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I just received an email from MTH announcing another run of its RailKing scale ALCo C-628's and C-630's.  It made me think about the awesome C-628's & C-630's that Atlas O offered in the past...and how nice it would be to see them do another run.

This is by no means a knock on MTH's model...they're actually a great value for the $$.  It's just that I prefer the finer level of scale details offered on the Atlas Master Line locomotive models, such as separately-applied metal grab irons, door handles, m.u. and brake hoses, windshield wipers, brake chains, etc.

Atlas O first offered these models around 2005, with the last run completed around 2009...so it's been about 13 years since they've been produced.  And they're fairly tough to find in very good or excellent condition on the used market...especially in the elusive Lehigh Valley "Snowbird" scheme, which happens to be one of my all-time favorites!

It sure would be great to see Atlas O bring these big ALCo locomotives back to market again, possibly with upgraded cruise control electronics and improved RailSounds!

Am I on an island here...or would anyone else be interested?  I'm not sure if the folks at Atlas still monitor the Forum.  Atlas O, are you out there?  @Atlas O

Last edited by CNJ #1601
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Like yourself, I feel the MTH Railking version is "adequate", but  I have been hoping, for years, to see the return of the beautifully detailed Atlas O versions of which I only purchased the D&H engines. If Atlas released these again, I would purchase both LV versions, Reading, Pennsy, and more D&H. My concern is that with the release of the Railking versions Atlas might be reluctant to reissue their versions at this time.......I hope this is not the case as I believe if Atlas offered these again I'm confident the response would be enthusiastic. Those Atlas O models were exquisite and clearly some of their best offerings.

I hope Atlas O monitors the forum........

I’d probably order an Atlas version in PRR DGLE but I really like running mixed consists so it would be cool if they were offered at the same time as some U boats that ran at the same speed steps.

Truth be told, I’d probably go for the MTH versions if they didn’t have the blind inner axles.

Last edited by rplst8
@SusieQ posted:

Like yourself, I feel the MTH Railking version is "adequate", but  I have been hoping, for years, to see the return of the beautifully detailed Atlas O versions of which I only purchased the D&H engines. If Atlas released these again, I would purchase both LV versions, Reading, Pennsy, and more D&H. My concern is that with the release of the Railking versions Atlas might be reluctant to reissue their versions at this time.......I hope this is not the case as I believe if Atlas offered these again I'm confident the response would be enthusiastic. Those Atlas O models were exquisite and clearly some of their best offerings.

I hope Atlas O monitors the forum........

SusieQ, for some reason that I can’t remember, I didn’t purchase any of these when Atlas offered them.  I think it was because I owned several of the Weaver versions at that time.  They were nowhere near as detailed as the Atlas models.

I’ve since been able to acquire three D&H’s…two powered and one non-powered.  But I haven’t been able to acquire any of the LV “Snowbirds”.  I would probably buy 3 of them if they were offered again.

Would anybody have any comments on if is possible, feasible to swap body shells from a powered Atlas C-628 to a non-powered Atlas C-628.  Maybe it may not be wise to attempt.

I personally have not removed a shell from one of these…..I just wondering if one would regret trying that with wiring, lighting, antenna, ect.

I have two non-powered Monon C-628’s that I have found recently (with great difficulty) and would like to get one or both converted to powered.

Last edited by OGR CEO-PUBLISHER

Yes!  The Atlas C628/630 is a beautiful model of an ugly Alco. I’d be in for a couple.

If they announced them tomorrow, they would hit the shore sometime in late 2026 or 2027, if we’re lucky.  Their F7’’s , announced in November 2021 are arriving in a few weeks.  Their RSD-7/15 was announced in 2015 and arrived in 2023.  A few of those preorders may not have lived long enough to see that release.

I picture a one person factory and maybe one guy in a row boat bringing the product over here.

Hi Atlas!

-Brian

Last edited by Valpac

C630 with a three axle truck, may be a bit much for smaller 3rail.  The trucks on the Weaver models had a blind third (inner) axle, (some had plastic wheels). The flange-less, (blind inner axle), was a good substitute for a standard two axle truck, IMO,   O72, maybe O54.  IMO, big model for a small layout. IMO.   

@Mike CT posted:

C630 with a three axle truck, may be a bit much for smaller 3rail.  The trucks on the Weaver models had a blind third (inner) axle, (some had plastic wheels). The flange-less, (blind inner axle), was a good substitute for a standard two axle truck, IMO,   O72, maybe O54.  IMO, big model for a small layout. IMO.   

Yes, they are big, Mike.  However, they're really no different than all the scale-sized huge diesels currently on the market today, with more and more released every year.  Just look at the catalogs.  Both modern and older power...I couldn't even begin to list all the big diesels here.  Or all the big steam on the market.  People prove time and time again they're willing to buy up all this "big" stuff, so I can't see that being a reason for Atlas not to re-release these big ALCo's.

Last edited by CNJ #1601

Yes but would perhaps want the Atlas Alco C424 and C425s run again even more.  I seem to remember a story circulation 5/10 years ago that Atlas had/chose to move their production in China from one manufacturer to another manufacturer and in the process lost some tooling.  Not sure if it was the C628/630 and C424/425 tooling that they lost?

Maybe someone out there knows the details?

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