Author Topic: Atlas Model Railroad Co. Agrees to Purchase BLMA Models Inc.  (Read 17969 times)

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Philip H

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Re: Atlas Model Railroad Co. Agrees to Purchase BLMA Models Inc.
« Reply #15 on: January 06, 2016, 02:26:22 PM »
0
The purchase will also include the detail parts.  We have already been bouncing around some ideas for them.

My first recommendation is get all of them back into production.  Some of the early loco parts are hard to come by but frighteningly necessary for 2000 era modelers.
Philip H.
Chief Everything Officer
Baton Rouge Southern RR - Mount Rainier Division.


mmagliaro

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Re: Atlas Model Railroad Co. Agrees to Purchase BLMA Models Inc.
« Reply #16 on: January 06, 2016, 02:26:39 PM »
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The announcement talks a lot about locos and rolling stock but there is no mention of the BLMA line of detail parts and accessories.  I sincerely hope that Atlas is planning on continuing with these items as there are many that are/were only available from BLMA. I personally have some on back order.  Hopefully, someone from Atlas will chime in here and shed some light on this.

Doug

Atlas' announcement said, "The details and accessories are a perfect complement Atlas’ existing product line."
So that sounds like they intend to continue offering those products.

I usually hate buy-outs and mergers, because it usually means lost jobs, less customer responsiveness, culling of fringe products
that I like that the parent company no longer sees as their "core business", and larger and larger companies that
know less and less about what they really make.

But in this case, I think this is going to actually be a good thing.   Atlas has a very long history of knowing how to make good
N Scale products.  I think we will see more "BLMA" products (detail parts and rolling stock) coming from Atlas,
not fewer.

lock4244

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Re: Atlas Model Railroad Co. Agrees to Purchase BLMA Models Inc.
« Reply #17 on: January 06, 2016, 02:26:53 PM »
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The purchase will also include the detail parts.  We have already been bouncing around some ideas for them.
Bulkpacks for those awesome trucks... still need many, many trucks.

lock4244

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Re: Atlas Model Railroad Co. Agrees to Purchase BLMA Models Inc.
« Reply #18 on: January 06, 2016, 02:30:16 PM »
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The purchase will also include the detail parts.  We have already been bouncing around some ideas for them.

Where's that N scale GP40-2W, Paul???

towl1996

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Re: Atlas Model Railroad Co. Agrees to Purchase BLMA Models Inc.
« Reply #19 on: January 06, 2016, 02:33:45 PM »
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So this explains why the Atlas parts have not been available, they've been saving their pennies to buy BLMA.  :P Hopefully the spare parts issue will be cleared up now reguarding Atlas and BLMA.
Never argue with idiots; they'll drag you down to their level, then beat you with experience.

SD452XR

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Re: Atlas Model Railroad Co. Agrees to Purchase BLMA Models Inc.
« Reply #20 on: January 06, 2016, 02:50:17 PM »
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Does this mean that the horrible atlas couplers will be on the BLMA cars? If it does, add at least $4 per car to convert to micro trains. Accumates are horrible.

sizemore

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Re: Atlas purchases BLMA
« Reply #21 on: January 06, 2016, 02:59:12 PM »
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Happy to read that the detail line will remain! Congrats to all!

The S.

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chicken45

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Re: Atlas Model Railroad Co. Agrees to Purchase BLMA Models Inc.
« Reply #22 on: January 06, 2016, 03:01:37 PM »
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Maybe they will finally get up off their asses and make a K4!  :trollface:
Josh Surkosky

Here's a Clerihew about Ed. K.

Ed Kapucinski
Every night, he plants a new tree.
But mention his law
and you've pulled your last straw!

Alternate version:
Ed Kapucinski
Every night, he plants a new tree.
He asks excitedly "Did you say Ménage à Trois?"
No, I said "Ed's Law."

Chris1274

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Re: Atlas Model Railroad Co. Agrees to Purchase BLMA Models Inc.
« Reply #23 on: January 06, 2016, 03:04:31 PM »
+6
Accumates are horrible.
I respectfully disagree.

Snark45

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Re: Atlas Model Railroad Co. Agrees to Purchase BLMA Models Inc.
« Reply #24 on: January 06, 2016, 03:11:21 PM »
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My personal tooth-fairy wish is that Atlas S2A truck marketing will begin at BLMA, to complement the existing beautiful A3's...

Many congratulations to the present BLMA owners!   Harry

bobdobbs

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Re: Atlas purchases BLMA
« Reply #25 on: January 06, 2016, 03:17:04 PM »
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We're screwed- so sad to see BLMA go....

BLMA Models - January Newsletter
  Atlas Model Railroad Co. Acquires BLMA Models

HILLSIDE, New Jersey: Effective immediately, Atlas Model Railroad Co., has agreed to purchase BLMA Models Inc., of Fullerton, California. Founded in 2000, BLMA manufactures quality HO, N, and Z scale rolling stock and accessories. Per the acquisition, Atlas will own and release all current tooling, inventory, and will continue with production plans outlined by BLMA, prior to the sale.

Craig Martyn, Founder and President of BLMA Models, stated:

"What started as a hobby business 16 years ago has turned into something larger than I ever expected. The experiences, knowledge, and most importantly, the friendships gained through developing BLMA have been life changing, and I will be forever grateful to the many that supported my endeavors.

This acquisition marks a bold new chapter for Atlas, and the evolution of my professional career as well. The purchase of BLMA ensures that enthusiasts will see more product releases than ever before, a continued legacy of attention to detail, and the future production of highly sought after models. I will now be able to dedicate my energy and invest more of my time into www.MyMetalBusinessCard.com, which has seen rapid growth since I launched the company in 2011.

To my industry connections and hobby enthusiasts, this is not a goodbye - I look forward to seeing you on the other side of the aisle, once again enjoying the great hobby of model railroading. Thank you for your unwavering support over the years, and cheers to our kindred connection today and always."

For 60 years, Atlas has been a leader in the world of model railroading. Atlas has its roots in model railroad track and accessory making through invention, innovation, and ingenuity. Atlas has a proud reputation as a family-owned business and is well known for quality and excellence. Between Atlas and sister company, Atlas O, they manufacture track, locomotives, rolling stock, and structures in N, HO, O and O-27 scales. No matter your scale, you'll find the products you need and that "You're on the Right Track®... With Atlas".

Paul Graf, Chief Executive Officer of Atlas Model Railroad Co, stated:

“BLMA’s reputation for detail and prototypical accuracy is compatible with Atlas’. The HO and N rolling stock will fit seamlessly into the Atlas Master line of product. The details and accessories are a perfect complement Atlas’ existing product line.

We have known Craig since he first entered the market, and have had a good relationship with him and BLMA through the years. We are happy that Craig will be able to work with Atlas over the coming years as we incorporate the BLMA products into Atlas’ line, as well as bring some of BLMA’s planned new products to fruition. We plan to make the announcement of the first product from BLMA’s existing products as soon as the purchase is completed.”

On January 5th, 2016, BLMA will stop selling product direct, in preparation of shipping the inventory to Atlas. During the transition, BLMA will process open orders for pre-ordered rolling stock, though Atlas will physically fulfill the orders. These models include: N scale GSC 60' Flat Car (Run #2) N scale ACF 52' Gondola (Run #3) N scale Trinity 31K Crude Oil Tank Cars HO & N Trinity 5660 Covered Hoppers HO & N Trinity 64' Modern Reefers - Tropicana HO & N Bx-166 60' Box Car - BNSF In the coming years, Craig will work as a consultant to Atlas, ensuring a smooth transition, assistance on development and help with marketing. Atlas expects to release many popular BLMA items with all-new numbers, paint schemes, and more. Furthermore, Atlas will develop and release items already scheduled internally by BLMA.


  Bx-166 60' Double Door Box Car - BNSF
(PRE-ORDER NOW)

Don't miss these three new schemes in BNSF! Designed to capture modern-day railroading along the BNSF and other roads, we've spent time ensuring we capture the three most common schemes on these cars.

Pre-order now for delivery in late summer, 2016. Scale: HO Scale
Catalog: Bx-166HO-3
Price: $42.95

Check out the Details

64' Reefer Box Car - Tropicana
(PRE-ORDER NOW)

Printed on our stand-in Trinity 64' Modern Reefer, we're pleased to announce a new run of 24 new, unique road numbers for these cars. Running from the North East to California, and seemingly all points between, these cars are a fixture of modern railroading and indirectly, our diets

Pre-order now for delivery in late summer, 2016. Scale: HO Scale
Catalog: TPIXHO-2
Price: $44.95

Check out the Details




Trinity 5660 PD Covered Hoppers
(PRE-ORDER NOW)

The 5660 Pressure Differential (PD) Covered Hopper was first introduced in 1999, by Thrall Industries, as the latest advancement in the evolution of Pressure Differential Covered Hoppers. Production continues today under the TrinityRail brand, with nearly 4,000 cars already in service. These specialized PD covered hoppers are notably different from traditional "gravity discharge" covered hoppers in both form and function. An icon of today's railroading, the Trinity 5660 PD Covered Hopper is perfect for your modern layout! Coming in HO & N, collect all 24 numbers!

Pre-order now for delivery in April, 2016. Scale: HO Scale
Catalog: 5660HO 1 - 4
Price: $49.95

Check out the Details

  Bx-166 60' Double Door Box Car - BNSF
(PRE-ORDER NOW)

Don't miss these three new schemes in BNSF! Designed to capture modern-day railroading along the BNSF and other roads, we've spent time ensuring we capture the three most common schemes on these cars.

Pre-order now for delivery in late summer, 2016. Scale: N Scale
Catalog: Bx-166N-3
Price: $28.95

Check out the Details


Reefer Box Car - Tropicana
(PRE-ORDER NOW)

Printed on our stand-in Trinity 64' Modern Reefer, we're pleased to announce a new run of 24 new, unique road numbers for these cars. Running from the North East to California, and seemingly all points between, these cars are a fixture of modern railroading and indirectly, our diets!

Pre-order now for delivery in April, 2016. Scale: N Scale
Catalog: TPIXN-2
Price: $28.95

Check out the Details





Trinity 5660 PD Covered Hoppers
(PRE-ORDER NOW)

The 5660 Pressure Differential (PD) Covered Hopper was first introduced in 1999, by Thrall Industries, as the latest advancement in the evolution of Pressure Differential Covered Hoppers. Production continues today under the TrinityRail brand, with nearly 4,000 cars already in service. These specialized PD covered hoppers are notably different from traditional "gravity discharge" covered hoppers in both form and function. An icon of today's railroading, the Trinity 5660 PD Covered Hopper is perfect for your modern layout! Coming in HO & N, collect all 24 numbers!

Pre-order now for delivery in April, 2016. Scale: N Scale
Catalog: 5660N 1 - 4
Price: $29.95

Check out the Details














GSC 60' Flat Cars #7-12
(PRE-ORDER NOW)

Featuring six paint schemes, these all-new N Scale models are full of details, and should track great on your layout, due to a carefully designed and executed, cast metal under frame. Click on the images for all six paint schemes.

Pre-order now for delivery in February, 2016. Scale: N Scale
Catalog: GSC60FLAT 7 - 12
Price: $24.95

Check out the Details




TrinityRail 31K Crude Oil Tank Car
(PRE-ORDER NOW)

Built by the thousands from 2012, the TrinityRail® 31K Crude Oil Tank Cars are a prominent part of crude oil shipments across North America. With recent developments in oil extraction, mile-long unit trains of these duty-specific cars - complete with visually unique 'end shields' - are running to nearly all corners of the country. With oil demand and output at all-time high levels, thousands of these cars have been built in over eight reporting marks, with much more to come.

Pre-order now for delivery in February, 2016. Scale: N Scale
Catalog: TR31KTANK-1 and 2
Price: $26.95

Check out the Details














ACF 70-Ton 52' Gondola
(PRE-ORDER NOW)

Back for Run #3! You're never seen an N Scale gondola like this! From the rail up, these N Scale models were engineered to capture the scale fidelity of the prototype. Featuring extremely fine molding, separately applied brake rigging, an etched-metal brake platform and more! Plus, these cars ride on BLMA 70-Ton Friction Bearing trucks and 33" Metal Wheels featuring a front AND backside wheel profile. If that wasn't enough, check-out the ride height on this model - nice and low - just like the prototype!

Pre-order now for delivery in February, 2016. Scale: N Scale
Catalog: ACFGONDOLA52 10 through 15
Price: $22.95

Check out the Details





   
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jereising

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Re: Atlas Model Railroad Co. Agrees to Purchase BLMA Models Inc.
« Reply #26 on: January 06, 2016, 03:18:07 PM »
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I find it interesting that over the past several years my rolling stock purchases have been about 90% BLMA, and I can't think of a single Atlas car I've bought.  Kudos to all for what would appear to be a win-win.
Jim Reising
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Catt

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Re: Atlas Model Railroad Co. Agrees to Purchase BLMA Models Inc.
« Reply #27 on: January 06, 2016, 03:21:51 PM »
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Atlas Paul,Two short suggestions.Z scale rolling stock,and more Z scale detail parts. :D

Did I say Please ?
« Last Edit: January 06, 2016, 03:31:36 PM by Catt »
Johnathan (Catt) Edwards
Sole owner of the
Grande Valley Railway
100% Michigan made

unittrain

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Re: Atlas purchases BLMA
« Reply #28 on: January 06, 2016, 03:27:42 PM »
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Big news indeed just hope this move is not a sign of rough tracks ahead for N that is I hope Craig has had a good forecast for the future of high quality N scale sales, I know Atlas will do a great job they are a top notch company and I love their products. Fox Valley on the other hand has been slow at releasing the Red Caboose tooling not to be too paranoid  :D but sometimes you got to wonder :scared: :D

craigolio1

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Re: Atlas Model Railroad Co. Agrees to Purchase BLMA Models Inc.
« Reply #29 on: January 06, 2016, 03:30:54 PM »
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I'm hopeful that this means more, or at least continuing production of,  N scale detail parts.  I wonder though, that if Atlas REALLY wanted to produce detail parts, would they not have done just that long ago?  Maybe the market is not large enough for another manufacturer hence the purchase of BLMA? I guess we'll see but my instinct tells me they just wanted the rights to, and the tooling for, BLMA's rolling stock.  There is margin in detail parts but they would have to sit on stock for ages.

I guess we'll see.  At any rate Craig, thanks for getting this rolling.  You made the hobby much more enjoyable for me.  I have used MANY of your parts and I wish you continues success.

Craig