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Post by stevewagner on Feb 7, 2018 19:07:55 GMT -8
Wednesday, February 7
Late this afternoon (EST) Atlas posted and e-mailed a new All Scales Monthly Catalog.
Most of the new HO pre-order announcements are of new runs of models the firm has made before.
Classic series Also RS-11's with high short hoods will be made in new paint schemes for Apache, California Western, Conrail (black minimal patch job on ex-PC), Delaware & Hudson (blue, gray and yellow but with big sans serif road number on the long hood), Nickel Plate Road (with broad end stripes and none on the long hood) and Norfolk & Western (blue with what is noted as the "Half Moon" scheme -- I always think of it as the "hamburger" herald. "Gold" series locos will have Lok-Sound.
Also Master series NS Top Gons with lettering from 1992 and 1996 and Trainman series cupola cabooses (accurate for C&O and a few other lines, but that isn't noted) in new paint schemes L&HR, NJ Transit, Reading & Northern and UP and new numbers for PC and WM ("circus").
The one run shown as "new model" (I think from ex-BLMA tooling) is Santa FE BX-177 boxcars, looking to be perhaps 60 scale feet long, with two plug doors per side, in what looks like dark mineral red with only very small logos of several types, so probably quite recent for cars still bearing ATSF rather than BNSF reporting marks.
As a D&H fan I'm partial to the D&H RS-11's. They wear one of the most sensible variations of the beloved lightning stripe livery. As first used, in 1960 or 1961, on the RS-11's, I believe the only numbers on the units were in the number boards. When first applied to RS-2's and RS-3's, the only numbers outside the number boards were very small yellow ones high on the ends. The previous livery, all black with yellow lettering and stripes, had reasonably conspicuous numbers on the sides of the cabs, which was occupied by big shield heralds in the new scheme. So ultimately numbers were added to the long hoods, in several sizes and styles.
However, I have several Atlas D&H RS-11's already, and none of them match the full-sized ones very exactly, the major discrepancy being the spacing of openings in the sides of the long hoods.
To this D&H fan, the later NKP livery with broader end stripes (and without the very "busy" looking set of thin horizontal stripes on the long hoods) is pleasantly reminiscent of the classic pre-1960 D&H diesel look. I certainly thought so when I saw NKP Alco switchers in action in Cleveland in 1964 and possibly 1965.
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Post by The Ferro Kid on Feb 7, 2018 21:12:45 GMT -8
I too wondered why they didn't refer to that particular N&W scheme as the "Hamburger" herald. I'm in for two of those. Groups of three held down the Bison Yard hump in Buffalo circa 1970. Cool thing was that the old NKP striping & lettering was emerging from under the worn blue paint on some of the units.
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Post by edwardsutorik on Feb 7, 2018 21:37:10 GMT -8
I am so looking forward to someone explaining the difference between logo #2 and logo #3.
The ONLY thing I see that I might buy is the Santa Fe boxes. Of which there are many versions. Imagine: Just imagine: if Atlas explained the differences so that their potential customers might figure out what to buy.
Instead of nothing.
Ed
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Post by lvrr325 on Feb 8, 2018 1:51:57 GMT -8
I found the D&H large numbers scheme to be rather curious as a choice. In the first place, the large numbers are only good for five years or so, 1982 through 1987 (prior to this the roadname was positioned higher and the number below in about the same size numerals); both the numbers chosen were scrapped in 1989 after sitting around for a good year or so.
Of the two, 5000 was a spot repaint and of course no prep was done. Photos show sometime after 2/82 with an obvious grey bar over the original roadname placement; the new numbers are already starting to peel by 1983, and by March 1985 all of it is gone, like it never was there.
5005 got a full repaint in early 1982; the shades look to be slightly different. The lettering suffered the same fade issue. From what I can tell it too was cut up in 1989, no clear disposition is shown (where the 5000's last photo shows it a frame with an electrical cabinet and fan).
Seems like someone at Atlas has a soft spot for this era, the last two or three runs of D&H engines they've done have all been for this period - somewhere in the pipe are the three C424s G&W financed for protect power for the salt trains, 461-463, and seems like the last round of RS36s were large numbers. I'm not sure why given the small numbers are good for a much longer period of time.
Doing N&W blue AND late NKP at the same time will put some modelers in a quandary, since you could have both of them running at the same time.
The Conrail ones have issues, too. 7601 or 7617 might have been better number choices. Both ran intact through 1979, the latter cut up at PNC in 1980, so they ran patched for 2 or 3 years.
7627 looks to be correct; however the first (and only) photo of it I find is dated May '77 in what looks to be the dead line in Cleveland (coupled to an untouched LV C628 missing it's number boards). How long did it run patched, six months?
7634 was based out of New Jersey and is one of a handful of units to get patched with a full Conrail lettering on the side, so if it's done as the artwork shows it's not correct. It apparently lasted long enough for most of the patch to come off and reveal PC lettering, but would be rebuilt as MT-4 slug 1000 in January 1979.
So like the D&H they're only appropriate for a fairly narrow period. That said, I'm sure they'll sell, I had no problem selling the patch RS32 I had and that too is only good for a pretty short timeframe.
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Post by talltim on Feb 8, 2018 2:37:12 GMT -8
I am so looking forward to someone explaining the difference between logo #2 and logo #3. The ONLY thing I see that I might buy is the Santa Fe boxes. Of which there are many versions. Imagine: Just imagine: if Atlas explained the differences so that their potential customers might figure out what to buy. Instead of nothing. Ed That is a bugbear of mine. Many manufacturers don't give any details on the particulars of paint schemes, also don't have good enough photos to work out the dates painted on cars. There are honourable exceptions. There is obviously some significance to 'Late Q logo', 'J repaint, and 'C repaint' but do they say what they mean? Nope |
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Post by talltim on Feb 8, 2018 2:47:05 GMT -8
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Post by stevewagner on Feb 8, 2018 2:51:55 GMT -8
lvrr325, thanks very much for your post!
Atlas did have an actual D&H C424 on display at the West Springfield, Mass. show January 27 Unfortunately, its blue color was, I think, the same rather light one as in the last run they'd done. Before Rob Pisani left Atlas I had urged him to have a darker blue used, and I thought that was going to happen.
Amen to the desire for more detailed info from model railroad suppliers. Rapido and Tangent are very, very good about this. Atlas used to be considerably better about it than it is now. I did tell one of the Atlas people at the show that I'm glad that their monthly news releases have recently (since December) been easily printable.
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Post by fr8kar on Feb 8, 2018 4:56:58 GMT -8
I am so looking forward to someone explaining the difference between logo #2 and logo #3. The ONLY thing I see that I might buy is the Santa Fe boxes. Of which there are many versions. Imagine: Just imagine: if Atlas explained the differences so that their potential customers might figure out what to buy. Instead of nothing. Ed That is a bugbear of mine. Many manufacturers don't give any details on the particulars of paint schemes, also don't have good enough photos to work out the dates painted on cars. There are honourable exceptions. There is obviously some significance to 'Late Q logo', 'J repaint, and 'C repaint' but do they say what they mean? Nope Agreed on all counts. If they were able to pick out these small differences from prototype photos and make different schemes from them, then please provide some references or at least a legend to the scheme naming convention. I see these cars on a daily basis and I couldn't tell you what these differences are between logo 1 and 2 and 3, certainly not from the thumbnails Atlas has provided. |
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Post by cp6027 on Feb 8, 2018 7:20:15 GMT -8
That is a bugbear of mine. Many manufacturers don't give any details on the particulars of paint schemes, also don't have good enough photos to work out the dates painted on cars. There are honourable exceptions. There is obviously some significance to 'Late Q logo', 'J repaint, and 'C repaint' but do they say what they mean? Nope Agreed on all counts. If they were able to pick out these small differences from prototype photos and make different schemes from them, then please provide some references or at least a legend to the scheme naming convention. I see these cars on a daily basis and I couldn't tell you what these differences are between logo 1 and 2 and 3, certainly not from the thumbnails Atlas has provided. If you zoom in on the PDF you can see the differences. The 24" Logo #1, 2, 3 and 4 are the same with the exception that each scheme has a different safety slogan on the side between the grab irons at the ends of the car. For example, 24" Logo #2 says "Safety - The Santa Fe Way" while 24" Logo #4 says "Safety is No Accident". This is probably also true for the Late Q Logo #1 and #2 but the catalog shows the wrong car for the Late Q Logo #1 (the image is of 24" Logo #2 based on the road number) The C and J repaints have solid reporting marks instead of a stencil font. There are some minor differences in the positioning of the lettering between the C and J versions but no clue what C and J refers to. |
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Post by Deleted on Feb 8, 2018 8:18:36 GMT -8
Found on their facebook page, they're also working on re-releasing the signal system. Linky: |
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cp9002
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Post by cp9002 on Feb 8, 2018 8:19:17 GMT -8
They have done multiple runs of the RS-11 with the small numbers. I’m not surprised they have decided to do something they haven’t released in the past. I found the D&H large numbers scheme to be rather curious as a choice. In the first place, the large numbers are only good for five years or so, 1982 through 1987 (prior to this the roadname was positioned higher and the number below in about the same size numerals); both the numbers chosen were scrapped in 1989 after sitting around for a good year or so. Of the two, 5000 was a spot repaint and of course no prep was done. Photos show sometime after 2/82 with an obvious grey bar over the original roadname placement; the new numbers are already starting to peel by 1983, and by March 1985 all of it is gone, like it never was there. 5005 got a full repaint in early 1982; the shades look to be slightly different. The lettering suffered the same fade issue. From what I can tell it too was cut up in 1989, no clear disposition is shown (where the 5000's last photo shows it a frame with an electrical cabinet and fan). Seems like someone at Atlas has a soft spot for this era, the last two or three runs of D&H engines they've done have all been for this period - somewhere in the pipe are the three C424s G&W financed for protect power for the salt trains, 461-463, and seems like the last round of RS36s were large numbers. I'm not sure why given the small numbers are good for a much longer period of time. Doing N&W blue AND late NKP at the same time will put some modelers in a quandary, since you could have both of them running at the same time. The Conrail ones have issues, too. 7601 or 7617 might have been better number choices. Both ran intact through 1979, the latter cut up at PNC in 1980, so they ran patched for 2 or 3 years. 7627 looks to be correct; however the first (and only) photo of it I find is dated May '77 in what looks to be the dead line in Cleveland (coupled to an untouched LV C628 missing it's number boards). How long did it run patched, six months? 7634 was based out of New Jersey and is one of a handful of units to get patched with a full Conrail lettering on the side, so if it's done as the artwork shows it's not correct. It apparently lasted long enough for most of the patch to come off and reveal PC lettering, but would be rebuilt as MT-4 slug 1000 in January 1979. So like the D&H they're only appropriate for a fairly narrow period. That said, I'm sure they'll sell, I had no problem selling the patch RS32 I had and that too is only good for a pretty short timeframe. |
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Post by edwardsutorik on Feb 8, 2018 9:03:09 GMT -8
Found on their facebook page, they're also working on re-releasing the signal system. Linky: I see they're planning on bringing back the BLMA signals. Good. It appears they're going to convert them to plug-and-play Also good. I've been converting mine to plug-and-play. And, to make the mounting invisible is VERY challenging. But doable. I hope they don't put a "big blob" on the bottom of the signal. Ed |
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Post by dti406 on Feb 8, 2018 9:08:55 GMT -8
The only problem with the NKP units is they have dynamic brakes which the prototype did not have, why when they redid the the shells in China did not not go with the option of having or not having dynamic brakes.
Rick Jesionowski
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Post by stevef45 on Feb 8, 2018 9:22:57 GMT -8
Wish they would re-release the BLMA etched detail parts that are impossible to find.
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Post by stevewagner on Feb 8, 2018 9:56:52 GMT -8
Steve (stevef45), are you on the Atlas Insiders Mailing List? A message with a video about BLMA parts was e-mailed to people on it on the morning of February 5. If you're not on the list, you could send me a private message with your e-mail address and I could try to forward it to you. On the other hand, your comment might reflect disappointment with what is and what isn't on the list currently available. Which is it? I'm just trying to help.
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Post by surlyknuckle on Feb 8, 2018 10:33:23 GMT -8
Any idea on when the FMC 5503s will be arriving? I saw photos of the AMC painted ones from Springfield...blue was way too dark but I guess it's too late now.
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Post by edwardsutorik on Feb 8, 2018 11:06:16 GMT -8
"Atlas Insiders Mailing List"?
I wonder if minimizing the release of material that might increase sales is a good idea.
This is sort of the opposite of Value Trains, which seems to want to promote sales of things they haven't even thought of, yet.
Ed
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Post by jonklein611 on Feb 8, 2018 11:06:44 GMT -8
Any idea on when the FMC 5503s will be arriving? I saw photos of the AMC painted ones from Springfield...blue was way too dark but I guess it's too late now. 1st Quarter 2018, but haven't left China yet: shop.atlasrr.com/t-ordership.aspx |
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Post by mkulak on Feb 8, 2018 12:37:53 GMT -8
Really a disappointing group of announcements. Seems like re-hash of old models and the "New Announcement" was already announced months ago. I expected this with paul graf at the helm but Atlas has really been disappointing with past several announcements. Oh well just have to go with the flow, hopefully graf won't sink Atlas all together.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 8, 2018 13:49:30 GMT -8
Really a disappointing group of announcements. Seems like re-hash of old models and the "New Announcement" was already announced months ago. I expected this with paul graf at the helm but Atlas has really been disappointing with past several announcements. Oh well just have to go with the flow, hopefully graf won't sink Atlas all together. Nahh, they officially announced the N scale ALP-45DP and NJT commuter cars this month. They probably have more than enough orders for February. |
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Post by lvrr325 on Feb 9, 2018 1:15:18 GMT -8
Looking at the incoming stuff it was nice of them to ship the GP38-2s and GP39-2s at the same time, I didn't plan for them to both show up at once.
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Post by milgentrains on Feb 9, 2018 4:05:27 GMT -8
Looking at the incoming stuff it was nice of them to ship the GP38-2s and GP39-2s at the same time, I didn't plan for them to both show up at once. Thank you. I've been wondering when the GP38-2's were going to get here. |
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Post by jonklein611 on Feb 9, 2018 4:06:46 GMT -8
Looking at the incoming stuff it was nice of them to ship the GP38-2s and GP39-2s at the same time, I didn't plan for them to both show up at once. AEM-7's as well! At least the GP40-2's didn't make it, otherwise my wallet would be on fire. |
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Post by lvrr325 on Feb 9, 2018 12:07:06 GMT -8
Yes, the run from Sept. 2016, looks like it included B&P and SCC in G&W orange, CP late red with the name spelled out, N&W late black with the name spelled out, FEC, BN, and Soo with red lettering. Hard to tell since it links you rather than the announcement page, a page that only shows what ones you can still order.
My guess is they show too late for me to go to Buffalo with them, the B&P was the only one I saw that I thought was super relevant. Maybe they make it in time for Greenberg or Batavia instead.
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Post by jonklein611 on Feb 10, 2018 10:35:02 GMT -8
Yes, the run from Sept. 2016, looks like it included B&P and SCC in G&W orange, CP late red with the name spelled out, N&W late black with the name spelled out, FEC, BN, and Soo with red lettering. Hard to tell since it links you rather than the announcement page, a page that only shows what ones you can still order. My guess is they show too late for me to go to Buffalo with them, the B&P was the only one I saw that I thought was super relevant. Maybe they make it in time for Greenberg or Batavia instead. Go here: archive.atlasrr.com/ho-mcloco-archive.htmlarchive.atlasrr.com/ho-tmloco-archive.html |
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Post by lvrr325 on Feb 16, 2018 1:31:25 GMT -8
My guy sent me an email, they got extras on the AEM-7 and ALP-44, Hart gon and Trainman caboose.
All imaginary names on the locos and mostly foobies on the caboose.
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Post by Brakie on Feb 16, 2018 6:44:08 GMT -8
I too wondered why they didn't refer to that particular N&W scheme as the "Hamburger" herald. I'm in for two of those. Groups of three held down the Bison Yard hump in Buffalo circa 1970. Cool thing was that the old NKP striping & lettering was emerging from under the worn blue paint on some of the units. The so called "hamburger" herald is another silly railfan moniker. These are half moon heralds. I long forgot the idea behind those heralds. |
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Post by talltim on Feb 16, 2018 16:51:49 GMT -8
I am so looking forward to someone explaining the difference between logo #2 and logo #3. The ONLY thing I see that I might buy is the Santa Fe boxes. Of which there are many versions. Imagine: Just imagine: if Atlas explained the differences so that their potential customers might figure out what to buy. Instead of nothing. Ed That is a bugbear of mine. Many manufacturers don't give any details on the particulars of paint schemes, also don't have good enough photos to work out the dates painted on cars. There are honourable exceptions. There is obviously some significance to 'Late Q logo', 'J repaint, and 'C repaint' but do they say what they mean? Nope Since posted this I came across an random older realease Atlas page that had the repaint dates listed with the product description. Can’t remember what it was now, but it seems they have gone backwards |
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Post by sd80mac on Feb 17, 2018 6:23:45 GMT -8
Rapido, Scaletrains, Athearn (particularly) and Walthers seem to be the best about making it known what era (ie 1980-1994) the model they're producing is appropriate for. I wish all MFGs did that!
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Post by loco8107 on Feb 17, 2018 7:51:43 GMT -8
Really a disappointing group of announcements. Seems like re-hash of old models and the "New Announcement" was already announced months ago. I expected this with paul graf at the helm but Atlas has really been disappointing with past several announcements. Oh well just have to go with the flow, hopefully graf won't sink Atlas all together. They’re definitely not putting out as much as they used to. There’s still a need for new cars and locos/loco schemes that a lot of us missed out on in the past. I never thought that Athearn would be ahead of the game on locos alone. We still need a better variety of freight cars too among other stuff. |
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