I've wanted one of these for some time and finally bought one when Atlas released them with scale wheels. This one, along with a pair of CNW ACF Center Flow Hoppers arrived Thursday (shout out to Mr. Muffin's Trains).
In packaging the diminutive car, Atlas included prototype information. I thought that was a nice touch as these are odd little cars.
It was packed well and survived shipping. The box is very small, so when storing the car in its box be careful where you put it as it's likely to disappear in your collection. I picked a spot on one of my storage shelves where it's not likely to become hidden.
I chose the one with scale wheels (note that these shipped about three weeks after the hi-rail units shipped). The coupler height was perfect right out of the box. It looks like Atlas has come up with a Kadee-style box and a new coupler design
My curiosity got the better of me, so I opened it up. The truck side frames are integrated into the chassis, so removing the chassis just requires removing the two screws along the centerline of the car. Obviously, the axles aren't sprung but we're not talking about something that would be running in a mainline consist anyway.
The car has good weight due to it's die cast body. The top railing is flexible plastic so it should hold up nicely and stay relatively straight. I might try putting in Kadee 743 couplers as they look better.
I'm very happy with this car and that Atlas has decided to offer the former MTH products with scale wheels. This one will probably stay in its box until I can build a scale track for it.
I'm still finalizing a layout design for the house, so time will tell where this car will appear next.
