Some people just like to complain! I started N-scale back when we were lucky to have a loco that even ran, today we have a gold mine of great running locos. If it wasn't for Atlas I most likely would have gone to HO scale!
I think you are probably correct here. Atlas just may be their own worst enemy. They have raised the bar so high that if they don't keep doing more and more the bashing begins. IMHO of course.
I suspect moving production from one factory in China to another is where the omission of painting the handrail ends appeared, my understanding of having production done overseas, these things do happen, not trying to defend Atlas, but it is known that there has been ongoing issues overseas. Having participated in online forums for a good 10 years now, I am constantly perplexed by what criticisms are acceptable and which are not. Walthers and Micro-Trains regularly are punching bags, the former I can understand, not sure why MTL is the target so often, their contributions to N scale, in my opinion, far out weigh their short comings. Atlas, like previously mentioned, is a huge contributor to N, but I think it is a legitimate complaint if their actual models don't include what they were advertised to have.
First off, I defend anyone's right to bring up an issue with a product. Just because it's not important to YOU, doesn't mean it's not valid or is "complaining". It seems that in many cases issues are considered "nitpicky" and "complaining" unless it is a model that is near-and-dear, then it's a LEGITIMATE ISSUE, sir! Anyway... Looking at Atlas' site, I'm not seeing very many photos of the GP7/9 models with painted handrails. One I did see, (Great Northern BSB) does not appear to have them painted in a production model looking at eBay. I just did a small sample so I'm not sure there AREN'T models that got painted, but it doesn't appear unusual that they were not. Atlas has photos of the C&O now versus artwork so not sure what they were showing but the photo certainly shows them as a single color. Even though these are called "Master Line" now, (guessing due to DCC?) they were formerly part of the standard line (I think...at least their early webpages weren't calling them Master Line) and as such maybe they just don't get that treatment? I would say that yes, it is 2012 and if Atlas wants to call these "Master Line" then they should probably have painted endrails. Painting them after the fact is difficult at best and often results in flaking/peeling later on. The factory job is worthwhile. That is my opinion. I would suggest contacting Atlas and letting them know you would like to see that feature on future runs. I am going to. I bet Atlas is on the fence about it and might be willing to put it into play.
I model 1950's Southern Pacific and have a bunch of engines in black widow paint. The hand rails by the steps should be painted white. I've tried painting the handrails in the past, using Modelflex paint (supposed to be able to stick to flexy things like handrails) only to find that it still flakes off. Maybe the reason Atlas doesn't paint them is because they already realize that they can't make the paint stick (just a thought).
I have three Master Line GP7/9s. Not one of them came with painted handrails. Put the modeling back into model railroading. Paint the handrails.
So if Atlas decided to go back to Rapido couplers I shouldnt complain? They do paint handrails on other N scale diesel engines. And as I mentioned befroe there are a number of small intricate things they did paint on the latest model. And here is an HO Atlas diesel engine with painted handrails. I guess if you are an HO Atlas modeler you get the better stuff and if an N scal modeler...well just be greatful for what the throw our way. I wont complain anymore and just hope that Atlas will let me buy anymore of their stuff.
Yep it's the old HO Bias again. Look that model has real chains too. We can't get anything done right.
Do you think it 's due to the change in Chinese factory that most of the manufacturers have been going through over this year? Just sayin that they might have to get those factories used to switching gear from one manufacturer to another. Not right but understandable.
Here's a solution to all our problems..Send me all you locomotives,and I'll be happy to paint your handrails professionally for the five bucks more Atlas would have tacked on the locomotive if they did it..What's missing? Apparently,the desire to actually do some modeling,and a paint brush..
What's not missing? The desire to not have the paint flake off two weeks later. The factory paint job is just more durable. Period, end of story.
How many companies actually have painted rails in N scale? Most of the Atlas models I have don't, my Trainmaster being an exception. The Kato big GEs have unpainted handrails, and they annoy me more than any other unit! (Just 'cause of the paint scheme.) So, on the whole, does Atlas actually have painted handrails as the norm?
Well,I can't understand it.I have 400+ locomotives,I run all of them,I painted most of them,I almost never have that problem,some are 40 years old..Of course,I don't pick them up by the handrails.Are you saying the paint just falls off sitting on the tracks?
Ohhhhh, yes. Sorry. You're one of those 400+ locomotives guys that all of them run perfectly and the paint is perfect and you have 400+ locomotives and we don't. Heck, I bet your track never needs cleaning either. Congratulations. In my experience, I have only painted handrails back when I was in HO and the results were less than spectacular. Those of us without 400+ locomotives do have to handle them from time to time and while we don't pick them up by the handrails there is invariably a bump or two along the way. Since being in n-scale, I have also purchased a couple of units from eBay with painted endrails that eventually succumbed to flaking. Soooo, you touch it up and keep going....not a huge deal, but it is frustrating. Nor do I see asking Atlas to paint them to begin with a huge deal. I've got plenty of modeling projects...you're darn right I'll pay $5 for them to paint 'em and have it last. But of course I'm only buying 1 or 2, not 20.
Well, I have several of the latest run of their GP40's, and they have painted handrails. Here's the latest link for their GP40's: http://www.atlasrr.com/NLoco/ngp38406.htm Personally, I don't have any qualms if they're painted or not. I normally paint my own because I have been conditioned to do so for years since that was unheard of back then. If they come painted; BONUS.
Yes,because I actually model trains,I don't just buy them and plop them on the track,and expect them to actually smell like diesel oil,and I'm not afraid or too lazy to do things correctly.I'd quit model railroading if all I could buy was Unitrack..if I had time,I'd handlay,but,I also have 5 other hobbies,a business and a home.It took me 40 years of hard work to get those 400 locomotives...As the saying goes,your results may vary..Getting kind of angry over stupid handrails,aren't you?
Fols, can we keep the discussion constructive and positive? There has been discussion since the introduction of the various "engineering plastics" like Delrin about the difficulty of maintaining paint adhesion. I believe that's the original point, to look for options and alternatives to apply paint that will stay on these materials. If we stay focused in the discussion, and not deviate into negative comments about how others choose to enjoy the hobby, we'll do a lot better. On that note, I do remember hearing a lot in the past about paints sold for R/C cars primarily that are designed for these "slippery" plastics. While what's sold may not be in RR appropriate colors, perhaps this would be good for a primer...