Atlas acquires Microtrains

[basementcalling]

First thing I did when I saw a post on Facebook about this was check to be sure it wasn't April 1. Surprised isn't a strong enough word.
 
My heart goes out to the MT employees who are losing jobs right before the holidays. Merry Effing Christmas, guys and gals. Is it too much to hope that either company is doing right by the employees? I'd feel better about production resuming sooner if word leaked that some key folks from MT were hiring on at Atlas to help maintain knowledge essential to the MT production methods that created the best decorated cars in N scale. Their weathered offerings are untouched by anyone else.

I can't imagine Atlas will be able to resume MT's monthly release schedule. I'm guessing the numbers don't add up to a full container coming here from whichever country Atlas moves production to. That was another thing that made MT special. New product every month will be hard to replicate I think. The announcement says production will resume in 2026, but no mention of which quarter of the year.

I'll hope for better results with this acquisition by Atlas than what we got after they acquired BMLA and the LL/Walthers lines.  I wonder what this will do to the custom run cottage industry that MT facilitated for hobbyists and clubs ordering special runs of cars?

[OldEastRR]

Also, I assume this development will impact Lowell Smith rather heavily. I can't see Atlas maintaining a niche market like his.

Again, that tried and true, always accurate saying comes to mind: "If you ever see something come out in N scale that you think you might possibly use for any possible future need BUY IT RIGHT AWAY."  'Cause it might not be there tomorrow. I learned that in the '60s.

So who's next for Atlas Borg? Rapido? Intermountain? Stay tuned. 

[dem34]

What about the whole monthly thing?

I have to wonder if that was a factor in them having issues. Atleast at retail. Quite a few old heads in my club would buy every single sku of the monthly releases but they aren't really around anymore. Outside of Pokemon people don't really bank on speculative collecting these days.

[learmoia]

So who's next for Atlas Borg? Rapido? Intermountain? Stay tuned.

My guess is Accurail.

[wmcbride]

Wel, after reading everyone's comments all I can think of is BLMA disappearing into the abyss.

[Olivani]

What about the whole monthly thing?

If Atlas has enough orders and can produce enough to fill a whole container it will go on... 

[Olivani]

Here's a thought. It can be a good thing if Atlas decides to go the same way as PIKO. PIKO have their own manufacturing company in China. They do not rely on Kader Group or any other model train manufacturer. Atlas could do the same say in Vietnam or Bangladesh with all the tools and molds they got from the MicroTrains deal. They could act and react more flexible to the market and demand. Not relying on others and all the production delays. But as they say here in the country I am living - Mate, you're dreaming...   

[Big Train]

I surprised The Railwire hasn't overloaded on the new that Atlas has bought Micro-Trains.

https://micro-trains.com/index.php?route=information/information&information_id=12

Discuss

[EJN]

But take a lesson from me as an HOn3 guy who watched the flagship of my gauge/scale combination--Blackstone--go out of production. Some Blackstone engines--used!--are commanding as much as $1000 on eBay and you can hardly find cars for under $90 each now. It's ugly.

Somewhat OT, but how does Blackstone continue to exist when they have nothing at all to sell?

[robertjohndavis]

 So no more made in USA? It’s a sad day.

[dangerboy81]

Up to 6 pages so far.

https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=60318.0

[lock4244]

I feel like I did when the Edmonton Oilers traded Gretzky to the Kings.

[track1]

Somewhat OT, but how does Blackstone continue to exist when they have nothing at all to sell?

And why do companies buy other companies only to kill off their product line? What's the point?

They are a subsidiary of Soundtraxx, not their own company. So theoretically Soundtraxx ownership can choose to introduce new Blackstone products when they feel the time is right.

[tehachapifan]

This may be the biggest shake up in N scale that I have ever seen in 35+ years. Trying to remain optimistic, but....

[Scottl]

The good news is that  I won't have to buy any more $75 weathered freight cars.

The bad news is that I won't be able to buy anymore $75 weathered freight cars.