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: .

HO & N SCALES

Right Track™ Power Pack

Atlas’ new #311 Right Track™ Power Pack, is due to appear in hobby shops this spring. The #311, distinguishable by its new packaging, has undergone months of design to make it more powerful, safe and easy to use.

Jim Miller, Atlas’ DCC specialist for the past three years, took the lead on the design. Formerly an electrical engineer for Bell Labs, Jim has modeled in N, HO and O scales, and has an extensive working knowledge of what model railroaders need and want from their electrical components.

“The 311 now has a robust electrical design,” Jim said. “We utilized diodes and made the output transmitter powerful for heavy duty use. We also changed the switches and colors to make them visible, further enhancing visibility and ease of operation. There is no pulse power to damage the precision motor and it is full-wave rectified DC.” Another beneficial new feature is the Right Track™ Power Pack’s Canadian Underwriters Laboratory, (C-UL), certification, in addition to its existing American UL certification. Additional features include separate power and direction switches, circuit breaker protection and overload indicating lamp. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price for the #311 is $44.95.

Atlas did comparison testing against similar products on the market, and spent additional time perfecting the new #311. Atlas experts wanted to make sure all aspects met our stringent specifications and requirements. The Right Track™ Power Pack is designed for use with HO and N Scale trains.

For more information, visit www.atlasrr.com/trackmisc/rtpowerpack.htm.

Now Available!
ATLAS FANTASTIC LAYOUT BOOKLET
Seventy-One HO & N Scale Layout Ideas

The Atlas Fantastic Layout Booklet has been updated and expanded for 2006 to include more layouts, detailed product information, approximate costs for each layout and more! Whether you’re contemplating your first layout or your 21st, this 48-page pocket-sized booklet provides you with everything you need to make the right choices. It was designed to make it easy for you to select your own fantastic layout, and everything you need to make it a successful reality!

All original 54 Classic ATLAS HO & N Scale layouts, plus 12 HO True-Track® layouts and five N Code 55 layouts are included in simple graphics. We’ve given you each layout’s name and number, the name and item number of the corresponding Atlas instruction book in which it appears in detail, and other pertinent information such as table and layout size, skill level and a brief description. The skill levels are numbered 1-3. To help you decide which skill level best suits you, here is a simple guide:

Skill Level 1 - Beginner model railroaders.
Skill Level 2 - Intermediate model railroaders.
Skill Level 3 - Advanced model railroaders.

Six HO scale True Track® layouts and five N scale Code 55 layouts have been added. The True Track® layouts were created by Paul Graf, Atlas’ Chief Operating Officer, who also oversees the Research & Development Department. In creating new layouts, we strive to make them interesting, but keep them to the width of an average piece of plywood, 4 feet, to make construction as hassle-free as possible.

“I created a variety of layouts from very simple to a little more complex,” Paul related. “Sidings and passing sidings are included on most layouts, so more than one train can be run. There is some ‘play value’ added, such as switching cars in and out of sidings, running trains past each other, being able to change the end of the train the loco and caboose are on, etcetera. Through the process, I referred to our other plan books for basic ideas on track patterns.”

N Scale layouts such N-503 Narragansett Bay, a small but busy layout, and N-502 Needham Junction, specifically for narrow “shelf” spaces, were designed by Atlas’ head of N Scale Research & Development, Cory Rothlisberger. He said, “I tend to design layouts that make the best use of our track pieces and can be continually run in loops, which most modelers like. I try to make them interesting to keep people involved and leave options open so modelers can expand the design to meet their own needs and creativity.”

All track products are listed with item numbers. You can take Fantastic Layouts to your hobby shop with you to ensure you get everything you need in one visit! A new Table of Contents appears on the inside front cover. Various types of Atlas track are explained, as are the essential train terms “gauge”, “code” and “scale.” The Atlas instruction book section has also been updated. Listed as Atlas Item #4, Fantastic Layouts costs $1.

Atlas publishes eight instruction books designed and written for model railroaders of all skill levels. Each contains easy-to-follow instructions on every aspect of layout building; from buying the exact Atlas track and accessories needed for your chosen layout, to table construction, track laying, wiring and finishing your layout. These books are available at your local retailer or at www.atlasrr.com. To find the Atlas retailer nearest you go to www.atlasrr.com.

N Scale Code 55 #10 Turnout

Atlas received a Valentine gift on February 15 – the delivery of the first N Scale Code 55 #10 left-hand and right-hand turnouts. That same day, Cory Rothlisberger, head of N Scale product development, posted the good news, with photos, on the Atlas website, promising additional details on pricing and availability as soon as possible. As of early March, expectations were that the new track pieces will arrive at hobby shops this summer.

“There was a high demand for this product,” said Cory. “Larger turnouts are not very common in N scale. For the most part, modelers have had to make their own turnouts from kits. N scale modelers want longer track pieces that are mass-produced, and these new turnouts answer that desire.” Each turnout is 8” long. When using two of the turnouts for a crossover, it will create a 1.25” track center. The new #10 turnouts are designed to match the standards of Atlas’ other N scale track products, and feature powered frogs, simulated brown ties, nickel silver rail and a lower rail profile.

“We ensure standardized measurements so our track pieces can fit easily into our modular track system,” Cory said. “Everything is designed to fit exactly. We revise it until we know it’s the best it can be.” Response has been enthusiastic. Among the comments to our website announcement were, “Just what I’ve been looking for”, “Great job!”, “Looks very nice”, “Atlas has been listening”, and “Atlas, you have my vote, and my $!”

Code 55 track was initially conceived in 1998/99, in answer to requests for a track line that met the prototypical appearance of our locomotives and rolling stock. The introduction of this new turnout is a continuation of the line’s expansion. A complete story on the evolution of Atlas N Scale Code 55 track can be seen here.

Designed with precision and an eye to high quality and durability, Atlas’ Code 55 track is built with prototypical rail cross-sections, and scale-sized and spaced ties. It can be used just like Code 80 track. Since it is built to 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.

Atlas plans to continue to add to the N Scale Code 55 line. At least 2 more crossings, (30° and 60°), and more turnouts, including a #3.5 Wye, are in various stages of tooling, scheduled to arrive at hobby shops in June 2006. Stay tuned for further information.

O SCALE

3-Rail Adjust-A-Coupler® Now Available!

O Scale 3-Rail has just taken a giant step toward increased realism with the introduction of Atlas’ new Adjust-A-Coupler® System, now available at hobby shops everywhere that carry Atlas O. The system allows modelers to install scale couplers on a 3-Rail truck.

During the past year, Atlas O introduced the new Adjust-A-Coupler® System by including it with selected rolling stock. We’re pleased to report that it has gotten rave reviews and critical acclaim from operators who find scale accuracy in 3-Rail an important part of their hobby. Now, this patent-pending system is available for separate sale, allowing 3-Rail operators to easily install full scale die-cast operating couplers on their new Atlas O TRAINMAN™ rolling stock, as well as Master™ Series items.

The Adjust-A-Coupler® System was the idea of Jim Weaver, vice-president of Atlas O, who worked with a designer to create it. He said that in 2006, all Atlas O trucks will have pre-drilled holes to accept the system. All TRAINMAN™ rolling stock items already have the pre-drilled holes in the trucks.

“The most toy-like component of 3-Rail trains are the old, oversized couplers,” Jim said. “Three-rail trains are now becoming more scale like. With the Adjust-A-Coupler®, a scale coupler can easily be added to a 3-Rail truck and immediately the appearance of the car is improved without sacrificing the electrical functionality of the 3-Rail track and sharper turning capabilities of a truck-mounted coupler.”

“Another neat feature of this coupler is that it is not necessary to install the Adjust-A-Coupler® on every piece of rolling stock to begin its use,” Jim continued. “Since the couplers are installed on each truck separately, it is very easy to create 'transition cars' that have the scale Adjust-A-Coupler® on one end and the traditional 3-Rail coupler on the other.”

The Adjust-A-Coupler® System replaces the traditional oversized 3-Rail coupler. Featuring a new coupler pocket design, (patent pending), the Adjust-A-Coupler® System adds the final touch of realism previously only available to full scale 2-Rail models. A full description with photos can also be seen in our upcoming 2006 Spring/Summer Atlas O Scale Catalog (scheduled for April release).

Installing this new item is an easy three-step process:

Click to enlarge

First, insert the scale coupler into the coupler pocket. The uncoupling arm of the coupler should be toward the open face of the pocket. Insert the centering spring in the coupler slot between the anchor pin and the screw post. Once in place, you can install the cover plate on the coupler pocket. While holding the complete coupler pocket between your fingers, turn it over and install the cover attachment screw through the top of the coupler pocket. The complete coupler pocket can now be attached to the adjustable arm with two screws.

Second, remove the trucks from your freight car. Once off, you should remove the top T-bar of the trucks that hold the 3-Rail coupler. Install the new T-bar provided with the Adjust-A-Coupler® System by using the existing screws.

Lastly, add the Adjust-A-Coupler® System to the trucks. Begin by sliding the coupler pocket arm between the bolsters of the trucks. From the underside, insert the screws into the desired setting. (The second or third adjustment hole will work well with most cars and allow close coupling.) Tight curves will require more space between cars.

The optimum height for the scale coupler is 17mm from the top of the railhead to the centerline of the knuckle. The two mounting screws on the rear of the coupler pocket allows up and down adjustment for the coupler height.

Please Note: 3-Rail modelers who have layouts with wide diameter curves may want to add body-mounted scale couplers to their rolling stock rather than the truck-mounted style that the Adjust-A-Coupler® provides. All Atlas O rolling stock, both 3-Rail and 2-Rail, is designed to accept our body-mounted scale couplers – item #7039.