Atlas N Scale E-News Flash - An Open Letter From Atlas

[The Beer Baron]

I got this in the mail this afternoon from Atlas, and thought I'd share with the board..



An Open Letter to Atlas Dealers, Distributors and Consumers

December 16th, 2014
Dear Atlas Customers,

In this season of caring, giving and hope, I would like to sincerely thank you all for the past and continued support you have given to Atlas Model Railroad Company during recent turbulent times.

As many of you know, Atlas dissolved its relationship with a primary overseas supplier due to their request for excessive, across the board price increases. These increases would have placed Atlas and our dealers and distributors in a no-win competitive position, resulting in more severe business disruption, and potential business failure for Atlas. We, of course, could not allow this to happen.

Following this decision, Atlas needed to transfer thousands of its proprietary molds and tools from multiple factory and warehouse locations to multiple new supplier locations. This was easier said than done. Mold transfers were delayed, incomplete, damaged, etc., which necessitated Atlas to remake needed molds and tools, acquire new machinery, and in some cases go through a steep manufacturing learning curve.

The chosen path, while painful for Atlas and our customers, has eventually allowed Atlas to reconfigure its supplier base and resulted in a stronger and wiser Company. At this point in time, Atlas is close to the healthy production levels reached prior to market disruption. Dealer and distributor fulfillment is currently averaging 70% and many of our products are at much higher levels. 2015 will be better, as our new suppliers work smarter and more productively to deliver needed products.

Let me be crystal clear regarding any rumors about the imminent demise of Atlas Model, Atlas O, and our products.  Setting aside the wishful thinking of a few competitors, these rumors are baseless and without merit. I will admit that some of the O scale product re-development efforts were more difficult than some of the N & HO. This was caused by complex and lengthy re-creation of needed molds and tools, as well as the additional opportunity to upgrade all 2 & 3 rail switches. Be assured that the added time to market for any Atlas product is well worth the effort.

Atlas has re-established consistency in the production and shipment of HO & N track and accessories, and a 100% effort is now being given to O scale 2 & 3 rail track and accessories. We are totally committed to the complete return of all scales in all categories, including rolling stock, locomotives, track and accessories. The overwhelming majority of all Atlas product categories in every scale have had molds and tools fully restored to equal or better quality. Initial production and reproduction is proceeding on schedule, and an active new product development plan is being carried out.

The resolution of the above situation could not have occurred without the hard work and dedication of all Atlas team members, as well as the understanding and continued loyalty and support of our customers. I sincerely apologize for the effects this disruption may have caused your business and, or hobby pursuits, and I look forward to increased mutual development and growth in this great hobby of model railroading both now and in the immediate future.

Happy Holidays to All,

Thomas W. Haedrich
Executive Chairman
Atlas Model Railroad Co. Inc.

 

[jdcolombo]

I can't imagine that any N-scaler wants anything but a vibrant, healthy, productive Atlas Model RR Company.   If it weren't for Atlas, I wouldn't have a model railroad.  Period.  Probably half my entire model railroad investment is Atlas - engines, rolling stock, track.

"Live long and prosper."

John C.

[The Beer Baron]

I can't imagine that any N-scaler wants anything but a vibrant, healthy, productive Atlas Model RR Company.   If it weren't for Atlas, I wouldn't have a model railroad.  Period.  Probably half my entire model railroad investment is Atlas - engines, rolling stock, track.

"Live long and prosper."

John C.

My layout is all Microtrains and Atlas, about 50%/50%. This is the first I've heard of supposed "Atlas is going belly up" rumors. Maybe it's an O scale thing..

[peteski]

This topic is already being discussed in the Product Discussion forum (if one bothers to look there). 

[CBQ Fan]

This is the problem with topics that don't fit neatly into an assortment of sub forums.

[peteski]

This is the problem with topics that don't fit neatly into an assortment of sub forums.

Agreed. If it was me, I would have started this topic in the Lounge. 

I'm wasn't saying that this topic is in the wrong forum - just stating that another parallel topic has been created earlier on another forum. Does it make sense to discuss the same subject in 2 separate threads?

[CBQ Fan]

Agreed. If it was me, I would have started this topic in the Lounge. 

I'm wasn't saying that this topic is in the wrong forum - just stating that another parallel topic has been created earlier on another forum. Does it make sense to discuss the same subject in 2 separate threads?

Not too me!

[brokemoto]

I was aware that Atlas was having some production problems, as modellers here and on other forums had been complaining for some time about the unavailability of Atlas track, in particular, in N scale.  I had not heard any rumours of Atlas' demise, but I am still delighted to be made aware that any such rumours were just that-baseless rumours, nothing more.

Model Power's collapse was bad enough (I like small to average sized steam).  A collapse of Atlas would have been a disaster for N scale, and for me as an N scale modeller.    I do use Atlas track, among other brands, Atlas rolling stock, among other brands and I am positively delighted with Atlas' nineteenth century eight wheelers.  I am delighted to be made aware of this letter.

[up1950s]

Is it only me that see's the duplicity with this thread and the one in " Product Discussion " https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=34786.0

[nsbob]

Is it only me that see's the duplicity with this thread and the one in " Product Discussion " https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=34786.0

Nope.

[peteski]

That makes 3 of us now. 

[reinhardtjh]

Is it only me that see's the duplicity with this thread and the one in " Product Discussion " https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=34786.0

At first I thought this was a poke at Atlas for something so I was having a problem understanding this until I looked at the link and then I looked up the definition of "duplicity" to refresh my memory as I did not think it was being used correctly (I had my The Princess Bride quote at the ready).  But it appears it can be used this way although it is not common usage any more.

du·plic·i·ty
d(y)o͞oˈplisədē/
noun
1. deceitfulness; double-dealing.
synonyms:   deceitfulness, deceit, deception, double-dealing, underhandedness, dishonesty, fraud, fraudulence, sharp practice, chicanery, trickery, subterfuge, skulduggery, treachery; More
antonyms:   honesty

2. archaic
doubleness.

I think "duplication" would have been a better word.  But that's just me.

[brokemoto]

The current meaning of that word sprang from its original, and, now archaic meaning.  This is a common linguistic phenomenon.  A word will acquire a second meaning that is a logical extension of its original meaning.  The new meaning will come into such frequent use that a speaker will avoid using it in its original sense to avoid having his hearers mistake (literally) his intent.  Thus the use of a particular word in a given sense or meaning becomes first obsolete and finally archaic.

There is a sentence that Italian speakers say when a hearer mistakes a speakers meaning:  "Forse non mi songo spiegato bene"; it translates literally, "Perhaps I did not explain myself well".  It applies well to situations where one's intent is not fully understood or mistaken.

End of to-day's lesson in language and linguistics.