary feature?

["Christopher Thurner" <"cthurner_@_adelphia.net">]

Listers:

Atlas has announced on its web site a release of a new HO scale GP 38
scheduled for a September release.

The web page mentions that it will contain a 'a revolutionary, patent
pending feature to be revealed in San Jose, CA at the NMRA convention'.

Does anyone have any speculation on what this may be??  What can you improve
upon on an HO loco?

This might be a fun contest for the list to have to see who can guess what
it might be (unfortunately, I don't have anything to offer the winner!).
Operable fans, similar to those on P2K's FA-2's would not be it, IMHO, as
they didn't add much.

Most manufacturers today have directional and constant lighting, smooth
overall performance, realistic slow speed performance, great detail, etc.

Here are some of my thoughts:

- - A chip on the DCC card as with a diesel horn or engine sound through a
miniature onboard speaker;

- - Smoke (not likely, as this is not a significant diesel feature).  It would
only be appropriate as the loco was getting underway or under significant
load;

- - Scale wheels with a realistic profile (but this wouldn't be
revolutionary!);

- - Possibly a new motor with a new mechanism or design (this would be
revolutionary, in more ways than one (about a couple of thousand per minute,
ha, ha!));

- - Maybe long hood doors that open (would make their PC versions show that
realistic 'deferred maintenance' look, as they go by on your layout with
them open).

Give it your best shot.  I'd be interested in what other listmembers can add
to this.

Regards,

Chris Thurner


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