Atlas N Scale Model Railroad Parts and Spares
Since 1933, the Atlas Model Railroad Company, previously called the Atlas Tool Co., has produced an array of parts, accessories, and products for use in the model railroad hobby. Since 1971, Atlas has offered locomotives and various other rolling stock in the HO, O, and N scales.
What's a Hicube boxcar and examples in Atlas' N scale?A Hicube boxcar is an example of rolling stock used to carry freight. The name represents "high cubic capacity," and this attribute is reflected in the increased height of this stock. Due to the fact that these freight cars are tall, they can only run on track lines that offer proper clearance. Often, Hicube boxcars will be painted with a white band at the ends for an added visual sign to prevent them from accidentally being assigned to a train on a low clearance route. Atlas does produce examples of these Atlas Model Railroad cars in N Scale, including:
- Baltimore & Ohio (B&O): Reporting No. 493025
- Grand Trunk Western (GTW): Reporting No. 378079
- New York Central (NYC): Reporting No. 67628
- Southern Pacific (SP): Reporting No. 615275
Atlas Model Railroad manufactures and distributes scale accessories and pieces in different categories. These products are designed to enhance the look and performance of scale layouts. Selected items include motors that improve power or speed of engines or wheels that allow rolling cars to move more easily, such as ones with rubber traction tires. Other pieces available include partial or complete body components for engines and freight cars. Track products available in this scale cover nickel-silver or plastic rail joiners and wired terminal joiners that supply electrical track power. Categories are comprised of:
- BLMA: This category includes add-on details and trucks for engines or freight.
- Locomotive: This category includes spare body and engines.
- Miscellaneous: This category includes jewel cases.
- Rolling Stock: This category includes spares for caboose, boxcar, hooper, and tanker stock.
A switch engine, or "yard goat," is a small locomotive designed for use in rail yards. It isn’t meant to travel long distances. These locomotives are employed to move railroad cars around. Outside of these environments, a yard goat can be seen on branch lines. In model form, they are used on layouts that imitate industrial yards that load and unload freight, for example. Model switch engines are available in various scales. One example would be the Atlas' N scale undecorated locomotive, listed as the Diesel Engine Davenport Switcher.