Like many others I am quick to complain when I think things are not right. I feel I should speak up when they do go right for a change.
I acquired a bunch of Branchline Blueprint kits long ago and finally got around to working on some of them. Through a packaging error, some small parts were missing. Knowing that Branchline had been bought out by Atlas, I had little hope of getting what I needed.
An e-mail to Atlas brought an immediate response and they shipped me the parts in a few days for free. Perhaps I was lucky and they just happened to have what I needed but the end result was gratifying to say the least.
Charlie,Actually Atlas carries parts that where I use to get my detail parts like horns,non working roof mounted strobe lights,mu hoses and other items for various locomotive detailing projects. I found a regular supplier so I no longer order direct.
IMHO Atlas is a top notch company with great products and customer service. Even my old Atlas/Roco Alco S-4s is still running strong and smooth.
Ya’ know, Charlie, you’re not going to get very many supporting posts to this thread until you wise up and start complaining about something. [%-)] Complaining threads seem to get 10x the amount of posts that kudos threads do.
At any rate, I had a decoder query that I emailed to Atlas recently and they responded back in less than 24 hours. They are indeed good company and make great diesels. Wish they’d get into HO steam locomotives. Oh, sorry - I’m complaining now…
I too have had extremely good experience with Atlas. Several years ago when I was building my own double crossover from Atlas turnouts I called and talked to a very sharp engineer type that not only answered my questions but sent me four #6 turnouts and a 19° crossover to use. My Atlas double crossover works perfect, better than any of the manufactured double crossovers that I bought over a ten year period and ended up either trashing or returning.
Atlas gets my vote for one the best Customer Service Departments out there.
Mel
Modeling the early to mid 1950s SP in HO scale since 1951
Atlas customer service is one of the very few companies I have never had to deal with at all because all the Atlas products I ever bought just ran and ran and ran. None of them ever failed.
A few years ago, I bought a used Atlas Master series Gold HH660 diesel. There was no factory paperwork with it, and using the loco number and 03 brought no response from the decoder. The seller couldn’t remember the number, saying he changed it because there was already a diesel at his club with that number. I called Atlas customer service for help. Within a hour a tech called me back and walked me thru the reset procedure. Luckily I had a reset wand with another Atlas diesel. I feel their customr service is among the best!
For example, Alco C424 and C425 models in the Classic Series from approximately 2002 and 2003 production have dim headlights, amber, and not real bright, but later production units even in the same roadname may have brighter, whiter, lights.
Atlas makes improvements with every run that are not always readily noticeable. You can look through past products on their website, by item number or road number, to figure out what version you have.
It is fair to say many Athearn Genesis units are not known for having “good” lights. They have a reputation for the lights not lasting, as well.
Tom, I agree with you. I hate threads like this where manufacturers are commended for their outstanding customer service. I have all kinds of Atlas products including locos, flex track, turnouts, just to name a few. I have nothing to complain about because Atlas products are flawless. This upsets me because it prevents me from starting a thread flaming Atlas. IMHO, Charlie should be banned for praising Atlas, even though the company deserves the praise. [(-D]
Thought this was to be a complaint post and was ready to defend Atlas. They alwas have been a great company, never had an issue when contacting or ordering. Half of my roster is Atlas Master and Classic. Not once have I had an issue with any of the 20 locos. The only better performing ones that I have are The Stewart/ Kato Fs. Glad to hear they helped out w/ the Branchline.
Since we are complimenting Atlas on their excellent business practices, I just picked up a couple of Atlas Master Line 40’ USRA rebuilt steel boxcar kits and I am duly impressed.
In the past I have shied away from spending more than $15.00 - $20.00 on kits so the Atlas offerings were not something I considered. However, I got two of the above undecorated kits for $17.00 each $Cdn. They are very well done, and in fact they have given me a reason to look at other kits from Atlas and others at higher price points.
My fleet of BB box cars might just get a run for their money in the future.
In my dealings I commend Atlas and think they go out of their way to help their customers. I have never had a negative thing to say concerning Atlas. Doug
I would like to add my voice to the positive column for Atlas. I purchased some old stuff second hand that had never been opened. I found some parts missing. They were kind enough to mail me the stock items that they still manufactured or had in stock. I was impressed.
How soon one forgets the China debacle. And I must say that my C83 Atlas #6 turnouts seem to have a weird kink to them. But maybe that’s just my eyes going.
So I switched (no pun intended) to Peco. However, all my Atlas engines run like a breeze and experience has taught me to buy only Atlas or Kato. Great web site too.