Locomotives that really need to re-release

[sizemore]

I'd like to see the Alco FA-2 re-run - my interest is in WM (speed lettering & "circus").

THIS (with split-frames and ESU decoders).

The S.

[jdcolombo]

The problem with the LL SW9/1200 is that today, a large percentage of purchasers want DCC, and a significant subset of those want sound. The old LL chassis simply is not compatible with sound (well, unless you are Jim Starbuck  ), and even non-sound DCC isn't exactly a beginner project if you want to use a decoder other than the Digitrax model specifically made for this engine in its post 2017 guise.  So I think that chassis would have to be completely redone to meet modern expectations.  Maybe owning the shell tooling would make the project feasible, but I suspect Atlas will go after quicker ROI projects than the SW.

Atlas announced a re-run of the excellent LL Berks over a year ago (I think it was in January, 2025) and so far there has been nothing but radio silence on that project, which SHOULD be an easier conversion to DCC/Sound than the SW9. 

Understand that I'd love to see an updated version of the SW.  I have six of them sitting on a shelf because I don't want to undertake the kind of work Jim did to put sound in his.  And maybe I'm overstating the chassis redesign work needed to do all this.  But I'll be very surprised to see that model on the re-run list any time soon.

As for other re-runs . . . well, honestly I'd rather see Atlas do an FM H10 or H12 switcher from scratch . . .

John C.

[garethashenden]

Everything Atlas has re-released with sound recently has a new chassis design. I don't think that's as huge a hurdle as it may seem. Sure it raises the cost of the project, but probably not beyond the point of feasibility. Especially with the wide range of road names, paint schemes, and numbers that the SW8/9/1200 encompass.

[Jim Starbuck]

Atlas has announced a release of SW9/1200s with and without sound which are available for pre-order from your dealer. I’m not sure of the ETA.

[mu26aeh]

Atlas has announced a release of SW9/1200s with and without sound which are available for pre-order from your dealer. I’m not sure of the ETA.

Says 4th quarter 2026, so I'd say early 2027 for delivery

[pjm20]

The LifeLike/Atlas FA-2 in NYC and PRR, Arnold SW-1 in PRR, and the Arnold U25c in PRR. I'd like to see the LifeLike GP18 too, but only if they fix the issues from the GP20, otherwise I'll stick to hunting old LL models. Wouldn't mind seeing a Rapido RDC decorated for the Bellefonte Historical Railroad Society too given the return of one of theirs. I'd take that in N and/or HO!

[Jimbo]

Any Baldwin switcher AS16, AS616, etc.

I agree with the need for ANY Baldwin (road)switcher, but these haven’t ever been released in N scale (nor Z scale, I’m guessing), so I guess they can’t be re-released.

Jim

[crrcoal]

Hopefully in time for Springfield 

Says 4th quarter 2026, so I'd say early 2027 for delivery

[wmcbride]

Kato U-boats.

I remember buying my first Kato U30C from Pete at Brooklyn Locomotive Works circa 1989 (and adding the pilot filler).

I loved those engines. They could surely use a modern reboot from Kato...

[Kentuckian]

Bachmann Heavy Mountain in C&O. I have one, but is one ever enough?

[delamaize]

Bachmann’s non-streamlined K4 in N.

I got tired of hunting and waiting myself, and just built one myself from a streamlined one, and a stack of parts from the B-mann parts department.
https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=59922.msg825748#msg825748

[Dave V]

I got tired of hunting and waiting myself, and just built one myself from a streamlined one, and a stack of parts from the B-mann parts department.
https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=59922.msg825748#msg825748

Funny, I was just thinking today that that's probably a decent way-ahead. Luckily for me, I scored a standard K4 a few months ago on eBay cheap. It had some minor cosmetic damage, so I ordered a new shell from Bachmann.

[rickb773]

Atlas GP30 in Reading Yellow/Green paint scheme.
They rarely show up on eBay and when they do the bids go through the ceiling.

Atlas or Kato F units in early GN & ACL colors.

[basementcalling]

GP-9s, but phase 3.

If Kato does the C30-7, I hope they do the more modern cab with only the 2 side windows, not the ovals.

Just about anything used seems to go for about new prices on eBay these days. Lots of unmet demand for old units.

[garethashenden]

I think you're all wrong. What we really need is 2 or 3 new Big Boy designs! 

What should be rerun? The Life-Like USRA 0-8-0. Too bad they lost the tooling.