We have all read the doom and gloom about the hobby and in general the lack of car kits…
Well Mr.Miniature Train Modeler put on a happy face and read this:
And here’s the direct link on Atlas’ site:
http://www.atlasrr.com/HOFreight/hobranchlineboxcars.htm
That IS good news, Larry! Given Atlas’ propensity for RTR with their rolling stock, I had pretty much resigned myself to the fact that Atlas would probably do the same when they released their recently acquired Branchline line. And the prices for the kits are reasonable - given their quality.
Woohoo! [<:o)] Long live the kit! [Y][8D]
Tom
Considering their long history as a supplier in the hobby, I actually thought Atlas would do the right thing with Branchline and it appears they have.
While this is just a first step, I suspect we may even see the “Branchline” name on this products for a long time.
I don’t doubt that the RTR offerings will expand from what the previous owners had done, but I suspect kits will stay. Atlas is obviously committed to structure kits as well as built ups, and it appears the same here.
Yes it is good news.
Sheldon
Yes, this is GREAT news. I was very happy to read the Atlas Flash email yesterday. I have tons of Brancline kits and it would be a shame if they went away. The Yardmaster versions are a great step up from Blue Box and Accurail kits, and the Blueprint cars for the more experienced builder - and either build into very nice and accurate models.
–Randy
Great news for those who model the transition era (or first diesel generation) on the North American continent. I’m glad for you folks.
As for me, I never have figured out how to kitbash any North American boxcar into a believable representation of ANYTHING that ever ran, or might have run, in Japan.
Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)
And I thought you were going to proclaim that Atlas had just announced an N-Scale SW1500 . . . . . or an Alco High Hood , , , , , or an RSD7/15 . . . . . or maybe even that somebody is bringing out a dual service Northern or an H-8 or a T-1 or a . . . . . . . . . .
Oh, well! Guess half-happy is better than no-happy at all!
WOOOT!! WWWOOOOOOTT!!!..
If that was a announcement for the much needed SW1500 I would have said “The Impossible Dream Came True” in my topic header.
Why would that be my header?
I was told by Atlas (a e-mail reply to my inquiry) they have no plans on doing a N Scale SW1500…
Excellent news. It’s good to see a kit that has metal wheelsets to boot.
I’m sensing that Chinese labor is starting to get a bit higher and RTR is getting more expensive to produce.
Kits are of course the answer.
So if Branchline couldn’t sell these kits, why does Atlas think they will have better luck?
Branchline did not sell them to Atlas because they where having trouble selling product. Branchline decided their capital would be better spent expanding their wood structure line, so they decided to get out of the plastic rollng stock business.
Branchline rolling stock has always sold reasonably well, but the making plastic rolling stock takes more money, and that money is tied up longer, when compared to the wood structure business. They simply don’t have endlessly deep pockets to keep doing both.
Too many people think businesses just always have piles of money or can magicly borrow it - often not the case. And even when they can borrow it, that’s often not the best idea. Atlas is much bigger, and already well established in the injection molding business. It was likely a very good move for both companies and for the hobby.
I know will continue to buy them - I have bunch already.
Sheldon