Over the past few year, Atlas has "usually" averaged announcing 3 new cars and 3 new locomotives a year, and some of us got used to that. I have a list somewhere if I can find it again, but I know the pattern held from 2001-2004.
2005 was an "off" year; Paul indicated in a message that they were going to be doing "fewer" new engines and "more" new freight cars, since there were more cars they could do that there were engines. However, right after that they announced Trainman, and most of their tooling money seems to have gone there (and what's worse, in O and HO), as they only announced only one freight car (Hart Ballast hopper) and one locomotive (MP15DC), although they also announced the retooled RS-11.
2006 was a good year; 5 freight cars announced (3 Master & 2 Trainman) and two engines (GP38-2 & U-23B); about what you would have expect based on Paul's 2005 comment.
In 2007 (which is now half over), we've had only one engine announced (C-420) and no freight cars. The last freight car announced was the USRA Double Sheath last August; 10 months since the last new freight car announcement, which explains why some are getting anxious.
The good new is we may not have much longer to wait; in response to a comment about their new Atlas Modeler magazine, Paul seemed to hint that the 20,700 gal tank car might be coming soon in N-scale.
I for one am not worried; these things go in cycles, and before long the HO'ers will be complaining again because the N-scalers are getting all the new releases. ;D
Tim
(And I only count 3 new HO freight car announcements since the last N announcement; 5701 Hopper, 20.7K gal Tank car and Thrall gondola)
