N Scale Atlas 73' Centerbeam's

[vermonter_railfan]

Looks like Atlas has decided to finally produce the modern 73' centerbeam or I should say "center partition car".
What's interesting is it appears they are using either their knockoff MTL clones or now possibly genuine MTL couplers.
MSRP $52.95 and separate loads for $22.95

Roadnames include
UP
BNSF
TTX as delivered
NS
CP/SOO
CN/DWC
AW
WPRR

[mu26aeh]

I'm sure some are glad these companies are doing separate loads now for the centerbeams but they just don't cut it in my book.  They are too generic looking.  Sharp, 90* corners, no bundle distinction.  Especially for the price.  I'll stick with the Columbus Trainmaster loads.  Reminds me, I need to contact him anyways

[Ike the BN Freak]

Probably will order the TTX ones, but what is with everyone doing the same basic Center beam? Where's the Opera window ones?

[GaryHinshaw]

This is a nice surprise.  This car was on my top-5 wish list back in 2017, and here we are.   A new version of the opera window centerbeam would indeed be welcome.

[Mark5]

Here's the link: https://shop.atlasrr.com/c-1769-n251.aspx

[basementcalling]

Anyone know if this is a true duplicate of the Rapido cars or a different prototype? It's certainly an expensive offering.

[samusi01]

Generally appears - per the artwork, at least - to be the same prototype as the Jackson Railcar offering. The earlier discussion about that model points towards Greenbrier as the prototype manufacturer.

[GaryHinshaw]

Here is a comparison:



The most obvious difference is the arrangement of the outermost truss sections: the Rapido model is plated, the Atlas and upcoming Jackson Railcar models are open (too bad about the overlap in releases...).  Based on the announced road numbers, the Atlas model is based on cars built by ARI, Greenbriar, and Trenton Works; all of which share a very similar mechanical design.  One other slightly obvious spotting feature is whether the floor is smooth or has risers.  The Atlas HO model has a smooth floor, so I assume this N model will as well.  Rapido offered both styles.

I'm very glad to hear that Atlas will use a die-cast floor for proper weight and tracking.  The Red Caboose models suffer greatly in this regard, at least on my layout.

[MetroRedLine]

Is the word "Centerbeam" copyrighted or something? "Center Partition Car" is just so weird to see...nobody really calls it that. What's the deal here? Red Caboose/IM, MTL, Rapido and Jackson Railcar all had zero qualms about calling them "Centerbeam Cars." Even Atlas' announcement description uses the terms "Center Partition Car," "Center Divider Flat Car" and "Centerbeam Car" in the same paragraph.

[samusi01]

Interestingly, Greenbrier also refers to it as a “center partition car” as well as centerbeam. The GBX car has no risers, and a canted deck. We’ll see if the Atlas and a Jackson rail cars sport these details.

[basementcalling]

Here is a comparison:



The most obvious difference is the arrangement of the outermost truss sections: the Rapido model is plated, the Atlas and upcoming Jackson Railcar models are open (too bad about the overlap in releases...).  Based on the announced road numbers, the Atlas model is based on cars built by ARI, Greenbriar, and Trenton Works; all of which share a very similar mechanical design.  One other slightly obvious spotting feature is whether the floor is smooth or has risers.  The Atlas HO model has a smooth floor, so I assume this N model will as well.  Rapido offered both styles.

I'm very glad to hear that Atlas will use a die-cast floor for proper weight and tracking.  The Red Caboose models suffer greatly in this regard, at least on my layout.

Thanks, Gary. I thought it strange they did not mention the manufacturer in the product announcement. Most companies do so nowadays. And the "partition" term is one I have not heard used before. They are center beams, like every copier in the world is a Xerox.

[eja]

Did April Fool's day come early this year ?    $52 for an N scale car + extra if you want a load!

Red Caboose cars and looking better than ever.

[mu26aeh]

And they're $8 more than the Rapido ones. 

[chessie system fan]

And they're $8 more than the Rapido ones.

Would that be a tariff difference?

[milw156]

Atlas had samples at Trainfest 3 weeks ago, they looked pretty good, and had some heft to them