My new Athearn UP #58 Gas Turbine came in the mail today![:D] And I must say, it’s a beautiful model. And to prove that statement, here are 27 detailed photos to go with it.[:D]
Side shot of the engine and tender sitting on the large box.
The front ends of both.
The other side.
The rear ends.
The louvered vents look a lot better than I thought they would.
The more standard grills look very good too.
The tender plug is plainly visible under the walkway.
Better shot of the front.
The cab has a full interior, which I didn’t expect in a non-Genesis model.[:D]
That box sure is shiny…
Some handrails aren’t perfectly straight.
Verticle fuel lines that go by the ladder are included (wide radius only).
The only part of the roof where the vents aren’t etched.
Yes, that is blue electrical tape under the exhaust. Why? I don’t know.
Etched metal always looks good.
Models without the tender have a fuel filter where those two holes are. The bell is an optional part.
Large holes for speakers are on each end.
The tender looks as good as the engine.
[IMG]https://imgur.com/sQnC8kw.jpg[/IMG
Photos don’t really do it justice. My local T&HS had one sitting out on track (near eye level); customer ordered it, but backed out of deal due to the current financial crisis.
The blue tape is holding a clear plastic plate over the driveline to keep the wires out, and then there’s a bunch of black tape holding the wires in place. The PC boards seem awfully complex for lighting alone, but it works. The DC jumper is on the wiring harness. The mechanism is very unique, and looks like it was made by whoever builds the drives in Atlas diesels (same motor, similar worms and covers, etc.). It is only a 4-axle drive, but it’s very heavy and feels like it could pull well.
It’s not a bad looking engine, and it runs ok also. But IMO I think they did a poor job. The price is ok but I would have liked to see them power all wheels. I mean how much more trouble would it have been. I know it might have meant a bigger price. I mean they should have priced it around $500.00. Added more details, powered all wheels. Because when they are sold out the people who have them will be putting them up on Ebay for more then $500.00. Just like the Lionel ones. But for the people who have the room to run large trains 90+ cars the Turbine doesn’t cut it. I would have liked to have seen more details (like in a OMI Turbine). The screens also look cheap compaired to a top model Turbine. But for someone who can’t aafford a brass one then this ones for you. They also could have upgraded the sound also. The details on the roof even look molded on. Like I said in a earler topic, two members of the club have then and there was one guy who was impressed with it, he was 11. One of them was even looking for a buyer. I just think Athearn could have done a better job, that’s all.
I’m sorry I just don’t get it. Here is a model of unique prototype that was pretty much only available in brass (or the aforementioned Lionel) and it falls short in your opinion? This is the Ready to Roll line, not Genesis, I’m sure if it were the Genesis line, it would be closer to the 500 dollars you mention instead of the 300 listed. And personally, even though I think it was unintentional, you basically compared all of us to an 11 year old if we are even slightly impressed with the model. I’ve got a few more years than that under my belt and have seen plenty of the stuff that needed work, this one needs very little (maybe a touch of weathering[;)] )
You said in your other post that you were going to buy the one off the club member because he was going to make you a great d
I was just comparing my turbine to photos of the Lionel Veranda. The detail of the Athearn beats it on all levels.[:D] If MTH wants to rerelease the Lionel Veranda, I hope they make some improvements (like better handrails, flush glass, etc.).
I just found out that all the side ventilation on the front half of the engine is removable, so better detailed grillwork could be added that much more easily.[:D]
I’m sorry I just don’t get it. Here is a model of unique prototype that was pretty much only available in brass (or the aforementioned Lionel) and it falls short in your opinion? This is the Ready to Roll line, not Genesis, I’m sure if it were the Genesis line, it would be closer to the 500 dollars you mention instead of the 300 listed. And personally, even though I think it was unintentional, you basically compared all of us to an 11 year old if we are even slightly impressed with the model. I’ve got a few more years than that under my belt and have seen plenty of the stuff that needed work, this one needs very little (maybe a touch of weathering )
I am still waiting to see some of your work GS. Compairing that to a FSM kit is stupid. I’ have to post a few replies in some other topics. i’ll make sure I email you so you will know were I have been.
I have several turbines, the three unit (OMI), the coal (OMI), and the veranda (Lionel). Love them all. Will the Athearn need a bit of detailing, sure - as just about any plastic model does. Would it have been nice to get all wheel drive, yup. But for $200 bucks, (I got the sound kit on order) I am VERY pleased overall.
It’s ok 8500HP, I know your a die hard about Turbines as they come. I do see your points and agree with many, but it is what it is. ((And I know your going to get one ))
If your going to run them with a 80-90 unit train, don’t for get to pop on a GP, that should get you up and running just dandy.
Not sure it’s been mentioned but I really like the fact that you can get them with or with out the tender AND get the tender separately. Going to get an extra and weather the living snot out of it like they are seen in some of the DVD’s I have. That bunker fuel just spills everywhere.
Thanks, I never said they were a piece of crap. After having many brass Overlands (I know you have several also) there is something they missed on that run. So I don’t like them. That doesn’t mean everyone will. My main point was I would have spent more$$$ to have the extra details installed.
LOL… yah I know you would have spent the extra, as would I. But for a few bucks think they would dress up nicely. So now the only one I’m missing is the first turbine… I think.
On another note, I’ll be putting in the same sound decoders in my brass units. So should be getting them here soon ((they are still in the CA - The Whistle Stop))
That started getting a little out of hand for a couple posts there. Let’s try not to start any fights, ok?[:D]
It is true that Athearn skipped out on a couple things, but it was for operational and affordability reasons. I was looking at the overhang, and an all wheel drive turbine would need a minimum 26" radius to work properly with Athearn’s design. See-through ventilation on the sides would have been complicated and much more expensive. I’m glad for the compromises, because they made it so I could afford it.[:D] And after a little track time, I’ve found that this is one of my best runners so far.[:D]
)
))