The following is an excerpt from an e-mail we received from Atlas today regarding production of their product line going forward:

"In an effort to stabilize pricing, while assuring the continuation of quality Atlas model railroad products, I made a decision approximately one year ago to transfer all Atlas product molds from a primary supplier to multiple suppliers. The transfer of more than 5,000 Atlas proprietary molds and tools was not as smooth as I had hoped for, however, the process is nearly complete.

The following is a current update on Atlas production.

N, HO and O Freight Cars and Locomotives- Atlas freight cars and locomotives are in full production at our new suppliers and are currently being shipped from Atlas to distributors.

O Gauge Track and Accessories- Atlas has a complete supply of both 3 rail and 2 rail track products and accessories. 2 rail flex track is currently sold out at Atlas and is in short supply at retailers. Production is being worked on and will be available late summer.

N and HO Gauge - Our new supplier is currently testing and prepping primary Atlas track molds. Production will start in June and Atlas will receive the first shipments of N & HO track this summer.

N & HO Accessories- New suppliers have started production of these products and full availability will be achieved during the summer and early fall.

I would like to thank all of our customers- distributors, retailers and consumers- for your continued support of Atlas products. Especially during these last few years of tough economic times. I wish you all, your families and friends, in particular all our veterans, a safe and happy Memorial Day weekend holiday.

Sincerely,

Thomas W. Haedrich,
CEO Atlas Model Railroad Co. Inc."

Together with the recent annoucment from Athearn regarding the improvements in their production lines, it appears the industry is on the road back for full and timely production of a wide range of products. We look forward to this, as we are sure, our customers do too.