Atlas Catalog

Atlas spares / after sales service is good.

Atlas's ability to get anything manufactured in China is appalling, Heljan and Dapol seem to have no problem getting it done from the UK, Unfortunately as I have written before Atlas do not seem to have a strong proponent to push an 0 scale agenda. Atlas peaked with the 5161's and Gunderson set. IMO.

Lionel with their detail-lite welded Gon got the project to market in months. 

n.

Agreed. So instead of putting O Scale on the "backburner" so-to-speak,and making the scale as a whole look like it's headed out the door,causing confusion and misery for everyone,why not sell to MTH or Lionel that will get the line rolling again? Just my opinion of coarse. I love their cars,but my life's too short to wait 20 years to see what's going to happen.

As Always,

Al Hummel

I think O Scale is DEFINITELY WORTH all the "WHINING","GRIPING" or whatever you want to call it. As a matter of fact,concerning the shelf couplers,I had 1 modeler from overseas thank me for,as he called it,"mixing things up" to get new patterns of thought going. I gladly did this not looking for any praise,though it is nice to hear some thanks once in a while,as we all know.

Many think of O Scale,(I was 1 that did),as toy trains with Lionel couplers and nothing realistic. I soon found out otherwise. it,(O Scale),needs advancements whatever they may be,to keep incentive for new,more modern modelers. If they don't find it here,they will in other scales. Larry Stanley of All Aboard Trains,is REALLY giving O Scale a "shot in the arm",by developing groundthrow prototypically operating switchstands,in O Scale 1st,not HO. I have a link for the shelf couplers,but that's all,no info concerning whether the project is still going. I'd like to pursue the idea,but don't want to invest then when the project comes to production,find someone is in front of me. I've made my money to get into O Scale from my HO sales as I don't have other income to invest.

I guess out of frustration,I've been griping a lot at Atlas,but am trying to move O Scale ahead not leave it hung up. We all know HO has most of the sales over other scales,no secret. There's enough to fight in this fact alone.

Go back to HO? After spending thousands in my sales of HO,that's not desirable,but this is looking more logical,that's true.I'm sure I'm not the only 1 that thinks that. I know some modelers that still model HO while also modeling in O Scale.

Just trying to help as I can,even though it may seem to be very little.

Al Hummel

Hi Al

I model HO as well as OW5.  As I have said before, O scale is the scratch builders' scale.  If you can't buy it, make it - or bash something into it.

I'm pretty sure that there isn't anyone here who can force Atlas to do anything.  If you send me your PayPal address, I'll send you some money so you can call someone who can.

In the meantime, give the rest of us a break.

Cheers

O scale is the scratch builders' scale.  If you can't buy it, make it - or bash something into it.

 The Craftsman's Scale!

After seeing these photos and reading that these are on the water, I'm hoping Atlas will do another run of Santa Fe SD40 with rooftop accessories like they did on their GP60.

Problem with $600 locomotive from the big L in photo:

Cigar band needs to go all the way to the rear of the nose - should stop at the cab.

Front of battery boxes should be Yellow.

Bottom of front handrails should be blue - These engines did not have anticlimbers. 

At least if they would have posted pre-production SAMPLES we could have requested changes like we did with the scale gondola.

Alan Hummel posted:

Way back when Atlas had about a 4year time when basically nothing was available in any scale,they were supposed to pull everything in China and move it-what happened to that dream?

I surely give Lionel credit for keeping the Lionscale project in North Carolina. I think they could easily take over the Atlas O Scale line and I think O Scale would see BIG improvements in availablity,but that's just my opnion for what little that's worth.

I think I bought the last CSX 4750s from any hobby shop. I researched this & can't find any,so come on Atlas,get to moving. I know O Scale is extremely small compared to HO,but waiting years on a project is ridiculous. Availability is 9/10s of the battle,if new modelers find this out,how many can be counted on to move into O Scale? Sorry,but had I have known all I now know,I'd have stayed in HO. This scale seems to be rooted in the Steam,Early Diesel era,or so it would seem. Start talking about modern things like shelf couplers,and the conversation starts to get sort of ugly.

I was told by someone at Atlas years back that they were "committed" to O Scale. Well,if that's so,they better get out of China too many projects are lagging WAY TOO FAR BEHIND.

Lionel & MTH could split up Atlas and I think the modelers would be happy & so would Atlas. Again,all this is just my opinion.

As Always,

Al Hummel

I am sorry but think you are wrong with your idea of the others buying Atlas. Would MTH and Lionel keep 2 rail alive? I am not so sure. Why Atlas does what they do is beyond me. Why they won't try to leave China is probably a cost issue. I would pay a bit more in these items were made elsewhere. I am not at all sure of Atlas' intentions. Why they won't talk to us, I don't know. I am as confused as everyone else. Here is a question for the 3 railers. I went Chicago last March and did see quite a bit of Atlas. When a 3 railer goes to their conventions are there stacks of Lionel and MTH?

Sorry for venting.

Dick

Here is an Atlas Illinois Central from the last run of SD40's (2010) with rooftop detail. This makes the Lionel version look like a toy. In fact, a brass importer would have a difficult job topping this.

CBQer posted:

Alan Hummel posted:

Way back when Atlas had about a 4year time when basically nothing was available in any scale,they were supposed to pull everything in China and move it-what happened to that dream?

I surely give Lionel credit for keeping the Lionscale project in North Carolina. I think they could easily take over the Atlas O Scale line and I think O Scale would see BIG improvements in availablity,but that's just my opnion for what little that's worth.

I think I bought the last CSX 4750s from any hobby shop. I researched this & can't find any,so come on Atlas,get to moving. I know O Scale is extremely small compared to HO,but waiting years on a project is ridiculous. Availability is 9/10s of the battle,if new modelers find this out,how many can be counted on to move into O Scale? Sorry,but had I have known all I now know,I'd have stayed in HO. This scale seems to be rooted in the Steam,Early Diesel era,or so it would seem. Start talking about modern things like shelf couplers,and the conversation starts to get sort of ugly.

I was told by someone at Atlas years back that they were "committed" to O Scale. Well,if that's so,they better get out of China too many projects are lagging WAY TOO FAR BEHIND.

Lionel & MTH could split up Atlas and I think the modelers would be happy & so would Atlas. Again,all this is just my opinion.

As Always,

Al Hummel

I am sorry but think you are wrong with your idea of the others buying Atlas. Would MTH and Lionel keep 2 rail alive? I am not so sure. Why Atlas does what they do is beyond me. Why they won't try to leave China is probably a cost issue. I would pay a bit more in these items were made elsewhere. I am not at all sure of Atlas' intentions. Why they won't talk to us, I don't know. I am as confused as everyone else. Here is a question for the 3 railers. I went Chicago last March and did see quite a bit of Atlas. When a 3 railer goes to their conventions are there stacks of Lionel and MTH?

Sorry for venting.

Dick

The O scale 2 rail shows are exactly that, bear in mind  Lionel  does not produce RTR 2 rail models, MTH offers a very limited number of their -2 diesels with scale wheels. These are the 2 biggest players in the O Gauge market accounting for about 90% +/- of all O gauge products in a given year, only about 1/3 +/- of the Atlas production is 2 rail. There basic premise is accurate 1/4" scale models something that is clearly not a mandate for the "big two". Obviously the total Atlas production does not allow them to dictate to a Chinese MFG with the same clout as MTH or Lionel, I believe they use a different Chinese MFG for their O gauge line thereby reducing even further their power to control production. These numbers are based  on internet assessments of annual revenue for all 3 companies, anyone with more accurate numbers feel free to comment. JMO

catnap posted:

hibar posted:

When you are a MFGs rep at these shows that comes with the territory, it appears based on recent monthly announcements that Atlas is limiting future production either to catch up with present backlog or O gauge is  going to be a limited run line for them. JMO

I think it's the former rather than the latter. If you notice on their shipping schedule all overdue motive power is listed towards the top, including such Trainman locomotives like the Dash 8-40CW's and RSD-7/15's. I believe Atlas realizes that backlogged engines take a greater precedence over rolling stock. Aside from the F7's in January Atlas has not delivered any locomotives this year.

What Atlas has done with the latest shipping schedule is list models by the earliest date of announcement thereby putting the Tman GE 8-40CW [2/19/14] at the top of the list, coincidently it still has a Q4/17 delivery date. The latest announcement is at the bottom of the list, what that means in terms of actual delivery is anybodys guess. just saying.

Another reason I like Atlas, today I called their customer service department because I broke a knuckle on a coupler and wanted to know if I could just buy the coupler or if I needed to order the whole truck assembly. They sent me a new coupler free of charge for a car I've had for 5 years. 

CBQer posted:

Alan Hummel posted:

Way back when Atlas had about a 4year time when basically nothing was available in any scale,they were supposed to pull everything in China and move it-what happened to that dream?

I surely give Lionel credit for keeping the Lionscale project in North Carolina. I think they could easily take over the Atlas O Scale line and I think O Scale would see BIG improvements in availablity,but that's just my opnion for what little that's worth.

I think I bought the last CSX 4750s from any hobby shop. I researched this & can't find any,so come on Atlas,get to moving. I know O Scale is extremely small compared to HO,but waiting years on a project is ridiculous. Availability is 9/10s of the battle,if new modelers find this out,how many can be counted on to move into O Scale? Sorry,but had I have known all I now know,I'd have stayed in HO. This scale seems to be rooted in the Steam,Early Diesel era,or so it would seem. Start talking about modern things like shelf couplers,and the conversation starts to get sort of ugly.

I was told by someone at Atlas years back that they were "committed" to O Scale. Well,if that's so,they better get out of China too many projects are lagging WAY TOO FAR BEHIND.

Lionel & MTH could split up Atlas and I think the modelers would be happy & so would Atlas. Again,all this is just my opinion.

As Always,

Al Hummel

I am sorry but think you are wrong with your idea of the others buying Atlas. Would MTH and Lionel keep 2 rail alive? I am not so sure. Why Atlas does what they do is beyond me. Why they won't try to leave China is probably a cost issue. I would pay a bit more in these items were made elsewhere. I am not at all sure of Atlas' intentions. Why they won't talk to us, I don't know. I am as confused as everyone else. Here is a question for the 3 railers. I went Chicago last March and did see quite a bit of Atlas. When a 3 railer goes to their conventions are there stacks of Lionel and MTH?

Sorry for venting.

Dick

Dick - first, thank you for your service in Viet Nam.  

I worked for a huge multinational manufacturing company for many years, and I've chatted with Atlas about China.  It's the same issue, despite us spending 100s of millions.  Unless you have boots on the ground to ensure things go according to your plan, headaches are in the forecast.  Why do many still  go to China - cost and speed.  In the long run, it's a numbers game. Not defending it, as I'd prefer to put business elsewhere. It's just reality right now.  

O scale (as with any scale) is what each person makes of it. Sick of hearing that old adage. If you buy RTR 2R from Atlas or convert MTH and Lionel you aren't a craftsman. And there is NOTHING wrong with that. Any scale that doesn't have much RTR could be considered a craftsman scale. I've been around many different scales and met many talented modelers. Some of the best I've ever seen scratch build their own steam engines in O scale. But I've also seen that level of talent in HO. Does that make HO "The craftsman scale"? What about 1.5" scale Live steam? Those folks are building REAL steam engines and riding on them. IMHO that is far more deserving of the title than any other. The Point? It is what you make of it and there is no reason to make excuses for how you enjoy the hobby. If you like RTR in O5W than have fun and don't let anyone tell you you're wrong because they don't own the scale anymore than you do. If anything you might spend more on new RTR models than they do which arguably means you are doing more to keep the scale alive and viable.

Just saying...

Alan Hummel posted:

... So instead of putting O Scale on the "backburner" so-to-speak,and making the scale as a whole look like it's headed out the door,causing confusion and misery for everyone,  ...

Interesting to note that according to the October 2017 Orange Hall dealer chart, Atlas-O will have a dramatically reduced booth size.   I guess the days of the big dog-bone display layout are history. 

Actually, I'm not all that surprised to see this.  Back in April 2017 York, the Atlas-O booth at its regular (former) size looked strangely sparse and barren.  Too MUCH room to walk around with nothing all that notable featured in the booth.  So the booth-downsizing seemed inevitable -- if not more appropriate for Atlas-O's current commitment level to O-Gauge. 

They are probably sending fewer employees to York. and the displays will be the same as the last York without the layout, at least a rep will talk about the future at the MFGs forum. I do not see the production from their Chinese MFG taking any big change, JMO

catnap posted:

Here is an Atlas Illinois Central from the last run of SD40's (2010) with rooftop detail. This makes the Lionel version look like a toy. In fact, a brass importer would have a difficult job topping this.

Agree. I have both the latest Lionel version and the Atlas O version of the SD40s , and the Atlas is just crisper, with better and more pronounced details and molding. Just looking at it quickly you can see it. The Lionels are very nice, and are road specific, but the Atlas versions still look better. 

As far as complaints about shipping schedules, a different point of view here. First, like many, I aready have plenty of stuff to use. Secondly, I have lots of catching up to do with stuff that's already out. Thirdly, financially, having the stuff come in slowly works just fine for me!

jonnyspeed posted:

O scale (as with any scale) is what each person makes of it. Sick of hearing that old adage. If you buy RTR 2R from Atlas or convert MTH and Lionel you aren't a craftsman. And there is NOTHING wrong with that. Any scale that doesn't have much RTR could be considered a craftsman scale. I've been around many different scales and met many talented modelers. Some of the best I've ever seen scratch build their own steam engines in O scale. But I've also seen that level of talent in HO. Does that make HO "The craftsman scale"? What about 1.5" scale Live steam? Those folks are building REAL steam engines and riding on them. IMHO that is far more deserving of the title than any other. The Point? It is what you make of it and there is no reason to make excuses for how you enjoy the hobby. If you like RTR in O5W than have fun and don't let anyone tell you you're wrong because they don't own the scale anymore than you do. If anything you might spend more on new RTR models than they do which arguably means you are doing more to keep the scale alive and viable.

Just saying...

 

Well said Jonny,

When I need advice how to enjoy the hobby, I'll ask for it! What I do and how I do it, is nobodies business but my own.

Simon

Well, first off, if there were large quantities of Atlas at Indy, would somebody please provide me with some e-mail addresses and phone numbers. Really, I'm serious. I've got quite a shopping list! Seriously!..........and why is that? Well, that brings me to the next point.....which is......

Quality and obtainability. As an O Scale modeler, I try to find the best models that appeal to my prototype era and my eye for detail. That would be Atlas. Don't expect that out of Lionel or MTH. Those companies cater first and most to 3 rail collectors and operators. Has anyone forgotten that?? This is the "2 rail" forum, right??? Now this isn't to slam anyone, far be it from me, a humble and seldom seen or heard member of the O Scale community. I just want to point out that when was the last time anyone saw any of the Berwick Forge Hi-cubes in Rio Grande, ATSF mineral or Indian Red, or Western Pacific for sale in quantity? When was the last time you saw any of the later runs of the GP60 in Rio Grande or the GP60M/B in ATSF Super Fleet colors (War Bonnet scheme to us old farts)? Have you seen any of quantities of the Coalveyor in the Black/Orange Utility Fuels (UFIX) scheme for sale? Atlas only produced 16 numbers and no more, not quite enough for a unit train. Or how about the first and only run of Cotton Belt Wide Vision Cabooses (no, not Trainman)? Seen any of the first run Bulkhead flats for sale: UP, BNSF, TTX, BC, IC?  or how about the ATSF Indian red version and the 68ft flat car version? How many of the Trinity 5161cf Grain Cars in CMO, CHTT, BNSF Nike Swoosh, AGP, Borax, GATX, and NATX have you been able to buy in any quantity, and at a reasonable price just lately? What I'm saying is high quality and desirability. It was and still is Atlas that is feeding and caring for the O Scale community. If not for Atlas O, Lionel and MTH would still be trying to out-do each other with endless re-runs of the NYC J-1E. Have you seen or bought the Lionel 66ft Gunderson Mill Gondola? I have two, in CSX, and plan to get another in TTX. Granted, the Atlas O Master Line could have done a better job with the underframe details, but over all, darn good. Rest assured we wouldn't have this car if not for the influence of Atlas O and the desire on Lionel's part to compete. Now I realize that most of the people on this forum are steam/transition modelers, but for those of you, like me, who model trains after 1995, do you really want Atlas to sell out to Brand L and Brand M??? Do you really think they care about the two rail market, other than as an after-thought? What! are you thinking???

O Scale quality and obtainability, real value! Not, well if I shave a little here, glue that there, buy extra parts to improve that! Now it is frustrating to the current prototype modeler to have to wait....and wait for some models to appear, but (and I maybe be wrong) it seems to me, after reading these posts, that Atlas O/Trainman owners are so disappointed, so angry, so disloyal to Atlas O that they keep all those wretched models Atlas imports for years on end so that guys like me, who can't travel to the big shows and don't have the $$$ to buy it all up at once when it first appears, have to wait years for re-runs or used models to appear on the secondary market. Ouch!! When said unhappy modelers do sell to the secondary market, it's at inflated prices because, "These quality models are so scarce and hard to come by!" And funnier yet, (in a strange and twisted sort of way) these same disgruntled and disappointed customers snap up new product as soon as it becomes available like hungry trout during the spring hatches. Imagine that.

So all you folks who are so unhappy with Atlas, please, (and I truly mean this from the heart) please put your trains up for sale so I and the newer and upcoming generations of O Scale model railroaders can get a chance to own some quality models. And for those of you who have witnessed "Atlas glut" please alert us to those incidents by posting the names, e-mails, addresses, and phone numbers of said persons having said glut. Seriously! I have a big shopping list! Come to think of it, I also want some Overland SP Bay Window Caboose and UP Ca7s, -9s, and -10s. Well, any way.................... 

Mike Caddell         Arvada, Colorado

PS: As an after-thought (Yes, I am capable of having them). Although I have just expounded on Brands A, L, and M, I just want to tip my hat to the many smaller manufacturers of great O Scale products. Together, you make this a great hobby to be in and together you also pressure the bigger guns to bring us more of what we want. Keep up the good work and a Big THANK YOU!!!

Long but well said.

Dick

"Well, first off, if there were large quantities of Atlas at Indy, would somebody please provide me with some e-mail addresses and phone numbers."

Bill Davis was the dealer with many tables full (at least at the beginning of the show) of brand new boxed 2-rail Atlas O and Intermountain cars for $25 each.  Some guys were buying them a dozen at a time.  You can contact Bill via his American Scale Models website and see what he might have left.

http://americanscalemodels.com/

A different dealer at the O-Scale Convention in Enfield, CT this June also had huge numbers of new Atlas cars for $30 each or 4 for $100.  I did buy a dozen from him. 

Bob posted:

"Well, first off, if there were large quantities of Atlas at Indy, would somebody please provide me with some e-mail addresses and phone numbers."

Bill Davis was the dealer with many tables full (at least at the beginning of the show) of brand new boxed 2-rail Atlas O and Intermountain cars for $25 each.  Some guys were buying them a dozen at a time.  You can contact Bill via his American Scale Models website and see what he might have left.

http://americanscalemodels.com/

A different dealer at the O-Scale Convention in Enfield, CT this June also had huge numbers of new Atlas cars for $30 each or 4 for $100.  I did buy a dozen from him. 

In all fairness, the massive amounts of Atlas O Bill had at Indy appeared to be part of an estate sale.

And most appeared to be steam or transition era cars. 

From mfg info I got, the domestic 0 market is rather subdued.  However the European market is popping.  That is striking when you consider their pricing is on the high side and their homes are many times on the smaller than average size.  

TOM TEE,

From the info that was shared with you,in your opinion,what should O Scale suspect from Atlas in the near future,besides very little?

I've heard the same from European modelers-O Scale is booming. Doesn't make sense to me.

Thanks,

Al Hummel

Al, here is the reason:

European's pay more, much more, for each model, hence they get better detailed models delivered in the main on time. They don't ***** about $90 a boxcar and you can get very little for $90 either on the mainland or here.   I'm sure there are other reasons but this seems the most obviously apparent reason to me.  Which customers do you think the Chinese will prefer to work for, the one who wants the job done for next to nothing or the ones who pay that bit more. 

n.

Rule292 posted:

Bob posted:

"Well, first off, if there were large quantities of Atlas at Indy, would somebody please provide me with some e-mail addresses and phone numbers."

Bill Davis was the dealer with many tables full (at least at the beginning of the show) of brand new boxed 2-rail Atlas O and Intermountain cars for $25 each.  Some guys were buying them a dozen at a time.  You can contact Bill via his American Scale Models website and see what he might have left.

http://americanscalemodels.com/

A different dealer at the O-Scale Convention in Enfield, CT this June also had huge numbers of new Atlas cars for $30 each or 4 for $100.  I did buy a dozen from him. 

In all fairness, the massive amounts of Atlas O Bill had at Indy appeared to be part of an estate sale.

And most appeared to be steam or transition era cars. 

This year there was a 5 part auction of Jim Seacrest's collection from Lincoln, NE averaging about 550 items per sale or 2700 or so pieces. Davis, Norm's of Maine and about a dozen others were there in person, the rest of us were on line. It seems a lot of the models sold in excess of what was considered a reasonable range so those who were there did not cut a fat hog. There was a lot of Atlas as well as other brands like Sunset even some Lionel, MTH, Weaver and others. The sale included motor vehicles, buildings, train cars, etc. So, yes, there is a lot of Atlas available but it is not cheap. Yes, I won a few items.

Dick