So due to Atlas’ production issues with their former factory in China are we ever likely to see older locos rerun or just the Fs, GP9s and RSDs and lots of repaints?
Anyone heard any Chinese whispers?
I'm guessing Atlas is about 10 years behind schedule.
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They cancelled a run of diesel switchers. I was looking forward to that one. On the other hand, their affordable turntable is back. I ordered mine today.
Atlas O just delivered their Trainman model of a 1937 caboose as built by Magor Car Company of Clifton, New Jersey. Mine is the Boston & Maine version - a beauty. See link. I like their models.
MELGAR
The Corn Syrup tank cars are coming soon.
In August of 2016, Atlas announced a run of SD40's, the previous run was delivered in early 2010. I placed an order for 6 2-rail models. I waited over 2-1/2 years before Atlas canceled the run earlier this year. Three other models were canceled.
Just look at their production schedule in O scale and compare it to HO and N. The smaller scales do not suffer from product cancellations or lengthy delays. That pretty much sums up the story where Atlas stands in O scale. They can't even deliver club cars or simple accessories like trucks in a timely fashion.
It seems since Jim Weaver passed away O scale has lost its way at Atlas.
I can only assume that HO and N scale models weren’t made at the same factory as O scale.
Unless some O scale production has been cancelled to allow HO and N to proceed?
Unfortunately, with the long delay from preorders being due until the engines actually shipped, I for one, had a lot of cancellations of preorders for F3s and F7s leaving me holding the bag on dozens of engines.... IMHO, Atlas did the right thing in canceling all of the existing backlog, except the GP's we will see after the first of the year, to re-announce them closer to their actual manufacturing date. Let's see what happens next year.
Ouch I can imagine that just puts you off stocking O scale.
catnap posted:Just look at their production schedule in O scale and compare it to HO and N. The smaller scales do not suffer from product cancellations or lengthy delays. That pretty much sums up the story where Atlas stands in O scale. They can't even deliver club cars or simple accessories like trucks in a timely fashion.
While the Atlas O scale product release schedule has suffered, it's not fair to say the smaller scales do not suffer from the same product cancellations or lengthy delays. Many manufacturers are just getting ramped back up from the plant closure several years ago and needed to get their tooling and find a new partner to work with. Lots of time and $$$ to get things back to producing models.
In my opinion only,Atlas has lost big time in production of everything in O Scale. Their models are fantastic,but they just are so many years behind production of up to date models. They do a model of a car,(for instance the Trainman 4750 cu ft cvd grain hopper decorated for the SCL railroad),so many years after the prototype cars were built,that the demand for them is almost gone among modelers. Their R&D Department needs a man with a modeler's heart. Final decisions still have to be approved by the top man.
Just my opinion.
Al Hummel
I've purchased a few Atlas O items over the years, but never considered them to be the backbone of my O scale pursuit.
Bob
Mike DeBerg posted:catnap posted:Just look at their production schedule in O scale and compare it to HO and N. The smaller scales do not suffer from product cancellations or lengthy delays. That pretty much sums up the story where Atlas stands in O scale. They can't even deliver club cars or simple accessories like trucks in a timely fashion.
While the Atlas O scale product release schedule has suffered, it's not fair to say the smaller scales do not suffer from the same product cancellations or lengthy delays. Many manufacturers are just getting ramped back up from the plant closure several years ago and needed to get their tooling and find a new partner to work with. Lots of time and $$$ to get things back to producing models.
Very true. After Atlas came out with their beautiful N scale code 55 track (which was a big hit) they began to encounter long delays with getting more to market; this caused a fair number of modelers to look elsewhere for code 55 trackage...and gave Atlas a "black eye" in that community for quite a while...
Mark in Oregon
flanger posted:I've purchased a few Atlas O items over the years, but never considered them to be the backbone of my O scale pursuit.
Bob
Same here, Bob. Maybe 1% of my entire roster...
The way Lionel has brought up their line of O Scale products,I'd like to see them take over some of the less paid attention to models and take those models "under Lionel's wing," so-to-speak. Lionel's 30K tankers and 66ft mill gondolas are VERY impressive. I think they could really take off with the Trainman 4750 cu ft hoppers. In my honest opinion.
What's REALLY discouraging to me,is that Atlas used to comment on posts made on this site-very seldom if ever so to me that reflects on their consideration of O Scale. Just 1 person's view point.
As Always,
Al Hummel
Atlas makes a great product and the best scale freight cars out there IMO. O-3 rail and 2 rail is a small market for Atlas just look at their offerings in their HO and N product lines it dwarfs O scale.
It is unfortunate that Atlas has struggled in recent years. I have never been disappointed in any of their cars or locomotives. The locomotives are almost bullet-proof . . . very reliable and well-detailed.
mwb posted:flanger posted:I've purchased a few Atlas O items over the years, but never considered them to be the backbone of my O scale pursuit.
Bob
Same here, Bob. Maybe 1% of my entire roster...
I was going through some of my roster last week. I surprised myself how much Atlas O stuff I'd accumuated. There's a reason for that, I guess - their cars and engines are outstanding. Highly accurate, of course (including colors!)
flanger posted:I've purchased a few Atlas O items over the years, but never considered them to be the backbone of my O scale pursuit.
Bob
Hi Bob which manufacturers cars do you mainly have? Are they 2 rail and scale or do you have to convert them from 3 rail?
Thanks
I'm not 2-rail, but I am leaning towards 3RS. A quick check in my database it looks like close to 50% of my scale-sized cars are Atlas. I would really hate to see Atlas exit the O scale market.
emdalco01 posted:flanger posted:I've purchased a few Atlas O items over the years, but never considered them to be the backbone of my O scale pursuit.
Bob
Hi Bob which manufacturers cars do you mainly have? Are they 2 rail and scale or do you have to convert them from 3 rail?
Thanks
A variety including some brass, kit built. Red Caboose, Intermountain, odd ball stuff picked up at train shows, etc
As much as Atlas' problems suck for us … it sucks worse for them. I eagerly look forward to them getting things straightened out.
Good luck, Atlas … you've been a big part of my enjoyment of this hobby.
Atlas billboard reefers at the height of the "reefer craze" were gorgeous. Cars sponsored by Green Bay TV & Trains, Deichman's Depot and Norm's O Scale were fantastic along with many other sponsors. In recent years these beautiful cars have been replaced by yellow , boring logos. It's a shame they can't re-issue the beautiful cars of a few years ago. They were fragile I agree, but the best graphics anywhere.
A HO scale manufacturer here in Australia got caught up in a Chinese factory close down. For several years his tooling and half finished models were locked up in storage unable to be retrieved.
When he was finally able to get access some of the tooling was missing and some damaged and he had to pay a lot of money to those holding everything.
This guy had many models paid for both reruns and new releases that customers have waited a very long time for and in some cases are still waiting. His reputation has been trashed in the process.
I hope Atlas can get sorted and rerun some of there wonderful models.
Maybe they can update the 4750 with scale details like the low sided hopper. Such a waste otherwise. It’s like a model of 70s quality.
Atlas Future, I don't see one.
IMO Atlas O has been stagnant for quite a few years now and priced out of the new & used O market. MTH has been complacent in the Premier market as well.
Lionel has excelled past the others with the innovation of the fantastic new 3R Freight Sounds offerings and new models. Looking forward to the flat spot sound cars next!
The last few freight cars left to offer are 40’ and 50’ combination door box cars. We shall see who tackles that open market first.
MELGAR posted:Atlas O just delivered their Trainman model of a 1937 caboose as built by Magor Car Company of Clifton, New Jersey. Mine is the Boston & Maine version - a beauty. See link. I like their models.
MELGAR
I grew up in adjacent Paterson and am well-aware of it's locomotive building history but was was totally unaware of Magor until this post. Thank you! I now have some fun research to pursue.
Always remember that Atlas is a small family owned business. They’ve survived this long through boom and bust because they know when where and how to spend and when where and how to save.
While a P:48er I do love the Atlas billboard reefers so I keep an eye on them hoping they’ll do some more not yet done like Asco milk.
Doing business offshore is risky and difficult. They are erring on the side of caution and that’s a good thing.
Sitting by myself,considering my comments and all the other fine comments presented regarding manufacturers,I think the bottom line is,we each have to consider what we want out of our hobby and evaluate what'll likely be available to us on a worst case scenario. I then have to decide if I can live with that. (Expect the worst but hope for the best). If I can't deal with what's available to me,move to a scale that will satisfy my needs. I can talk to manufacturers and hope they listen,but likely they aren't going to do much. Atlas has,for me anyway,priced themselves out of my price range.
Just my thoughts for what they're worth.
As Always,
Al Hummel
Rule292 posted:....... I do love the Atlas billboard reefers.....
I think one of those makes up my 1% of Atlas cars on my roster although I think it's really one of those PRR dairy reefers, 
I'm a hi railer, but much of my stock is from people that make or have made the stuff with either 2 or 3 rail running gear as an option.
We can't say for sure which way o scale will go, and I'd venture to say that people the year I was born were probably saying the same thing about Lionel.
As for Atlas, now that Weaver is gone, Atlas is my go-to. But even before that, Altas made CNJ 21000 boxcars and fishbelly hoppers, in steam and diesel era graphics, when nobody else did. When I worked for the NYSW, Atlas was the only manufacturer that sold accurate models of NYSW equipment.
As for o scale in general, some, not all or even most, but some hobby dealers have displayed a bad attitude about O scale because it doesn't "pay the Bill's the way ho and n do. I remember patronizing one of the first Weaver dealers in my home state, and he had tons of freight cars on the shelf. People like me flocked to the place, because they couldn't get it anywhere else, and this was when the internet was in its infancy.
Problem was, once the weaver sold out, he was very sporadic in replacing it, because "o scale isn't that popular", and he acted like he was annoyed when we asked. A year or two after that, the store folded, with lots of ho still on the shelves.
I agree that we're a much smaller lot worldwide, but if you get lots of o scale customers, you can't afford that kind if attitude.
Atlas O's freight cars are 2nd to none- their Gunderson Maxi-IV cars and Trinity hoppers are just outstanding, and at the top of the list. Let's hope we see some new products mixed in soon for sure-
Jeff, I 2nd your post!
Their turnouts ahave just about priced themselves out. Cheapest I can find for 2 rail is $79.99. may as well pay $6 more and get a turnout from O Scale Turnouts and fill in the extra ties. These have all the fine detail. I just don't understand why Atlas does "fantasy schemes" like on their last run of 5161s? If they can't find new schemes,rerun past schemes that are sold out. But what do I know? LOL
Al Hummel
Alan, I agree- the Trinity hoppers could sell out with more BNSF, both wedge and circle logos, plus add to the UP/CHTT and UP/CMO cars with more numbers- those are the hot sellers out there. Plus bring back more round hatch Trinity cars- GATX, NAHX, etc. Huge numbers of these cars are out there on the rails but missing in O scale. I know they made a run of these but one run only---
Every time I see an online discussion of Atlas, I think about how prototypical accurate they try to be. When working with them on the Spencer Packing Co. reefers, they wanted as many pictures of the real cars as possible to be sure they got the style and colors right. Then they wanted to know as many of the actual car numbers as possible. I know that attention to detail is not important to every one, but I love it. When I look at an Atlas car I have the confidence that it is as accurate as they were able to make it.
Jim Weaver has been missed by every one who knew him. His passion for O gauge and attention to detail set a very high bar for Atlas and everyone who has followed him.
I agree that MTH and Lionel are doing very well with their new cars and that is much appreciated. But I still think of Atlas first when it comes prototypical accuracy and integrity.
Art
Jeff,
Right! And they did GATX in the grey scheme,I think there's also a a redish GATX scheme,also. I was told by a dealer,CSX 5161s in the How Tomorrow Moves scheme sold out fast. Rerun things that work and try new schemes,especially in the Trainman 4750 hoppers. Atlas has hardly touched the tip of the iceberg there. The cars they do are great,it's just getting them to do them. I do understand the market is actually a minority compared to HO&N,so I guess be thankful for what is available. Makes me wonder about the future though. To buy in O Scale my HO sales have to pay for those. And when there's little demand for my HO items,it makes me scratch my head long and hard. How bright is that future?
Al
Art,
I agree Atlas has done very fine work,but it seems like their level of commitment is lessening a bit. The fantasy schemes done on their last run of 5161s could've just as well been money makers of well liked schemes that they did in the past. Those are nice schemes,but just applied to the wrong prototype car. If there would be a 4600 cu ft hopper out there in O Scale,those would look great on those cars. Would love to see that model come out as it's great for many eras. Later years have a low brake wheel while early versions used a high brake wheel.
Al
Current times and new generations are creating profit difficulties for toy train manufacturers, and hobby shops in general'.. Personally, I think Atlas makes the best track. We all have favorites'.. I hate to admit, I do not have have a single ATLAS car or loco in my fleet. Not sure why, Lionel, MTH, Weaver, and Williams and K-line. As far as sound, I think Lionel has the best realistic sound boards. I would guess that is why Scott uses them.
Not only Atlas, but all O Gauge and O scale trains are expensive for the average working man and woman. Especially with the cost of living these days, add a couple of kids, and all the rest, not much left over for trains.
Many consider O scale a rich mans hobby. I've been told that by vendors.
At one time HO and N were completely reasonable price wise, and with the smaller size helped make them popular. However, now with sound and greater details, their catching up to O fast. All the used to be just O makers are all selling HO now.. So, it makes sense they would also cut back on O products.
Lets hope Atlas and others can survive in a continual narrowing market'...
Okay I'm off the soap box now'... Thanks for listening'...
Rule292 posted:Always remember that Atlas is a small family owned business. They’ve survived this long through boom and bust because they know when where and how to spend and when where and how to save.
While a P:48er I do love the Atlas billboard reefers so I keep an eye on them hoping they’ll do some more not yet done like Asco milk.
Doing business offshore is risky and difficult. They are erring on the side of caution and that’s a good thing.
In speaking with Mr. Heidreich from Atlas O at their. Fall "garage sale" it was pretty clear that if Atlas o doesn't get the preorders in especially on locomotives, they will not take the chance and make the run. For freight cars, continue seeing more reruns of current models and maybe a new model here and there. Atlas O' s manufacturing in China seems to get caught up with the government "5 year plans" that put a link in Atlas o production and facilities.
In other words, all the locomotives are BTO, and only if they have money in hand.
I only have 4 Atlas cars, 2 heavyweight baggage cars, 1 heavyweight RPO, and one heavyweight combine, all Santa Fe. They are nice models and I'm hopeful that Atlas continues to make rolling stock for the foreseeable future.
Ted,
You make very good points,& if a modeler needs variety I really hate to say it, but O Scale just can't fill that gap for the most part. Seeing most O Scalers are in steam to early diesel though,I don't think there's probably much to lack there. Just my opnion of course.
Al Hummel
Quarter Gauger 48 posted:Many consider O scale a rich mans hobby. I've been told that by vendors.
As has been mentioned many times, Lionel trains have always been considered expensive. Even during the '50s they were out of reach for most families.
Despite the cost of O Scale,YOU JUST GOT TO LOVE THE "HEFT"of those trains!!!!
As Always,
Al Hummel
Alan Hummel posted:Despite the cost of O Scale,YOU JUST GOT TO LOVE THE "HEFT"of those trains!!!!
As Always,
Al Hummel
Al I highly agree. I’ve tried to go back to HO scale several times, but it’s just SO SMALL!!!
O Scale is chunky like a good beef and vegetable soup!
Alan Hummel posted:Ted,
You make very good points,& if a modeler needs variety I really hate to say it, but O Scale just can't fill that gap for the most part. Seeing most O Scalers are in steam to early diesel though,I don't think there's probably much to lack there. Just my opnion of course.
Al Hummel
O scale may not fill the gap now, but it wasn't always that way. The Walthers O scale catalog used to have a much bigger variety of small items, like signals and their logigisical components like relay cabinets, battery boxes, crossing signals, and the electronics to make them work.
Today several companies still make the signals themselves, but how many relay cabinets and battery boxes can you find today? That's a shame, because in O scale, it's easier to notice that things like this are missing. In ho, these pieces are plentiful.
Sounds like many here need to attend a 2 rail 0 scale train show. The car prices are just a fraction of the numbers the major mfg. post.
One can acquire 4, 5 or 6 decent cars for the same amount of money as one new car.
"The future of 0 scale" is used equipment and 0 scale shows.
Bill Davis @ the Indy show frequently has scores of new Atlas cars in unopened boxes for 1/4 to 1/3 of regular pricing.
Sure Tom, but then you have to change the trucks for 3-rail. 
railroad-guy posted:Trainman2 posted:O scale may not fill the gap now, but it wasn't always that way. The Walthers O scale catalog used to have a much bigger variety of small items, like signals and their logigisical components like relay cabinets, battery boxes, crossing signals, and the electronics to make them work.
Today several companies still make the signals themselves, but how many relay cabinets and battery boxes can you find today? That's a shame, because in O scale, it's easier to notice that things like this are missing. In ho, these pieces are plentiful.
Have you looked at the Lineside Details from Scale City Designs ?
I have, and I like the modern signal relay cabinets, the ones that look like a big gym locker. But I don't think they have the two-level vertical stacked relay cabinets with the round-top doors, or their single-level counterparts.
I've looked for them, and find plenty in ho, but not O.
Nj International had the single-level cabinets, but not the stacked ones. I know somebody in the old Walthers catalogue had them years ago, and I'm almost sure it was them.
It's kind of ironic, in that back then, when those cases were being made, there wasn't a lot of CNJ equipment in o scale, and the CNJ, especially on the NY&LB, was a big user of the stacked relay cabinets.
Now that virtually every O Scale company makes CNJ equipment, nobody seems to be selling those details.
I know Irish Tracklayer had them a few years ago, but I'm not sure of his status.
Think 3D printing.
gunrunnerjohn posted:Sure Tom, but then you have to change the trucks for 3-rail.
I've had some vendors at 2-rail shows swap the 2-rail trucks for 3-rail (which they just happen to have in a box at their tables) on new in the box Atlas cars for which I just paid the princely sum of $25 each. Tom is right, there are many bargains to be found on rolling stock at 2-rail shows.
Alan Hummel posted:Despite the cost of O Scale,YOU JUST GOT TO LOVE THE "HEFT"of those trains!!!!
As Always,
Al Hummel
You have to be careful though. Appreciating the "heft" of trains can be an addiction that leads to bigger and bigger trains.
Many consider O scale a rich mans hobby. I've been told that by vendors.
More mythology........ Plenty of stuff available at bargain prices.
Tom Tee posted:Sounds like many here need to attend a 2 rail 0 scale train show. The car prices are just a fraction of the numbers the major mfg. post.
One can acquire 4, 5 or 6 decent cars for the same amount of money as one new car.
"The future of 0 scale" is used equipment and 0 scale shows.
Bill Davis @ the Indy show frequently has scores of new Atlas cars in unopened boxes for 1/4 to 1/3 of regular pricing.
Heck in the latest issue of the O Scale Resource, Dan the publisher, showed pictures of boxcars for $2 and even a few for $1 that were seen at the Strasburg show.
EDC15,(B0B),
Years back I was headed for that size. my wife wants to know if you own the cars pictured. Are those,I think they called the scale 1&1/2" where the tracks are spaced 7&1/2" apart? Real nice.
Al Hummel
I saw the article in O Scale trains,also with the cheap trains. I'm sure bargains an be found at the train shows,but the closest shows to me are Indianapolis and Chicago which, being an Epileptic, aren't options,as I don't drive unless necessary.
Al Hummel
ecd15 posted:Alan Hummel posted:Despite the cost of O Scale,YOU JUST GOT TO LOVE THE "HEFT"of those trains!!!!
As Always,
Al Hummel
You have to be careful though. Appreciating the "heft" of trains can be an addiction that leads to bigger and bigger trains.
I prefer the real ones for that reason. Sadly those days are gone for me.
Back on "track", I still believe the one place Atlas could experience a resurgence is with an updated line of O scale "Snap Track".
This was the product that put Atlas on the map for HO and N scales.
The current Lenz-based Atlas track has seen it's day. European spec in appearance and crudely detailed, it needs a complete reset.
Track isn't like cars and locomotives. There is no penalty of weakness in making it and it's details scale sized.
How about a new line of O scale "Snap Track" with scale sized tie plates and spikes and corresponding turnouts and crossovers with US spec frog numbers and dimensions and all of the metal and bracing of the prototype?
Track suitable from the steam through modern eras. That and structures are what put Atlas on the map.
Hudson J1e posted:Tom Tee posted:Sounds like many here need to attend a 2 rail 0 scale train show. The car prices are just a fraction of the numbers the major mfg. post.
One can acquire 4, 5 or 6 decent cars for the same amount of money as one new car.
"The future of 0 scale" is used equipment and 0 scale shows.
Bill Davis @ the Indy show frequently has scores of new Atlas cars in unopened boxes for 1/4 to 1/3 of regular pricing.
Heck in the latest issue of the O Scale Resource, Dan the publisher, showed pictures of boxcars for $2 and even a few for $1 that were seen at the Strasburg show.
I wish that were the case here in New England I would buy a couple of dozen. Nothing here for $2 unless its old mpc in a box under the table for $5 .
Alan Hummel posted:EDC15,(B0B),
Years back I was headed for that size. my wife wants to know if you own the cars pictured. Are those,I think they called the scale 1&1/2" where the tracks are spaced 7&1/2" apart? Real nice.
Al Hummel
Alan,
Yes, the Erie caboose is mine. You are correct, it is 1 1/2" scale with a gauge of 7 1/2". The one advantage of this scale is that it is much tougher to be a hoarder with dozens (or hundreds for some of us) of engines and cars. And there really is no "under layout" storage space. Although, dead rail is the norm and track cleaning usually involves removing branches (or trees).
The Santa Fe engines previously posted are the same scale, but do not belong to me.
Hudson J1e posted:Tom Tee posted:Sounds like many here need to attend a 2 rail 0 scale train show. The car prices are just a fraction of the numbers the major mfg. post.
One can acquire 4, 5 or 6 decent cars for the same amount of money as one new car.
"The future of 0 scale" is used equipment and 0 scale shows.
Bill Davis @ the Indy show frequently has scores of new Atlas cars in unopened boxes for 1/4 to 1/3 of regular pricing.
Heck in the latest issue of the O Scale Resource, Dan the publisher, showed pictures of boxcars for $2 and even a few for $1 that were seen at the Strasburg show.
I even bought 2 of those $1 cars - those were Atlas body shells w/o floors, etc. but for a $1 I can build a floor and detailed underbody pretty easily. But I really just wanted them for raw materials, mainly the doors, for other projects.
Tom Tee posted:Sounds like many here need to attend a 2 rail 0 scale train show. The car prices are just a fraction of the numbers the major mfg. post.
One can acquire 4, 5 or 6 decent cars for the same amount of money as one new car.
"The future of 0 scale" is used equipment and 0 scale shows.
Bill Davis @ the Indy show frequently has scores of new Atlas cars in unopened boxes for 1/4 to 1/3 of regular pricing.
I have yet to attend a show and the major ones in Chicago and Indianapolis are within driving distance. Speaking with a few 2-railers they have said the same thing: 2-rail Atlas locomotives and rolling stock can be had for a fraction of the original price.
I've been extremely fortunate to find what I have but there are a couple of locomotives I'm trying to locate. Better than 90% of what I have is either Atlas Master or Trainman.
I'm definitely attending the March Meet, if for nothing more than to meet Erik Stott of Midwestern Modelworks since I have an SD40-2 reserved. I also have a GP9 reserved thru 3rd Rail so I'm hopeful to see Scott Mann. I know these guys are busy but they do a fantastic job of promoting the hobby.
I have lots of Atlas pre-ordered from this year including 25,500 gallon tank cars, Coalveyors, Trinity hoppers and 89' flat cars. I plan on honoring my pre-order for the SD40's if they ever see the light of day. I love Atlas O products. I renewed my Golden Spike Club membership for next year. I wish there were more Atlas enthusiasts in the hobby like myself because threads like this wouldn't exist.
EMDALCO01,
I have that fight so often going back to HO,but it just ain't gonna happen. I pick up a 25,500 tanker in my hand and think,"Oh my gosh! This thing is fantastic how could I consider selling it?" The only reason I ever considered it is do to the wife&my economic situation. If it has to go,there will still be time if that happens.
Al
Alan Hummel posted:EDC15,(B0B),
Years back I was headed for that size. .......I think they called the scale 1&1/2" where the tracks are spaced 7&1/2" apart? Real nice.
Al Hummel
Well, I'm sure you are glad you didn't. Otherwise you'd be on the 7.5GF continuously bemoaning that you can't get every prototype car you want [ with road specific details of course ], in the exact paint scheme you want, in the exact number series you want with fifty different numbers per car, always in stock everywhere, and for $19.95 each.......
SZ
I absolutely LOVE Atlas cars for all the molded plastic details they have. Extremely realistic!!!
OTOH, I absolutely HATE Atlas cars for all the molded plastic details they have. Just look at them cross-eyed, and the molded plastic details shatter, break, and fall off!
I have NO new Atlas freight cars. I have several used Atlas freight cars that I have picked up at bargain-basement prices at train shows. Usually have busted/missing parts, where I have to go in and scratch-build replacement parts. And not just Atlas, but other brands, too. As a matter of fact, at the last train show I attended, I picked up several SCALE-sized, or nearly scale-sized, freight cars needing various degrees of minor work, for $3 each!!! 
What a bargain!!!
I would personally like to thank all the individuals for selling me this stuff at such phenomenal low prices. O-gauge may be a rich man's hobby, but that's just assuming you strictly buy new. AFAIK, I'm making out like a fat cat by buying used, really nice stuff, at super-bargain prices. I think I've gotten into O-gauge at the right time in history, Atlas stuff included.
German posted:MELGAR posted:Atlas O just delivered their Trainman model of a 1937 caboose as built by Magor Car Company of Clifton, New Jersey. Mine is the Boston & Maine version - a beauty. See link. I like their models.
MELGAR
I grew up in adjacent Paterson and am well-aware of it's locomotive building history but was was totally unaware of Magor until this post. Thank you! I now have some fun research to pursue.
Edward Kaminski I believe did a book on Magor car works from Clifton, NJ
Tom Tee posted:0 scale is not just twice the size of HO.
As far as heft goes wrap you head around this. 0 scale has 8 times the presence of HO.
act.
Actually, it's closer to 1.81 times the size of HO,
I was surprised in this whole thread there is no mention of the Golden Spike Club. Pat does a great job trying to keep all of the membership happy. The last few years the Club Car was in my opinion late but worth it. Last year's Club Car did not hit my porch until March or April. I am waiting to see when the 2019 Car hits as I have already signed up for 2020. I think I have each car since the Club's inception, except when their offering was from the Trainman Line.
mwb posted:Tom Tee posted:0 scale is not just twice the size of HO.
As far as heft goes wrap you head around this. 0 scale has 8 times the presence of HO.
act.
Actually, it's closer to 1.81 times the size of HO,
Heft/ Volume and Size. I’d call it a draw and say your both correct.
Taken from NMRA.org website
In fact, it is said that historically, the name "HO" was inspired by it being "Half O". Even though every linear measurement in O scale is about twice the same measurement in HO scale, remember that each measurement in a 3-D item in O scale is twice that in HO scale. (i.e. length, width, height) So, for example, the volume of a structure in O scale is actually eight (8) times that of the same structure in HO scale. That is an important factor to remember when considering space requirements for each scale.
Scale. Wanna' split hairs? It's all a gosh-dang'd numbers game. The TRUE interpretation is only available to those of us mathematicians in the know.
For instance, a lot of depends on which side of the "pond" you are on. In America, true O-scale would be (or maybe should be, considering the distance between the rails?) considered as 1/48 scale. Or, 1/4" = 1'-0". Which has its origins based on English measurements. Not even opening the 1-1/4" (scale 5'-0") between the rails debate. But Proto 1/48 scale addresses that issue. Half-O, or HO, therefore should really be 1/96 scale, or basically, 1/2 the scale of O-scale, which would also be 1/8" = 1'-0". But something funny happened on the way to the forum.
The English adopted the metric system, and as a result, their O-scale became 7 mm to the foot. Or, rounding off to the English adopted system, 1/43.5. Therefore, half that size became HO scale, or as commonly known, 3.5mm/foot (half of 7 mm/foot), a.k.a. "1/87" scale, which pretty much stuck. HO scale is 3.5 mm/foot, like it or not. It may be the only one long-time true scale, to which all other standards are measured from. Which is kind of a conundrum. Shouldn't 3.5 mm equal something metric, like say a meter, or a decimeter, or even a centimeter or something like that? But no, the English decided to let 7 mm, and half or that, 3.5 mm (METRIC measurements) equal one FOOT (an ENGLISH measurement), thereby screwing up model train scales for all eternity ever after!
And let's consider N-scale, 9 mm between the rails, or 1/160 scale. Which is kinda' sorta' half of HO scale. Or thereabouts. Doing the math, we find that N-scale is also not exactly 1/4 the size of O-scale, as can be arbitrarily assumed, but more precisely 3-1/3 times smaller than American O-scale, which of course is not the current English O-scale, but IS the current world-wide N-scale accepted measurement, except in Japan, where it's somewhere closer to 1/150 scale, or maybe 1/144 scale, or maybe somewhere around that. It's kinda' like playing "Whack-a-Mole" at the circus carnival. You're never quite sure where that next head is gonna' pop up, you just have to try your best to hammer it when it does!
If that doesn't blow your minuscule minds, it ought to. It blows my minuscule mind! Which is why I like O-gauge, as opposed to O-scale. It's more of a suggestion than an absolute. I remember taking pre-calculus back in high school (a long time ago). In retrospect, I think it was even more understandable than model railroading scales!
And more food for thought - you want my honest opinion? As far as I'm concerned, there all only 2 (two) TRUE model railroad SCALES - Proto 1/48 (1/4" = 1'-0") for one, and S-scale (3/16" = 1'-0") for the other. You wanna' know why? It's because they are based on strictly English measurement scale-downs, and NOT English-to-metric conversions with their resultant rounding off's to the closest inch or millimeter or whatever.
So, how's the batteries in your calculator? Hope they're fully charged. You'll need 'em if you're gonna' try and figure out model railroading scales to the Nth degree!
LOOSE-CABOOSE,
I thought the Golden Spike Club was closed to new members years ago? A person can still get in?
Al Hummel
Alan Hummel posted:LOOSE-CABOOSE,
I thought the Golden Spike Club was closed to new members years ago? A person can still get in?
Al Hummel
I don't know that I said anything that would affirm or negate your question. All I was mentioning was that I think the GSC is a great thing that Atlas is doing for the Hobby. But, since you brought it up, I do remember something about it being done away with for N (?) and HO (?). I know my application this year said something about if your a current member a member ID was to be inserted. But again that is an assumption maybe reading too much into it. The Best way to answer your question would be to call Atlas and ask for Pat Kimble. She is in charge of the GSC at Atlas.
MrMuffin'sTrains posted:Unfortunately, with the long delay from preorders being due until the engines actually shipped, I for one, had a lot of cancellations of preorders for F3s and F7s leaving me holding the bag on dozens of engines....
Steve, though it allowed us to pick up items we did not order, is an unfortunate issue with the delayed production run that some did not take items they preordered. Must say they run very well with Atlas usual high quality, hope they place some new ones in the next catalog.
LOOSE-CABOOSE,
Jim I guess I read some things into your thread. just sounded like the GSC was alive and well. I was a member years back and it is a VERY NICE club with very helpful information.
Yes,it's possible that the club was closed to HO&N,but anything I would say would be a wild guess.
Thanks,
Al Hummel
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