Released by Atlas January 29, 2019
Hillside, NJ- The annual Amherst Railway Society Show in Springfield, MA represents a time when model railroad companies put their best foot forward with announcements and displays to create a buzz for the world’s greatest hobby. This past weekend’s model railroad show in Springfield was no exception as it was filled with anticipation, and the excitement inside the Atlas booth was palpable. If there was any doubt about the present and future activities and plans for Atlas, the latest announcements and products displayed quickly dispelled any possible concerns. Please read on for more information on some of Atlas’ highly anticipated announcements and arriving products!
Atlas Master® HO Multi-Max Auto Rack Car – NEW TOOLING!
In 2013, Greenbrier Companies introduced their new design of 89’ auto rack, the Multi-Max™. The new design allows for changing configurations from a Bi-Level to a Tri-Level (and back) without adding or removing decks. The racks are fully compatible with existing 89’ auto racks. To this date, most of the racks have been built on Greenbrier Companies’ own specially designed 89’ flat cars. These cars are commonly seen in cuts of other similar autorack cars or a solid unit train of autorack cars. Currently, almost 10,000 cars (with racks) are running on North American rails. Atlas’ rendition of the Multi-Max™ will feature multiple variations and road names. Stay tuned to Atlas’ website for more information!
Atlas Master® HO 5250 Covered Hopper – NEW TOOLING!
ACF introduced the 5250 cubic foot size covered hopper in 1964, and has since built nearly 20,000 cars and many are still in service today. Most of the cars were equipped with pneumatic outlets and eight 20” round hatches for use in transporting plastic pellets. In addition to the plastics cars, a number have been built or converted with gravity outlets and elongated hatches for grain type products. As with most cars that have long production spans, the design has evolved with changes in both the physical features of the body and the fixtures. Atlas’ model will include optional bodies to accommodate for many of these variations along with multiple roof styles, body variations, hatch types, and more. Stay tuned to Atlas’ website for more information!
The Atlas All Scales Signal System – NEW & IMPROVED
The recently announced Atlas All Scales Signal System features new capabilities across all scales while maintaining backward compatibility for existing users of Atlas signal products. This updated system is based around a universal control board (Atlas part number 70 000 046) suitable for use in all modeling scales (N, HO, O), and retains the same communication cabling as our existing boards – the new products can therefore be easily integrated directly into your current signaling layout without the need to upgrade or change a thing! Orders are being accepted and delivery is expected 2nd Quarter 2019. More information can be found on the Atlas website here and in the new Atlas All Scales Signal Manual.
Atlas O Turntable – NEW & IMPROVED
In the steam era, many railroads used turntables to turn locomotives for their next journey. Railroads still use turntables to assist in the maintenance of diesel locos and rolling stock. Based on a Santa Fe prototype, Atlas O has realistically duplicated its above ground details, and improved features & functionality so that adding a working turntable has never been simpler. What’s more, everything is included for easy tabletop installation.
Features:
- New - larger and more powerful motor
- New - flat cogged anti-slip belt
- New - deck support with more roller bearings for greater support of heavier locomotives
- New - redesigned metal contacts to power the rotating track
- Drive assembly is hidden under the utility shed
- Table diameter: 24”
- Proven Geneva-gearing for positive indexing
- Can be used for both 3 rail and 2 rail operation
- Will run on AC or DC power
- Compatible with TMCC and DCS (using TMCC or DCS accessory interface)
- Molded in appropriate colors
- Complete hook-up instructions
- Easy tabletop installation
- Motor Drive included in box for smooth and easy operation
Delivery is planned for 1st Quarter 2019. For more information or to order, please see your local hobby shop or visit www.atlasrr.com
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