Looks like we are in store for mostly Alternative history cars in this run.. IMO, what a waste, but I'm sure someone is buying these!
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The 3-railers are probably more interested in the "alternate history" paint schemes than the 2-railers. Atlas has been doing more fantasy schemes to extract as much as they possibly can out of existing tooling. If this is what it takes for Atlas to remain in O scale then they have my blessing.
I'm definitely getting all 4 road #'s of the Chicago Freight Car hoppers. I thought Atlas could've offered maybe one more example in a prototypical look at the expense of a fantasy one.
Mike,
uhhh.....ummm.....wow......well....gee.......This is.....a.....surprise. I'm at a loss here. I thought our comments on my thread gave some pretty clear direction as to what we were hoping for. I wonder who picked these schemes and why???....all I can say is, Atlas...if these don't get many reservations, please look over our comments on Atlas Repaints....Gasp! Is this a "careful what you wish for" moment? Maybe, I dunno. Chicago Freight good in my book, but I'm with Catnap here. Not sure what to think about these specific fantasy picks.
I had eight cars in boxes. 2 different sets. I had the 4 BNSF and the 4 CSX versions. I sold off the CSX because I thought a friend would enjoy them and they were sitting under my layout waiting for conversion to 2 rail. I missed those cars the second I boxed them up for shipping. They were beautiful.
So I said I will get more. Unfortunately when the next CSX version came out, I was broke. They were also beautiful and I think they even had those blue end caps on the roller bearings (HD)? The price had gone up too.
Now I see the next releases here. I'm still broke! So I'm not too upset with Atlas. I'm more upset with myself.
Vote with your $$. I know I am!
All I can say regarding the "fantasy schemes" is that if they don't sell Atlas,don't gripe at us modelers.
I model CSX and yes those cars are BEAUTIFUL. I have 28 of those cars,4 I added reflective stripes from Smokebox Graphics and I also changed a digit on these.
Yes,Engineer-Joe, not to rub salt in the wound,but they do have blue caps on the axles. Don't feel bad,I'm broke too.
Al Hummel
If the Airslide hoppers made the cut, and I didn't think they would since they all were "alternate history" paint schemes, then the Trinity hoppers will have no problem meeting production minimum orders given the fact that they are more popular.
No question the Chicago Freight Car is typical of almost all modern freight cars seen in todays trains, collectors/operators who buy these cars in multiples like the "alternate schemes" and make each new run possible. I like the new online monthly catalog format. JMO
catnap posted:The 3-railers are probably more interested in the "alternate history" paint schemes than the 2-railers. Atlas has been doing more fantasy schemes to extract as much as they possibly can out of existing tooling. If this is what it takes for Atlas to remain in O scale then they have my blessing.
I'm definitely getting all 4 road #'s of the Chicago Freight Car hoppers. I thought Atlas could've offered maybe one more example in a prototypical look at the expense of a fantasy one.
I would have thought with the other prototypical schemes that have been discussed there would be more balance with the alternate history schemes? I hope they sell!
Mike,
Well, I'm not going to play the spoilt brat on this as I did suggest some of my own alternative schemes like BN gray and Cotton Belt gray. Just doing a quick internet search this morning I found some interesting stuff illustrated below. I did consult the ARR website and found two shiny new ARR SD70ACe's pulling a freight. Third car in line was a tired Golden West ACF 3 Bay Hopper (couldn't download that pix). It would seem ARR has no real fleet of these cars. Midwest railroad grain hoppers are barged up to Alaska and turned over to ARR for distribution of loads. Empties are then returned. News to me, but I'm sure that ARR modelers have known that for years. I'm actually a little envious. They can have a number of different railroads on the layout and it's all good.
First up are Pix from Alaska Mill and Feed near Anchorage. Note the BN Hopper next to the silo. Next is a ARR ACF Hopper in gray. This is more along the lines of what I expected, but I can understand that if some might want something more flashy. Finally, here is the only other picture I could quickly find. I'm supposing that these have been retired long since.
My attitude is a little split on this. I want Atlas to succeed, so despite the inference of my earlier comment, I hope these sell. On the other hand I hope that prototype and near-prototype offerings will be considered equally to fantasy schemes. The Conrail scheme is certainly believable so that will make the "resistance" happy. I sometimes think about adding some Conrail, but I'm just too far west.
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I wouldn't mess investing with schemes that never existed if I were Atlas,but rather invest in schemes that exist & sold well as Atlas is doing by rerunning CSX,BNSF,etc. (Just my opinion,of course). As a modeler,I will only buy what I see on the rails today and within the last 30 years. The yellow SCL 4750s Atlas ran are hardly seen on CSX today due to age,for instance. I relettered & numbered a few,but they'd be an exception in a cut of cars,no longer the rule.
Al Hummel
Al,
Well, I tend to agree, but on the other hand the remaining North American railroads are slowly merging into a monochromatic blob that is becoming less appealing. Alternative paints can reach some modelers that otherwise wouldn't purchase the prototype. As has been said, that extends the life of the model run and gives Atlas $$$ to make additional runs that appeal more to our prototype tastes. That is especially why I like the ubiquitous private owner gray paint. Just change the stencil and you can have lots of different prototypes and also feed the alternative paint scheme crowd. The Chicago Freight Car is very representative of that. When I stopped to really think about it, I don't want to narrow the choices if it will help me get the paint schemes I'd like to see, and generate revenue for the next highly detailed, prototype Master Line freight car. I also don't want to throw cold water on people just having a little fun with their trains. After all, it's Christmas.
IMO, most manufacturers look for some variations that carry the run, often it's schemes for the class I railroads since there are more modelers that model those railroads and will often see run through options on just about every other railroad. This run will be interesting because which one(s) will carry the run?
Ultimately it boils down to the successful manufacturers make what sells and what the modelers want, sometimes those aren't exactly the same. 
I think the price will do more to limit the run than the road names. 3 railers will buy the fantasy schemes, color sells..2 railers will not.
Remember 3 rail outsells 2 rail by allot. 2 rail will always be a afterthought when it comes to the manufactures.
Dave
I have seen Atlas in the past drop a particular paint scheme but still bring the remaining listed models in, I have yet to see them bring in a particular model in 3 rail but not 2 rail knowing that the 3 rail market represents the biggest percentage of a typical run, I don't have a problem with paint schemes that help make a run possible, in some cases that is the only way to get a prototypical paint scheme you want and do not foresee the correct model coming out anytime soon [case in point the latest Berwick 60' hy cube in the Railbox paint] interesting that the MTH 50' Railbox hy cube is a rib side and the Berwick is a partial waffle side in the prototype this construction is reversed just saying!
david1 posted:I think the price will do more to limit the run than the road names. 3 railers will buy the fantasy schemes, color sells..2 railers will not.
Remember 3 rail outsells 2 rail by allot. 2 rail will always be a afterthought when it comes to the manufactures.
Dave
More and more 3RS guys are buying 2R scale equipment. Not saying all of them do, but the shift is happening where possible.
You're right, color triggers one of the impulse senses... How much that one trigger impacts the purchase of these cars remains to be seen.
Yes, from the manufacturers perspective, flashy color(s) seemed to be important to sales. I believe this is more of 3-rail thing, which as we are told, is where the predominant market share resides. This need for flashy colors follows a post on one of the OGR forums by a Lionel representative with regards to potential rerun schemes for their new 67’ modern mill gondola. Lionel said that they were sorta at a loss as to what follow-on schemes could be chosen due to the “blandness” of the prototype schemes available for this type of car. Therefore, when the new rerun schemes were revealed, Lionel added “flash” to the paint schemes by integrating graffiti to the paint schemes to jazz them up iin hopes of attracting the need for flashy color crew.
Scott K.
Austin, TX
I don't worry so much about Atlas' releases. If I want something that that isn't made, I dig out my air brush and paint it. I realize that decals can be a problem at times. My disgust comes with the fact that right now Atlas could absolutely own the two rail market in so far as ready to run O scale cars. Most don't find too much fault with their cars or locos.
Dick
Scott Kay posted:Yes, from the manufacturers perspective, flashy color(s) seemed to be important to sales. I believe this is more of 3-rail thing, which as we are told, is where the predominant market share resides. This need for flashy colors follows a post on one of the OGR forums by a Lionel representative with regards to potential rerun schemes for their new 67’ modern mill gondola. Lionel said that they were sorta at a loss as to what follow-on schemes could be chosen due to the “blandness” of the prototype schemes available for this type of car. Therefore, when the new rerun schemes were revealed, Lionel added “flash” to the paint schemes by integrating graffiti to the paint schemes to jazz them up iin hopes of attracting the need for flashy color crew.
Scott K.
Austin, TX
Scott, in other scales, weathered cars and cars with graffiti come out monthly and sell VERY well. I suspect we would start to see a similar trend in O Scale if they were done well. I've ordered all of the new gons with graffiti
The Chessie System, Southern Pacific, and Conrail can be considered HERITAGE schemes.
Andrew
ATLAS has the ACF CENTER FLOW 3560 Cu Ft 3-bay covered hopper produced in N and HO scales for the Trainman line.
Why did they not add the ACF 3560 to the O scale Trainman line?
They can put the real ALASKA scheme on those models.
Andrew
I don't have an issue with companies producing alternate history schemes, my problem comes when that's all they do. I still need more NS and CSX 5161's. I also can't see many people paying over $100 for a fantasy car. Trainman price range would probably do a lot better.
As for the 3 rail vs 2 rail debate, I'm a 3RS guy so now I just order 2 rail freight cars when possible so I don't have to convert down the road. I just don't see the guys who buy something because of paint forking up this kind of cash.
Theres a reason MTH and Lionel put out 2 catalogs a year, 3 rail collectors/operators on average buy lots of product each year and price is not that big a deterrent if they want something. JMO
I might be tempted on a few of the Chicago freight Car ones myself......
Absolutely interested in the CRDX cars
The CSX name came from the Chessie Seaboard merger.
Chessie System makes sense.
Andrew
This is a scheme for a TRINITY 5161 that has not been produced by Atlas O. It is for IMPERIAL SUGAR.
Andrew
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Andrew, Thanks for sharing. Very nice.
Andrew that's a nice car! Thank you for the photos and research.
Al Hummel
I have been trying to sell much of my Atlas Scale cars and find that they are hard to get any value from. I am listing 17,600 tank cars for $45. and no movement. One would think that move fast. I wonder about Atlas staying in O scale as it seems the market saturated.
In my experience from the first Weaver plastic models to the present day Atlas Trinity cars these products are bought to own not for any resale value, with the exception of certain collectables. Weaver cars in most cases on the secondary market sell for less that the price of new Atlas trucks. Atlas in many cases is not that much higher and with ever rising new prices does not even resell for close to "street" prices when new. Obviously Lionel and to a lesser extent MTH see a different secondary market view, 2 rail items in particular are a much tougher sell on this forum I have done much better selling when I can provide the model with 3 rail trucks. JMO
So selling new in box 5161s,would bring no more than $50 per car?
As I been selling my HO items,it seems they sell faster and at better prices than O Scale hard to find items. I thought if it ever came to that,selling my O Scale for whatever reason,most notably,selling our house for a smaller location,that the O Scale would sell fast-am I in for a bad surprise?
Al Hummel
FWIW Maxi-stacks and containers are in at my dealer!
The "fantasy schemes" make sense when there's a market for them,but when Atlas has a tough time selling the Prototype,"In Service," freight cars,why dream about selling what never existed in the 1st place?
Why not spend time & money on what modelers want more of for example the GATX &NAHX cars to name a few prototypes off the top of my head? Is this what Atlas is going to do with the 4750 schemes,put out cars that never ran the rails? How many of the BNSF schemes actually existed?
Just my opinion of course.
Al Hummel
I like the Alaska car, and my three rail track will like it also. 
For the PS-4750 they have have barely scratched the surface for the leased hopper schemes and there are 2 or 3 paint scheme variations for most of the railroads who owned the PS-4750 covered hoppers. Will they all be produced in China?
Andrew
You can preorder them from Muffins trains for $103.00 each.
falconservice posted:For the PS-4750 they have have barely scratched the surface for the leased hopper schemes and there are 2 or 3 paint scheme variations for most of the railroads who owned the PS-4750 covered hoppers. Will they all be produced in China?
Andrew
Where else?
Well here's a can of worms when we start talking about re-sale value, which, of course, is not the heart of this thread, just to be fair to Mike. There are so many factors: Was the car prototype and/or particular paint scheme popular? Is there a shortage of same? Will/are your LHS/individuals pricing based on that scarcity? Will it be a long time before another production run will occur? Is there a buying pool for said item? What is the motivation of the seller? What is the state of the economy at the time of sale? What I may think is a fair price and what you may think is a fair price can be two totally different numbers based on how we individually perceive and interpret these factors. All Atlas cars can't be lumped together because some were extremely popular, others, well, not so much. Nor can they be equally compared to Lionel or MTH based on that Blue/Orange versus Magenta colored box collector's attitude.
As for paying retail, sometimes I do to get the "pick of the litter" as it were and to avoid artificial price inflation and scarcity later if it looks to be a popular item. Other times, I just don't have the money ready to spend. I'll have to risk buying on the after market later. Sometimes that's okay, sometimes not so much. I'm pretty sure we've all experienced this to a certain degree at one time or another.
Al brings up an interesting point about what happens when you need/want to sell. Ultimately, the market factors I've mentioned, at the time of sell, decide.
Finally, O Scale, as has been said, is a smaller market that O Gauge. It's a fact that O Scale hobbyists have to live with or go stark raving insane. So let's hope that Atlas will introduce paint schemes for every taste. Good for their pocket book, great for our hobby. Even with it's imperfections, what a great time to be in the hobby....and as I said on another thread, ....don't like your Atlas Trains? Send me your list cuz' I've got a big shopping list of my own...and Atlas...as Swafford always says "Ready to Buy when you Supply!"
And now, back to our regularly scheduled thread.............
Well lets hope 2018 is the year that Atlas gets back on track with production and shipments and perhaps in the coming year a new Masterline announcement that's up to the level of detail of the Trinity cars.
The actual car appears to be light gray, if that's what you're asking, Swafford. So my guess is the Atlas is light gray.
David
Mike Caddell posted:Well here's a can of worms when we start talking about re-sale value, which, of course, is not the heart of this thread, just to be fair to Mike. There are so many factors: Was the car prototype and/or particular paint scheme popular? Is there a shortage of same? Will/are your LHS/individuals pricing based on that scarcity? Will it be a long time before another production run will occur? Is there a buying pool for said item? What is the motivation of the seller? What is the state of the economy at the time of sale? What I may think is a fair price and what you may think is a fair price can be two totally different numbers based on how we individually perceive and interpret these factors. All Atlas cars can't be lumped together because some were extremely popular, others, well, not so much. Nor can they be equally compared to Lionel or MTH based on that Blue/Orange versus Magenta colored box collector's attitude.
As for paying retail, sometimes I do to get the "pick of the litter" as it were and to avoid artificial price inflation and scarcity later if it looks to be a popular item. Other times, I just don't have the money ready to spend. I'll have to risk buying on the after market later. Sometimes that's okay, sometimes not so much. I'm pretty sure we've all experienced this to a certain degree at one time or another.
Al brings up an interesting point about what happens when you need/want to sell. Ultimately, the market factors I've mentioned, at the time of sell, decide.
Finally, O Scale, as has been said, is a smaller market that O Gauge. It's a fact that O Scale hobbyists have to live with or go stark raving insane. So let's hope that Atlas will introduce paint schemes for every taste. Good for their pocket book, great for our hobby. Even with it's imperfections, what a great time to be in the hobby....and as I said on another thread, ....don't like your Atlas Trains? Send me your list cuz' I've got a big shopping list of my own...and Atlas...as Swafford always says "Ready to Buy when you Supply!"
And now, back to our regularly scheduled thread.............
I believe "smaller market for O scale" is a huge understatement, on this forum alone including 3RS it represents 9% of all posts now I realize those numbers are only a very broad indicator of what yearly sales numbers for the O gauge MFGs are but clearly you can see how they see their market. JMO
I sell some of my trains on eBay when I find I don't use them often. It doesn't take long to realize that regardless of manufacturer, you'll be lucky to get half of what you originally paid for the car. In my opinion, this is not the hobby to try to get your money back by reselling.
What I would like to see is for Atlas to finally release the Trinity hoppers with round hatches instead of trough hatches. They indicate the round hatch version on the exploded parts diagram, but to my knowledge they have never released that version. I am going to presume that the parts diagrams are derived from an existing 3d model, although tooling for the additional parts may never have been cut. The round hatches would be more appropriate for mineral and chemical ladings, whereas the trough hatches are typically for grains.
Jim
big train posted:What I would like to see is for Atlas to finally release the Trinity hoppers with round hatches instead of trough hatches. They indicate the round hatch version on the exploded parts diagram, but to my knowledge they have never released that version. I am going to presume that the parts diagrams are derived from an existing 3d model, although tooling for the additional parts may never have been cut. The round hatches would be more appropriate for mineral and chemical ladings, whereas the trough hatches are typically for grains.
Jim
The NAHX car in the very first run had round hatches. It’s a very nice plain Jane car.
RM
They might not have produced the Trinity Leasing TILX version of the 5161 covered hopper.
Andrew
You are correct I have 2 of those cars and I like the plain ones the best, typically I like at least 2 of each car I own.
Like HIBAR,I also like at least 2 of most cars,and I guess that gets me in financial trouble,but while I understand fewer cars can be handled in O Scale vs HO,more is still more to me. Grain cars are a favorite of mine,so in the case of the 5161 Trinity hoppers,I hit 28 cars in the CSX How Tomorrow Moves Scheme. All but 4 are still in the boxes awaiting renumbering and conspicuity stripes. I just place the reflector stripes over the existing manufacturer's stripes.
Tankers are another favorite and I wish more runs of these cars would come out though I think Atlas has been pretty faithful along that line. But I'm broke for who knows how long so that don't really matter right now I guess. Lol
Al Hummel
Alan Hummel posted:Like HIBAR,I also like at least 2 of most cars,and I guess that gets me in financial trouble,but while I understand fewer cars can be handled in O Scale vs HO,more is still more to me. Grain cars are a favorite of mine,so in the case of the 5161 Trinity hoppers,I hit 28 cars in the CSX How Tomorrow Moves Scheme. All but 4 are still in the boxes awaiting renumbering and conspicuity stripes. I just place the reflector stripes over the existing manufacturer's stripes.
Tankers are another favorite and I wish more runs of these cars would come out though I think Atlas has been pretty faithful along that line. But I'm broke for who knows how long so that don't really matter right now I guess. Lol
Al Hummel
What do you use for your reflective striping?
Rich Montague posted:big train posted:The NAHX car in the very first run had round hatches. It’s a very nice plain Jane car.
RM
Thanks for that info Rich. I think I started looking through the old announcements but gave up before getting to the end since I kept seeing trough hatch versions.
Jim
falconservice posted:They might not have produced the Trinity Leasing TILX version of the 5161 covered hopper.
Andrew
That rd name has not been done yet but would not be surprised to see it in the future.
Trinity Leasing versions seem like they would have been an obvious car to offer for production.
Andrew
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I do not remember seeing FARMLAND as one of the schemes produced.
The FILX covered hoppers were common in CN/GTW trains for several years.
http://canadianfreightcargalle...=flix3671&o=flix
Andrew
You can also get some FLIX restencials as well, several railroads have them. I know IAIS does.
Will Ebbert posted:I sell some of my trains on eBay when I find I don't use them often. It doesn't take long to realize that regardless of manufacturer, you'll be lucky to get half of what you originally paid for the car. In my opinion, this is not the hobby to try to get your money back by reselling.
Best way to make a million in this hobby is to start with two million.
WILL EBBERT,
I use the yellow reflector stripes from Smokebox Graphics. I think you get 490 for $7. When you get them on the car then "burnish" them with a pencil or other type material to get them to adhere well,like they do with dry transfers. I really like them as they have a sticky backing so they peel off the sheet they come on,then I get 1 end started on the car & follow it right on up till it's fully applied then rub it gently and am finished. They REALLY reflect also. I've got some on crooked before & just gently peeled it off and reused it.
Al Hummel
With the Farmland&TILX Schemes that exist,why is Atlas horsing around with schemes that never rolled on the rails?
Like my wife says,"Because they can"? Not a good reason with O Scale already such a small market. JMO
Al Hummel
Alan Hummel posted:WILL EBBERT,
I use the yellow reflector stripes from Smokebox Graphics. I think you get 490 for $7. When you get them on the car then "burnish" them with a pencil or other type material to get them to adhere well,like they do with dry transfers. I really like them as they have a sticky backing so they peel off the sheet they come on,then I get 1 end started on the car & follow it right on up till it's fully applied then rub it gently and am finished. They REALLY reflect also. I've got some on crooked before & just gently peeled it off and reused it.
Al Hummel
You can actually ask Stephen from Smokebox Graphics for 2 other yellow color variations to represent different amounts of time on the rail! Similar to his HO offerings, see photo below. I prefer these over the Microscale decal version simply because they actually do reflect as Al noted. They are a little thicker then a decal but not that noticeable. You can also clearcoat the reflectors once they are burnished onto the car or loco to help blend them in more... Not absolutely required, but does help.
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Alan Hummel posted:With the Farmland&TILX Schemes that exist,why is Atlas horsing around with schemes that never rolled on the rails?
Like my wife says,"Because they can"? Not a good reason with O Scale already such a small market. JMO
Al Hummel
That is the million dollar question! I know they are aware of the FLIX version and the different restenciled cars because I've made that request numerous times.
Certainly some of the more colorful cars can/should be offered along with the prototype variations, I would see that more as a balance because Atlas has always cancelled those cars with low reservations before they are produced to minimize any potential $$$ loss.
So what other 5161 paint schemes can be applied after imperial sugar?
Since both Gunderson and National Steel make a 5161cf covered hopper both with some build variations from the Trinity I suspect from here on out Atlas will have any number of prototype schemes to use, bear in mind most of these modern cars use reporting marks only.
I would definitely buy one of the Make a Wish containers, especially if a couple bucks of the purchase went to the organization. Same with Hub Group cause containers.
2 more new road numbers of the salmon colored GACX Potash Corp. 5161 hoppers could be produced in each run for 3 or 4 years.
Andrew
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Besides the great suggestions above... Although all not 100% accurate for the trinity 5161 these would be nice to see released, some totally new, whereas some new #'s, there are handful of others as well that I didn't put in this list, like NS, CORX, SOYX, IAIS Ex FLIX that I would also like to see
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Glad Atlas is doing these, Any new releases are good for the Hobby. Any scale. Changing times have to go with the flow.
Thanks for the 5161 pic's Mike. I'd like to see Atlas do cars like in my photo, that I hope makes it on this post this time. This CSX version came in between the Grain Express version and the "How Tomorrow Moves" scheme. I'd buy both schemes.
Al Hummel
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There are so many possible schemes to run on this car, as well as similar 5188 and 5200 cu ft cars. Atlas could also take these cars and make the 2 and 4 bay variations 3281's and 6351's to further a lot of their investment.
falconservice posted:2 more new road numbers of the salmon colored GACX Potash Corp. 5161 hoppers could be produced in each run for 3 or 4 years.
Andrew
We see a lot of these in and out of Sioux City. There is a large potash facility in Ft. Dodge, IA about 120 east of here. We also see a lot of what I call cement size hoppers in the same scheme. As the color of these cars fad they become almost pink.
Dick
Mike DeBerg posted:There are so many possible schemes to run on this car, as well as similar 5188 and 5200 cu ft cars. Atlas could also take these cars and make the 2 and 4 bay variations 3281's and 6351's to further a lot of their investment.
If I am not mistaken Atlas has never built more than one version of any of their covered hoppers,no question the Trinity would be an ideal candidate for more than one variation. It will be interesting to see what the next Masterline car Atlas decides to build in the future. For me the "centerbeam" flat car would be a great Mline project for Atlas even MMW has proposed a brass version of this car. JMO
hibar posted:Mike DeBerg posted:There are so many possible schemes to run on this car, as well as similar 5188 and 5200 cu ft cars. Atlas could also take these cars and make the 2 and 4 bay variations 3281's and 6351's to further a lot of their investment.
If I am not mistaken Atlas has never built more than one version of any of their covered hoppers,no question the Trinity would be an ideal candidate for more than one variation. It will be interesting to see what the next Masterline car Atlas decides to build in the future. For me the "centerbeam" flat car would be a great Mline project for Atlas even MMW has proposed a brass version of this car. JMO
MR did an article a couple years ago on cutting an HO scale 5161 down to two bay. I suppose if you're really handy you could use the leftovers to make a 4 bay. I have no desire to spend MMW kind of money. $120 for a master line car would be doable though.
hibar posted:Mike DeBerg posted:There are so many possible schemes to run on this car, as well as similar 5188 and 5200 cu ft cars. Atlas could also take these cars and make the 2 and 4 bay variations 3281's and 6351's to further a lot of their investment.
If I am not mistaken Atlas has never built more than one version of any of their covered hoppers,no question the Trinity would be an ideal candidate for more than one variation. It will be interesting to see what the next Masterline car Atlas decides to build in the future. For me the "centerbeam" flat car would be a great Mline project for Atlas even MMW has proposed a brass version of this car. JMO
No question I would be in for a 73' centerbeam in the Atlas Master line. I'm just saying atlas has a lot of options to bring great new cars to the market.
Mike DeBerg posted:hibar posted:Mike DeBerg posted:There are so many possible schemes to run on this car, as well as similar 5188 and 5200 cu ft cars. Atlas could also take these cars and make the 2 and 4 bay variations 3281's and 6351's to further a lot of their investment.
If I am not mistaken Atlas has never built more than one version of any of their covered hoppers,no question the Trinity would be an ideal candidate for more than one variation. It will be interesting to see what the next Masterline car Atlas decides to build in the future. For me the "centerbeam" flat car would be a great Mline project for Atlas even MMW has proposed a brass version of this car. JMO
No question I would be in for a 73' centerbeam in the Atlas Master line.
yes none of which they will likely exercise.
n.
Prepare instead for another 10yrs of tired models appearing in various but fictitious liveries.
The 'future of 0 scale'.................really?
Prepare instead for another 10yrs of tired models appearing in various but fictitious liveries.
The 'future of 0 scale'.................really?
I tend to agree based on the last current run of non-existent paint/lettering schemes. O Scale's going to really move ahead doing that?
Just My Opinion,of course.
Al Hummel
The Potash 5161 would be a great addition-how many more years do we have to wait on that to come about? JMO.
Al Hummel
I believe the Potash 5161 was offered to GSC members at one time from Atlas so they may be reluctant to rerun that particular paint scheme. Atlas despite production issues has consistently brought out at least one new model in either Tman or Mline in every 12-18 month period, obviously the bulk of each years production is in R/Rs that has always been their business plan across all lines. just saying!
Al,
I wouldn't be so sure about that. The possibilities are here. That's right, gentlemen, right here! Some nay-sayers would have you believe that the 3 rail hobby is a behemoth of such inertia that these things can't be accomplished, but that "behemoth" is actually comprised of many smaller groups, all trying to get the attention of the manufacturers. There are the post-war only collecting and operating crowds, the post-war replica collecting and operating crowds, the "modern O" group that is divided by steam, transition, and diesel groups (just like O Scale). There are people who only operate on tubular track, versus those who operate exclusively MTH Scale Trax, Lionel Fast Tracks, or Atlas O (what I'd use if I were in 3 rail Scale). There is DCS, then Legacy versus those who are quite happy to stay with TMCC or straight AC for that matter. Add to that the Brotherhood of the ZW Transformer! Then there are the "I pledge allegiance to the color of my boxes" groups: Lionel, MTH, Williams, K-Line, Atlas O, etc.... and these are only a short list of everyone whining, complaining, pleading to "build my model!" It's no wonder that the manufacturing side is over-run with requests and confusion.
So what's my point? If We, as 2 Rail-O Scale and 3 Rail Scale Modelers, want these items to come to pass, and relatively quickly, WE have to speak up, again, and again, and again.....and when those projects do get announced, then RESERVE!..and put our POSITIVE and CONSTRUCTIVE criticism into guiding the manufacturer toward a model that truly reflects the prototype with correct construction, details, colors, etc. I can't say it enough, and yes, you will have to share the table with all these other groups who are clamoring for attention. Accept it, be one with it, love it, and make converts on your merry way! Speak up! Speak up! Speak up! OUR efforts will be rewarded!
Mike Caddell,
I guess,Mike,with me,after coming from 35-40 yrs in HO,the smaller O Scale market's tough to deal with.
I started when Athearn&Roundhouse were the 2 BIG manufacturers and that didn't amount to a whole lot. But modelers were at their mercy,a lot like now in O Scale. Then over the years new manufacturers came along,and today there can be as many as 3 manufacturers making a model of,for example,the 4750. Then there's the "sky high" pricing. I think Atlas is concentrating on their HO&N markets and just keeping O Scale as a "side" market. I hope I'm wrong about that,but seems like serious interest is lacking in O Scale by Atlas just in the approximately 4 years I been working in O Scale.
Just my opinion which ain't worth a plug nickel.
Anyhow,on a much brighter note,may everyone have a Merry Christmas!!
Al Hummel
I think a good long term strategy for Atlas O would be too beef up the Trainman line to lure customers from Lionel and MTH. Once they see the quality and realism of that line, they'll check out Master Line, and never go back to the other two. IMO, Trainman is the best value in O scale so it would attract people if they'd give it a shot, but they're comfortable with the big two.
A good strategy for Atlas to follow in the O scale market is to secure factories in China who can manufacture their locomotives, both Trainman and Master, in a reasonable time frame from when they are first announced. Reasonable would be 9-12 months.
2018 is a big year for Atlas. They delivered just one engine this year (F7) and have already canceled production for the Master Dash 8's.
Forget about new models, how about delivering on locomotives that are years behind in the production queue, starting with the Trainman Dash 8's. Another year with just one locomotive being delivered should cause them to rethink whether they should stay in the O scale game. Maybe they can still survive on rolling stock and track.
They finally were able to produce a group of them in the past year.
Andrew
