Atlas Family Values ~ 60 Years of Model Railroading Tradition & ExcellenceBuilding and nurturing a successful family business over 60 years is a notable achievement in itself, but the Atlas Model Railroad Co., Inc. is celebrating much more in 2009. With its historic impact on the hobby’s early days and laser focus on its future, Atlas is unique in a dynamic industry for its consistency, innovation, and relentless pursuit of perfection.
“For 60 years, Atlas has been a leader in producing quality, affordable, highly realistic track products preferred by the world’s premier modelers,” said Thomas W. Haedrich , CEO. “We now carry nine different track lines, as well as a kaleidoscope of freight cars, locomotives, instruction books, accessories and more. As we embark on our Diamond Anniversary, reflecting on our 60 years of tradition and success inspires us to greater heights in a hobby that continuously evolves with time and technology.” Tradition and uncompromising commitment to quality are the hallmarks that have sustained and guided Atlas since it’s inception as a general machine shop in 1924; founded by a Czechoslovakian immigrant who arrived in America with only his mechanical skills. Today, Atlas manufactures HO, N, O and O-27 Scale products for the model railroad industry worldwide. A Proud Past The Atlas Tool Company, founded by Stephen J. Schaffan Sr., grew through the 1930s and 40s, buoyed by the addition of Stephen J. Schaffan, Jr. to the firm. A quirk of fate saw Atlas transform into an internationally recognized model railroad manufacturer just as the hobby was gaining popularity after World War II. “Steve Jr.” accepted a challenge from a hobby shop owner to “see if you can improve on this” as he tossed the young man some primitive model railroad track.
Steve began experimenting with, inventing and patenting the flexible track and components that became industry standards by creating the first HO track common measurement criteria. Early demand was so great, family members toiled into the night in their Newark , New Jersey basement to fill orders. Atlas’ first plant dedicated solely to the manufacture of model railroad products was built in 1947 on Florence Avenue in Hillside , New Jersey . By 1959, it was time to move on to the larger headquarters Atlas occupies today, down the street from its original location. Steve Jr. engineered the stapling of rail to fiber track, and invented the first practical rail joiner, pre-assembled turnouts and more, turning model railroading into a mass-market hobby. In the process, Steve became a recognized leader and innovator. In 1985, he was posthumously inducted by the Model Railroad Industry Association into the Model Railroad Industry Hall of Fame. He was entered into the National Model Railroad Association Pioneers of Model Railroading in 1995. In his own words, which appeared in the Craft, Model and Hobby Industry 1970 Directory: “What makes model railroading unique? It is a hobby of many facets. It is almost impossible to complete a model railroad. No matter how much you to do it, there is always one more touch to give it that final, completed look. The search for perfection goes on and on. The challenge of building, doing and learning is a never-ending task. It appeals to all walks of life and creates a unique bond between individuals who otherwise would never think of becoming acquainted or working together. Model railroading has been written off again and again, yet it continues its steady growth.” Atlas Memories Nostalgia is a cornerstone of model railroading. Almost daily, particularly at the many hobby shows Atlas attends each year, long-time fans relate their special memories of working with Atlas products. One such devotee is George A. Brown, associate editor of O Gauge Railroading Magazine. “I switched from tinplate O gauge to HO scale in early 1955, tore down the tinplate layout and started back up with HO and Atlas track,” George said. “I remember the layout’s construction like I just took it down last month. I also clearly remember laying the Atlas Flex Track and switches using chalk line on the straights and an improvised compass for the curves. My grand dad, who showed me how to cut and edge-bevel all my roadbed from ¼” plywood sheet, was a craftsman of the old school, so anything I built got the closest scrutiny. I was the only one of three HO contemporary teen-aged model railroaders who used Atlas track. My layout was the only one with completed track that was fully operational by the time we all graduated from high school in ’58—my buddies were still cutting roadbed and laying rails!” Armando Vargas of Images of the Past, who with his twin brother builds elaborate layouts for films, magazines, corporations and the rich and famous, uses Atlas track exclusively. “I love Atlas track, and am always looking for ways to promote it,” Armando said. “The rail looks great and the detail is the closest to real track. It all runs smooth and all other manufacturers’ products run just fine on it. I personally have $250,000 worth of Atlas O Scale 2 and 3-Rail trains.” To view his impressive work and see the ultimate in how Atlas track can be used, visit http://www.tinplatejn.com/O_gauge.htm. Back to the Future
Atlas scrupulously maintains its proud tradition and reputation for excellence, cultivating a niche market among modelers who strive to mimic real-life scenes and equipment. An Atlas model is a true scale representation of the real thing. The details are in the exact same position as the prototype, from the ladders and roof walks to the brake gear and hoses, and on to each model’s exquisite painting and printing. Today, the company is run by President Diane Schaffan Haedrich, Steve’s only child, her husband Thomas W. Haedrich , CEO, and their two sons, Jarrett and Jesse Haedrich. “We are extremely proud of my dad’s accomplishments and our family’s early beginnings, and even prouder to be part of a continuing legacy successfully carrying on his work and life’s dream,” Diane said. “He is with us in spirit every day.” Atlas currently produces over 45 different rolling stock body styles and 500 different prototypical paint schemes in N Scale, and 25 different rolling stock body styles and over 265 different paint schemes in HO. Our sister company, Atlas O, LLC, just over ten years old, has grown exponentially as serious model railroaders discover the superiority of Atlas models. But Atlas is not a firm that rests of its laurels. Continuously announcing and releasing new products, Atlas keeps customers coming back through painstaking research, a knack for creating exactly what discriminating model railroaders desire, and relentless monitoring of each stage of design and production, even in the current difficult economic climate.
“Clearly, people are turning to enduring pastimes that offer life-enhancing playtime with lasting value,” Tom said. “People tell us they are skipping expensive vacations and staying home to enjoy their model trains with family and friends. Model railroading is fun, active, educational, and has endured as one of the most popular pastimes for over four generations. It ties our past to our future and offers a world of knowledge to participants. As we celebrate our 60th anniversary, I am especially grateful for the tremendous encouragement and support we continue to receive from our distributors, hobby dealers and consumers.” All Atlas departments – R&D, Sales, Marketing and Customer Service - have been busily planning for an exciting Diamond Anniversary year. Among the “surprises” we can presently reveal: ~Release of the all-new Atlas All-Scales Track and Accessories Catalog. Last updated in 2005, Atlas track catalogs formerly separated into HO/N and O scales have been combined into one comprehensive, convenient publication, featuring every piece of track Atlas makes, along with structures, electrical components, instruction books and more in it’s whopping 128 pages. Scheduled for early ’09 release. ~Release of revised Thirty-Three 3-Rail Layouts Book. This popular O scale compilation will expand to include three all-new layouts, including one designed by an Atlas O Golden Spike Club™ member who won the club’s first layout-building contest! Scheduled for mid-’09 release ~New freight cars, locomotives and track pieces in all scales most requested by customers ~More Atlas O Golden Spike Club™ surprises ~And more! Discover the world of Atlas. Experience the finest Customer Service Department in the industry, our state-of-the-art online International Dealer Locator and our websites, providing comprehensive information on our products and how to use them, as well as more about Atlas’ rich history and manufacturing philosophy. “You’re On The Right Track…With Atlas! ®” isn’t just our slogan, it’s fact. |
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