Jim, what exactly are you looking for? I've found just about anything BLMA makes with a little legwork. Only thing I've been unable to find are the rounded end-roof grabs. I have some stuff either for sale or that might be for sale so let me know. I'm not sure where all the Atlas hate is coming from? The trend of dwindling BLMA detail parts began long before Atlas had anything to do with it. While Atlas has its issues (Accumates top my list) overall they still make some killer products with state-of-the-art processes and materials. I can't imagine that them buying BLMA will do anything except increase the frequency of releases and ensure that the BLMA-inspired projects get completed...versus the greater likelihood that climate, funding, plant time, other resources, and a hundred other variables might kill projects or even the whole operation.
I had to wait 3 months for scalecoat paint. Will wait for detail parts to come out. Still have a few 100 ton trucks with 36 " metal wheels. Will take a dozen more when they come out. Thanks jt
Mainly grab irons and the aforementioned EMD style curved rear fan grab. I have not found grabs as nice as the old BLMA. I never had a problem getting the parts until after the announcement, literally days after the announcement, Horizon Hobby Distributors listed all the BLMA detail parts as back order or discontinued. I realize the detail parts were not as big and sexy of a sales for Craig as say his very nice Santa Fe boxcars, but were it not for Craig, I'd still be happy with cast on details. That said, and with my 20 years or so working within the hobby industry, I can tell you in no uncertain words that there is absolutely no hatred for Atlas. Atlas produces a great product for what I believe to be a fair price. I'm tickled to death that they offer undecorated units unlike many N scale manufacturers and they are not just satisfied with past accomplishments but continue to push forward, I mean they just gave us an Alco S2 with sound! I love both of my undec S2's! That said and here comes that pesky dose of reality, Atlas purchased BLMA for I believe their fine freight cars and wheel sets. To think for a second that Atlas can make a profit selling wire grab irons and fan kits is like me thinking that Jeep will make an actual Wrangler under 20K. It just doesn't seam feasible, a company such as Atlas, offering detail parts which after cost of parts, labor and packaging FOB to NJ then to Distributors, then shops then to my work shop......what kind of margin are we talking here? Atlas still has to make money, I just don't have a lot of faith in a company producing something that has a low retail and has a target audience of less then 10%. I could be wrong, and if I am, I will gladly admit it because in this instance, my being wrong would be a great thing. Time will tell, now I have a S2 to paint so.
Any of the BLMA items that were in stock at the time of the BLMA purchase have been available from us for about a month now. The detail parts that are available can be found here: http://shop.atlasrr.com/c-1405-blma-n-parts.aspx
We are working our way through the list and with the suppliers. Not sure when things are going to be made, but we are working on it.
ok so what about BLMA trucks? They are the only decent (by that I mean great/great looking) trucks to lower rolling stock... I "desperately" need some 100t trucks! (could go for 70t as well...)
