Atlas O

[First Timer]

Hi guys, just wanted to ask since I am new to the hobby.  Why is it that Atlas O diesel trains are more expensive than MTH premier trains.  Sometimes even more expensive than Lionel.  Atlas uses TMCC, Lionel stopped using TMCC and are now using Legacay  while MTH now uses PS 3.0?  I was just wondering what makes Atlas trains special.  I am guessing it is in their detail.  

[Buckeye Riveter]

Welcome aboard the CTT forum. 

As an owner of one Atlas product, a reefer, the detailing and graphics are very good, but...........

I own several Williams products and in the dim light that I frequently use to run my trains, you really can't see that detailing and graphics.  In fact, there is a gentleman on another forum that takes the Williams engines and adds details and they look superb.

The Chief once told me as we sat a bar in Roseyville, NC that he did not think the sound in Atlas was as good as Lionel.  I do not have an Atlas engine to compare the sound. 

It is all in the eye of the beholder and the size of one's wallet.

[rtraincollector]

Engine wise I couldn't tell you as don't own one but do own 5 of there 33,000 Gal. tank cars and the graphics and detailing blew me away along with the size this scale car is. there almost 18" long each. For tank cars there what I want they look awesome now for there engines not sure.

[Penny Trains]

Maybe it's an unfair comparison, but the only engine I have is a C & O 4-4-2 Atlantic from the Industrial Rail line.  It has only whistle and bell sounds so I can't really comment on that aspect much, other than to say they sound "tinny".  The details are excellent for what amounts to a starter engine.  Like most IR product, it's a bit undersized and only looks good with small cars.  The headlight is an amber led by the way and while it casts a nice bright beam I would prefer white to amber.  Considering I paid only 35 bucks for it I can't complain too much.

I also have an Atlas O C&NW extended vision caboose from the trainman line and that car IS a scale model.  I don't have any MTH Premier equipment but I do have an MPC Lionel NKP EV cabooose that's comparable.  Of the 2 the Atlas caboose is better detailed and better proportioned in my humble opinion.

Becky

[John MS]

the Atlas top of the line products are so expensive because of the exact detailing they have. they will have different details on the same type of engine from a different road name if that road name was different. sometimes too much detail is not good if you like to handle your stuff alot as it breaks. in todays market Lionel has stepped up their detail almost to the level of Atlas, but have also stepped up their prices. MTH is not far behind in detail. for engines you have to decide if detail or the operating system is more important to you. if you like Legacy then Lionel would be the choice. as far as rolling stock I think the  Atlas Trainman line balances very nice detail with moderate pricing.

[Train-O]

John MS,

I agree with you, concerning Atlas 'Trainman' items.

The prices are reasonable, the proportion sizes and detailing are good, with some detailing is molded, which prevents damage from handling.

My all thumbs, hands are not so careful, when I handle some of the Atlas 'O' Master Line Series goodies.
The big problem areas are the 'A' and ' B' end grab irons, ladders and some of the under body rigging.

These, are museum quality crafted pieces, which have to be handled very carefully and if possible, handled very rarely.

One problem, with the styrofoam packaging is: some of the A. 'O' M.L.S. box  cars have the 'B' end, brake wheel end, placed in the styrofoam to the right.
The 1/3 upper grab iron is pressed against the styrofoam and the grab rail becomes damaged and gets knocked off of the 'B' end.

I have to contact Atlas for that particular styled grab iron, replacement part and cut the problem section of the styrofoam, so that the grab rail can fit, without future damage.

I have mentioned this to the Atlas' Repair Technicians and Customer Service Representative.
The items, with the aforementioned problem, were older items, I believe this packaging problem has been corrected.

Well, that's my two cents, for what it is worth.

Ralph

[First Timer]

To everybody who gave their input, thanks a lot.  Now I know which direction i'm going to.  Atlas Trainman it is.  Thanks again guys.

 

[Seayakbill]

I don't think you can compare pricing from one manufacture to another. The pricing basically reflects the manufacturing expense and the desired profit margin. So comparing the price of an Atlas diesel to a MTH diesel is like comparing oranges to apples. MTH has their own manufacturing facility in China whereas Atlas has to use a 3rd party, so that equates to an additional expense.  Also the manufactured volume of a locomotive will determine a price based on quantity produced, I would guess that MTH sells more locomotives of a specific version than Atlas.