in praise of the Atlas steel rebuilds

[tom mann]

Probably the best n scale freight car on the market.  It is weighted very well, has a nice ride height, has amazingly crisp molded detail, and the andrews trucks are excellent (the best n scale trucks made - i'm sure of it).  A set of FVM 33" wheels tops it off. 



Go buy one today! 

[Ryan87]

Who is this guy? the Tom Mann I know left for HO...

I love the scratches by the door, very fine. How did you achieve them?
Might need to get some CNW 400's

[tom mann]

Who is this guy? the Tom Mann I know left for HO...

Yeah, but my countless n scale projects called and they need me back... :

I love the scratches by the door, very fine. How did you achieve them?

back side of an xacto #11, the wash fills them in.

Might need to get some CNW 400's

note the cars to the left and right, just out of view....

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Are those Rutland cars on either end? That's some damn fine stuff Tom, damn fine.

And the weathering isn't bad either

[Chulvis]

Great work Tommy Mann.

It's funny to see this post today. I found a couple of those cars stashed away in my office today (UP and T&P) and I was admiring them. They are easily one of, if not the best N Scale box cars out there.

[tom mann]

Are those Rutland cars on either end? That's some damn fine stuff Tom, damn fine.

And the weathering isn't bad either

no, cnw cars, thanks.

[Chris333]

Yes those Atlas cars put anything Micro-Trains to shame. Funny the trucks are way better than MT Andrews as well and MT is known for trucks/couplers.

[Dave V]

I hear ya pal.  They're my favorite cars.  I have two in the factory Pennsy paint (circle keystone) and one I painted in the Shadow Keystone Phase 1a scheme.  They're not quite 100% as PRR X26C rebuilds, but they look so nice anyway I'm quite happy to pretend.

[Walkercolt]

But Dave, the end ribs aren't exactly correct for the Pennsy cars....how can you live with such a disparity? ;D You'd be surprised at the compromises I've made for my Santa Fe and Frisco cars. Like lettering and color...and the way the ice hatches open...

[up1950s]

The new Atlas boxcars are far better than MTL offerings on every level IMO .

[Nato]

  "Go buy one today!" Been there done that when the first runs came out. I now roster I forget exactally either six or seven in various roads, and don't forget the woodsided predecessor cars, outside braced and sheathed. These are also very nice. Hoo Ha! Atlas definately beats out MT for detail specific cars. Wonderful work Tom and welcome back to the main stream  scale .                                                    Nate Goodman (Nato). Salt Lake, Utah.

[wcfn100]

 Did atlas ever make the "Simulated wood door".  

How about the different ends? Do they go with the verticle or horizontal brake wheel?

I got one of the CNW one's as well which I really like except for the overspray on the bottom of the car.  Under the black ends it's yellow, under the sides it's a mix of mostly green but yellow comes through on the stirrups and a couple other areas.  Not to mention the whole inside of the car is yellow which can show up from low angles.  Maybe it's just the one I got.

Hard to believe been almost two years since they released these.

As for MT vs Atlas, I'd say the GS drop bottoms are every bit as good if not better as far as new offerings go.  


Jason

[wes_sutton]

Yes those Atlas cars put anything Micro-Trains to shame. Funny the trucks are way better than MT Andrews as well and MT is known for trucks/couplers.

Does all this mean that these Atlas cars are now 'collectables' ?

I have also been impressed by these cars and wondered what their production run is compared to MTLs.

Wes

[Ryan87]

Does all this mean that these Atlas cars are now 'collectables' ?

Some of the early wood reefers are quite valuable now, not quite MT prices but some of them can get 3 to 4 times their original retail.

[pbrooks]

That's a purty car, Tom!

Did you shoot that inside or outside?
Cool lighting that you don't see on models...

Take care,

-Phil