New Jersey-based model railroad manufacturer Atlas Model Railroad Co. has marked its 100th anniversary.
Stephan Schaffan Sr. founded Atlas Tool Co. in 1924 as a general machine shop in New Jersey. His son, Stephan Schaffan Jr., joined the business in 1933. By 1947, the two had their first factory built in Hillside, N.J., producing the first practical rail joiners, pre-assembled turnouts, and flextrack. Atlas Tool Co. Inc. was officially incorporated as a New Jersey company on Sept. 30, 1949.
Today, the Atlas Model Railroad Co. product range includes much more than track. The business produces an assortment of locomotives, freight cars, signals, lighting, structures, and accessories from Z through O scales.
To commemorate its centennial, Atlas partnered with New Jersey Transit to wrap full-size Bombardier ALP-45DP locomotive No. 4503 in 100th anniversary artwork. The locomotive can be found in revenue service on NJ Transit routes.
Modelers will be able to operate their own version of NJT No. 4503. The HO scale direct-current model is priced at $179.95, and the version featuring DCC and sound is $289.95. The N scale direct-current model is priced at $159.95, and the version featuring DCC and sound is priced at $269.95. In addition to models of the locomotive, matching multi-level trailer cars and cab cars will be available.
Atlas and other model railroad manufacturers may have some real challenges next year if Chinese imports of their equipment faces new charges.