Is Atlas O doing ok?

Is Atlas-O doing OK?  Good question.

 

The company experienced two major setbacks a few years ago with the passing of Jim Weaver and needing to transfer production to new facilities in China.  Not sure they've truly recovered from either event... understandably.  They're just now starting to deliver some track pieces that were on perpetual back-order with many dealers.

 

Atlas still publishes their multi-scale O, HO, and N scale catalog regularly enough that we still know they're around.  And when products do arrive here in the States, quality level is top-notch.  But it's probably fair to say most of the new shipments have been based on existing tooling (with new road-names/road-numbers) rather than new models.

 

Two major challenges continue to face Atlas-O:  timely delivery of product (admittedly Atlas-O is not alone in this regard), and increasing product pricing that appears to outpace consumer toleration/loyalty.  I'm still waiting for my California Zephyr observation car, after which I think I'll call it a complete train.  A baggage car would be a nice-to-have, but quite frankly I'm just so tired at this point I don't care.  A project that should have taken 18 months is now exceeding 5+ years.  Really???    Just wow.

 

And back in 2005, their mainstay 40-foot woodside reefers were catalog'd with a $59.95 MSRP.  Today, 10 years later, the identical car -- no new details/tooling (not that the cars needed any) -- is priced at $79.95 MSRP.

 

How many folks have seen their buying-power increase by 33%?  Not too many I know.

 

Speaking of 2005... That's actually the last time I purchased Atlas-O locomotives... the superb GP60M and GP60B.  They were so good then in terms of detail and performance, they still hold their own today.  Although I do wish Atlas-O could strike a deal with Lionel or MTH to use the latest Legacy or DCS electronics in their locomotives.  TMCC is getting a bit old in the tooth now.  So if Atlas-O wants to be a serious contender in the locomotive market, that's yet a third challenge they'll need to overcome.

 

Nobody ever said being in business was gonna be easy.  

 

David

 

 

No one from K-Line transfered over to Bachmann. Atlas has been struggling, it has been several years since code 100 HO switches have been available.

You always see Atlas advertisements, but never any product on any websites online store.

No available products means no purchases means no money for Atlas.

Why cant Atlas understand this simple formula?

They priced themselves out of the 3r market by doubling prices just after AM closed.

Majority the cars released a few years ago are still on ebay with later ones added to the surplus.

Other greedy suppliers also jacked up their prices back then to match Atlas only to find out they couldn’t sell at that price point either.

I like a lot of the releases but let’s find a way to return to the practical 30 dollar range.

3 railers are not going pay 55-75 dollars for a new box car these days.

I've wondered about the long-term viability of Atlas in the O scale market myself. I'm guessing that the smaller scales (N and HO) is where their primary focus is. That's too bad because I like Atlas O products more than any other.

 

When was the last time they came out with a locomotive? I have 4 of their SD40s and the last run for that model was almost 5 years ago.

 

I wouldn't be surprised if they pulled the plug on making locomotives and just offered track, buildings and accessories in O scale.

I think the economy for the last 6 years has been bad for hobbies too.   The hobby is at the low end of priorities for disposable income, as it should be in life.   There are still lots of people out of work and as someone mentioned above, who has seen a 33% wage increase in the last 5-10 years.    I was laid off and forced into retirement with the subsequent changes in income.

 

Just yesterday I was in the Local HObby Shop and talking to the owner, the subject came up.   He said the same things about product backorders today.   he also said that those "good old days" were a problem too, he said at that time there was too much product chasing too few dollars and there were losses in the business as a result.    Another side of the issue.

Very true... but that's where the late Jim Weaver added so much value to Atlas-O.  

 

Instead of Atlas-O being "just another supplier of O-Gauge product", toy train enthusiasts related to Jim's passion for bringing Atlas-O products to a reference standard in the market.  He had a very genuine and likable personality, and toy train enthusiasts could relate to that.  I still remember my first conversation with Jim back in the old Yellow Hall at York -- predating the Orange Hall.  The Atlas-O "booth" was only a few tables back then, but that conversation made a huge impression on me.  And as I've always said, people buy from people they like.  

 

It's tough when a company loses a talented person who wore so many different hats: leader; product research director; overseer of Chinese manufacturing; spokesperson.  Jim Weaver did it all for Atlas-O.  

 

David

What if a modeler would want to start now on a brand new large layout using Atlas track? What is the availability of these Atlas products now?

 

I just looked at three online stores, and their in-stock items for these Atlas products were skimpy to non-existent; especially the larger curves and turnouts.

 

Alex

This is a classic example of what can happen when an organization loses a key executive.

Alex:  Good point.  I am contemplating building a new layout and the availability of track will be the deciding factor in what track I use. Right now, I am confident I can get what I need with Ross/Gargraves--Atlas not so much.

 

Really now...

 

A Micro-Trains "Made in America" N Scale 40' boxcar retails for S19.95.

 

Athearn's HO "Ready to Roll" 40' boxcar retails for $19.98.

A Walthers HO "Mainline" 40' boxcar retails for $24.98.

A Kadee HO "Made in America" 40' boxcar retails for $34.95

 

Just how to you propose to make any O scale car that retails for $30.00?

 

And before anyone chimes in about Menards, the Menards cars are not in the same class as Micro-Trains, Athearn, Walthers, Kadee or Atlas O.

 

Rusty

Mike:  To answer your original question:  Larry Harrington had been with Williams and came over to Bachman at the  time of the purchase.  He still heads up their "0" standard gauge production and sales.  Their On30, I believe, is handled by a different department although Larry does handle sales of both lines.

 

Neither company had anything to do with Atlas "0".

 

Paul Fischer

It will be interesting to hear what their announcement will be on Sept. 12.   Will it be a worthwhile announcement or not?  That may set a new course for Atlas.

 

Norm

Jim Weaver and Bob Lawrence were the face of Atlas O at the booth at all the shows.  They remembered your name, remembered what you liked, discussed possible new products and made you feel like you were somebody special no matter what.  It was a pleasure to talk to both of them  Since Jims death and Bobs retirement we have a guy that never smiles at a customer, always thinks its the first time he met them, and always complains about the state of the economy that is the lead guy at the booth.   I don't care how many marketing degrees you get that is just bad business.  I still like talking to Jarad and Billy but there is just something missing there.  As for the 30.00 cars ' for just a tad more you get the trainman cars which are definitely the best buy in the scale O market 

Back when I was still buying rolling stock I always hoped Atlas would produce something different,  such as 19th century cars,  instead of the usual 40' and 36' boxcar and refers. It  seemed  to me that they  were stuck in a rut.

I still wonder how much rolling stock the market can support? There  seems to be plenty available at shows from all of the manufacturers.

Thanks.  My questions about Bachmann was unrelated to my Atlas question.  Just trying to consolidate a post.  But thanks for the answers.

 

Atlas seemed to do fine in the 80's with N, Track, and some HO.  Not all made in China.  Maybe they can return to that.   Its like companies put all their eggs in one basket with China and then China took their basket.

 

Speaking of Bachmann..its kind of bad that they have monopolized most China train production and for what? DO they use all that capacity for themselves?  Sanda Kan made some great stuff.  Scale rolling stock for Lionel and Atlas...locos as well.  I see nothing in the Williams line approaching that.  So its like they are not even using the vendor for what they are good for.  Williams items are fine...but they are only one step about traditional.  I do try to pick up anything made with vintage Kusan tooling though.  But Sanda Kan should still be making for Atlas and Lionel as neither competed with Williams in the higher end.

I realize I am just a consumer, but I ordered some switch parts from Atlas-O a few weeks ago. I asked about 3 rail track and switch availability. They said they were starting currently production and hoped to have items available by year's end. I specifically asked about switches, but I took their reply to include the track also. Of course that could be the standard reply also, what they say to anyone that calls?

 

As for the $30 scale box cars, I would gladly welcome those too, but I think those days are long gone. The $55-75 range is pretty much what all the manufacturer's are listing as MSRP these days, not just Atlas-O. Lionel has some pretty hefty MSRP's on their auto carriers and auto parts box cars also.

And before anyone chimes in about Menards, the Menards cars are not in the same class as Micro-Trains, Athearn, Walthers, Kadee or Atlas O.

 

Rusty

 

That is true but how can Menards sell a boxcar for $20 and a Lionel 027 Traditional boxcar is in the $40 range. The Menards boxcar is closer to scale size than the smaller Lionel boxcar.

 

You get what you pay for.  $80 for a boxcar is steep, but the Master Line rolling stock is the best in O gauge, IMHO.

Ben,

 

you are so right, in years past I would spend allot of time talking to either Jim or Bob. Jim would always give you a sneak peak on what may be coming and both would take your suggestions for things to be made in the future.

 

I now spend very little in their booth. Jerry is very friendly and does talk to people who are in the booth. The rest are so-so. 

 

When the first 40' reefer came out I could buy them for around $42.00 from Bob Thatcher. Boy how the times and prices have changed.

My LHS just started carrying Weaver's line of rolling stock. I think they are made in USA and have MSRP's in the $40-50 range. Don't know a lot about them yet, but after looking at them at my LHS, they are very nice cars, scale also I believe. Very good prices.

 

Menard's does have some incredible pricing on their train items. I ordered their recent flat car with tank for my grandson, it is very nice and the tank has lights and sounds. Don't know how they can make those for that low of a price?

With diecast sprung trucks too!

 

.............................................................................................................

 

Atlas O Master Series, the other side of the coin…

Jim S, with all due respect, I don’t believe that statement is quite true.

Don’t be bamboozled by a fancy name with a high price.

Sometimes you don’t get what you pay for.

 

I used to think they were nice cars until I operated a few. As with customer’s cars I receive, many of the delicate detailed parts are quite inferior. Brake wheels were snapped off, thin grab irons, ladder rungs and un important bottom details were broken.

I find roller bearing caps floating around in the packing and buckling painted brass roof walkways.

 The stirrup steps on the pulpwood cars break right out of the foam packing.

 

The old AAR molds that were made by someone else years ago look worn out compared to models of today. The metal bottom weights are way too heavy for 3r and the doors don’t even open on many cars.

I also see crumbling grab irons and ladders on those old AAR’s due to contaminated Chinese pot metal.

They even had the breaking bolster issue on gondolas due to the incorrect screw installation during assembly.

So as a near perfect model replica, they are more suited to be viewed on a shelf.

As for daily operational use, they simply don’t hold up or compete to the Lionel PS series cars.

The Lionel PS series is more designed for the operator, featuring strong metal details and interior loads as well.

The Lionel PS Series has passed them by.

If you become complacent in any industry, there’s always another company out there that will eat your lunch.

 

In addition to my first post of cars not selling at today’s prices…

I believe I counted nine cancelled groups - http://www.atlaso.com/ordership.htm

Really Rusty!

I’m not sure how these companies plan on staying in business.

Maybe they should hire some Wal-Mart product buyers that know how to lo-ball

those Chinese model train suppliers?

 

 

 

It will be interesting to hear what their announcement will be on Sept. 12.   Will it be a worthwhile announcement or not?  That may set a new course for Atlas.

 

Norm

 

 

I am not aware of this. I too will look forward to what they have to say.

Ben,

 

I second what you say about the state of Atlas. A very large percentage of my motive power and rolling stock is of the Atlas brand, albeit of earlier years production. I always look with anticipation at their new announcements to see if there is something that will fit my layout operations. I will even purchase Atlas products for the basis of redecorating into my layout used road names. Ever since the passing of Jim Weaver, it has been a real downer to go to the Atlas booth at either York or the Big E and speak with anyone. Jarad at least has some personality but he does not come across as a passionate "train guy" to me. I like to think that I can "somewhat" understand the "lack of more new products" given the economy and state of affairs in the manufacturing capitals but Atlas O at this point in time is a "wet noodle". 

I hadn't heard about it either, but I'm sure hoping it's positive and not negative.

Man I hope they turn things around. They had so much potential.

If Charlie makes a comment, it has to be something positive.

Looking forward to something exiting.

 

Interesting.................I'm curious is the announcement coming from Atlas O, LLC?

 

Regards,

Swafford

Won't deal with those guys again.
Horrible customer service, unfriendly and defensive.
Still buy used, but only the older stuff.

FWIW,  I still have my pre-order confirmation e-mail from Bob Thatcher from September 16, 2010 regarding the Atlas O Penn Central U23B.

 

Literally, almost 4 years to the day later, the loco still has not been delivered by Atlas O and the delivery date is TBD.

 

The hobby has been in hiatus for me for the past 18 months or so, and I've basically lost interest in this loco.  Had it been delivered as originally listed (Spring 2011 I think) I probably would have bought both numbers.  Now will probably buy nothing.

 

Fred

Yeah, it took them 2 or 3 years to send me a new bottom for a gondola. No spare parts is an issue when dealing with the off shore controllers.

They did finally satisfy the issue after my legal email was sent.

I give Atlas O a pat on the back, I recently had a small problem with a Milwaukee Switcher and Bill, at Atlas O said send the engine to him.mHe fixed it promptly and sent it back within 2,weeks. No charge, and great service...Yes, they have had their issues,

but, in my opinion, they build a super quality product, and their track is great. 

Atlas O is a survivor, hopefully we will hear good or better news soon. Happy Model Railroading.

A couple of observations in response to (a) Alex's "what if you wanted to build a layout now?" and (b) Ben's "main guy at Atlas booth doesn't smile" -     (A) I am one of those people building a layout now. I decided on Atlas because of the quietness and aesthetics. Luckily, I bought almost everything I needed when I decided to go Atlas almost 2 years ago. while building, I found a turnout was warped. I've been waiting 9 months for a replacement. Atlas doesn't know when it will have them again. And every time I need anything I hold my breath that someone will have it.  (B) first show I ever attended was Springfield 2 years ago. Totally agree with Ben.  A bunch of shifty looking guys that seemed too busy for me, even though they were just all standing there staring into space with no other visitors just then. No eye contact.  No greetings. No smiles. And I was standing there trying to talk to them. Eventually spoke to their main guy (wearing a Mr. T jewelry starter set) and asked some noob question about whether some of their Legacy compatible items worked with DCS. Instead of answering, he went on a negative rant about DCS and MTH.  I was shocked.    Having said all that, I find their products to be quality and Bill is a good down to earth guy. 

Given my own personal experiences with Atlas' customer service, I find it extremely difficult to believe you are talking about the same company. Atlas has always been one of the best model railroad companies out there, providing great quality products with good parts support, and very helpful customer service personnel. I'm sorry you had a negative experience, but that certainly is not the norm.

 

Hopefully, it was one of those rare "bad days", I wish you better luck in the future.

 

Bill in FtL

I ordered a Atlas O Raritan River SW-1 from Nassau Charlie, actually Chris. But this thread is making me question my decision!! I gave them a deposit, which is no big deal, but I wonder if I should cancel..Just out of curiosity when was the last master loco delivered to the public?

I think it was the F-3 Phase II about 2-1/2 years ago. That's not a real good track record.

 

I was unaware that Atlas was planning some kind of formal announcement September 12. Maybe it's one of their "re-announcements" which usually means you'll have to wait another 2 years for your loco or rolling stock.

Bill,

 

Hopefully that was just an off day. My experiences with them have been like yours also. Forum member S&C, a former Atlas employee has bent over backwards to assist me a time or two when he worked for Atlas. And now even though he no longer works for Atlas, he is still helping folks here with Atlas stuff.  I also called Atlas recently to order some switch parts. The person I needed to talk to was busy or out that day or something so I left a message. He called me back the next day and was very helpful in getting me the parts I needed. I have ad nothing but good experiences with Atlas, great service also.

 

They have had some problems with the loss of Jim Weaver and the manufacturing problems in China. From what little I know Jim was a big force or possibly the force behind their O gauge line. Their locomotive and other production came to a halt for a while and they had other problems. I am hoping they are getting back to full operation as they were and things will continue to get better as far as product availability.

 

As for the Atlas O track, my LHS has been able to get some pieces of track lately, but no switches or switch machines. It takes them a while to get, but they have ordered it and some of it has come in. So there are some items available. I am lucky also, as I have most of mine already, but I will be getting some switch machines and switches when they become available again.

I totally agree with Bill here  Service is not their problem.  I have dropped off engines to Billy in the morning and have gotten a call back from him the same day to pick it up   I am local to them so its pretty convenient  Their service is second to none.