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Post by bncascadegreen on Mar 24, 2024 18:23:28 GMT -8
So I’m here I’m in my mid 40s. Every manufacturer has been busy with new power which is great and all. My complaint. Why isn’t Atlas retooling their older outdated 80s and 90s offerings?? We have a lot of options for power. I’m still waiting for GE 80s products. I’m scratching my head going we need B39-8E units done correctly. I do have brass in some GE variants from the 80s in brass but still don’t have what’s needed. For surely I can get the outdated and stand in Model. But why?! There are great manufacturers and yet there’s holes. I know it’s the well…there’s not enough roads or schemes. I call BS. I call that an excuse. Rapido is finally getting some GE u it’s to us. C30-7 one. Not all of us model exclusively modern era. I’m doing the 80s to current cause I do like modern but I really like the BN late 80s to merger timeframe as well. Scaletrains gave me the SD40-2B….they haven’t been around as long as some other one that starts with an A. But they got it done! We need more 80s and 90s locomotives. Not just SP protos either. I would love to buy GP60M and B units. B40-8, GE B30-7A, B23-7, B30-7, a lot of variants not done and the old offerings don’t cut it. C40-8. And it’s B would be great but not from Atlas. It took scalestrains to finally give us an SD40-2 worth buying. Rapido might not be the greatest per some of your opinions but they’re trying. They doing the SD9 too. That I’m looking forward to. Some locomotives although not the same had similarities to go off of in tooling too. So not sure why those locomotives are being forgotten…..
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Post by edwardsutorik on Mar 24, 2024 18:55:32 GMT -8
Joining in the rant:
Where are my Atlas UP SD24B's. It's been decades!
ScaleTrains did GP30B's. Athearn did GP9B's.
Ed
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Post by cpr4200 on Mar 24, 2024 19:42:34 GMT -8
I wish Atlas would upgrade the C424 and C425 to Master from Classic. And all the GE's. The recent U28/30C's and U33/36B's are a start. ~ Walt
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Post by The Ferro Kid on Mar 24, 2024 20:16:37 GMT -8
DD35/DD35A. "I'm just sayin'."
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Post by 690 on Mar 24, 2024 20:17:10 GMT -8
I wish Atlas would upgrade the C424 and C425 to Master from Classic. And all the GE's. The recent U28/30C's and U33/36B's are a start. ~ Walt My only real complaint about the recent U-boats is how they’re using an eyebolt for the corner grabs on the top of the nose. I managed to get my hands on two Overland D&H C424Ms, so that alleviates my need for an improved C424 for now. |
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Post by lvrr325 on Mar 24, 2024 20:26:09 GMT -8
Lots of containers out there but not too much 70s era.
It costs money to upgrade those old engines and so the price would need to go up, which would likely turn off buyers.
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Post by cpr4200 on Mar 24, 2024 21:04:07 GMT -8
^^^ The two Centuries were retooled when Atlas moved their production to China. They do have wire grabs and better handrails, but other than that they really weren't upgraded that much. The short hood corner radius is about half what it should be, the db detail could be improved, the radiator shutters and crossover walkway could be a lot better, and the engine air intake (on the upper side ahead of the radiator section) is still too tall. Not to mention that the "Phase II" C424 still has the Phase I engine air intake, even after retooling, and the rear end number board notches look a little off.
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Post by middledivision on Mar 25, 2024 7:36:32 GMT -8
Be careful of what you wish for...
Atlas did the new Portec hoppers and everyone gasped at their $82 list price. For me, Atlas is a step below Genesis and ST Rivet Counter and I'm okay with that. If they redid the Dash 8's for example and priced them like the new U28/30's, I would buy more. $199, discounted, for a Loksound 5 equipped, retooled engine? Yes, please.
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Post by sknorcal on Mar 25, 2024 8:55:08 GMT -8
I agree that we need updated, high quality, 80s era DASH 8 and GP60 models. However, I'm not sure that it is up to Atlas to be the one to update their current antiquated DASH 8 offerings - I don't even think I would want an updated Atlas model (although, I would probably buy dozens anyway.) I would much rather see ScaleTrains, or Athearn (or even Rapido) produce these models in their high-end product lines.
I have reached out to both ScaleTrains and Athearn requesting the full line of DASH8-32/39/40/41/B/BW/BPH/C/CW locomotives and GP60/M/B locomotives, and the response I received was that there simply was not much interest in these models. In other words, not many people are requesting them. It seems that the 80s-90s market is saturated with Atlas DASH 8s and FVM or early Athearn (RPP) GP60s. Most modelers must be content with their older models, as they do not seem to be requesting updated versions from manufacturers.
ScaleTrains does own the former FVM tooling. It remains to be seen if they will upgrade any of the tooling to Rivet Counter standards, or if they sell the models under a different brand...
If we want to see new models for GE DASH 8s, or EMD GP60s, we need let the manufacturers know that there is in fact real demand--and not just on ARF. I would recommend that anyone interested in these models reach out directly to the manufactures and let them know that you are interested, and what exactly you would like to see them produce.
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Post by gevohogger on Mar 25, 2024 9:08:58 GMT -8
I know how you feel. Some of my favorite prototypes haven't been made yet either. Join the club. |
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Post by ambluco on Mar 25, 2024 10:05:20 GMT -8
I'm in for some upgraded B39-8Es.
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Post by cemr5396 on Mar 25, 2024 10:09:40 GMT -8
I agree that we need updated, high quality, 80s era DASH 8 and GP60 models. However, I'm not sure that it is up to Atlas to be the one to update their current antiquated DASH 8 offerings - I don't even think I would want an updated Atlas model (although, I would probably buy dozens anyway.) I would much rather see ScaleTrains, or Athearn (or even Rapido) produce these models in their high-end product lines. I would rather a new and improved Atlas model than Rapido. I have far more faith in Atlas to get the broad strokes right. Their C40-8 finally getting ditch lights was long overdue, but I hope they don't stop there. Rapido models have more detail but they often mess up on basic stuff like body dimensions.What I would really love would be a Genesis Dash 8 line the same way they did the 9s, with all the variations and both standard cabs and wide noses. There were a ton of Dash 8s around in my modeled time and place, so I need a whole bunch of them. |
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Post by packer on Mar 25, 2024 10:59:49 GMT -8
So I’m here I’m in my mid 40s. Every manufacturer has been busy with new power which is great and all. My complaint. Why isn’t Atlas retooling their older outdated 80s and 90s offerings?? We have a lot of options for power. I’m still waiting for GE 80s products. I’m scratching my head going we need B39-8E units done correctly. I do have brass in some GE variants from the 80s in brass but still don’t have what’s needed. For surely I can get the outdated and stand in Model. But why?! There are great manufacturers and yet there’s holes. I know it’s the well…there’s not enough roads or schemes. I call BS. I call that an excuse. Rapido is finally getting some GE u it’s to us. C30-7 one. Not all of us model exclusively modern era. I’m doing the 80s to current cause I do like modern but I really like the BN late 80s to merger timeframe as well. Scaletrains gave me the SD40-2B….they haven’t been around as long as some other one that starts with an A. But they got it done! We need more 80s and 90s locomotives. Not just SP protos either. I would love to buy GP60M and B units. B40-8, GE B30-7A, B23-7, B30-7, a lot of variants not done and the old offerings don’t cut it. C40-8. And it’s B would be great but not from Atlas. It took scalestrains to finally give us an SD40-2 worth buying. Rapido might not be the greatest per some of your opinions but they’re trying. They doing the SD9 too. That I’m looking forward to. Some locomotives although not the same had similarities to go off of in tooling too. So not sure why those locomotives are being forgotten….. I kinda have a feeling Rapido is gonna go down the GE lines in the next few years. They've done a lot recently, but they seem so inconsistent if there models area really good (U25B), falling just short (RS-11; factory speaker was not that good) or just eh (GN boxcars). That being said I'm hopeful for their C30-7s and SD9 (with GN/BN steps too; hopefully they don't change their minds on that bit unlike athearn did). I agree that we need updated, high quality, 80s era DASH 8 and GP60 models. However, I'm not sure that it is up to Atlas to be the one to update their current antiquated DASH 8 offerings - I don't even think I would want an updated Atlas model (although, I would probably buy dozens anyway.) I would much rather see ScaleTrains, or Athearn (or even Rapido) produce these models in their high-end product lines. I have reached out to both ScaleTrains and Athearn requesting the full line of DASH8-32/39/40/41/B/BW/BPH/C/CW locomotives and GP60/M/B locomotives, and the response I received was that there simply was not much interest in these models. In other words, not many people are requesting them. It seems that the 80s-90s market is saturated with Atlas DASH 8s and FVM or early Athearn (RPP) GP60s. Most modelers must be content with their older models, as they do not seem to be requesting updated versions from manufacturers. ScaleTrains does own the former FVM tooling. It remains to be seen if they will upgrade any of the tooling to Rivet Counter standards, or if they sell the models under a different brand... If we want to see new models for GE DASH 8s, or EMD GP60s, we need let the manufacturers know that there is in fact real demand--and not just on ARF. I would recommend that anyone interested in these models reach out directly to the manufactures and let them know that you are interested, and what exactly you would like to see them produce. Just curious, was there anything inherintely wrong with the FVM or Proto GP60? They are out of my era, but I am curious. |
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Post by sknorcal on Mar 25, 2024 11:43:44 GMT -8
Just curious, was there anything inherintely wrong with the FVM or Proto GP60? They are out of my era, but I am curious. Nothing inherently wrong with either the Proto GP60 or the FVM GP60/M/B - at least not that I am aware of. Both appear to stand up very well alongside Rivet Counter or Genesis 2.0 models. The OP was asking for the GP60M/GP60B. My only gripe about the Proto model is that they never offered the matching GP60M/B variants. The FVM GP60/M/B look very nice, but some features (intake screens, fans, truck sideframes, underframe plumbing) do not appear to be rendered as nicely as Rivet Counter or Genesis offerings. I missed out on the FVM GP60M/B when they were available - I will probably purchase whenever ScaleTrains runs them regardless of whether the tooling has been upgraded or not. What we really need are Rivet Counter/Genesis 2.0 level Dash 8s. |
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Post by idgara on Mar 25, 2024 13:37:01 GMT -8
My peeve is that Atlas bought out Branchlines blueprint series and quit doing kits, then dropped spare parts, and now barely throw out a freight car. I liked the post war 40 and 50 foot boxcars.
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Post by cpr4200 on Mar 25, 2024 14:00:57 GMT -8
I wish they'd just drop the "yardmaster/trainman" versions of the Branchline cars and put all the paint schemes on the blueprint/master series. Not a fan of beautifully painted and lettered cars that are only available with molded on grabs and ladders.
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Post by marknycfan on Mar 25, 2024 14:56:36 GMT -8
All manufacturers should destroy the molds of any model that has no actual prototype.
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Post by lvrr325 on Mar 26, 2024 0:34:00 GMT -8
My peeve is that Atlas bought out Branchlines blueprint series and quit doing kits, then dropped spare parts, and now barely throw out a freight car. I liked the post war 40 and 50 foot boxcars. Atlas did their ninth run of 40' AAR Boxcar kits announced in August 2020; I got a batch, expecting them to sell well; they absolutely were terrible and I have at least half of them left. They sold poorly in part because it's not hard to find them from the previous 8 releases and even some Branchline releases floating around for around $10 while the new kits listed at $19.99 - competitive with Accurail and not outrageous. My guess is this is why they've done no other kits. As for parts, they only maintain some when a run of cars is new; they eventually sell out. I'm not sure what "barely throw out a freight car" means as with some 40-50 different cars to produce there's something new in virtually every container that shows up, while new announcements have been cut back to around 6-8 times a year due to the large backlog there's usually 2-3 new runs or new cars in each one. When they come, you have to buy them, if you wait, the popular ones sell out. I even sold my single Portec, in person at a show. |
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Post by tom on Mar 26, 2024 4:19:53 GMT -8
My peeve is that Atlas bought out Branchlines blueprint series and quit doing kits, then dropped spare parts, and now barely throw out a freight car. I liked the post war 40 and 50 foot boxcars. Atlas still occasionally produces undecorated kits from the former Branchline series. Almost every original Branchline boxcar kit can still be found on Ebay at prices less than the Atlas RTR cars. Harumph. |
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Post by packer on Mar 26, 2024 4:55:06 GMT -8
My peeve is that Atlas bought out Branchlines blueprint series and quit doing kits, then dropped spare parts, and now barely throw out a freight car. I liked the post war 40 and 50 foot boxcars. I want some red CB&Q 40’s kits, but it’s kinda hard to find them not being from eBay scalpers. IMO it’s easier to assemble it without a roofwalk then try to remove the roofwalk on a factory assembled car. |
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Post by dti406 on Mar 26, 2024 6:01:40 GMT -8
My peeve is that Atlas bought out Branchlines blueprint series and quit doing kits, then dropped spare parts, and now barely throw out a freight car. I liked the post war 40 and 50 foot boxcars. Atlas still occasionally produces undecorated kits from the former Branchline series. Almost every original Branchline boxcar kit can still be found on Ebay at prices less than the Atlas RTR cars. Harumph. Atlas almost always lists undecorated kits when they do a new announcement, but your favorite dealers like MB Klein, Lombards, etc. will not list them with the rest of the pre-orders because "undecorated kits don't sell" I always check the announcements from Atlas and find the part number for the undecorated kits and pre-order them from my favorite dealer via E-mail and always get what I want in the way of kits. Right now I have a raft of Atlas 5077 and 5347 kits in stock. Rick Jesionowski |
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Post by surlyknuckle on Mar 27, 2024 7:15:07 GMT -8
This is purely my own opinion but it seems Atlas has been fairly conservative when it comes to "new" tooling in the last 10-15 years. 10-15 years ago, Atlas was my preferred manufacturer with lots of products a 70s or 80s modeler could use. Now, I look at Atlas offerings and feel they need considerable work to make them closer to my current standards. For example, large rectangular boxes for draft gear wasn't something I was thinking about 10 years ago but now I don't even want to put that on the layout without Moloco-izing it. And when the GP40-2s came out, I was elated because it was a "need" model for my prototype. Now, none of the Atlas ones are on my roster as I've gone all-in on Genesis GP40-2s.
There's room for Atlas at the table, but they're only getting my modeling dollars very selectively now. And while the ACF 5250 got some needed improvements in the second run, my relief turned to disbelief over the WW Portec 3000s in glow-in-the-dark yellow.
The latest atlas 5077s I bought were very nice and I was very excited on working on those to get them service ready. It would take something completely new for me to purchase an Atlas locomotive again.
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Post by packer on Mar 27, 2024 7:18:40 GMT -8
There's room for Atlas at the table, but they're only getting my modeling dollars very selectively now. And while the ACF 5250 got some needed improvements in the second run, my relief turned to disbelief over the WW Portec 3000s in glow-in-the-dark yellow. The latest atlas 5077s I bought were very nice and I was very excited on working on those to get them service ready. It would take something completely new for me to purchase an Atlas locomotive again. Wish they would actually do GN/BN 5250s, but they've already said they wouldn't. Maybe when I have less projects I'll try to make one? Also shocked they still haven't done a WP as-delivered 5077. |
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Post by riogrande on Mar 27, 2024 7:23:19 GMT -8
I agree regarding Atlas not keeping up with ScaleTrains or Genesis level tooling or details. The last Atlas D&RGW GP40's I bought were from around 15 years ago and the plow was rather generic looking. There is anew run due out in the coming year but I'm not expecting any improvements to be made.
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Post by loco8107 on Mar 27, 2024 7:36:21 GMT -8
I agree regarding Atlas not keeping up with ScaleTrains or Genesis level tooling or details. The last Atlas D&RGW GP40's I bought were from around 15 years ago and the plow was rather generic looking. There is anew run due out in the coming year but I'm not expecting any improvements to be made. Honestly, Atlas plows are god awful. Even Walthers did a much better job with them. This latest run of GP38’s finally has fairly accurate fans. Altas needs to step up even if it’s just a little more. |
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Post by loco8107 on Mar 27, 2024 7:46:32 GMT -8
And I don’t like too many Atlas shells that are not one piece either. I prefer just one.
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Post by gevohogger on Mar 27, 2024 11:49:11 GMT -8
And I don’t like too many Atlas shells that are not one piece either. I prefer just one. You mean locomotive shells? Atlas' multi-piece is the best for those of us who paint our own. |
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Post by loco8107 on Mar 28, 2024 4:56:27 GMT -8
And I don’t like too many Atlas shells that are not one piece either. I prefer just one. You mean locomotive shells? Atlas' multi-piece is the best for those of us who paint our own. Yes. I paint my own too but prefer one piece. I can understand with multi color schemes it may be easier but it also makes the unit more fragile IMO. |
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