Well, also in defense of Atlas as a company trying to make a reasonable return-on-investment (a.k.a., "profit"....hissssssssssssss
), the dies/tooling for these babies do not qualify under 'chump change'. If you want the accuracy of proper contours, window arrangements, interiors, etc., etc., blah, blah, then EACH one of the body styles is different, or heavily modified, tooling. Based on the market size...predicted, now demonstrated...and the economy...oh, wait, there's nothing wrong there!...coupled with the fact they just had a major hiccup in the China production with change of factory to produce their mainstay...track...that has set hobbyists back many months waiting, waiting, waiting....why would we expect everything at once?
I know, I know, we're part of the 'I-want-it, I-want-it-cheap, I-want-it-NOW!!' generation.
So who cares?....just gimme!
A while back there was a thread speculation on what would be Atlas' next passenger train project. What? They would make that leap without finishing the first project? Right. Now THAT would be the way to run a battleship...or model railroading company! 'Lessee, sales/return isn't going the way we anticipated. Hmmmm. We must've picked the wrong train to model. Let's pull the plug on this one and go to the Super Chief! I hear tell you can sell ANYTHING in Santa Fe, Warbonnet, name and colors!'
Patience.
Go to York...give Atlas POSITIVE ENCOURAGEMENT in what they're doing. It smooths over the rough edges of reality for today's manufacturers in discretionary income business.
Happy Spring!
KD
It is approaching 4 years since these cars were announced. That wll turn in to at least 5 years before we probably see an observation car and can run something resembling a train. You wonder why some have lost patience and post those little shocked and angry graemlins? I am happy they are making these cars and am resigned to just waiting it out. But, I don't think it is suprising or unjustified that some are not happy with the way these cars are being released.
