100 cars in John23's collection, over 50 in Railride's, and then David's train-- a lot more folks have these in quantity than I ever imagined. As far as the diecast question-- probably a moot point-- and problems from an operational standpoint due to the weight-- just "seems" like metal is "nicer" than plastic...
As far as the layout-- I am still finishing out my basement train room-- and summer has slowed down my progress. That is one sharp layout you have there David!
All these replies, along with videos and photos is very helpful. Those Atlas cars sure look good-- but as Dmasso and Railride have pointed out-- they all look pretty good. The plastic chains molded onto the sprockets could use a little paint or some weathering or something.
MTH fixed that problem with a shaft instead of chains and sprockets.
