| Atlas “Angels” Ride the Rails for Charity
For years, it has been the personal aspiration of Atlas Chief Executive Officer Thomas W. Haedrich to create a project that would combine elements of his prized collection of 19th and 20th century religious artifacts with his lifetime dedication to community service. With the 2007 acquisition of the Industrial Rail™ Traditional O-27 line by Atlas O, LLC, he found the means to make his dream reality. This fall, you can be part of that dream when the newly announced Atlas O Angel Train™ Set arrives in hobby shops nationwide. As Tom’s collection focuses on angel-based objects, the choice of incorporating the Archangels – Gabriel, Michael and Raphael – was a natural. The remaining details of this unique, one-of-a-kind train set quickly fell into place, as Tom had been contemplating them for years. Some of the artistic themes of Tom’s antique pieces have been incorporated into the artwork found on the locomotive and passenger cars, rendered in a “heavenly” metallic gold and blue paint scheme created exclusively for the Angel Train™ Set. The steam locomotive and tender, operated by an Angel engineer with wings, emit sounds of church bells and Gabriel’s horn. These divine touches, combined with Atlas O’s impeccable precision construction, decoration and engineering, make for a glorious train set unlike any other on the market today. “I’ve been fascinated by the idea of angels since I was a young boy,” Tom said. “I always thought the Archangels would be a good theme for a model train set and I wanted to be the one to make it. I chose the names of the Archangels because each of us has a guardian angel that guides and helps us when needed.” Tom acquired his diverse collection through his travels and gifts. Each summer, when his family vacations at the Jersey Shore, he visits a restoration warehouse where items from demolished structures are sold. It was there he obtained a large stone cross from Eden Hall Church in Philadelphia. His wife, Diane, bought it for Tom’s birthday. He had Atlas graphic designers translate it into artwork that will appear on the doors of the front and rear passenger cars. Tom knew he wanted an angel to be the train’s engineer. On a visit to historic Lambertville, New Jersey, Tom found an angel in an antique shop with “perfect angel wings.” “I bought it, took a picture of it, sent it to our model builder in China and had them use those for the back of our engineer,” Tom related. “I just returned from a trip to China during which I approved the design. I found the sounds for the locomotive and worked with the sound engineers in China as well this trip.” Fulfilling the ultimate goal of this special project, all net profits from the sale of the Atlas O Angel Train™ Sets will be donated to the charitable works for the poor and needy of the Shrine of St. Joseph in Stirling, New Jersey near Tom’s home; a picturesque mountain retreat he visits frequently for mass, reflection and inspiration. (http://www.stshrine.org/). “Anyone who knows of St. Joseph’s Shrine knows what a joy the place is, sitting in the Watchung Mountains, overlooking one of the most beautiful areas in New Jersey,” Tom said. “I get so much pleasure out of my visits there, and admire the work they do, that it seemed natural to make them the recipient of any profits generated from the sale of the Angel Train. We all need an Angel Train now more than ever to bring a little more light into our lives.” Since acquiring the Industrial Rail™ line in 2007, Atlas O, LLC has introduced a number of “fun” items in 3-Rail O-27, including trolleys, hand cars, a work train and coming fall 2009 – Atlas’ first holiday train sets! But this particular incarnation of an O-27 train set is unprecedented. Details about this new train set from Atlas O, LLC, renowned worldwide for its high quality, realistic and reliable trains, train sets, track, structures, books and accessories in HO, N and O scales, are available at www.atlaso.com/angeltrain.htm. A special logo has been created by Atlas graphic designers. The following dedication will also be included: The Angel Train Dedication- When every last hope for human intervention has been found wanting; dedicate the 'Atlas O Angel Train'. Angel Train™ Special Features: As with every product produced by Atlas for over 60 years, great pains have been taken at every stage of research, development and production to create an exceptional product combining the highest standards of state-of-the-art workmanship, quality construction, premium electronics, reliable engineering and smooth performance to provide many hours of model railroading fun for hobbyists of all ages. -Based on the primary Archangels-Gabriel (locomotive), Michael and Raphael (cars) Locomotive Features Include: -Die-Cast Steam Locomotive and Tender Combine & Coach Features Include: -Interior illumination Industrial Rail Track System: -New "White Cloud" Roadbed Transformers: -UL Listed Item #1009203 Angel Train™ (40" x 80" layout) MSRP: $299.95 Includes: * 1 pc – "Gabriel" 4-4-2 Steam Locomotive |
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