How can they not do well. Atlas is offering an actual modern success of rolling stock.
For example: The bulkhead gunderson cars were made in the 80's, quickly to be replaced with the Maxi-I prototype in 1988-1990. The Maxi-I was so successful (while the twin stacks were quickly outdated) such that Gunderson did another run of them in 2001-era. So why did MTH and Atlas make the bulkhead twin stacks? Were they trying to limit their customer as narrowly as possible?
The 89' flats didn't sell well for Atlas. Why should they? The railroads realized they were better off shipping trailers on spine cars. The 89' flats got converted to auto racks etc.
The articulated auto carriers weren't that successful, and were eventually surpassed by the Gunderson Auto-Max articulateds. Why did Atlas choose to make that failed rolling stock?
How about front runners? Another failed prototype with a narrow window of actual usage by the rail roads. Why did Atlas make that?
With the Maxi-IV, Atlas has finally chosen to make a successful rolling stock that is proven successful since 2000-2001 build date. They show no signs of letting up 15 years later and their competitors haven't come up with an "improvement"? They hit the sweet spot and NSC and Trinity can only make competing products that function identically.
I guarantee these will be successful for these reasons.
Originally Posted by Alan Hummel:
rdunniii,
If these items don't do well as Atlas indicated in this post,then we modern modelers can expect less modern models in the future. With the prices they want on these models,how can they do well?
As Atlas' puts on their product boxes,"The Future Of O Model Railroading Is Here!"
Well I agree with that statement,as of the 3 major companies out there,Atlas seems the most in tune to the modern modeler. But with what Atlas seems to need for their products,who can stand those prices? There's a hefty markup out there,as is proven by a few O Scale hobby dealers that have their products marked at reasonable prices according to the majority of other shops & you older modelers know who I mean. How they get by financially to do this,I have no idea,but even at those prices they're not selling at a loss. Perhaps it costs other dealers more to keep their lights on & can't sell for less,all I know is that the O scale market can't stand these increases.
Just my opinion.
Al Hummel