Atlas loco announced with Micro-Trains coupler!

[Narlie]

The Atlas New Announcement Spotlight - N C-628/630

N SW9

Primarily used for heavy-haul road freight service throughout the US, the C-628 generated a total of 2,750 hp, and was part of the American Locomotive Company’s (ALCO) Century Locomotive Line. A total of 185 units were built by ALCO for railroads in the US, Mexico and Australia between 1963 and 1968.

Now featuring improved wheel profile and Micro-Trains 1015 style couplers, as well as Alco Hi-Ad trucks and MLW Dofasco trucks where appropriate!

[robertjohndavis]

I wondered about that wording when I read it. It’s awkward. Are they 1015 couplers or 1015 “style” couplers. The former sounds like an actual MT product, the latter sounds like a knockoff.

For instance, if it said Loksound v.5 style decoder, I would assume it’s not an ESU product.

[peteski]

Yes that does sound squirrely. Atlas was exclusively using the Acumate couplers for years. They now own MTL line and yet will use "MTL style" couplers?  Or someone in their advertising department is just confused? Poor phrasing? Maybe they are producing the knockoffs in China until the real things start being molded in Vietnam?  Or since Micro-Trains company no longer exists, they call the original ones made by Atlas "MTL style"?

[Rossford Yard]

Maybe they just don't wan their property to be forever identified as Micro Trains and it is a transitional phrase?

[bbussey]

I suspect the term is the new preferred reference to the genuine coupler as opposed to obfuscating about a clone, given that MTL as a business entity no longer exists. Similar to the vintage term “Rapido style” couplers.

[robertjohndavis]

I suspect the term is the new preferred reference to the genuine coupler as opposed to obfuscating about a clone, given that MTL as a business entity no longer exists. Similar to the vintage term “Rapido style” couplers.

They have created the Micro Trains by Atlas brand. If it’s a true 1015 they should refer to it as the Micro Trains by Atlas 1015. If you start a new brand name, you build upon it. But what do I know? I’m just a marketing idiot.

[garethashenden]

Didn't they stop being 1015 a while ago anyway? Originally, 1015 was the part number. Then Micro-Trains introduced a new longer part number system and put 1015 in parentheses as a reference. So I think calling them 1015 style has been technically correct for at least the past decade.

[jagged ben]

Atlas hasn't been exclusively using Accumates since they bought BLMA.  They've had the BLMA MT clone for years.  I'm not saying I know what they mean by that advertising copy.

[dandopinski]

A C630 with Dofasco trucks is good. I wonder if it will come with the nose HL.

[peteski]

Atlas hasn't been exclusively using Accumates since they bought BLMA.  They've had the BLMA MT clone for years.  I'm not saying I know what they mean by that advertising copy.

Well, I forgot that the mighty Atlas acquired BLMA.  Did they use those MTL clones on any of their locomotive models, or were they only used on the ex-BLMA items?

[bbussey]

 they never referred to the BLMA couplers as “MTL style couplers” from what I remember. At some point they will start using the 1015 on the motive power releases as the standard, once they have that product line back in production.

[Missaberoad]

A C630 with Dofasco trucks is good. I wonder if it will come with the nose HL.

the artwork has a cab mounted bell fwiw.

[robertjohndavis]

the artwork has a cab mounted bell fwiw.

Unless they are doing the Canadian carbody (which it seems not) and proper axle spacing for the Dofasco trucks (which seems unlikely) it will neither be fish nor fowl. A true foobie.

[Missaberoad]

Unless they are doing the Canadian carbody (which it seems not) and proper axle spacing for the Dofasco trucks (which seems unlikely) it will neither be fish nor fowl. A true foobie.

Keep in mind the CN Carbody is different and closer to the ALCO version than the CP/BCOL carbody. a few strategic changes would make a close model.

[wm3798]

It may be that they have an intern writing their copy, or worse, AI.  "XYZ-style" may just be poor word choice.

On the other hand, as a native Marylander, when I travel and see a "Maryland Style Crabcake" on a menu, I don't order it.

It's probably the theory @peteski has advanced wherein they're using a production knock-off on their own models, and will be churning out genuine MT By Atlas versions to retail to the general public.  The designs are their intellectual property now, so anything goes.

Lee