Product Spotlight

In this ongoing column, readers will learn about how Atlas products are conceived and developed. If there is a particular product you would like to learn more about, please email us by clicking the following: .

In the Track section, our own Chief Operating Officer, Paul Graf, who joined Atlas as our one-man N Scale Research & Development Department in 1989, gives his first-hand account of how the popular N Scale Code 55 Track was developed.

HO Scale Maywood Station (Coming Soon in N!)

Atlas looked no further than its own backyard in creating the latest HO trackside structure – the Maywood Station. A full scale replica of a depot built in 1872 by the New Jersey Midland Railroad, (predecessor to the present-day New York Susquehanna & Western Railway), in Maywood, NJ, the prototype for this model still stands today and was recently restored by volunteers to its original appearance. Maywood is located in New Jersey’s northeastern Bergen County.

Stations built to a similar Victorian-era design could be found in small towns and suburbs of larger cities on railroads across the United States. The present-day Maywood Station houses a museum featuring artifacts from railroads in the region and highlights of the station’s role in the development of the Borough of Maywood.

Atlas’ version features board and batten construction, historically appropriate colors, separate window glazing, a separate platform base with brick pattern, numerous small and optional parts, and decals for various station names. The approximate finished size, including the base, is 9.25” x 4/25” x 3”. Delivery is currently estimated for March 2006.

In spring 2006, the N scale version of the Maywood Station is scheduled to debut. With the same detail and high quality as the HO version, the N Scale Maywood Station will be offered as an easy-to-assemble kit, as well as a built-up version. Look for them soon in your local hobby shop, or keep checking www.atlasrr.com, where photos and ordering information can also be found. For more information on the prototype, please visit www.maywoodstation.com.

Item# 620-1: HO Maywood Station Built-Up (tan with brown trim) - $39.95
Item #620-2: HO Maywood Station Built-Up (gray with maroon trim) - $39.95
Item# 620-3: HO Maywood Station Built-Up (pale green with dark green trim) - $39.95
Item# 720: HO Maywood Station Kit (tan with brown trim) - $24.95

N Scale Code 55 Track

The code 55 track line was initially conceived in 1998/99, to meet customer requests for a track line that met the prototypical appearance of our locomotives and rolling stock. Once we had completed the line of HO code 83 track, we had the time and resources available to explore offering a similar line of track in N scale.

It was decided that the track line would not follow the geometry of the existing N scale Code 80 line, so the dimensions of the basic pieces needed to be determined. We consulted the NMRA Standards and Recommended Practices for track to develop the track spacing, and started to develop the radius pieces from there. Once we had the radii determined, we moved on to the straight sections. We determined that a 6” straight would be the basic straight section, so the turnouts and crossings were also designed to fit into the system. Various track configurations were plotted out on CAD systems to see what fitter pieces would also be needed, and these were included in the planning. Once the turnouts were designed, and since they were true, numbered turnouts, we had to develop curved sections to bring the track parallel at a point that matched our track system. Two of the biggest questions we get are: What are the 30.609” and 71” inch radius track pieces for? These are the reverse curves for the #5 and #7 turnouts respectively.

Atlas COO Paul Graf examines a piece of the N Scale Code 55 track he helped develop.

Once the first samples were produced, it was found that there was difficulty in molding the spike heads consistently, and having them strong enough to hold the rail in place during shipping and layout construction. The spike heads were slightly enlarged to alleviate this problem, but in doing so it allowed wheel flanges of older equipment, and equipment that did not meet NMRA standards, to hit the spike heads. The flange clearance on Atlas’ code 55 track exceeds that of the NMRA standards. We did tool, and currently offer at reasonable pricing, wheel sets to replace the “pizza cutter” wheels used on some popular rolling stock.

Atlas’ code 55 track is built with a prototypical rail cross-section, and scale-sized and spaced ties. It looks much closer to actual track than our Code 80 line, as well as other manufacturer’s Code 55 lines, which may follow foreign tie size and spacing, or use a non- prototypical rail cross-section.

Atlas’s code 55 track can be used just like the code 80 track. Since it is built following NMRA standards, the operation is as smooth and reliable as any track on the market. Since the Flex Track follows Atlas’ patented design, it is easy to work with and can be flexed and straightened repeatedly without kinking. The turnouts have metal frogs, which can be powered if short wheel-based locomotives are used. The turnouts are also DCC friendly, meaning no additional wiring is needed to use them with a DCC equipped layout. Die cast points and guardrails assure years of smooth and reliable operation.

While the Code 55 line is relatively complete, several new products are in the works. At least 2 more crossings, (30° and 60°), and more turnouts, including a #3.5 Wye, are in various stages of tooling, scheduled for availability in mid-2006. Stay tuned for further information. -by Paul Graf

The New “Kit” on the Block – in HO & N!
SHIPPING NOW!

The newest additions to Atlas Model’s product line are the HO and N Scale Laser Cut Micro Plywood Garages. The first release in this finely detailed garage series is designed to match Kate’s Colonial House, a member of the Atlas Lovely Lady Home Series™. Each package includes two garage structures and a detailed instruction sheet for easy assembly.

Item# 2880: N Scale Laser Cut Micro Plywood Garage Kit - $34.95
Item# 740: HO Scale Laser Cut Micro Plywood Garage Kit - $39.95

“These garages are modeled after a typical two-car garage prefabricated design from the early 1920's,” said designer Russ Kaufman of New York. “These inexpensive garages were built by the hundreds from prefabricated metal and wood components. Manufacturers of these garages, such as Sears Roebuck, Aladdin and Radford Companies, often advertised that they required only basic tools for construction. Due to this ease of construction, many were actually disassembled and moved to different locations over their lifetime.”

This kit features several trademarks of the prototypes including the "hinged" wooden doors with multi-pane windows on top, a peaked roof and horizontal novelty siding.

Available now at your local hobby dealer, or via our website, www. atlasrr.com. Atlas intends to add more garages to the line in the future.