The Atlas Model Railroad Company Blog

All the news fit to print from the Atlas Model Railroad Company

The Atlas Product Spotlight - O SD45 Locomotives

The Atlas Product Spotlight - O SD45 Locomotives

Like the Pontiac GTO, the SD45 was a mid-60s General Motors muscle car. Stuffed under its brick-like hood was the largest diesel motor made up to that time, a turbo-charged, 20-cylinder, Electro-Motive Division model 645E. The Great Northern took delivery of the first SD45 in May of 1966 and promptly painted the nickname “Hustle Muscle” on its flanks. The name said it all: the SD45 was heavy freight power, intended for long trains and high speeds. And it had the muscular looks to match, with flared radiators capping a long body that filled every inch of its frame - as opposed to its baby brother, the SD40, which had an open “porch” at each end of the engine.

With the SD45 and its contemporaries, railroads began favoring the six-axle engine as a way to get more power on the rails for heavier mainline trains. Despite initial crankshaft problems, many SD45s served their original owners for decades, as well as successor railroads like Conrail and the BNSF, and later went on to new lives at smaller, secondary roads.

york livestream

Learn all about the SD45 Locomotives from the York 2023 Live Stream

The guaranteed order deadline is December 6, 2023. Click here to find an Authorized Atlas Dealer near you.

 

Features Include:

  • Intricately Detailed ABS Body
  • Die-Cast Truck Sides, Pilots and Fuel Tank
  • Metal Chassis
  • Metal Handrails and Decorative Horn
  • Moveable Roof Fans
  • Metal Body Side Grilles
  • Detachable Snow Plow
  • (2) Engineer Cab Figures
  • Authentic Paint Scheme
  • Metal Wheels, Axles and Gears
  • (2) Remote Controlled Proto-Couplers
  • Kadee Compatible Coupler Mounting Pads
  • Prototypical Rule 17 Lighting
  • Directionally Controlled Constant Voltage LED Headlight
  • Lighted Cab Interior
  • Illuminated Number Boards
  • Lighted Marker Lights
  • 2 Rail models have fixed pilots
  • (2) Precision Flywheel Equipped Motors
  • Operating Smoke Unit
  • Onboard DCC Receiver
  • Locomotive Speed Control In Scale MPH Increments
  • 1:48 Scale Proportions
  • Proto-Sound 3.0 With The Digital Command System Featuring: Freight Yard Proto-Effects
  • Unit Measures:17 1/4” x 3 3/4” x 2 3/4”
  • 3-Rail: Operates On O-36 Curves
  • 2-Rail: 36” Minimum Radius
genesis
NORFOLK & WESTERN
3-Rail Item #:
2-Rail Item#
30138257
30138258
30138269
30138270
genesis
GUILFORD/SPRINGFIELD TERMINAL
3-Rail Item #:
2-Rail Item#
30138259
30138260
30138271
30138272
genesis
CP RAIL "DUAL FLAGS"
3-Rail Item #:
2-Rail Item#
30138261
30138262
30138273
30138274
genesis
CSX
3-Rail Item #:
2-Rail Item#
30138263
30138264
30138275
30138276
genesis
SOUTHERN PACIFIC "SPEED LETTERING"
3-Rail Item #:
2-Rail Item#
30138265
30138266
30138277
30138278
genesis
UNION PACIFIC "WE CAN HANDLE IT"
3-Rail Item #:
2-Rail Item#
30138267
30138268
30138279
30138280

The Atlas Product Spotlight - HO & N Commuter Trains

The Atlas Product Spotlight - HO & N Commuter Trains

The Atlas HO & N Scale ALP-45DP/45A Locomotives and Multilevel Commuter Cars are back with brand new paint schemes and road numbers in popular road names such as NJ TRANSIT, Exo and Metra!

The guaranteed order deadline is November 1, 2023. Click here to find an Authorized Atlas Dealer near you.

11,000 Gallon Tank Car
NJ TRANSIT - ALP-45A
N Item #:
HO Item #:
40 005 744 (Silver)
40 005 745 (Gold)
10 004 440 (Silver)
10 004 441 (Gold)
11,000 Gallon Tank Car
NJ TRANSIT FIRST RESPONDERS - ALP-45DP
N Item #:
HO Item #:
40 005 736 (Silver)
40 005 742 (Gold)
10 004 432 (Silver)
10 004 438 (Gold)
NJ TRANSIT 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF RAIL OPERATIONS
N Item #:
HO Item #:
40 005 737 (Silver)
40 005 743 (Gold)
10 004 433 (Silver)
10 004 439 (Gold)
NJ TRANSIT CAB CAR
N Item #:
HO Item #:
50 006 622
50 006 623
20 007 381
20 007 382
NJ TRANSIT TRAILER
N Item #:
HO Item #:
50 006 634
50 006 635
50 006 636
50 006 637
20 007 393
20 007 394
20 007 395
20 007 396
NJ TRANSIT TRAILER/W TOILETS
N Item #:
HO Item #:
50 006 626
50 006 627
20 007 385
20 007 386



NJ TRANSIT LOCOMOTIVE/MULTI-LEVEL TRAILER SET
N Item #:
HO Item #:
40 005 748 10 004 444


N MULTI-LEVEL TRAILER 3-PACK
N Item #:
HO Item #:
50 006 644 20 007 403
EXO (PATCH) - ALP45DP
N Item #:
HO Item #:
40 005 732 (Silver)
40 005 733 (Silver)
40 005 734 (Silver)
40 005 738 (Gold)
40 005 739 (Gold)
40 005 740 (Gold)
10 004 428 (Silver)
10 004 429 (Silver)
10 004 430 (Silver)
10 004 434 (Gold)
10 004 435 (Gold)
10 004 436 (Gold)
EXO (PATCH) CAB CAR
N Item #:
HO Item #:
50 006 620
50 006 621
20 007 379
20 007 380
EXO (PATCH) TRAILER
N Item #:
HO Item #:
50 006 628
50 006 629
50 006 630
50 006 631
20 007 387
20 007 388
20 007 389
20 007 390
EXO (PATCH) (SALMON) TRAILER
N Item #:
HO Item #:
50 006 632 20 007 391
EXO (PATCH) (PURPLE) TRAILER
N Item #:
HO Item #:
50 006 633 20 007 392
MBTA CAB CAR 
N Item #:
HO Item #:
50 006 624
50 006 625
20 007 383
20 007 384
MBTA TRAILER
N Item #:
HO Item #:
50 006 638
50 006 639
50 006 640
50 006 641
20 007 397
20 007 398
20 007 399
20 007 400


MBTA 3-PACK
N Item #:
HO Item #:
50 006 645 20 007 404

The Atlas Product Spotlight - HO & N 100th Anniversary Commuter Train

The Atlas Product Spotlight - HO & N 100th Anniversary Commuter Train

Celebrate 100 years of Atlas with fantastic new paint schemes for the ALP-45DP Locomotives and Multilevel Commuter Cars.

To mark the 100th anniversary of Atlas, we are offering ALP-45DP locomotives and Bombardier passenger car models decorated in special 100th anniversary paint schemes that celebrate our long history. What will make it even more memorable is that residents and visitors in the New Jersey area will be able to see an actual locomotive wearing the Atlas 100 anniversary scheme thanks to our partnership with NJ TRANSIT. NJ TRANSIT #4503 will be wrapped with our commemorative 100 anniversary artwork, and after the official unveiling ceremony, will be in service on NJ Transit routes.

Modelers won’t just be buying a unique piece of Atlas history, but a prototypical replica of the actual locomotive. While there are no plans for the passenger cars to be replicated in this manner, these colorful model paint schemes are the perfect matching complement to the locomotive. Together they will create a fantastic looking train that will look terrific operating around your layout or, as a once in a lifetime collectible, displayed upon your shelf.

The locomotives are available for separate sale and in sets, while the commuter cars are only available in 3-packs.

The guaranteed order deadline is November 1, 2023. Click here to find an Authorized Atlas Dealer near you.

11,000 Gallon Tank Car
NJ TRANSIT/ATLAS 100TH ANNIVERSARY - ALP-45DP
N Item #:
HO Item #:
40 005 735 (Silver)
40 005 741 (Gold)
10 004 431 (Silver)
10 004 437 (Gold)
11,000 Gallon Tank Car

NJ TRANSIT/ATLAS 100TH ANNIVERSARY - INCLUDES ALP-45DP #4503 (DCC READY), CAB CAR #7056, MULTI-LEVEL TRAILER #7583
N Item #:
HO Item #:
40 005 747 10 004 443


NJ TRANSIT/ATLAS 100TH ANNIVERSARY - INCLUDES CAB CAR #7024, MULTI-LEVEL TRAILER #7549, MULTI-LEVEL TRAILER WITH TOILET #7223
N Item #:
HO Item #:
50 006 643 20 007 402

The Atlas 100th Anniversary Commuter Train Catalog

The Atlas 100th Anniversary Commuter Train Catalog

Come celebrate 100 years of Atlas with the 100th Anniversary Commuter Train Catalog! Inside you'll find some great new paint schemes on the HO & N ALP45DP Locomotives and multilevel passenger cars. You'll also find out that the 100th anniversary locomotive is going to be found on a real-life locomotive!

The deadline for placing your guaranteed order/reservation with your Atlas Dealer on the product listed below is Wednesday, November 1st, 2023.

Click Here for a PDF of the All Scales Monthly Catalog

Want to Find a Dealer or Order Online? Click here to go to the Atlas Online Store

N Scale Announcements
Product Photo
ATLAS 100TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION!
Product Photo
Product Photo
Product Photo
Product Photo
Product Photo
Product Photo
 HO Scale Announcements
Product Photo
ATLAS 100TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION!
Product Photo
ATLAS 100TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION!
Product Photo
Product Photo
Product Photo
Product Photo
Product Photo

The Atlas Product Spotlight - HO Gunderson 7550 Double Door and 7538 Single Door Box Car

The Atlas Product Spotlight - HO Gunderson 7550 Double Door and 7538 Single Door Box Car

In 2012, BNSF acquired close to 600 Gunderson 7538 High Capacity box cars. Four years later, TTX Corporation placed orders for a similar 7550 box car. At this time, they have over 4,000 cars in their fleet with more cars ordered. With a gross rail load capacity of 286,000, these cars can carry a wide variety of products such as paper and bulk items. While they look similar in appearance, the 7550 and 7538 have a few unique differences. The 7550 features “grid sides” and double plug doors. The 7538 has a single plug door and a unique door step, just below the left side of the door opening. With both companies operating large fleets, these cars are sure to be seen in large manifests, short lines and on sidings throughout North America.

Features Include:

  • Separate ladders, hand brake and door rods
  • Door stirrup, unique to the 7538
  • Single or double plug door as per the prototype

  • Roof with 3 Stanray X-panels and 3 diagonal center panels
  • Brake arrangement offset to A end of body
  • Crisp, accurate lettering and paint details

The guaranteed order deadline is October 4, 2023. Click here to find an Authorized Atlas Dealer near you.

genesis
GATX  
Item #:
20 007 268
20 007 269
20 007 270
20 007 271
genesis
TTX (HIGH REPORTING MARKS)
Item #:
20 007 272
20 007 273
20 007 274
20 007 275
genesis
RIVERSIDE RAIL LLC  
Item #:
20 007 276
20 007 277
20 007 278
20 007 279
genesis
UNION PACIFIC  
Item #:
20 007 280
20 007 281
20 007 282
20 007 283
genesis
UNION PACIFIC (GATX)
Item #:
20 007 284
20 007 285
20 007 286
20 007 287
genesis
TTX   
Item #:
20 007 288
20 007 289
20 007 290
20 007 291
genesis
BNSF   
Item #:
20 007 292
20 007 293
20 007 294
20 007 295

The Atlas Product Spotlight - HO 5250 Covered Hopper

The Atlas Product Spotlight - HO 5250 Covered Hopper

ACF introduced the 5250 cubic foot size covered hopper in 1964, and has since built nearly 20,000 cars. 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 things with long production spans, the design has evolved with changes in the physical features of the body and fixtures. The Atlas model features three unique body style variations to represent those changes from the 1960s into the 21st Century.

Features Include:

  • Updated tooling
  • Ready to run
  • Injection molded plastic
  • Fine scale detail
  • Etched metal roof walk
  • Metal knuckle couplers
  • Road specific hatch and outlet configurations
  • Road specific roof walk variations
  • Three body style variations
  • Separately applied wire grab irons and wire brake lines
  • Crisp painting/printing
  • Free-rolling 100-ton trucks

The guaranteed order deadline is October 4, 2023. Click here to find an Authorized Atlas Dealer near you.

genesis
ACFX 
Item #:
20 007 361
20 007 362
20 007 363
genesis
BF GOODRICH
Item #:
20 007 364
20 007 365
20 007 366
genesis
CHESSIES SYSTEM (B&O)
Item #:
20 007 367
20 007 368
20 007 369
genesis
CITIES SERVICE COMPANY 
Item #:
20 007 370
20 007 371
20 007 372
genesis
DUPONT
Item #:
20 007 373
20 007 374
20 007 375
genesis
EL REXENE
Item #:
20 007 376
20 007 377
20 007 378

The Atlas Product Spotlight - N 70 Ton Hart Ballast Car

The Atlas Product Spotlight - N 70 Ton Hart Ballast Car

Built by ACF® from 1940-1953, the 70-Ton Hart Ballast Cars were formally known as “Hart Selective Service Ballast Cars”, due to the use of specially-designed doors which allowed the lading to be discharged one of three ways: to the center of the rails, to the center and sides of the rails, or to the side of the rails only.

Features Include:

  • Die Cast Chassis
  • 70-ton friction bearing trucks
  • Accumate® offset shank coupler
  • Fully detailed interior, including cross-bracing and side stiffeners
  • Accurate painting and printing
 

The guaranteed order deadline is October 4, 2023. Click here to find an Authorized Atlas Dealer near you.

genesis
ALASKA RAILROAD
Item #:
50 006 602
50 006 603
genesis
CONRAIL
Item #:
50 006 604
50 006 605
genesis
RIO GRANDE
Item #:
50 006 606
50 006 607
genesis
SOUTHERN
Item #:
50 006 608
50 006 609
genesis
BRITISH COLUMBIA
Item #:
50 006 610
50 006 611
genesis
CANADIAN PACIFIC
Item #:
50 006 612
50 006 613
genesis
GREAT NORTHERN
Item #:
50 006 614
50 006 615
genesis
UNION PACIFIC
Item #:
50 006 616
50 006 617
genesis
WISCONSIN CENTRAL
Item #:
50 006 618
50 006 619

The Atlas Product Spotlight - HO & N 11,000 Gallon Tank Cars

The Atlas Product Spotlight - HO & N 11,000 Gallon Tank Cars

Propane or Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is both a naturally occurring product and a by-product of the refining process. During the 1940s, the petroleum industry began marketing LPG as a cleaner and more efficient fuel than the existing coal and oil. Transporting LPG requires specially designed high-pressure tank cars. During the early 40s the only ACF tank car that qualified was the 10,500 gallon high-pressure tank car. After the war, ACF set out to design a whole new car for the emerging industry. As a result the 11,000 gallon tank car was introduced by ACF in 1947. Many thousands were built up through the mid-1950s.

The Atlas model faithfully reproduces this late steam/early diesel era tank car in two versions (with and without platform rails). The cars with top platform rails were used where there was no elevated loading/unloading facility. The cars without the top platform rails were often specified for customers that had access to elevated loading and unloading facilities.

Features:

  • Finely molded handrails
  • Tank fittings and safety placards
  • 50-ton friction-bearing trucks with AccuMate® couplers
  • Accurate painting and lettering
  • Platform where appropriate

 

The guaranteed order deadline is October 4, 2023. Click here to find an Authorized Atlas Dealer near you.

11,000 Gallon Tank Car
AIRCO CARBON DIOXIDE (PCIX)
N Item #:
HO Item #:
50 006 584
50 006 585
20 007 343
20 007 344
11,000 Gallon Tank Car
ARCO (UTLX)
N Item #:
HO Item #:
50 006 586
50 006 587
20 007 345
20 007 346
11,000 Gallon Tank Car
ATLANTIC REFINING (UTLX)
N Item #:
HO Item #:
50 006 588
50 006 589
20 007 347
20 007 348
11,000 Gallon Tank Car
GATX (ISOBUTANE)
N Item #:
HO Item #:
50 006 590
50 006 591
20 007 349
20 007 350
11,000 Gallon Tank Car
POLYSAR (PCLX)
N Item #:
HO Item #:
50 006 592
50 006 593
20 007 351
20 007 352
11,000 Gallon Tank Car
PPG COLUMBIA SOUTHERN (GATX)
N Item #:
HO Item #:
50 006 594
50 006 595
20 007 353
20 007 354
11,000 Gallon Tank Car
SMITH DOUGLASS (UTLX)
N Item #:
HO Item #:
50 006 596
50 006 597
20 007 355
20 007 356
11,000 Gallon Tank Car
TENNECO CHEMICALS (VENX)
N Item #:
HO Item #:
50 006 598
50 006 599
20 007 357
20 007 358
11,000 Gallon Tank Car
UNION PACIFIC MOW
N Item #:
HO Item #:
50 006 600
50 006 601
20 007 359
20 007 360

 

Atlas Master Line locomotives and rolling stock are highly detailed models that faithfully recreate the prototype down to the paint scheme and even railroad-specific details. These 11,000 Gallon Tank Cars are no exception and provide fantastic detail and value for the price. Order yours today from your local Atlas dealer!

The Atlas Product Spotlight - N DASH 8-40C Locomotives

The Atlas Product Spotlight - N DASH 8-40C Locomotives

First built for Union Pacific in the late 1980s by General Electric, the DASH 8-40C diesel locomotives were identified by an enlarged exhaust stack and the mounting of the dynamic brake grids in a square-like unit behind the cab, which housed an enlarged equipment blower fan. These six-axle, 4,000 hp engines are still in service today in North America.

The 4,000hp Dash 8-40CW was produced by General Electric between 1989 and 1993 as a follow-up to the successful Dash 8-40C locomotive. The most distinguishing feature of this model was the introduction of GE’s version of the wide-nose “North American Safety Cab.” This style of cab would become a common sight on railroads across the country. Four major railroads purchased the Dash 8-40CW in fairly large quantities, including Conrail, CSX, Santa Fe and Union Pacific. Most of these units are still in regular mainline and heavy-haul freight service today. Due to various mergers, they can also be seen operating for new owners Norfolk Southern and BNSF.

The guaranteed order deadline is October 4, 2023. Click here to find an Authorized Atlas Dealer near you.

Features:

  • NEW! Ditchlights where appropriate
  • Separate coupler cut lever
  • Directional lighting
  • Golden white LEDs
  • Painted safety rails
  • Blackened metal wheels
  • Dual flywheel equipped 5-pole skewed armature motor with a low friction mechanism
  • Factory-installed AccuMate® magnetic knuckle couplers

SILVER SOUND READY FEATURES (SILVER LOCMOTIVES ONLY):

  • Sound ready & equipped with speaker for easy conversion to DCC sound.

 

DCC OPERATION FEATURES (GOLD LOCOMOTIVES ONLY):

  • Supports all DCC-programming modes
  • DCC includes RailCom and RailComPlus, with 14, 28 or 128 speed steps and with 2-digit and 4-digit addressing.
  • Flexible mapping of function keys F0 to F28.
  • A total of 6 DCC function outputs are available, and all can be function mapped (disable, brightness, light effects) individually
  • Follows all NMRA DCC standards and recommended practices.

SOUND FUNCTIONALITY FEATURES (GOLD LOCOMOTIVES ONLY):

  • Over 20 sound effects are available, including engine start-up and
    shutdown, prime mover sounds through all eight notches, bell, air horn, air compressor, dynamic brakes and more.
  • There are up to 16 user-selectable horns, 2 user-selectable bells, and 2 user-selectable synchronized brake squeals.
  • Equipped with ESU’s Exclusive “Full Throttle” features for ultimate realism in prototype running.

SILVER MSRP: $149.95 GOLD MSRP: $259.95
W/FRONT AND REAR DITCHLIGHTS
SILVER MSRP: $154.95 GOLD MSRP: $264.95

N Dash 8-40C
CIMARRON VALLEY
Silver Item #:
Gold Item #:

40 005 641
40 005 642

40 005 665
40 005 666
N Dash 8-40C
CSX* (YN2) WHITE ROOF
Silver Item #:
Gold Item #:

40 005 643
40 005 644

40 005 667
40 005 668
N Dash 8-40C
PROVIDENCE & WORCESTER
Silver Item #:
Gold Item #:

40 005 645
40 005 646
40 005 647

40 005 669
40 005 670
40 005 671
N Dash 8-40C
ROCK ISLAND RAIL
Silver Item #:
Gold Item #:

40 005 648

40 005 672
N Dash 8-40C
CANADIAN NATIONAL
Silver Item #:
Gold Item #:

40 005 649
40 005 650
40 005 651

40 005 673
40 005 674
40 005 675
N Dash 8-40C
CSX* (YN2)
Silver Item #:
Gold Item #:

40 005 652
40 005 653
40 005 654

40 005 676
40 005 677
40 005 678
N Dash 8-40C
PAN AM
Silver Item #:
Gold Item #:

40 005 655
40 005 656
40 005 657

40 005 679
40 005 680
40 005 681
N Dash 8-40C
NORFOLK SOUTHERN
Silver Item #:
Gold Item #:

40 005 658
40 005 659
40 005 660

40 005 682
40 005 683
40 005 684
N Dash 8-40C
UNION PACIFIC 
Silver Item #:
Gold Item #:

40 005 661
40 005 662
40 005 663

40 005 685
40 005 686
40 005 687