Question for Atlas O

BECAUSE....like in most other manufacturer's catalogs, there is a statement that addresses the fact that production may not be per the offerings in the catalog.  Try to remember it has become obvious that the manufacturers have to deal with the contractors/factories which can cause some changes at the last minute...

We definitely live in a less-than-ideal world today.  And while we live in a time when "communication technologies" are far more advanced than those of our parents and grandparents, the art of basic communicating continues to decline at an alarming rate.  Bottom line... people just don't communicate well anymore. 

Whether this was a last-minute factory change or not, it's clear that enthusiasts were never informed of the production change UNTIL products were shipped from Atlas-O's dealers.  And while I suspect there might not have been a HUGE number of folks who ordered all four road-numbers as announced, those that did should have been given an opportunity to accept 4 units with two duplicate road-numbers OR accept 2 units with a refund for the 2 duplicates (if they pre-paid for their order).  As it stands now, most folks will either accept the 4 units they ordered or perhaps ship 2 units back to the dealer for a refund -- but pay return shipping which could be another $15-$20 down the drain.

Whatever the case may be, it seems being a toy train dealer nowadays is a daunting task that involves picking up increased levels of responsibility that nobody planned they'd ever need to be doing.  Whether that means communicating with the consumer on behalf of the importer dropping the ball (i.e., as in this case), or inspecting poorly made products BEFORE shipping them out to consumers (i.e., Lionel's recent UP Excursion cars for example), dealers are burdened with activities they didn't think they signed up for.   But they are part of the supply chain in the consumer's view... and an important one at that, since dealers are often the consumer's first point of contact when issues arise. 

Oh well.....  at least the boxcars didn't get cancelled altogether.  And they didn't even arrive too late!    How's that for a silver lining? 

David

I suspect this was a cost cutting measure, if I am not mistaken all previous freight cars have been produced with 4 rd #s per car so the mfg would have been advised of the change for this run. Way back when the last run of SD 40s were done the unpowered units were supposed to come with lights this did not happen and an inquiry after they were delivered resulted in the statement that no lights was a cost cutting decision prior to production, I assume the number of unpowered units ordered was not enough to support the extra cost. JMO

In a situation like this, I'd rather have decals in the box to make my own car numbers under the reporting marks, such as TTX. However, that may not work for everyone-- just an idea for future plans for those that want multiple road numbers ( like me)

By the way... has anyone noticed that these cars (I bought 2 CSX and 2 TTX) are packaged in practically IDENTICAL packing style to Lionel's 21" passenger cars?  Yes, that's right... No more foam liners.  Just the white plastic backing and the clear plastic front piece that locks in place at the four contact points.  And the resulting product box also has a lower profile -- just like the boxes for Lionel's 21" passenger cars (but a bit shorter).

See.... I've been saying all along that there's only ONE Chinese factory building these toy trains.  And they just fly a different flag outside depending on which importer is visiting that week.    

David

It is entirely possible that Atlas was surprised, too.

This is all great speculation, and there may very well be an excellent reason, but the fact that Atlas has been silent on the issue is what bothers me.

Bossman284 posted:

This is all great speculation, and there may very well be an excellent reason, but the fact that Atlas has been silent on the issue is what bothers me.

Why don't you simply eMail them and ask THEM???????

Yep...it seems a quick call to Atlas might be appropriate....but heck, folks would rather speculate I guess.....

"We definitely live in a less-than-ideal world today."

Just today?

But, this is indeed on point:

"And while we live in a time when "communication technologies" are far more advanced than those of our parents and grandparents, the art of basic communicating continues to decline at an alarming rate.  Bottom line... people just don't communicate well anymore."

FWIW, Atlas O did previously release 4 road numbers on it's Trainman PS-4750's.  I know because back then I ordered a case of 4 SOO just so I could make a larger grain train with my other Lionel and MTH SOO covered hoppers.

Sorry, but there really isn't a valid reason not to deliver on 4 different road numbers when the company has a history of doing so.  And, if it changed, then there should have been at least a catalog announcement.

Fred