Steeped in History & Tradition

At Atlas, we often refer to our history, tradition and family-oriented business style. We believe it is part of what makes us unique and spurs us to excellence in the present, and future.

Let’s start at the beginning…

Stephan Schaffan Jr. transformed the Atlas Tool Company he ran with his father into a model railroad company and changed the world of model railroading for the better along the way. He is one of a small group of entrepreneurs who made model railroading into an American industry in the 1950’s and 60’s. His inventions and standardization of track components made it possible for modelers to have compatibility of their track, freight cars and locomotives, and enabled manufacturers to create train sets that soon swept the nation. For his ingenuity and contributions to model railroading, “Steve” was honored numerous times.

Because the same family is still at the helm of Atlas, our walls are filled with memorabilia that staff and the occasional visitor enjoy every day. Now, we would like to share them with you! Each issue, we’ll pull out a few gems to feature here, giving you more insight and information about what made Atlas the company it is today, and how products and publications have evolved over time.

If you would like to learn more before the next issue, we invite you to read the History of Atlas in the “Beginner” Section of this website.

When tool and die maker Stephan Schaffan Sr. arrived in America in the late 1800’s from Czechoslovakia, one of his first jobs was, ironically, working on the railroad as part of the spike crew! That’s him under the red arrow.

Taken circa 1940, this photo shows the young Stephan Schaffan Jr., left, with his dad, Stephan Schaffan Sr.

In 1947, the first Atlas factory devoted exclusively to the manufacture of model railroad products opened at 413 Florence Avenue, Hillside, New Jersey, just a block from where the current Atlas company headquarters stands. This bronze plaque graced the wall next to the door, and is part of the collection of memorabilia displayed in Atlas’ halls today.

In 1985, Stephan Schaffan Jr. was posthumously inducted into the Model Railroad Industry Association’s (MRIA) Model Railroading Hall of Fame. The plaque reads, “Stephan Schaffan, President, Atlas Tool Company, popularized the HO Sectional Track System, which became a standard for many years by most major HO Train Set manufacturers. He also developed Flexible Track, Accessories, HO, O & N Scale locomotives and cars.”

Steve Schaffan Jr. displayed his proposed S gauge Snap Track, which was never produced, at a1957 trade show in New York City. Photo by Hal Carstens
Reprinted from 150 Years of Model Trains, by Hal Carstens, copyright @ 1999 by Harold H. Carstens.

At the 1959 Victory Dinner celebrating the success of the Hobby Industry’s Model Railroad Division N Scale Film Fund, Steve Schaffan Jr., (far right), was joined by fellow speakers, (left to right), Phyllis and Hal Carstens, Sylvan Sidney of Craft, Hobby and Model Magazine, and Nat Polk of Polk Aristo Craft. HIAA Photo
Reprinted from 150 Years of Model Trains, by Hal Carstens, copyright @ 1999 by Harold H. Carstens.

Steve Schaffan Jr., (left), holding an N Scale train, joined Carl Lenz, (center), of Modern Talking Picture Service and Hal Carstens, marking the initiation of televised film spots and viewings at various major airports of model railroading films. Photo by Hal Carstens
Reprinted from 150 Years of Model Trains, by Hal Carstens, copyright @ 1999 by Harold H. Carstens.

Please look for this column every issue for more tidbits of Atlas history.