Gunderson Maxi Stack IV is coming to O Scale.................from Atlas O!!!!

Well, they are about 204ft in real life, so....

 

204*12/48 = 51" , a little over 4 ft per set.

 

I'm going to go out on a limb that these will be MSRP = $350 plus $30 per container x 6 = $530 per loaded-up set.

 

 

Thanks Martin.  

 

I'm in for 7 sets.  That is about 30 feet and it will leave me room for 3 Atlas GP-60's on the point.  They were major players in Santa Fe's "Super Fleet" of units used for inter-modal service.

 

Right now I thinking 4-TTX, 2-BNSF and 1-Pacer.

 

Thanks Atlas, you made my day. 

I heard a few weeks ago from a little bird that they were going to be in the $280 range and have a street price around $240. That of course could totally change and was without containers. But that is about right because the last run of Gunderson twin stacks were street price $310 for the 5 cars.

 

That sounds about right.  As another point of reference using a similar-styled car, Atlas-O's last 89' intermodal flat (i.e., the August 2013 announcement whose production run was cancelled) had an MSRP of $105.  So on a price/ft basis -- admittedly very crude since this is a new car using new tooling and now a couple of years later -- we're looking at $1.20 per scale foot.

 

Add in a bit more since a couple of price-critical years have passed by, so I'll guess $95/car MSRP which gets us to $285 MSRP for a 3-car set.

 

I agree Atlas will probably hit us for upwards of $30/container, since there's an indication of "newly tooled containers" in the preview sheet.  So add another $180 to load up double-stacks in a 3-car set, and you're now looking at $465 MSRP loaded.

 

As Fred Thompson said in the movie Die Hard 2... stack 'em, pack 'em, and rack 'em.    These will surely be very popular among intermodal enthusiasts.

 

David

The coupler-to-coupler length is approximately 52" for the 3-unit set.

Prototype Data:

 

Intermodal container service is one of the most popular types of freight service on rails today. The Maxi-IV car is the mainstay of the U.S. domestic double-stack car fleet. Providing an optimum balance between tare weight and capacity, the Gunderson MAXI-IV is a 3-unit articulated double-stack car that can handle containers from 20-foot to 53-foot long in the well and containers 40-foot to 57-foot in the top, or double-stacked, position. As of a result of its versatility and sturdy construction, the MAXI-IV is now the mainstay of the U.S. domestic double-stack fleet. 

 

Complete Gunderson MAXI Stack IV data is attached.

  

So what's next? Dynastack intermodal cars?

 

First of all, thanks for Rob, Paul and the rest of the Atlas crew for making this happen.  Been a long time coming.  My financial manager doesn't thank you but I do.

 

SantaFeJim.  If as in the past 3 numbers of each per run it might take a while to get 4 numbers of something.  At least it's a little time for your finances to recover. 

 

For me probably all 9 from the first run (assuming 3 numbers per).  I'm looking forward to seeing what containers will be offered.  Hopefully both corrugated and smooth side 53'.

All righty then...

 

I can go with 3-TTX, 3-BNSF and 1-Pacer.

 

Odd numbers are always better anyway.

 

Thanks, rdunnill

Mr Muffin, any idea on when you will be posting prices for the Atlas Maxi-Stacks?

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Pricing will, of course, be confirmed when the official announcement is made.  We don't typically set the final price until we have a physical sample and are confident of all costs associated with a given project. 

 

We'll post photos of the samples when they're available.  Hopefully in a few weeks if all goes well!

Thanks Rob.

 

(Now get to work on that Santa Fe Super Chief passenger car set.)

The MAXIVs are great news I hope Atlas has some additional modern freight cars in the pipeline[centerbeams, 50' Hycubes,Gunderson 6250,6300 centerflows to name just a few] I would assume today we will learn the status of the long awaited GE-8 40CW.

Should be interesting to see when the official announcement is published.  When Atlas-O has previewed products like the CZ observation (October 2013) and the CZ baggage car (October 2014), the official announcement with pricing typically was made in JANUARY of the following year -- roughly 3 months later.

 

Perhaps mid-Summer for this one???

 

David

I would be very happy with a $240 street price.  As I run single stacks, that's what I see running locally, they would cost about $330 a set with containers (one per car.)  

 

Atlas did a fantastic job with the gundersons, and i'm sure these will be just as well made.

 

I forsee two sets (TTX) of these in my future.

 

Jim

Atlas sells 3 packs of their 53' containers in HO maybe they may market both single and 3 packs in O scale.

This has to be THE ANNOUNCEMENT of this year's York.  Way to go Atlas.  It's great to see you back and making things that we all want and only you make.

 

Art

I am thrilled by this announcement too!  I know I'll be ordering multiple sets.

Yesterday at York I stopped by the Atlas booth.  Spoke with one of the company reps, his name escapes me at the moment.  But I told him how exciting this Maxi Stack IV news was...I asked about the price.  While he couldn't be completely forthcoming, he did say something to the effect of, "it won't be at the level where people say 'Oh my God;"  (my words, not his) and that it would be competitive with the rest of the marketplace.  

 

I then asked about the containers.  Would existing Atlas 40 footers fit in these?  Yes.  Would there be new 53 foot containers?  Yes.  I asked, "so maybe EMP Intermodal?  Hub Group?" (2 companies we see all over the place in these parts)  And the response was, again, something to the effect of "we're going to cover everything that's out there."  And delivery around July of 2016, or thereabouts.   Interesting huh?  So we shall see.  

I missed getting TWIN-STACK intermodal cars, so I hope I can get a Pacer StackTrain car and one other scheme.

 

Andrew

I posted this to the earlier thread asking for these cars.  I'm curious as to how close my guess will come on price:

 

So, ya want some Gunderson Maxi-Stack IV cars and 53' containers?  The box car of the 21st century?   Lets see what we can learn about pricing from the HO world. 

 

http://www.katousa.com/HO/MAXI-IV/index.html

 

Kato makes an outstanding set of these cars in various paint schemes.  MSRP $105.00 for a three car set.   Now you would probably like some containers to put in there, right?  Those are $30.00 for a two container set. 

 

So, if you want to fill up the train, in HO, the MSRP is $195.00 for a three car set. 

 

There is no way that ANY manufacturer is going to be able to do $195.00 for a three car set in O, with containers, as the volume will NEVER be what it is in HO.  But lets assume that there are enough modern modelers in O scale that you could at least convince the likes of Atlas, Lionel, MTH, or Weaver, who have done a lot of injection molded freight cars over the years.  Lets further assume that it gets done in the orient, to a detail level equivalent to the Kato HO models. 

 

For a conversion factor for HO to O scale, lets look at the old time tested car that is done in HO to a high detail level by Intermountain, and in O by Atlas and MTH, the 1937 AAR box car. 

 

The latest MSRP from Intermountain on an HO car is $34.95.  The MSRP from Atlas O on the same type of car is $76.95 in two rail (lets compare two rail to two rail, shall we?).  So, doing the simple math, $76.95 / $34.95 = 2.2017, so for simplicity, lets say the O scale model will cost 2.2 times the HO model. 

 

Now, taking the $195.00 and multiplying that by 2.2, the cost would be $429.00 per three car set with six containers. 

 

Want to hold out hope that MTH can do it cheaper?  The PS-1 box car is roughly equivalent to the 1937 AAR, and the MSRP on a PS-1 is $59.95.  So probably the BEST price for MSRP you could hope for is $59.95 / $34.95 = 1.7153, or 1.7 times the HO model.  So, $195.00 x 1.7 = $331.50. 

 

Now to give just a little bit more hope, lets assume that best case, that you will get 15% off of list price, that gets you down to $281.78, plus tax or shipping. 

PLENTY of time to stash pennies in the Piggy Bank!!! 

 

David

I believe the retail for 2 rail full set will be around 450  latest Mline car listed at 99.95 this 3 unit set should fall in 90 per unit plus 6 containers at least 30 per container,try discounted pricing at 370 +/- JMO

I think Atlas-O should "comp" a set of these jewels, WITH containers of course, to the person who is closest to the actual MSRP without going over!    Actually, ANY importer should do that whenever they preview a product with TBA/TBD pricing. 

 

David

I saw a 'pre-order' price of $179.99 for the three car set from a dealer at York.  Probably doesn't include containers.  I'll check in the morning.

OK, Bob, uh, Drew, I'll say $284.95 for the three cars (in 2-rail), and containers (53-foot) at $34.95 apiece (all list prices). Let me know when I've won. And have Holly Hallstrom deliver them, please.

 

Eagerly awaited cars. Kudos, Atlas.

 

David

 

 

I am amazed at the excessive amount of speculation over the pricing of these units, I would rather pay a full price for beautifully detailed cars. It would appear I am in a minority. I do not think I have seen one comment about the potential level of detail, etches, separately applied components etc. Perhaps this excessive pre-occupation with price is impacting negatively on new models being designed and brought to the marketplace. 

 

Perhaps also that is why MTH is now focusing on Europe where consumers possibly value quality over price. 

 

The age old term springs to mind, 'You get what you pay for'

 

It is not all about the price, I write as one with 2 daughters to pay through University on a fairly mundane wage.

opinion.

 

Brian, does this "dealer" have a retail outlet and/or website if he is just mail-order?

 

If so, please provide.

 

Thanks.

Just checked. $179 for the three car set at Public Delivery Track. Does not include containers as usual with Atlas.  Beth wasn't sure of the container prices as Atlas hasn't revealed it yet, but she didn't think they'd be much more if not the same as current issues.

They're not on the website yet as they are here at York. Probably near the end of next week.

WOW!!!  I wasn't even close.    But that's EXCELLENT and a very pleasant surprise.  We can only hope the containers will be priced as aggressively.

 

Beth has been my "go to" dealer for Atlas-O CZ cars (among other Atlas goodies) for several years now, and she hasn't disappointed me yet.  In fact she's exceeded my expectations every time.  Her latest website home page message is a hoot, and I'm glad to see a dealer say what's on their mind candidly.  Very well stated, Beth. 

 

David

Man I would be game for at least 2 or 3 sets in BNSF of course.  Please Atlas-O do it!

They would look great behind my BNSF and ATSF GP60M's and B units.   VBG

Where on public delivery Track site did you see this item?   I could not find it a few minutes ago when I looked.   Boy am I dumb.    I guess in my excitement I missed you saying not on web site yet!   LOL   I did see DODX 68 ft flat cars listed for pre-order.  I know i will order those to go with all my modern military stuff.   Wish they made the 89 ft DODX flat cars.  

Note the second paragraph of the post you quoted.  They're not listed on the site, that's why you can't find the information. 

The price that was listed was handwritten on the Atlas O flyer At the PDT booth at York. Atlas had the flyer at their booth.

Limey,

 

I think you see posts about the pricing, as for the most of us, quality isn't an issue as we expect Atlas to live up to the high standards that they have set in the past.

 

Take in point the Gundersons that were previously produced by Atlas.  They are, by far, the best examples of these cars made for the mass market.  Die-cast with excellent detail.

 

If this was a Lionel or MTH announcement, then there likely would be concerns of the level of detail.  But, many of us trust Atlas to do a great job with these cars, so it really isn't an issue.

 

Jim

 

 

Jim said it all in his comments above.      All I can add is.   DITTO  

You are correct.  Mike Wolf makes no secret about this being why he is emphasizing European and HO.

 

Also the brass manufacturers (not importers) feel the same way which is why high end brass N. American stuff is becoming extinct.  At least Key is still trying.

Although, I have an interest in European offerings, I haven't bought any as there have been some fantastic offerings of American trains (thank you especially to 3rd Rail) in the past couple of years.

 

I did take a quick look at the new MTH catalog the other day.  While there is a lot offered in the new 2015 catalog, are there any new offerings?  Seemed like a rehash of my engines and passenger sets that have been available for the last couple of years.

 

One could read what they want into posts, but I don't think many folks are obsessed only about the pricing.  We do expect value for our money, however, as with almost anything we buy in our daily lives.  Most of us think the quality and the detail is a given for an Atlas product, so why would we focus on this point?

 

Jim

Planning to scratchbuild a large MI-Jack crane in O.

 

See the photo of my original.  

 

Looking for prototype plans.

 

 

As Rob had mentioned previously, we haven't set an MSRP yet.  We don't even have the test shots in hand. Until we have a firm cost, including the decoration, we won't be setting an MSRP, so there isn't a realistic way for any dealer to set a selling price with any certainty.  There are also no item numbers set up, nor have we finalized how many road numbers per paint scheme.  This will all be released when the official order announcement is made in the coming months.