Atlas Aids Military Model Railroaders in Iraq

An Army sergeant stationed in Iraq called, and Atlas answered. Returning to Iraq for his second tour of duty, the soldier contacted the International Plastic Modeler’s Society, (IMPS) as he had during his first tour, and the Hobby Manufacturers Association, (HMA), sent out the call to model railroad and hobby companies for donations.

To help the Al-Kisik Hobby Club, Atlas quickly put together a package including its HO Starter Kits and track and shipped it to the main base from which this particular group receives its mail. The HMA has previously sent modeling materials to soldiers in the Middle East, demonstrating that serious model railroaders take their affinity for their hobby wherever they go!

While the Al-Kisik club does have electricity, the sergeant’s letter states they have little else, save an air compressor in a shop van. Club members plan to build a workroom from scratch, in which they will construct a layout, as well as models of cars, trucks, motorcycles and aircraft to address all the members’ interests.

“The loyalty your organization and its members have shown is incredible, and unless they’ve been in that situation before, they really can’t understand how grateful we are for the outpouring of generosity,” the sergeant, whose name we are withholding for security reasons, wrote the IMPS. “…my team is in an isolated area without the recreation facilities of a larger base. We have absolutely nothing model related here…The generosity shown by the modeling community and the exemplary manner in which organizations and individuals have rallied behind us is truly humbling.”

Other manufacturers donated tools, paints and brushes, research materials and more. We will attempt to keep in contact with the Al-Kisik Hobby Club and inform you of their progress and activities. If possible, we’ll ask for photographs of their creations and share them with you as well. It is our distinct honor to participate in this effort.