Yes, the rumors are true – the first Founders Series™ steam locomotive from Atlas O, LLC, is scheduled to roll into hobby shops in 2007. First “appearing” in a photo on the back of our 2005-06 catalog as a shining headlight emerging from a dark tunnel, this steam locomotive has been the subject of rumor, speculation and discussion ever since that catalog hit the streets. So what steam locomotive is it? Following in the tradition of our very first O locomotive offering – the EMD SW Series Diesel Switcher, a steam switcher is being produced that will be able to run on all layouts large and small - a detailed model of the USRA 0-6-0 Steam Switcher that was found on railroads throughout our country and had a service life from 1918 through the 1950’s. The first pre-production photos and roadname artwork can be seen in our current catalog, “Atlas O 2006-07 Fall Winter Catalog.” THE PROTOTYPE At the onset of World War I, American railroads faced a crisis. War demands created an unprecedented upsurge in business that left the railroads with immediate freight car and locomotive shortages. Many rail yards were congested and scheduling was at a standstill. Then President Woodrow Wilson acted quickly to head off this debacle and on December 26, 1917, he took possession of the railroads via the Army Appropriations Act. The United States Railroad Administration (USRA) was formed to control rail traffic and unify maintenance and acquisition of equipment. From this directive the USRA developed standardized designs that would meet the needs of railroads throughout the country, yet would share design aspects to minimize the number of types that would have to be produced. These standardized locomotives and freight cars were based on proven and sound designs and their longevity of service bears this out. This 0-6-0 steam switcher is one of these standardized designs and could be found across the U.S. on railroads big and small. THE MODEL “Atlas O is proud to offer the USRA 0-6-0 steamer as the first release in our Founder’s Series of Master Line™ locomotives,” said Jim Weaver, vice-president of Atlas O, LLC. “These highly-detailed re-creations of the prototype exemplify the standards established by Atlas’ founder Stephen J. Schaffan, Jr. Each version we produce will have specific details, as opposed to merely one version being painted in different ways. We believe discriminating model railroaders will be extremely pleased.” “Indeed, the Founders Series™ is dedicated to the two individuals credited with starting Atlas – Stephan Schaffan, (1877-1948), and his son, Stephan J. Schaffan, Jr., (1918-1983), whose commitment to excellence in tool-making, engineering and the model railroad industry continues to serve as a daily example and guiding light to present and future generations of Atlas employees and family members,” said Thomas W. Haedrich, CEO of Atlas Model Railroad Company and Atlas O, LLC. Initial roadname offerings for the 0-6-0 include Burlington, Central of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Union Pacific. Also offered will be a fully painted, but un-lettered version for those who want to personalize their own. These locomotives will be available in 3-Rail TMCC, 2-Rail Silver and 2-Rail Gold.
Features: 2-Rail Silver Features: 2-Rail Gold Features: 3-Rail TMCC-Equipped Features: To learn and see more, keep watching our website,
www.atlaso.com. Equally anticipated is the “F”
Series of locomotives by Atlas O. Based upon the tooling that
was formerly owned by P&D Hobbies, these units are known
for their superb detailing and accuracy. According to Jim Weaver,
Atlas O has made them better!
The post-World War II “F” series of locomotives produced by the Electro-Motive Division (EMD) of General Motors are considered one of the most important groups of diesel locomotives ever manufactured. These locomotives almost single-handedly brought about the end of steam. The first “F” units produced after the war were the F-2/F-3 Phase I versions, which offered an improved design over the highly successful FT units that had revolutionized railroading before and during WWII. “The locos featured improvements to the prime mover in the F-2 and to both the prime mover and main electric generator in the F-3,” Jim said. “Therefore, while externally identical, the F-2’s output was 1,350hp, (same as an FT), and the F-3 was upped to 1,500hp.” These first postwar “F” units had several spotting features that were unlike any of the later, more common variations. The most obvious was the use of three portholes that were located on the sides of the “A” unit between the cab door and rear access door. (The “B” units, likewise, had three portholes but this detail did not change in later production.) Also, the rear segment of the upper panel on the sides of both the “A” and “B” units had a short open section that was covered with screen mesh. On later F-3’s, this open segment was visibly longer toward the rear of the unit. THE MODEL
The Atlas O “F” Units feature highly detailed bodies with railroad-specific details. “A” and “B” unit versions will be available as appropriate by railroad. All units will feature: all metal grab irons, die-cast metal chassis, fuel tank and trucks; twin flywheel-equipped motors, directional golden-white LED lighting, accurate painting and lettering and close coupling between units. “These locomotives make a splendid addition to the ever-expanding Atlas O lineup,” Jim added. “All versions of the “F” Unit, from the F-2 through the F-9, can be produced with extreme accuracy.” Additional features include: 3-Rail:~EOB™ Speed Control
Technology ~Lionel® Trainmaster® Command Control 2-Rail DC/DCC: QSI® Quantum System™ Features: (Atlas
O Master™ 2-Rail Gold Series only) HO & N Ford® F-150 Pickup Trucks in MOW Paint Schemes!
In January 2007, HO and N Scale modelers will be able to add a new level of realism to their layouts with Atlas’ popular Ford Pickup Trucks decorated in Maintenance of Way (MOW) paint schemes. Featuring silver painted bumpers and plastic head and brake lamp covers, the trucks come in packages of two, (N Scale), or one, (HO Scale), at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $15.95. The new paint schemes include: BNSF, Canadian National, Canadian Pacific, Illinois Central, Kansas City Southern, Norfolk Southern and Wisconsin Central. The first Atlas pick-up trucks debuted in 2005. They can all be seen at www.atlasrr.com.
Bill Cawthon reviewed the trucks favorably in the October 2006 issue of Model Railroad News. He wrote, “Atlas did an excellent job on the F-150. Working with Ford, Paul Graf (Atlas COO) and his team produced a model that scales out very well…In both scales, the tooling is sharp, and body lines and trim are well defined…The printing is clear and opaque right down to the ‘Quality in Motion’ motto...Atlas has come through with another much-needed ready-to-run vehicle for the modern layout. They’ve sweetened the deal by providing a lot of quality and detail for a reasonable price…” (Courtesy LampLight Publishing, Inc.) All we can add to that is, Keep on Truckin’,
with Atlas!
Past Columns: Issue 2: ATO Product Catalog,
N Evans Gondola |
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