I’ve been buying and using Atlas products since I got my first HO train set in 1982. In 2002, when I switched to N scale, I found I was buying far more Atlas products.
Atlas seems to have dedicated itself to improving prototype fidelity at competitive prices. And I’m very grateful for that.
In N scale, Atlas has released many new cars that set a new standard for detail and overall appearance (like the wonderful low-riding USRA 40’ rebuilt boxcar). Moreover, Atlas has begun releasing diesel locomotives never before offered in N scale, and has done so not just in the most popular road names, but in many schemes and roads that have never seen RTR release before. And what’s more exciting is that many of these locomotives have road-specific details.
It’s not all roses to be sure. The code 55 track line has been both praised and cursed. But the idea behind it, to provide an affordable line of N scale American-style fine rail track in an enormous assortment of pieces, is still great. I understand after some initial QC issues, the current run is far better and reliable. And I’m anxious to see the code 65 TrueTrack line take Unitrack on head-to-head.
Trainman, on the other hand, is a win-win everywhere. In spite of the low price (and the fact that some of these cars are re-releases of older models), they look just fine next to my more detailed stuff. More importantly, Trainman still takes correct paint schemes to heart, even if the car itself is more generic. I love that I can add cars to a train at less that $10 a pop.
I recently bought two Atlas N scale cars. One was a Conrail EV caboose in N. Holy cow! Spectacular detail; the railings are so thin you wouldn’t know it was N. Plus, MicroTrains couplers… wow. The paint and lettering are so crisp I don’t want to weather it! The other car was a Trainman 50’ boxcar painted for
Geez Dave, fishing for some free samples, or what!!![8D]
But I concur… The Atlas 55 ton fishbelly hopper and the WM SD-35’s convinced me to build my current layout. The code 55 track made the decision that much easier.
All Hail Mighty Atlas!
(Atlas GP 35, with customized GP-7 and GP-9, shown running on Atlas C-55 track!)
Ha! Hadn’t though of that, but now that you mention it…!
Naw, I guess this is my reaction to some of the negativity lately. Between folks on Atlas’ own forum nit-picking the heck out of Atlas’ every decision and the discussions over here about the hobby going the wrong way, I just thought I needed to say that I believe Atlas is doing the right thing.
Considering Cory Rothlisburger over there in product development is 6 years younger than me (and I’m a young 33), I think Atlas is in good shape for the forseeable future.
What’s gotten into you two?!? Are you trying the buck a trend or what?!? If you want responses to a thread, you have to complain about something!! Threads like this drive me nuts!!! [:o)]
Atlas was the line that really kept me on track with modeling the WC. WC GP40 3005 was the first really good locomotive I bought. I might not have a complete roster of Atlas, but some of my most detailed equipment comes from Atlas.
[Have to agree…ATLAS has always been top notch. I’ve been enjoying their products since the early 70’s when I first started in model railroading.]
[#ditto] except in my case it may have been late 60’s. Not sure who made that little 0-6-0 Donkey loco, but I ran the #%*^ out of it as a child. Then came the Atlas 4-6-2 and E8 locos…best presents the folks ever gave me. Still have both steam versions (re-motored the Pacific), and have added a sweet little Atlas 2-6-0 Mogul to the stable. Now, if Atlas would just come out with a 4-6-0 (G3 or later), that would be VERY NICE![:-^]
If I still modelled Diesel era, my fleet would be heavy on the Atlas side, no doubt about it. Quality stuff!
I’ve been using their track products since they were brass on fiberboard tracks!! My early locos were mostly Athern BB, but since I’ve gotten into DCC, I have nothing but praise for them. My first DCC was a Dash 8-40b, and I had a programming problem with using a 4 digit address, I e-mailed them about 11pm, and when I got home from work the next day, there was an e-mail, time stamped 2 or 3PM, with simple clear directions on how to program it!!! That’s customer service!! Other than that, the engines look, run, and sound just about perfect!![:)]
In addition to the comments above, another thing I appreciate Atlas for is their production of paint schemes representing so many shortlines. I eagerly await each catalog now in the hopes of seeing those three or four shortlines I need for my collection of Western Pennsylvania roads.
I talked with Atlas company reps at a trade show in Sacramento and asked for a new HO cylindrical Trona hopper. I sent a JPG picture needed and they sent a lettered drawing back of what the car will look like, and the car is in the works and will be out one day. I need a lot of them. Thanks Atlas!
As a freelancer, I won’t need any roadnames as ready-to-run diesels, but I do like how they have so many different ones to choose from. I have also looked at their rolling stock, and am pleased at the fact that it should be easy to populate my layout with modern cars. Also, there are drop in decoders avalable from NCE and Digitrax for a lot of Atlas locos. Praise to Atlas, king of N scale.
I am also waiting for the code 65 TrueTrack … … I hope the prices will be very reasonable …As a newbie I would like to make the jump from EZ track …I also hope ATLAS goes all out with this product…
I only have one piece of Atlas equipment. It’s a Trainman 3-bay 70 ton hopper I got at the LHS for 10 bucks (they used to be alright). Even though the car doesn’t really fit my era or protoype, I still ave it because it’s such a good car. (Not To Mention, it came with a load, unlike everything else)
I’m looking at the Trainman Gp38-2 since I’ve seen Atlas Locos in operation and was impressed. (pretty hard to do, I’ve been spoiled by P2K)
Outstanding thread Dave, i think we should do more like it, it’s nice to see some positives here, and as for Atlas, Great locos and those EV cabooses are so sweet, they have a really wonderful heft to them and roll like a dream!.
