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Post by Brakie on Jul 19, 2014 9:59:42 GMT -8
Jim,Just because Atlas has slowed down in HO so they can catch up in N and O Scale is no sign they're still not the leader or being "left in the dust".. N Scalers went several years without a new locomotive. The last being the GP15-1 back in 2008.Newest is the ALCO S2 that was announced in Dec of last year. HO received several new items during that time frame while N Scalers held a empty new product bag.. I would rather see Atlas go slow and get things done right instead of rushing new products out the door that may have QA/QC problems which will lead to more sour QA/QC topics. I agree let Atlas get it right! As I can attest to the many QA/QC problems I've had with Athearn locomotives compared to Atlas. I've purchased 5 brand new Athearn locomotives within the last year and had burnt out bulbs, broken handrails, and missing road numbers on 2. Compared to 7 Atlas locomotives, I've purchased in the same time frame, I only had one brand new locomotive that was missing a front coupler. Peddler, does the lack of new HO locomotive releases have anything to do with the lack of HO track? Maybe the sales of track product is affecting locomotive product development? Or is it just the China issue that caught up with them? To be truthful I don't know but,I fully believe that was a top priory since modelers was screaming about the lack of track.As was stated by Atlas first came C100 and then C83 for HO. I suspect Atlas will announce new HO products since they are far from being down for the slow count as many think.They have had monthly announcements and monthly releases.I guess those don't count or the upgraded Alco switcher. I would be more concern if Atlas had no monthly announcements or had fast releases of faulty new products.
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Post by Brakie on Jul 19, 2014 10:07:34 GMT -8
I know Atlas does N and O of course, but don't follow them much at all. If I were, I be in the N and O scale topic area's reading and posting more. In my earlier post, I was just lamenting how Atlas HO is fallen way behind the competitor brands. That being said, I do hope they recover as Atlas has generally been recognized in the past as a leader in quality. For now, it is what it is. Jim Jim,Sorry,I gotta ask..What recovery? Have they not been monthly announcements from Atlas? Has they're not be monthly releases? Or have I been asleep? Do you really want Atlas to rush new models out the door that might have QA/QC issues? Do we really need more sour QA/QC topics? I would much prefer new releases from Atlas to be without QA/QC problems..
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Post by carrman on Jul 19, 2014 10:23:34 GMT -8
Monthly announcements that consist of repaints of existing models. Maybe a new freight car now and then. Face it, Atlas is not what they once were. Between incredible shipping delays, lack of product, and recent drive train changes, they are just not what they used to be. I have a lot of their product. It's a shame they make nothing I want or can use anymore.
Dave
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Post by riogrande on Jul 19, 2014 10:47:03 GMT -8
Jim,Sorry,I gotta ask..What recovery? Have they not been monthly announcements from Atlas? Has they're not be monthly releases? Or have I been asleep? Do you really want Atlas to rush new models out the door that might have QA/QC issues? Do we really need more sour QA/QC topics? I would much prefer new releases from Atlas to be without QA/QC problems.. Larry, I don't think it's just me, others have noticed it too and commented (Dave above for example). There is a general consensus that Atlas HO production isn't what it was prior to say, about 5 years ago (give or take). So when I mentioned recovery, that's what I'm talking about. I don't think I can be much more clear. Atlas was offering more newly tooled engines per year, and HO rolling stock in general, prior to the recession and factory issues apart from QAQC issues. I would never suggest Atlas (or any company for that matter) lower quality standards so can we please drop that line of thought? Now whether Atlas's rate of production is a good thing or not, that is up to folks opinions. As I've said, there is so much good stuff hitting the market that I can't keep up anyway! Cheers, Jim
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Post by Brakie on Jul 19, 2014 10:53:25 GMT -8
Monthly announcements that consist of repaints of existing models. Maybe a new freight car now and then. Face it, Atlas is not what they once were. Between incredible shipping delays, lack of product, and recent drive train changes, they are just not what they used to be. I have a lot of their product. It's a shame they make nothing I want or can use anymore. Dave According to your views? Do we really need more half baked locomotives filled with QA/QC or inaccuracies so,we can find more to moan and groan about? Note the topics concerning Genesis QA/QC issues and IM SD40-2s issues. I think Atlas is doing just fine without rushing junk on the market..
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Post by riogrande on Jul 19, 2014 10:58:13 GMT -8
I think Atlas is doing just fine without rushing junk on the market.. I don't think anyone here is suggesting Atlas drop quality standards. Obviously Atlas was able to produce more high quality products once upon a time. I honestly don't know what is holding them back now but it is what it is. Jim
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Post by Brakie on Jul 19, 2014 11:00:25 GMT -8
Larry, I don't think it's just me, others have noticed it too and commented (Dave above for example). There is a general consensus that Atlas HO production isn't what it was prior to say, about 5 years ago (give or take). So when I mentioned recovery, that's what I'm talking about. I don't think I can be much more clear. ------------------------------- Jim,I think we can agree to disagree..I just don't want to see Atlas following the footsteps of Athearn by releasing faulty products because a few think the sky is falling because no new locomotives..
Can I be much clearer?
What if Atlas wasn't releasing reruns or having monthly releases? How about the new cars they released?
Then we need to worry.
Let's be fair to Atlas.
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Post by carrman on Jul 19, 2014 11:04:32 GMT -8
I am being fair and stating what I see. I see damn little new product and lots of rehashes of existing models. I'm not worried about them, I just can see they've been left behind.
Dave
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Post by sd80macs on Jul 19, 2014 11:06:22 GMT -8
I wonder if somebody would ever do an Amtrak gp40tc? Now that would be a cool engine! Agreed, and it wouldn't take much upgrade since they've already done the Amtrak GP40 in the Master series. It would only take a new Frame, Walkway, Body, LOL Pretty much a completely newly tooled loco as the GP40TC has nothing in common to the GP40 or GP40-2.
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Post by carrman on Jul 19, 2014 11:13:08 GMT -8
It'd be super simple to tool a late version dynamic brake blister for the GP40 also, use nose the tooling for the early GP40-2 with nose gyra-light, and do some later WP and DRGW units. Use the walkways from the GP38 with the "zig-zag" end plates, and a ribbed traction motor blower housing also. Omit the light, and have late version GP40's for other roads.
Dave
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Post by grabbem88 on Jul 19, 2014 11:24:10 GMT -8
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Post by snailtrail on Jul 19, 2014 12:21:25 GMT -8
Yes i agree, the latest S-2 is a brand new model. I have an undecorated example that i have disassembled (i should post some photos) and its definitely all new tooling. And suprisingly heavy as well.
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Post by edwardsutorik on Jul 19, 2014 14:05:45 GMT -8
Yes i agree, the latest S-2 is a brand new model...And suprisingly heavy as well. Weight on drivers: Atlas GN S-2, sound................. 10 3/4 oz Bowser GN S-12, sound............. 7 1/2 Walthers GN SW1......................... 10 All above are the most recent models. Ed
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Post by carrman on Jul 19, 2014 15:00:08 GMT -8
Pickup system on the new S2 better than the old one? Seems as they aged they didn't run as smooth because of the wipers.
Dave
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Jul 19, 2014 15:16:45 GMT -8
Atlas needs to join the 21st Century with their locomotive products. Everybody else, except Intermountain, is at least offering some prototype detailing. Atlas and Intermountain plod away like its 1975 with generic detailing. But both are charging premium prices.
Speaking of the GP40 and its sister GP38, Atlas has for a decade just done pretty paint on these models. The CB&Q, SCL, L&N and others that have nose headlights is a feature Atlas does not do. One reason is the way Atlas cut its tooling. The nose and long hood are one piece. Everyone else uses a separate nose casting to allow for high hoods, nose headlights, Mars/Gyralights and other warning lights.
Now with the change in motors and maybe other drive line changes, how will this effect Atlas in the long run? One of Atlas selling features was its drive.
The track situation is still a fluid thing for Atlas. They are far from being out of the woods.
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Post by grabbem88 on Jul 19, 2014 15:25:05 GMT -8
Gotta agree with that post and I see athearn doing an Amtrak gp40tc before atlas has enough track to sell let alone something that presents a 100% new tooled engine
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Post by snailtrail on Jul 19, 2014 16:08:09 GMT -8
It will be interesting to see if Atlas retrofit the new silver motor (Mabuchi?) into the latest, yet to arrive, run of HH660's
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Post by sd80mac on Jul 19, 2014 16:40:02 GMT -8
Personally I'm excited for GP40-2s with Loksound.
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Post by grabbem88 on Jul 19, 2014 16:43:39 GMT -8
I guess if you opted out on the atlas products because of the undesirable qsi sound then the esu is a step up
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Post by edwardsutorik on Jul 19, 2014 17:43:44 GMT -8
I guess if you opted out on the atlas products because of the undesirable qsi sound then the esu is a step up I got both the Atlas S-2 and the Bowser S-12. The both have loksound, and sound great. I really enjoy operating them with the sound on. Ed
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Post by grabbem88 on Jul 19, 2014 18:30:05 GMT -8
Trust me I will be last person to dispute esu loksound and there performance..
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Post by sd80macs on Jul 20, 2014 12:10:43 GMT -8
Gotta agree with that post and I see athearn doing an Amtrak gp40tc before atlas has enough track to sell let alone something that presents a 100% new tooled engine I would prefer Athearn to upgrade the P40/P42 to Genesis level as we still need a good version of that, we all know kato's HO version is a joke.
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Post by sd80macs on Jul 20, 2014 12:14:47 GMT -8
Personally I'm excited for GP40-2s with Loksound. I am still disappointed at the Athearn CR GP40-2 as they will be wrong and Athearn admitted to it already. The nose grabs will be on the wrong side as the should be on the conductors side not the engineers side. So I assume any PC, CR EMD unit will have that fault and before someone says just move them over to the other side, I agree its doable but then matching paint, plugging holes, Etc is a PITA and should have to be done on a $250+ plastic model. If you want to charge a premium then I expect a premium model with details dead on.
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Post by stevewagner on Jul 24, 2014 4:40:15 GMT -8
Having finally had time to look at the new Atlas catalog more closely, a few more considerations.
1. Atlas certainly got the catalog out promptly. It was supposed to be available at the Cleveland show, which I couldn't attend. But it was posted at atlasrr.com during the afternoon of the show's first day, Friday, July 18. And the model train store in New England where I work a few hours per month received a copy of the catalog will a postcard for ordering up to ten more free on Monday, July 21.
2. Paul Graf's piece in the catalog says it has two newly tooled models, N scale items mentioned above. There's actually another, an HO item, on page 21: 50' plug door boxcars of 5111 cu. ft. capacity built by National Steel Car of Hamilton, Ontario. That size had been mentioned in the announcements for the first two runs of NSC cars of other capacities, but this time 5111 models are listed. To be announced in September with arrival estimated for the first quarter of 2015 are an undecorated version and four cars each in three paint schemes: CP Rail green, with MultiMark; Ontario Northland blue and yellow; Quebec Central "plain Jane" patch on the CP Rail livery. Also one new paint scheme on the 5277 cu. ft. car: Youngstown & Austintown "plain Jane" patch on what may have been a green CP Rail car without the MultiMark.
3. The catalog shows many changes in the quarters in which particular product runs are estimated to reach dealers, and in several cases they're sooner than the most recently posted A to Z Shipping Schedule on the Atlas website shows. (As of about 8:30 a.m., EDT on Thursday, July 24 those changes haven't yet been posted.)
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Post by WP 257 on Jul 24, 2014 5:10:55 GMT -8
Atlas actually is trying to do things right by making improvements where easily possible.
The catalog shows a Santa Fe Kodachrome GP39-2, with the correct anticlimber front pilot, this time.
The previous release of that Kodachrome paint scheme was a phase 1 GP39-2 with the incorrect pilot. Most Santa Fe fans would be well aware that all ATSF GP39-2's were delivered with anticlimber pilots, which might be why some of the incorrect Phase 1 Kodachrome units still linger here or there in dealer inventory.
(I still bought both incorrect phase 1 units.)
I look forward to being able to buy the correct version Kodachrome units. I'd personally prefer the blue and yellow version, but will settle for the Kodachrome as it's close enough to "my era" and gives me a little variety...
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Post by stevewagner on Jul 24, 2014 5:41:19 GMT -8
I posted the part of my recent post here concerning the Canadian boxcars at the Yahoo canadianmodeltrains forum, and Chris vanderHeide, a very knowledgeable Canadian, quickly posted this:
"Not sure what's going on with the QC cars. Those were not patched ex-CP cars, they were built new with CP colours and QC reporting marks; QC was a subsidiary of CP and they used this to get paper and pulp cars routed back towards eastern Canada. They did the same thing with EN (Esquimalt and Nanaimo) marks on some 40' double-door boxcars for lumber service, to get them routed back to BC. A lot of the QC cars later went to QGRY (Quebec-Gatineau / G&W) and that's when they got patched."
He added that the YARR cars were ex-BCOL.
I replied, thanking him very much for the corrections, and noting that I had simply been going by the drawings in the Atlas catalog.
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Post by powerglide on Jul 24, 2014 7:07:44 GMT -8
Personally I'm excited for GP40-2s with Loksound. I am still disappointed at the Athearn CR GP40-2 as they will be wrong and Athearn admitted to it already. The nose grabs will be on the wrong side as the should be on the conductors side not the engineers side. So I assume any PC, CR EMD unit will have that fault and before someone says just move them over to the other side, I agree its doable but then matching paint, plugging holes, Etc is a PITA and should have to be done on a $250+ plastic model. If you want to charge a premium then I expect a premium model with details dead on. Have same problem on a pair conrail gp15-1's grabs on wrong side.Not a easy fix.
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Post by stevewagner on Jul 24, 2014 12:59:37 GMT -8
Further to the forthcoming Atlas Quebec Central NSC-built 5111 cu. ft. boxcars, Chris vanderHeide has checked with Atlas, and despite what the drawing in the catalog looks like, they won't be painted as patch jobs, and Chris thinks the models will look good.
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Lt. Dan
New Member
Building the Burlington Sub
Posts: 6
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Post by Lt. Dan on Jul 25, 2014 14:33:47 GMT -8
I also noticed on the Trainman EMD GP39-2s the first number for UP (1202) is one of the ex-Kennecott Copper units. Those had the odd high-clearance fuel tanks for industrial use. The UP 1205 and 1207 are both ex-MKT units and so have standard EMD fuel tanks - like the Atlas model.
I'm hoping they choose a different number for the first SKU - so all three are correct. This issue is what kept me from picking up the ex-KCC Soo Line units on the first phase II run.
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Post by bdhicks on Jul 25, 2014 22:29:01 GMT -8
Yeah, I have a pair of ex-Kennecott GP39-2s on my list of future projects and there are a lot of differences between those and the trainman model. For one, the Kennecott GP39-2s are all the early phase 2, which means they have flat top fans and the generator door is in a slightly different position. There's also the extra air tank ahead of the high-clearance fuel tank, and the low-profile inertial filter hatch. The shortened high cabs also tend to have a stepped roof, although that varies from unit to unit.
Looking at the pictures and info on rrpicturearchives.net, it looks like all of the UP numbers in the Atlas announcement are actually ex-Kennecott units which were bought secondhand by MKT.
I see the announcement also includes the TCWR GP39-2s, which are the ex-Kennecott ones I was looking to model. (It's nice to see someone offering that road, but as far as I can tell they have never owned a stock road unit.)
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