If you are choosing between two Atlas 1/87 diecast trains and both cost exactly the same, the decision comes down to era and construction details. The Class EP-2 (1919) represents an early electric locomotive, while the Serie 1208 (1952) brings a postwar design. Both are marketed to adult collectors, but the details point in different directions.
Quick Verdict
For an early electric-era piece, the Class EP-2 has the edge. For a postwar model with a clearly stated diecast chassis and plastic body, the Serie 1208 is the one to get. In other words, pick the design story that matches your collection.
Comparison at a Glance
| Product | Listed price | Price bar | Key detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlas TRAIN Class EP-2 (1919) 1/87 Diecast Model | USD 29.99 | Scale 1:87; 1919 electric era; material described as Diecast \& Plastic; listed dimensions | |
| Atlas TRAIN Serie 1208 (1952) 1/87 Diecast Model | USD 29.99 | Scale 1:87; 1952 postwar era; material described as Diecast chassis \& Plastic body |
Where Each Model Wins
The Class EP-2 wins for era specificity and the included dimensional reference. The Serie 1208 wins for construction clarity, with a diecast chassis and plastic body called out. Because the listed price matches, the main tiebreaker is which of those two strengths matters more to you.
Atlas TRAIN Class EP-2 (1919) 1/87 Diecast Model
The Class EP-2 stands out for its 1919 heritage and for including a length measurement (240.9mm) plus track-to-roof height (42.5mm). That makes it easier to visualize alongside other rolling stock. The material is described as Diecast \& Plastic, and the listing emphasizes good quality with rotating wheels. For a collector focused on early electric locomotives, the EP-2 is the more era-specific choice. The trade-off: the chassis/body composition is not spelled out, unlike the Serie 1208, so if you specifically want a separate diecast chassis, this description is less explicit.
Atlas TRAIN Serie 1208 (1952) 1/87 Diecast Model
The Serie 1208 brings a 1952 design and the listing explicitly states the construction as Diecast chassis \& Plastic body. If you value knowing exactly which parts are metal, that clarity is helpful. The model is described as being true to the original train and has rotating wheels. It gives you a later-era look while keeping the same Atlas brand and scale. The trade-off: the body is plastic, not diecast, so a collector who expects a diecast body all around may see that as a sticking point.
Final Choice by Use Case
If you collect by locomotive era, the 1919 Class EP-2 gives you an early electric piece with the dimensions spelled out. If you prefer a later-era 1952 design and want the chassis/body construction spelled out, choose the Serie 1208. Both share the same Atlas brand, so the era and material details are what should make the final call.
