Atlas acquires Microtrains

[Lenny53]

The point is not moot but I’m done after this. Atlas had input in the mechanism development of the RS-3. I was a frequent visitor of Atlas at the time and knew of the project before it came to market. But you believe what you believe.

Atlas had input into the product they were commissioning, well duh.  You put nothing forward that Kato used the RS-3 to develop the GP38-2 to enter the US market.  BTW the ConCor PA was the first Kato designed product available in the US not the RS-3.

[Kentuckian]

When I first got into N scale over 40 years ago at that time I wanted two things: a GP-7 or GP-9 (I probably couldn’t tell the difference then) in C&O first generation markings like the ones I saw working the yard at Russell, KY that ran decently, and brick structure kits of North American prototypes.

I think I’ve owned all of the GP 7/9 models in N scale except for maybe Bachmann. The first generation Roco/Atlas. The C&O Rapido with its “floating” trucks. Brass. The Atlas ones on the RS-3 chassis. All were disappointments for various reasons.

Then Atlas finally did it correctly, more or less. And now with factory sound! First generation C&O markings on both models! I lobbied Atlas for C&O paint on the GP-7. I don’t know if it made a difference but they did produce it.

DPM answered the need for small urban brick buildings, like the two story ones in Olive Hill, KY. But Atlas did do Middlesex Manufacturing, a decent brick building kit.

I have no problem with Atlas. After the initial shock, I’m optimistic. But I do think we will have to be patient.

[learmoia]

Kato used the RS-3 to develop the GP38-2 to enter the US market.

Thats a stretch (as dis-similar as they are in design.)..  Maybe the GP9 truck and the Rapido coupler are the only thing that carried over 

Your previous comment that the GP38 was designed for Con-Cor (and has design notes from the PA/DL109/E7) makes alot more sense.

[peteski]

Atlas had input into the product they were commissioning, well duh.  You put nothing forward that Kato used the RS-3 to develop the GP38-2 to enter the US market.  BTW the ConCor PA was the first Kato designed product available in the US not the RS-3.

Yes, the first Sekisui Kinzoku (later Kato) American prototype N scale locomotive was PA-1. It was first produced in 1968 and sold by Con-Cor.

Kato USA opened its doors in 1986 and the first Kato USA model was the GP38-2.  Then came F3s and F7s in 1989.  GP-50 was also produced sharing its unique mechanism design with GP38-2 (was basically different shell and the mechanism was modified slightly).

Looking at the RS-3/11 chassis, except for the truck design (and of course similar motor), there doesn't appear to be any commonality with GP-38-2/50.  They are totally different mechanism designs.

The hard cover book "50th Anniversary of KATO N-gauge Models" has a pretty thorough coverage of their history and technology, especially if one reads Japanese.  But even just the included English translations of the photo captions are very helpful in getting "the picture". 

Looking from that angle, it does appear (like Bryan mentioned) that RS-3/11 was a separate design branch worked out between Atlas and Kato.  While other American-prototype models are mentioned in the book, the RS-3/11 are not mentioned at all, which seems to further indicate that those were not purely Kato models.

[wm3798]

The GP38-2 drive was similar to ones I've seen under brass shells.  All the fiddledeebits for the pickups, the the truck mounts... all of it.  I suspect Kato was dabbling by producing drives for the brass importers.  The GP38-2 drive had a lot more in common with the first generation PA than with anything Atlas imported.

Meanwhile, back on the topic, I dropped by Mainline yesterday to do a little hoarding...  picked up a 10 pack to spread around my B&O fleet, and some passenger trucks for a couple of projects that I'm working toward (not "on" mind you... that would imply forward progress).  Anyway, for the not so small investment I dropped, I'll be installing one set of trucks per month over the next 10 months so I can feel like I'm getting some play value out of them. 

I doubt it will happen, but I'm hoping that the much ballyhooed Atlas Global Production Chain gets prices for these things back in line.  I don't mind paying what I'm paying knowing that I'm contributing to @JoeD 's pension, but if we're going to child labor sweat shops, we better get child labor sweat shop prices...

Lee

[Ngineer]

Then Atlas finally did it correctly, more or less. And now with factory sound! First generation C&O markings on both models! I lobbied Atlas for C&O paint on the GP-7. I don’t know if it made a difference but they did produce it.

In which year did Atlas make the first correct GP7 model in N scale?

   Javier

[learmoia]

In which year did Atlas make the first correct GP7 model in N scale?

   Javier

1995ish.. Atlas/China... well.. correct-er than the Atlas Kato version.

[Jesse6669]

Yes, the first Sekisui Kinzoku (later Kato) American prototype N scale locomotive was PA-1. It was first produced in 1968 and sold by Con-Cor.

Kato USA opened its doors in 1986 and the first Kato USA model was the GP38-2.  Then came F3s and F7s in 1989.  GP-50 was also produced sharing its unique mechanism design with GP38-2 (was basically different shell and the mechanism was modified slightly).

Why does the U30C stick in my mind as being a "first"?  (I'm not an expert on Kato history but I remember this being notable in N-Scale Magazine for some reason...)

[JoeD]

I'm sitting here dodging fork trucks and ricocheting nail guns and you guys know more than I do...LOL   Our lasting legacy seems to be arguments and splitting hairs.   


For what its worth it, was a real honor to work at MTL...to help keep Keith's dream alive and it is an honor to be here during the transition and have a small part in keeping what we all worked for alive. 

Joe

[Scott Nixon]

Good for you Joe!

How are the other employees doing?  Did a lot get offers from Atlas to continue employment?

[Ed Kapuscinski]

I'm sitting here dodging fork trucks and ricocheting nail guns and you guys know more than I do...LOL   Our lasting legacy seems to be arguments and splitting hairs.   

For what its worth it, was a real honor to work at MTL...to help keep Keith's dream alive and it is an honor to be here during the transition and have a small part in keeping what we all worked for alive. 

Joe

That makes me very happy to hear.

[Point353]

If they employ the same strategy with the MTL heavyweights, people will be ecstatic at not having to wait a year (or more) for a complete set.
As an example, MTL never finished the New Haven pre-New Image set. 
They also never issued the full New Haven New Image set, even though the six cars they did issue blew out in record time.

Wasn't there also an NSC/NSE special run of NH heavyweight passenger cars?

[Point353]

Because the infrastructure, regulations and workforce no longer exist in the States to manufacture the products at a cost low enough to keep the products marketable.

Comparing the latest 40' boxcar prices, MSRP from MTL is $30 while Atlas is at $39.
(Also, Kadee HO 40' boxcars are mostly under $45.)
Would a 30% price increase be sufficient to support domestic production?
If not, what would you estimate that the price of a USA-made product might need to be in order to make it viable for a manufacturer? 

[Spades]

but if we're going to child labor sweat shops, we better get child labor sweat shop prices...

Lee

Pragmatist.

[Olivani]

Atlas Winter 2025 news on uTube