FROM OGR PUBLISHER ALAN ARNOLD:
A Memorial Membership has been made to honor Jim by:
- Bennett Fioriello (bluelinec4)
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Jim Weaver was the driving force behind Atlas O when they re-emerged in O scale in the late '90's. His dedication to prototypical accuracy and fidelity forced Lionel and MTH to follow suit. As a 2-railer I can honestly say that I wouldn't be in O scale if it wasn't for Jim Weaver's vision and Atlas' dedication to the 2-rail market.
Atlas hasn't been the same since his passing.
I agree 100%, catnap. Jim was extremely detail oriented.
The stuff that I love the most about Atlas O is also the stuff that I hate the most when it comes to taking locomotives apart to install DCC decoders or converting 3-rail rolling stock to 2. Something as simple as removing a locomotive shell or swapping out hi-rail wheels for scale wheels can be a real chore. The details get in the way and require extra care but it's well worth it. Many is the time where I spent 30+ minutes just trying to hook a brake chain or remove an RS-1 shell. But, there is a real sense of accomplishment once the job is done.
After acquiring and dissecting lots of Atlas O products over the years I have a real sense of appreciation for the research and craftsmanship that went into making each item. It's a credit to the wealth of knowledge that Jim Weaver had about railroading and his desire to present it to O scale.
I talked with Jim a few times at the Springfield MA. show. You could tell he had a passion for the hobby and O scale just spending a few moments talking to him. With him at the helm. Atlas definitely raised the bar in rolling stock detail as well as variety of cars. They haven’t had the same vibe without him.
It has not been the same without Jim. Mr knowledge and personality. Very accommodating and patient with newbys.
Jim actually came to my house to look into a problem I was having with my Atlas RS1. Customer service doesn't get any better than that. Jim was a great guy.
@catnap posted:Jim Weaver was the driving force behind Atlas O when they re-emerged in O scale in the late '90's. His dedication to prototypical accuracy and fidelity forced Lionel and MTH to follow suit. As a 2-railer I can honestly say that I wouldn't be in O scale if it wasn't for Jim Weaver's vision and Atlas' dedication to the 2-rail market.
Atlas hasn't been the same since his passing.
I Second that as well!
Jim was a true gentleman and always had time to talk to people and listen to their ideas. I pestered him for years to produce a Ballantine reefer I even gave him pictures and drawings of the real ones. He called me one year and told me he had a Fathers day gift for me A special run reefer in eight numbers in none other than Ballantine Ales & Beer I do miss his presence at Atlas and as a friend
