Atlas Winter QTRly Catalog

[bsoplinger]

Just noticed the MSRP on Kim's House! ($21)

That is the MSRP on the kit. The built-up is $35.00

That said, the detail that Atlas has included in the last few offerings of this series, I think, makes them worth the price, kit or built-up.

Umm, other than the rain gutters, which are missing on many kits (regardless of price) and which I noticed right away when I looked at the picture, what 'detail' do these have that other kits, say a Bachperson or any other $5-$10 kit wouldn't have? Or is it just like comparing one of the newer tooled Atlas car (from the trainman line) to the equivalent Bachperson, the molded on detail looks much nicer on the Atlas vs the Bachperson.

[Chulvis]

Well, to my eye there is a lot of detail you wont get on other pre-built models. I find these to be very sharp in overall general detail.
The cinder block is recessed from the siding and even the basement windows have a recess in them. The lattice work under the porch is pretty cool and the railings on the porch look great to me. I think there was a lot of attention to detail here that is lost on most models from the likes of Bachperson and Life Like.

When you consider that any of those Bachmann / Life-Like buildings (tooling) have been around since most of us were still skinny I don't think it is fair to compare the two on the basis of price alone.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Lee, as you know I have one of the RTR Bungalows, and I agree, it looked "plasticy", but then I hit it with a grimy black wash, and it looks MUCH better now.

Sadly, I don't have a recent picture.

[bsoplinger]

When you consider that any of those Bachmann / Life-Like buildings (tooling) have been around since most of us were still skinny I don't think it is fair to compare the two on the basis of price alone.

Well I assumed the folks at Atlas weren't crazy and since most of the market does judge on price, I figured there was more there in terms of nicer/better/different/more detail than caught my eye. Otherwise I can't see how Atlas can hope to sell a $35 put together house when MP/LL/BM sell them for the 10-15 buck range. Hence my question, what am I missing? 

[wm3798]

I was never skinny!

But I dig your point. 

Ed, get out your camera.  Why are you so lazy!  Sheesh!

I built this house with about $1.25 worth of styrene.  Maybe I should start putting stuff on Ebay and charging the big bucks!

Lee

[chuck geiger]

From a hobby shop email:

Atlas Price Increase Announcement
 
We have been informed by Atlas that pricing of their entire product line will be increased effective February 2, 2008.  This unfortunately means that we will have to pass this increase on to our customers.
 
We are passing this news on to you now so that you have a chance to make a purchase before the price-increase takes effect.
 
BUY NOW AND BEAT THE INCREASE
 
Prices will be going up on all Atlas products.  This includes their N, HO and O scales track, building kits, locomotives, and rolling stock.  According to Atlas, their suggested retail prices will increase by 5% to 12.5%.
 

[POVC]

I'd take that email with a grain of salt...my understanding is that the price increase is only on track and structures; locomotives and rolling stock are unaffected as they are priced "by release".

Tim