I am thinking of adding a short Amtrak train to my collection. Front runner for motive power would be the Athearn P42 (AMD103) as these are the units that run in my area. Does anyone have any comments on these units fidelity and running qualities?
Any thoughts on sound boards to get a good Amtrak Nathan K5LA horn and flashing ditch lights?
Thanks in advance for any info
I have about a dozen of them, although I personally don’t care for the “Barney” look. I’ve been super-detailing and repainting them and they run quite well (DC). Interestingly, the one I just painted Phase II Anniversary scheme #66 still has the 50-odd buck price tag on the box and they now go for over $120.
The Walthers exclusive Shamu ones are pretty awesome if you can catch one.
I have two of the Walthers exclusive locos (#10 and #55) and they are pretty nice.
The paint and lettering on the latest “DCC Ready” versions are nice. Still a bit grainy on the platinum mist silver but at least the nose herald size was fixed.
For sound there are two suitable options.
Option 1, Soundtraxx Tsunami
Soundtraxx Tsunami GE-FDL Modern. Not 100% perfect for a P42, but dang close. The K5LA is nice, the whoop sound is great, and the motor sounds are also pretty nice. The bell is not all that great. Just be sure to get the “modern” version as this has the whoop sound.
I’m not sure which type of Tsunami plugs into the Athearn plug in these locos though, so hopefully someone here can help with that.
Option 2, Loksound
Loksound 3.5 Custom P42 by Ulrich Models. On Ulrich’s Loksound page, scroll down to the “Ulrich Custom Files” section. The first listed is the one for an Amtrak P42.
You can also order these with a 9 pin connector (under the decoder options section) so it is plug and play for Athearn DCC ready locos.
Nice custom sounds include the whoop sound and an excellent bell.
If you’re looking for a Walthers exclusive, which is the only way to get a factory painted phase V P42, here is a current listing of the ones that have been produced thus far listed in number order with the issue date next to them:
WOW, I didn’t realize they’ve made so many of them! I have #44 and #67, obviously from the last few years. The older Athearn issued ones have some of their worst paint/lettering jobs, especially the “fading stripe” versions. I have decals for the Phase V but never figured out the correct blue. The newer Phase IV offerings from Athearn have super sharp lettering, I have 6 of those. I’m even powering up the Dummies!
Guys,
I’ve always ‘kind of’ wanted one of those, & this thread is ‘sparking’ my interest again!
When you say you are ‘super detailing’ them, what all are you doing, the full DA kit, or along those lines? (Honestly, I do not remember ever using ‘EVERY’ part in their kits, but glad they were there)…
Also, thanks a bunch for the sound options & the unit lists, -Awesome!!
PS: Last April I ‘minted out’ an Atlas -8 32BWH (Pepsi Scheme) & I just can’t get past wanting another one! (Mostly cuz I over weathered it, & it had an accident during the final dullcoat, (messing up the cab), but it was photographed that way, & I think you have all seen it already, so I won’t bore you with it now.
Thanks for the great info & excellent tips!! ( I saved a copy of them!)
Merry Christmas!!