The Atlas O Premier Snow Plow is here, and just in time for winter! It seems like whenever a fresh delivery of blue Atlas boxes hits the hobby shop shelves it’s like Christmas morning. I feel this way for two reasons: first, Atlas produces some of the finest rolling stock in the industry; and second, it feels like a year passes between each O gauge product release.
The company’s Winter 2021-22 catalog highlighted some new products under their “Premier Line” banner. These products are models made from former MTH tooling. Fittingly for this time of year, Atlas has delivered the Russell Snow Plow.
The Atlas O Premier Snow Plow
Offered in six roadnames, collectors have their pick of various colors that they want to grace their layout. Options include Canadian National (No. 3009970); Maine Central (No. 3009972); Milwaukee Road (No. 3009972); New York Central (No. 3009973); Union Pacific (No. 3009974); and Rio Grande (No. 3009975).
Just as with numerous other popular releases these days, there have been custom runs. Mr. Muffin’s Trains has offered a Nickel Plate Road option; Trainworld a Long Island version with two road numbers; and New England Division of the Train Collectors Association (NETCA) with a Boston & Maine scheme. Like all Atlas Master or Premier Line rolling stock, these were built to order and many people got theirs in quickly.
It wasn’t until May that the Train Collectors Association announced a limited custom run of the Strasburg Rail Road Snow Plow. The limited run of 100 units sold out in about 2 days. The model features the current oxide red and gold paint scheme with “Strasburg” across the side and “66” underneath it.
Read more about plowing snow on North American railroads.
Feature packed
The plows themselves feature two-axle trucks, one operating coupler, and one dummy coupler. The latter, which protrudes through the wedge of the plow, can be easily removed with a single screw. Atlas provides a cover for the coupler hole.
The model features a headlight as it has to operate ahead of a locomotive. There’s also add-on detailing, including ladder rungs, a horn, grab irons, smoke jack, brake wheel, and handrails. The body features molded in rivet detail, doors, and hinges. It also has operating “wings” on each side to push snow away from the tracks. These extensions are held open by a tab and easily closed again.
A little history
Going back to the prototype, the first snow plows for railroads were developed in the 1840’s, well after steam engines had been operating in the United States. The Russell Snow Plow, which the Strasburg Railroad has, was developed by the company of the same name 1893.
The Strasburg’s plow was built for the Wellsville, Addison & Galeton Railroad around 1902 and later sold to the Buffalo & Susquehanna. Strasburg acquired the plow in 1966 and since then it’s been put to work to clear the 4.5 miles trackage to Paradise.
The Atlas models MSRP for $89.95, however, if you go through an Atlas dealer you may be able to save some money off that price. Grab one quick, these won’t be on the shelves for long!
Get more O gauge action on the Chris’s Trains & Things channel on YouTube.
Atlas O Snow Plow
MSRP: $89.95
Roadnames: Canadian National (No. 3009970); Maine Central (No. 3009972); Milwaukee Road (No. 3009972); New York Central (No. 3009973); Union Pacific (No. 3009974); and Rio Grande (No. 3009975)
Website: shop.atlasrr.com
I’ll need one of these for the L&M– it’s set in ND!