So due to Atlas’ production issues with their former factory in China are we ever likely to see older locos rerun or just the Fs, GP9s and RSDs and lots of repaints?
Anyone heard any Chinese whispers?
I'm guessing Atlas is about 10 years behind schedule.
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They cancelled a run of diesel switchers. I was looking forward to that one. On the other hand, their affordable turntable is back. I ordered mine today.
Atlas O just delivered their Trainman model of a 1937 caboose as built by Magor Car Company of Clifton, New Jersey. Mine is the Boston & Maine version - a beauty. See link. I like their models.
MELGAR
The Corn Syrup tank cars are coming soon.
In August of 2016, Atlas announced a run of SD40's, the previous run was delivered in early 2010. I placed an order for 6 2-rail models. I waited over 2-1/2 years before Atlas canceled the run earlier this year. Three other models were canceled.
Just look at their production schedule in O scale and compare it to HO and N. The smaller scales do not suffer from product cancellations or lengthy delays. That pretty much sums up the story where Atlas stands in O scale. They can't even deliver club cars or simple accessories like trucks in a timely fashion.
It seems since Jim Weaver passed away O scale has lost its way at Atlas.
I can only assume that HO and N scale models weren’t made at the same factory as O scale.
Unless some O scale production has been cancelled to allow HO and N to proceed?
Unfortunately, with the long delay from preorders being due until the engines actually shipped, I for one, had a lot of cancellations of preorders for F3s and F7s leaving me holding the bag on dozens of engines.... IMHO, Atlas did the right thing in canceling all of the existing backlog, except the GP's we will see after the first of the year, to re-announce them closer to their actual manufacturing date. Let's see what happens next year.
Ouch I can imagine that just puts you off stocking O scale.
catnap posted:Just look at their production schedule in O scale and compare it to HO and N. The smaller scales do not suffer from product cancellations or lengthy delays. That pretty much sums up the story where Atlas stands in O scale. They can't even deliver club cars or simple accessories like trucks in a timely fashion.
While the Atlas O scale product release schedule has suffered, it's not fair to say the smaller scales do not suffer from the same product cancellations or lengthy delays. Many manufacturers are just getting ramped back up from the plant closure several years ago and needed to get their tooling and find a new partner to work with. Lots of time and $$$ to get things back to producing models.
In my opinion only,Atlas has lost big time in production of everything in O Scale. Their models are fantastic,but they just are so many years behind production of up to date models. They do a model of a car,(for instance the Trainman 4750 cu ft cvd grain hopper decorated for the SCL railroad),so many years after the prototype cars were built,that the demand for them is almost gone among modelers. Their R&D Department needs a man with a modeler's heart. Final decisions still have to be approved by the top man.
Just my opinion.
Al Hummel
I've purchased a few Atlas O items over the years, but never considered them to be the backbone of my O scale pursuit.
Bob
Mike DeBerg posted:catnap posted:Just look at their production schedule in O scale and compare it to HO and N. The smaller scales do not suffer from product cancellations or lengthy delays. That pretty much sums up the story where Atlas stands in O scale. They can't even deliver club cars or simple accessories like trucks in a timely fashion.
While the Atlas O scale product release schedule has suffered, it's not fair to say the smaller scales do not suffer from the same product cancellations or lengthy delays. Many manufacturers are just getting ramped back up from the plant closure several years ago and needed to get their tooling and find a new partner to work with. Lots of time and $$$ to get things back to producing models.
Very true. After Atlas came out with their beautiful N scale code 55 track (which was a big hit) they began to encounter long delays with getting more to market; this caused a fair number of modelers to look elsewhere for code 55 trackage...and gave Atlas a "black eye" in that community for quite a while...
Mark in Oregon
flanger posted:I've purchased a few Atlas O items over the years, but never considered them to be the backbone of my O scale pursuit.
Bob
Same here, Bob. Maybe 1% of my entire roster...
The way Lionel has brought up their line of O Scale products,I'd like to see them take over some of the less paid attention to models and take those models "under Lionel's wing," so-to-speak. Lionel's 30K tankers and 66ft mill gondolas are VERY impressive. I think they could really take off with the Trainman 4750 cu ft hoppers. In my honest opinion.
What's REALLY discouraging to me,is that Atlas used to comment on posts made on this site-very seldom if ever so to me that reflects on their consideration of O Scale. Just 1 person's view point.
As Always,
Al Hummel
Atlas makes a great product and the best scale freight cars out there IMO. O-3 rail and 2 rail is a small market for Atlas just look at their offerings in their HO and N product lines it dwarfs O scale.
It is unfortunate that Atlas has struggled in recent years. I have never been disappointed in any of their cars or locomotives. The locomotives are almost bullet-proof . . . very reliable and well-detailed.
mwb posted:flanger posted:I've purchased a few Atlas O items over the years, but never considered them to be the backbone of my O scale pursuit.
Bob
Same here, Bob. Maybe 1% of my entire roster...
I was going through some of my roster last week. I surprised myself how much Atlas O stuff I'd accumuated. There's a reason for that, I guess - their cars and engines are outstanding. Highly accurate, of course (including colors!)
flanger posted:I've purchased a few Atlas O items over the years, but never considered them to be the backbone of my O scale pursuit.
Bob
Hi Bob which manufacturers cars do you mainly have? Are they 2 rail and scale or do you have to convert them from 3 rail?
Thanks
I'm not 2-rail, but I am leaning towards 3RS. A quick check in my database it looks like close to 50% of my scale-sized cars are Atlas. I would really hate to see Atlas exit the O scale market.
emdalco01 posted:flanger posted:I've purchased a few Atlas O items over the years, but never considered them to be the backbone of my O scale pursuit.
Bob
Hi Bob which manufacturers cars do you mainly have? Are they 2 rail and scale or do you have to convert them from 3 rail?
Thanks
A variety including some brass, kit built. Red Caboose, Intermountain, odd ball stuff picked up at train shows, etc
As much as Atlas' problems suck for us … it sucks worse for them. I eagerly look forward to them getting things straightened out.
Good luck, Atlas … you've been a big part of my enjoyment of this hobby.
Atlas billboard reefers at the height of the "reefer craze" were gorgeous. Cars sponsored by Green Bay TV & Trains, Deichman's Depot and Norm's O Scale were fantastic along with many other sponsors. In recent years these beautiful cars have been replaced by yellow , boring logos. It's a shame they can't re-issue the beautiful cars of a few years ago. They were fragile I agree, but the best graphics anywhere.
A HO scale manufacturer here in Australia got caught up in a Chinese factory close down. For several years his tooling and half finished models were locked up in storage unable to be retrieved.
When he was finally able to get access some of the tooling was missing and some damaged and he had to pay a lot of money to those holding everything.
This guy had many models paid for both reruns and new releases that customers have waited a very long time for and in some cases are still waiting. His reputation has been trashed in the process.
I hope Atlas can get sorted and rerun some of there wonderful models.
Maybe they can update the 4750 with scale details like the low sided hopper. Such a waste otherwise. It’s like a model of 70s quality.
Atlas Future, I don't see one.
IMO Atlas O has been stagnant for quite a few years now and priced out of the new & used O market. MTH has been complacent in the Premier market as well.
Lionel has excelled past the others with the innovation of the fantastic new 3R Freight Sounds offerings and new models. Looking forward to the flat spot sound cars next!
The last few freight cars left to offer are 40’ and 50’ combination door box cars. We shall see who tackles that open market first.
MELGAR posted:Atlas O just delivered their Trainman model of a 1937 caboose as built by Magor Car Company of Clifton, New Jersey. Mine is the Boston & Maine version - a beauty. See link. I like their models.
MELGAR
I grew up in adjacent Paterson and am well-aware of it's locomotive building history but was was totally unaware of Magor until this post. Thank you! I now have some fun research to pursue.
Always remember that Atlas is a small family owned business. They’ve survived this long through boom and bust because they know when where and how to spend and when where and how to save.
While a P:48er I do love the Atlas billboard reefers so I keep an eye on them hoping they’ll do some more not yet done like Asco milk.
Doing business offshore is risky and difficult. They are erring on the side of caution and that’s a good thing.
Sitting by myself,considering my comments and all the other fine comments presented regarding manufacturers,I think the bottom line is,we each have to consider what we want out of our hobby and evaluate what'll likely be available to us on a worst case scenario. I then have to decide if I can live with that. (Expect the worst but hope for the best). If I can't deal with what's available to me,move to a scale that will satisfy my needs. I can talk to manufacturers and hope they listen,but likely they aren't going to do much. Atlas has,for me anyway,priced themselves out of my price range.
Just my thoughts for what they're worth.
As Always,
Al Hummel
Rule292 posted:....... I do love the Atlas billboard reefers.....
I think one of those makes up my 1% of Atlas cars on my roster although I think it's really one of those PRR dairy reefers, 
I'm a hi railer, but much of my stock is from people that make or have made the stuff with either 2 or 3 rail running gear as an option.
We can't say for sure which way o scale will go, and I'd venture to say that people the year I was born were probably saying the same thing about Lionel.
As for Atlas, now that Weaver is gone, Atlas is my go-to. But even before that, Altas made CNJ 21000 boxcars and fishbelly hoppers, in steam and diesel era graphics, when nobody else did. When I worked for the NYSW, Atlas was the only manufacturer that sold accurate models of NYSW equipment.
As for o scale in general, some, not all or even most, but some hobby dealers have displayed a bad attitude about O scale because it doesn't "pay the Bill's the way ho and n do. I remember patronizing one of the first Weaver dealers in my home state, and he had tons of freight cars on the shelf. People like me flocked to the place, because they couldn't get it anywhere else, and this was when the internet was in its infancy.
Problem was, once the weaver sold out, he was very sporadic in replacing it, because "o scale isn't that popular", and he acted like he was annoyed when we asked. A year or two after that, the store folded, with lots of ho still on the shelves.
I agree that we're a much smaller lot worldwide, but if you get lots of o scale customers, you can't afford that kind if attitude.
Atlas O's freight cars are 2nd to none- their Gunderson Maxi-IV cars and Trinity hoppers are just outstanding, and at the top of the list. Let's hope we see some new products mixed in soon for sure-
Jeff, I 2nd your post!
Their turnouts ahave just about priced themselves out. Cheapest I can find for 2 rail is $79.99. may as well pay $6 more and get a turnout from O Scale Turnouts and fill in the extra ties. These have all the fine detail. I just don't understand why Atlas does "fantasy schemes" like on their last run of 5161s? If they can't find new schemes,rerun past schemes that are sold out. But what do I know? LOL
Al Hummel
Alan, I agree- the Trinity hoppers could sell out with more BNSF, both wedge and circle logos, plus add to the UP/CHTT and UP/CMO cars with more numbers- those are the hot sellers out there. Plus bring back more round hatch Trinity cars- GATX, NAHX, etc. Huge numbers of these cars are out there on the rails but missing in O scale. I know they made a run of these but one run only---
Every time I see an online discussion of Atlas, I think about how prototypical accurate they try to be. When working with them on the Spencer Packing Co. reefers, they wanted as many pictures of the real cars as possible to be sure they got the style and colors right. Then they wanted to know as many of the actual car numbers as possible. I know that attention to detail is not important to every one, but I love it. When I look at an Atlas car I have the confidence that it is as accurate as they were able to make it.
Jim Weaver has been missed by every one who knew him. His passion for O gauge and attention to detail set a very high bar for Atlas and everyone who has followed him.
I agree that MTH and Lionel are doing very well with their new cars and that is much appreciated. But I still think of Atlas first when it comes prototypical accuracy and integrity.
Art
Jeff,
Right! And they did GATX in the grey scheme,I think there's also a a redish GATX scheme,also. I was told by a dealer,CSX 5161s in the How Tomorrow Moves scheme sold out fast. Rerun things that work and try new schemes,especially in the Trainman 4750 hoppers. Atlas has hardly touched the tip of the iceberg there. The cars they do are great,it's just getting them to do them. I do understand the market is actually a minority compared to HO&N,so I guess be thankful for what is available. Makes me wonder about the future though. To buy in O Scale my HO sales have to pay for those. And when there's little demand for my HO items,it makes me scratch my head long and hard. How bright is that future?
Al
Art,
I agree Atlas has done very fine work,but it seems like their level of commitment is lessening a bit. The fantasy schemes done on their last run of 5161s could've just as well been money makers of well liked schemes that they did in the past. Those are nice schemes,but just applied to the wrong prototype car. If there would be a 4600 cu ft hopper out there in O Scale,those would look great on those cars. Would love to see that model come out as it's great for many eras. Later years have a low brake wheel while early versions used a high brake wheel.
Al
Current times and new generations are creating profit difficulties for toy train manufacturers, and hobby shops in general'.. Personally, I think Atlas makes the best track. We all have favorites'.. I hate to admit, I do not have have a single ATLAS car or loco in my fleet. Not sure why, Lionel, MTH, Weaver, and Williams and K-line. As far as sound, I think Lionel has the best realistic sound boards. I would guess that is why Scott uses them.
Not only Atlas, but all O Gauge and O scale trains are expensive for the average working man and woman. Especially with the cost of living these days, add a couple of kids, and all the rest, not much left over for trains.
Many consider O scale a rich mans hobby. I've been told that by vendors.
At one time HO and N were completely reasonable price wise, and with the smaller size helped make them popular. However, now with sound and greater details, their catching up to O fast. All the used to be just O makers are all selling HO now.. So, it makes sense they would also cut back on O products.
Lets hope Atlas and others can survive in a continual narrowing market'...
Okay I'm off the soap box now'... Thanks for listening'...
Rule292 posted:Always remember that Atlas is a small family owned business. They’ve survived this long through boom and bust because they know when where and how to spend and when where and how to save.
While a P:48er I do love the Atlas billboard reefers so I keep an eye on them hoping they’ll do some more not yet done like Asco milk.
Doing business offshore is risky and difficult. They are erring on the side of caution and that’s a good thing.
In speaking with Mr. Heidreich from Atlas O at their. Fall "garage sale" it was pretty clear that if Atlas o doesn't get the preorders in especially on locomotives, they will not take the chance and make the run. For freight cars, continue seeing more reruns of current models and maybe a new model here and there. Atlas O' s manufacturing in China seems to get caught up with the government "5 year plans" that put a link in Atlas o production and facilities.
In other words, all the locomotives are BTO, and only if they have money in hand.
I only have 4 Atlas cars, 2 heavyweight baggage cars, 1 heavyweight RPO, and one heavyweight combine, all Santa Fe. They are nice models and I'm hopeful that Atlas continues to make rolling stock for the foreseeable future.
Ted,
You make very good points,& if a modeler needs variety I really hate to say it, but O Scale just can't fill that gap for the most part. Seeing most O Scalers are in steam to early diesel though,I don't think there's probably much to lack there. Just my opnion of course.
Al Hummel
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