Springfield Show Product Announcements

[unittrain]

Is ESM still going to offer vandal panels for the Athearn autoracks?

[chicken45]

Just think if Bachmann re-did their 60' cars. They would be just as horrible, but have knuckle couplers. And could be your for only $105.99 each.


 

LOL

[bbussey]

Atlas RPO, both sides. T-Master, S-2, U23B, assorted freight.

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[bbussey]

Is ESM still going to offer vandal panels for the Athearn autoracks?

Yes at some point. Design issues to work out.

[Maletrain]

Thank you Atlas, for the short passenger cars.  There has been a neglected need for those in n scale for a long time.  And, thank you especially for the 60' RPO, which matches the B&O typical window arrangement much more closely than the MicroTrains 60' RPO does, even if not perfect.  At least a couple of those will see service on the B&O section of my layout, even if I have to paint them myself.

I can soon officially set aside my Bachmann "shorties" and start working on making these Atlas cars into what I want for my fantasy short line trains.  A MUCH better starting point.  And, I even intend to use that open-platform observation - because I LIKE open platform observations - and it's MY fantasy short line.

[jmlaboda - RIP]

Wonder if those diaphragms flex???  Sure looks like they might...

which matches the B&O typical window arrangement much more closely than the MicroTrains 60' RPO does, even if not perfect.

B&O had some like the MT model... 14 cars to be exact... B&O 78 - 91.  They were later rebuilt with five windows from one end only...

http://rr-fallenflags.org/bo/bo-rpo80abr.jpg
http://abpr.railfan.net/abprphoto.cgi?june00/06-26-00/BXO-rpo-_87-Sept64.jpg
http://www.northeast.railfan.net/images/bo89.jpg

[tom mann]

Are those plastic wheels?  I was hoping that Atlas would adopt the BLMA wheels on their products.

[jmlaboda - RIP]

Thank you Atlas, for the short passenger cars.

Indeed, thanks so much Atlas.

I wonder... if these sell well I wonder if we might see some longer cars being offered such as the 14 Section, 6 Compartment - 3 Drawing Room and 8 Section - 1 Drawing Room - 2 Compartment sleepers that MT currently is not making.  That said it may already be in the works for more Pullman plans to be produced by MT in as much because there were so many of these cars used by the prototypes.  Either way we owe a lot to both MT and Atlas for what they are doing... definitely raising the bar on what can be done with N!!!

[Chris333]

They should sell well. They are the sort of thing I want even though I don't need or have a use for. They just look right on a small layout.

[Joetrain59]

I echo Chris' point, "They just look right on a small layout."

Now, if we could get some MP54's,
 Joe D

[Cajonpassfan]

Interesting news! (didn't see this one coming!)...
That RPO isn't quite the exact match to an ATSF 60' heavyweight, but it sure looks closer than anything released previously (Gotta get rid of those 6 axle trucks, add a channel sill, modify the doors, and add the large steps)

...and get rid of the belt rail...
Still, I applaud Atlas for bringing these out, they will fill a need.
Otto K.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Are those plastic wheels?  I was hoping that Atlas would adopt the BLMA wheels on their products.

I may lose a few a$$hat points for this, but I'm really glad they don't.

I much prefer the plastic wheelsets.

There. I said it.

While the metal ones generally look better, it's been my experience that the plastic ones are FAR more forgiving in far more circumstances.

I don't know how many times I've been somewhere and a layout shut down because someone derailed a car, or picked a turnout, or something. It's an incredibly annoying thing to have happen, and I guarantee that, aside from a few truly amazing modelers among us, is a thing that will happen when operating a layout.

[seusscaboose]

I may lose a few a$$hat points for this, but I'm really glad they don't.

I much prefer the plastic wheelsets.

There. I said it.

Card Suspended

[Philip H]

I may lose a few a$$hat points for this, but I'm really glad they don't.

I much prefer the plastic wheelsets.

There. I said it.

While the metal ones generally look better, it's been my experience that the plastic ones are FAR more forgiving in far more circumstances.

I don't know how many times I've been somewhere and a layout shut down because someone derailed a car, or picked a turnout, or something. It's an incredibly annoying thing to have happen, and I guarantee that, aside from a few truly amazing modelers among us, is a thing that will happen when operating a layout.

I actually go back and forth on this.  I like the look and sound of metal wheels, and using them will make signal detection somewhat easier when I get to that point.

OTOH the inconsistent availability of the FVM and IM replacement wheels has added a few grey hairs to my beard . . . .

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Card Suspended

Hey now, it's your layout I'm talking about... lol.