Atlas O 2-rail SD70M(ac) Custom Run? What would you buy?

My biggest question/concern with these locos is whether they will finally have the correct wheelbase. The version MTH has used looks awful. They are so far back from the pilots, they need a facelift in this department. This would also give the fuel tank the necessary length it requires vs.the shortened version we have seen with these units. If Atlas gets this corrected I’d be in for some BNSF and UP versions.

Well I watched them discuss these on their show the other night and @Atlas O is changing nothing which is really upsetting because I passed on macs from MTH because they screwed up the wheelbase and to see Atlas who usually does a god jobs of being prototypical did not take the opportunity to fix this.

I gave up waiting for (an improved) one from MTH. I didn't wish to spend a couple grand on the brass version. It is beautiful looking.

So....

I caved in and bought the old version. I converted it to 2 rail and even considered making a new frame to set the trucks in the correct position. I'm busy with other stuff so I slapped it back together.

I hope Atlas does make a better version. I wanted the first BNSF scheme, the one for Conrail, and maybe even the Susie Q!

I'd like to see both the stock and the flared radiator versions.

I think, despite the truck position, I would be in for one, plus UP 4015. Both with scale wheels.

sad to say ,because I'm all about supporting 2 rail, but its way too modern for me

@Jeff78rr, Thanks for the info about the trucks. I'm still going to order the BNSF and UP ONE locomotive from the catalog. The locomotives capture the feel of the real thing to me overall. Further, a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. I don't think if any other manufacturer will do these in two rail again. So, I'll take what I can get. Maybe I'll attempt a truck shift modification project someday.

@Engineer-Joe Yep, I've always been impressed with that project and have wanted one for a while.

@AGHRMatt Are you saying you'd be interested in one of the custom run options listed?

@bigboy25 posted:

@Jeff78rr, Thanks for the info about the trucks. I'm still going to order the BNSF and UP ONE locomotive from the catalog. The locomotives capture the feel of the real thing to me overall. Further, a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. I don't think if any other manufacturer will do these in two rail again. So, I'll take what I can get. Maybe I'll attempt a truck shift modification project someday.

@Engineer-Joe Yep, I've always been impressed with that project and have wanted one for a while.

@AGHRMatt Are you saying you'd be interested in one of the custom run options listed?

Yep, I'm in.

Is Atlas offering the SD70M or the SD70MAC?

While the Union Pacific (ONE) livery looks attractive, isn't that a model of a SD70M, which I understood to be a few feet shorter than the SD70MAC.

The Atlas Catalog renderings only show the Engineer's side of these models, which appear to be similar between a SD70M & SD70MAC but from online photos, the conductor's side had noticeable differences between the SD70M & SD70MAC.

These are just my opinion,

Naveen Rajan

I wish, there I go again, I could by and undec so I could paint it in Milwaukee.

Dick

@CBQer posted:

I wish, there I go again, I could by and undec so I could paint it in Milwaukee.

Dick

You could strip one of the locomotives and repaint it!

@naveenrajan posted:

Is Atlas offering the SD70M or the SD70MAC?

While the Union Pacific (ONE) livery looks attractive, isn't that a model of a SD70M, which I understood to be a few feet shorter than the SD70MAC.

The Atlas Catalog renderings only show the Engineer's side of these models, which appear to be similar between a SD70M & SD70MAC but from online photos, the conductor's side had noticeable differences between the SD70M & SD70MAC.

These are just my opinion,

Naveen Rajan

Naveen, good to see you here again! MTH had both models so I would hope Atlas does both versions. You are correct about the length but that has not been taken into account with these as the both use the same from from MTH.

I personally would prefer a GE ET44 by someone other than MTH.   And, in Norfolk Southern paint.  Maybe NS heritage units too?   Maybe Sunset or somebody whom will produce a road correct model, that will be of quality and not so much toy like.    Atlas USED TO produce very high quality models, and still does on some models, but the latest MTH rehashes does prove my point!    I cannot wrap my head around this "new business" idea of theirs.   Just my opinion.

@Jeff78rr posted:

Naveen, good to see you here again! MTH had both models so I would hope Atlas does both versions. You are correct about the length but that has not been taken into account with these as the both use the same from from MTH.

Jeff,

Thanks for the feedback. I hadn’t realized that MTH imported both the SD70M and the SD70MAC.

But looking at features listed on the legacy MTH website, the length of the Premier models of both were 18 1/2”. So I am still unsure if MTH had any features that were unique to each model.

Since Paul from Atlas occasionally participates on this forum, it would be reassuring if he could confirm what Atlas’ plans are for their upcoming run.

These are just my opinion,

Naveen Rajan

@R Nelson posted:

I personally would prefer a GE ET44 by someone other than MTH.   And, in Norfolk Southern paint.  Maybe NS heritage units too?   Maybe Sunset or somebody whom will produce a road correct model, that will be of quality and not so much toy like.    Atlas USED TO produce very high quality models, and still does on some models, but the latest MTH rehashes does prove my point!    I cannot wrap my head around this "new business" idea of theirs.   Just my opinion.

Have you asked Scott directly?  With the death of the Dash 9 I did and he says I'm the only person showing any interest.  That will not make it happen or even considered.

The children of the previous Atlas owners are mostly interested in the money which is why they are rehashing so much MTH stuff.  If it helps pay for some new good scale stuff I'm OK with that.  The new containers have been delivered, the Autoracks are here and the the new well cars are in process so...  And all are already sold out at Atlas and dealers.

Here is recent video from an O Scale Central meeting that gives an update from a consultant that works for both Atlas (and MTH) on the status of Atlas' O scale business.

https://youtu.be/yo6qyklJo7E

Also, with regards to Atlas rehashing so much MTH stuff, I think it is misunderstood that Atlas probably had to take out a business loan to purchase all the MTH tooling that they did, and there was A LOT of tooling that Atlas purchased from MTH.  If that is the case, then Atlas is probably just looking to generate revenue from this MTH purchase as soon as possible to pay back the loan as soon as possible, especially given today's higher interest rates.  The purchase price for all this tooling was probably in the millions of dollars range and I don't know if Atlas has that kind of pocket change just lying around.  I am sure that given the amount of MTH tooling purchased, that the price was probably just too good to pass up, plus Atlas got access to some of MTH's much-needed factory resources to get the MTH products made, as well.  Now will this lead to more new Atlas O scale products?  Who knows...  For the short term (next several years) Atlas may just stick with making tweaks to their "new" MTH products and maybe just be content to add 2-Rail support to select models, e.g. the recent release of the Amtrak Genesis unit, along with trying to catch up with their backlog of reruns of their own legacy Master line products before engaging in more new grassroots products but you never know, they could surprise you...

Again, here is a list of what Atlas purchased from MTH:

https://www.trains.com/mrr/new...t-h-product-tooling/

Scott

About the only thing I would be interested in would be the 48' 5-car spine car sets but the rumor mill believes the tooling was either destroyed or lost and that explains why they have not been made in almost 20 years.

@R Nelson posted:

I personally would prefer a GE ET44 by someone other than MTH.   And, in Norfolk Southern paint.  Maybe NS heritage units too?   Maybe Sunset or somebody whom will produce a road correct model, that will be of quality and not so much toy like.    Atlas USED TO produce very high quality models, and still does on some models, but the latest MTH rehashes does prove my point!    I cannot wrap my head around this "new business" idea of theirs.   Just my opinion.

Ex-MTH stuff is now Atlas Premier branding.  I have some newly-announced 2-rail Atlas Master brand autoracks coming and I still trust Atlas's message with branding.  At the risk of offending international relations I seem to remember Atlas got stuffed by a Ch~~aarrgghh~~~

Jason,  Yes, I did hear the same thing about  Atlas and our "friends", overseas...........  Yes, those new auto racks are most enticing!    Enjoy your cars, I will try to snag a few myself!