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Post by atsfan on Nov 15, 2015 5:46:31 GMT -8
Why would Atlas not use existing tooling for frame, drive, electronics, fuel tanks, cab, handrails etc ? Ask Atlas. In the case of the S2 there's plenty of possible reasons: the old tooling might have been worn out, or have been designed with compromises/inaccuracies, or the new tooling would have required new chassis tooling for it to fit (rather than shoehorning it on old tooling). Since they switched to that new factory, if they had the in-house designers design and tool it up for them, it might have made more sense for the factory just to design it with all new tooling to make design and assembly work easier. Also, their old S-series switchers were designed when DC was the defacto standard, new tooling designs may have been needed to create the necessary space on the chassis and inside the shell to allow DCC + sound to be installed. Anyone who has tried to install DCC and sound inside an Alco switcher like an S1/2/3/4 knows how tight it can be inside. The answer is they are using it. This is a new model using existing tooling were it works. The S2 is a completley different story and a false comparison.
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Post by edwardsutorik on Nov 15, 2015 7:38:33 GMT -8
Ask Atlas. In the case of the S2 there's plenty of possible reasons: the old tooling might have been worn out, or have been designed with compromises/inaccuracies, or the new tooling would have required new chassis tooling for it to fit (rather than shoehorning it on old tooling). Since they switched to that new factory, if they had the in-house designers design and tool it up for them, it might have made more sense for the factory just to design it with all new tooling to make design and assembly work easier. Also, their old S-series switchers were designed when DC was the defacto standard, new tooling designs may have been needed to create the necessary space on the chassis and inside the shell to allow DCC + sound to be installed. Anyone who has tried to install DCC and sound inside an Alco switcher like an S1/2/3/4 knows how tight it can be inside. The answer is they are using it. Using "it" for what? Under discussion is the Atlas S-2. And what is "it"? What new model? Certainly you aren't talking about the U33/36B, as you have no way of knowing what tooling they are or aren't using. Or do you? And then, the S-2. First it appears ("The answer is they are using it) you say they ARE using "it". Then you say they are NOT ("The S2 is a completely different story"). Please clarify. What ARE you going on about? Ed
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Post by pacificed on Nov 15, 2015 11:49:08 GMT -8
Now, I'm excited about this announcement. SCL and Auto Train will be great additions. Thank you Atlas.
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Post by roadkill on Nov 15, 2015 12:18:24 GMT -8
Remember well watching Penn Central U33B's cruise through Berea, can't wait to get some. Might even pick up a Conrail U36B as well, I saw them rather regularly on TV trains back in the day.
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Post by antoniofp45 on Nov 15, 2015 12:40:46 GMT -8
A good friend of mine called and left me a phone message with the news. It was a very pleasant shock! After years of hearing/reading from others and southeastern detractors: "Forget it! No one's going to make one; they won't sell!" and "Just get an Athearn widebody and fix it up!"............ This is sweet! Finally Seaboard Coast Line's flagship road locomotive is coming to fruition. Add to that it's from Atlas! I'm saving my nickels. I'd like two U36Bs and one U33B with the body-contouring sheet metal flares in front of the radiator wings. BTW: Cool factor for 1970s east coast passenger train modelers is that SCL U36B's "pinched-hit" for ailing Amtrak E-units on the long distance runs: www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=21271&showexif=1I have countless memories of seeing these loud, classic GE's hauling mile long phosphate unit trains, auto carriers and fast mixed freights. I used to get goosebumps when I'd hear a lash-up of these muscle laden beasts approaching a grade crossing, chugging at full throttle. Hard to forget hearing the Leslie RS5T-RR0 horn echoing in the distance. From my understanding, the most likely sound decoders will be from Loksound? I'm glad about that. I don't want to ruffle feathers but I was hoping that it wasn't the Soundtraxx Tsunami as most of those sound schemes are the same ones from almost a decade ago. Hopefully Loksound will include either the Leslie RS5T-RR0 or similar sounding RS5T horn scheme, which is a must for the SCL/Family Lines/CSX versions.
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Post by carrman on Nov 15, 2015 13:12:12 GMT -8
SCL 1776 will sell like hotcakes. I have no need for one, but I might have to get one! No more need to sacrifice U33C long hoods!
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Post by atsfan on Nov 15, 2015 13:14:48 GMT -8
The answer is they are using it. Using "it" for what? Under discussion is the Atlas S-2. And what is "it"? What new model? Certainly you aren't talking about the U33/36B, as you have no way of knowing what tooling they are or aren't using. Or do you? And then, the S-2. First it appears ("The answer is they are using it) you say they ARE using "it". Then you say they are NOT ("The S2 is a completely different story"). Please clarify. What ARE you going on about? Ed Please either follow along or stay on the sideline.
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Post by edwardsutorik on Nov 15, 2015 13:26:11 GMT -8
Please either follow along or stay on the sideline. I'd love to follow along, but you're going to have to leave a bread-crumb trail of logic. Otherwise it appears that your comments are randomly generated. Ed
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Post by atsfan on Nov 15, 2015 13:37:32 GMT -8
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Post by antoniofp45 on Nov 15, 2015 13:41:25 GMT -8
Carman,
you're right! I know a group of modelers that are going to snatch the first Bicentenniel they can get their hands on! SCL had the FIRST one in the nation. It's really frustrating that CSX scrapped her! (CSX #5728 - and some wonder why I'm not a CSX fan). For those not aware, there were two SCL units numbered 1776. The original, which was renumbered to SCL 1813, still exists and is the last surviving ex-SCL U36B on CSX's roster. It's lettered in both, CSX's dark future scheme and Massachusetts Call Volunteer Firefighters Assn (MCVX). Here she is: www.trainweb.org/csxphotos/photos/unusual/7764m.jpgWould be amazing if CSX would take this locomotive and turn her in to a REAL heritage unit by repainting and lettering her back in the SCL black and yellow "Bumble Bee" scheme. Restoration of the rounded cab glass would be a nice plus! www.rrpicturearchives.net/pictures%5C47267%5CSCL%201813.jpgHopefully, even with her million+ miles, she won't be retired and scrapped. View AttachmentSCL 1776 will sell like hotcakes. I have no need for one, but I might have to get one! No more need to sacrifice U33C long hoods!
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Post by edwardsutorik on Nov 15, 2015 15:03:19 GMT -8
I thought this new Atlas release had nothing to do with me. PC had them? Hooray. I'll get one for my C-430 and GP9B to hang out with. I've just GOTTA decide whether this lashup should be soundish, or not. Decisions, decisions. Ed
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Post by carrman on Nov 15, 2015 15:22:20 GMT -8
One would be perfect for a PC consist.
Dave
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Post by curtmc on Nov 15, 2015 15:36:51 GMT -8
Ed, A PC U33B-GP9B-C430 lashup would be a classic... and to have the EMD, GE and Alco sounds blending/fighting... You can't hear that anymore.
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Post by carrman on Nov 15, 2015 15:57:13 GMT -8
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Post by antoniofp45 on Nov 24, 2015 7:43:08 GMT -8
Just a quick update. From the musings on other forums it looks like the Atlas SCL U36B " BiCente nniel" unit will be sold out before it hits the store shelves! Apparently the prototype's history of it being the first BiCentenniel unit in the USA, is helping to elevate this particular model's status. I wonder if the flood lights will be functional like on the prototype? You can see the flood lights on this photo, including the one next to the American Flag on the cab: www.railpictures.net/images/d1/4/5/0/3450.1111030440.jpgYears back at my old LHS, I saw photos of the unit at night with the flood lights on. It looked impressive! I just can't find them online. What "sort of" annoys me slghtly is that it's already being targeted by the collectors. However, I'm glad that some US military veterans are interested as well. I'm just being petty as my priority is the black "Bumble Bee" U36B's, followed by the U33B, then possibly a BiCentenniel unit. Looks like I'll either have to wait for them to show up on Ebay (at exaggerated opening bid prices) or hope that Atlas will decide to do another run.
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Post by alcoc430 on Nov 24, 2015 10:44:55 GMT -8
Just a quick update. From the musings on other forums it looks like the Atlas SCL U36B " BiCente nniel" unit will be sold out before it hits the store shelves! Apparently the prototype's history of it being the first BiCentenniel unit in the USA, is helping to elevate this particular model's status. I wonder if the flood lights will be functional like on the prototype? You can see the flood lights on this photo, including the one next to the American Flag on the cab: www.railpictures.net/images/d1/4/5/0/3450.1111030440.jpgYears back at my old LHS, I saw photos of the unit at night with the flood lights on. It looked impressive! I just can't find them online. What "sort of" annoys me slghtly is that it's already being targeted by the collectors. However, I'm glad that some US military veterans are interested as well. I'm just being petty as my priority is the black "Bumble Bee" U36B's, followed by the U33B, then possibly a BiCentenniel unit. Looks like I'll either have to wait for them to show up on Ebay (at exaggerated opening bid prices) or hope that Atlas will decide to do another run. They are not even listed on Atlas's website or Walthers yet so how can one order it yet.
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Post by scl1234 on Nov 24, 2015 13:39:53 GMT -8
From the musings on other forums it looks like the Atlas SCL U36B " BiCente nniel" unit will be sold out before it hits the store shelves! What "sort of" annoys me slghtly is that it's already being targeted by the collectors. However, I'm glad that some US military veterans are interested as well. Yeah, well retail arbitrage has been around for nearly as long as that auction site has. But demographics being what they are these days, the "bigger fool" theory may well be waiting quietly in the shadows for these folks. Obviously, Atlas won't be producing as many of these "B-boats" as they did the SCL U36C, but if recent history is any indication, the availability/distribution of non-sound models will be more tightly controlled than in the past. Get your U-boat reservations/pre-orders in early folks.
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Post by antoniofp45 on Nov 24, 2015 13:40:40 GMT -8
Exactly my point.
As I acknowledged on another forum, they're still in the "digital" stage but in reading from other modelers, the SCL Bicentennial units are already stirring up a buzz!
Considering all the past negative rhetoric from modelers that sing the "SCL won't sell..." song; I'm certainly not complaining! I wish more modelers would join this forum, but from my understanding, a number of military veterans are interested in the Bicentennial unit! That seems like a rather cool spin on things. What I've been doing is suggesting to modelers that I know, as well as to members on forums, is to forward their suggestions to Atlas. One of my close model railroader friends is a Vietnam veteran. He appreciates any scale model that represents America and will usually buy it, even if it's not HO scale. I'm suggesting to him that he let his veteran friends, that are scale modelers, know about SCL 1776.
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Post by alcoc430 on Nov 24, 2015 15:16:09 GMT -8
Exactly my point. As I acknowledged on another forum, they're still in the "digital" stage but in reading from other modelers, the SCL Bicentennial units are already stirring up a buzz! Considering all the past negative rhetoric from modelers that sing the "SCL won't sell..." song; I'm certainly not complaining! I wish more modelers would join this forum, but from my understanding, a number of military veterans are interested in the Bicentennial unit! That seems like a rather cool spin on things. What I've been doing is suggesting to modelers that I know, as well as to members on forums, is to forward their suggestions to Atlas. One of my close model railroader friends is a Vietnam veteran. He appreciates any scale model that represents America and will usually buy it, even if it's not HO scale. I'm suggesting to him that he let his veteran friends, that are scale modelers, know about SCL 1776. I still don't get your point. IMHO Bicentennial units generally do sell well but you still have time to preorder one if you want it. The fact there may be a lot of interest will guarantee a sell out doesn't matter. just preorder the ones you want when the official announcement comes out. I mean if Atlas has already shipped these then that is a different story but I don't think that is the case. I personally wont order any, since I already have an extra U36C and U23B lying around to use for my planned Conrail U36B and U23C kitbash.
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Post by theengineshed on Nov 24, 2015 15:21:58 GMT -8
Could see myself getting into financial trouble here, SCL BBs, 1776, and Autotrain units, oh my.... As for them being eastern prototypes, the SCL units worked through to the SP in the Houston area, regularly, and of course there was the testing with a mate out at Cajon for a couple of months: SCL U36s at CajonAs for the SCL doesn't sell crowd, would be entertaining to see Atlas's best selling model be an SCL prototype. 1776 made it to LA too and there was a Bicentennial round-up in Illinois as well.
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Post by navarch1 on Nov 25, 2015 12:59:21 GMT -8
Damn. Better finish my kitbashed one soon. Well, it took them long enough...I have been working on mine for 3 years now...lol. Bob
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Post by kcjones on Nov 25, 2015 14:26:41 GMT -8
Gee, I wonder if a B36-7 could be just around the corner as well?
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Post by sd80mac on Nov 26, 2015 15:11:21 GMT -8
These are neat, but I'd dig a B36-7 more
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Post by atsfan on Nov 26, 2015 16:34:49 GMT -8
A new sales method? Sold out before even available to order ?
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Post by BEDT26 on Nov 26, 2015 21:26:06 GMT -8
I sure hope Atlas makes the ex Auto Train U36B in CONRAIL.
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