Who still runs these on their layouts? I have several that I detailed and still run. I have the protos and Atlas locomotives also…
b r a k i e and he’s proud of it.
Let’s hear it lLarry.
I’m working on a GP40-2L(W) that’s a Blue Box. Got a widebody GP35 as well, but it’s simply a parts donor.
When I start adding SD40-2W’s, the’ll be built from BB or RTR units as well. I’ve always liked the BB stuff, even if I avoid the Rolling stock most of the time.
I have a pair of GP50’s repowered and rewheeled with Northwest Short Line parts. I also have a pair of Rail Power SD45-2’s with Athearn trucks, wheels, motors and drivelines, and am plotting at least one future kitbash using Athearn running gear.
The blue box is still hard to beat for running quality and reliability at an economical price. Most of the shells are still a fine starting point for detailing projects, and in some cases - such as my GP50’s - the only decent plastic model available.
Most of my roster is Blue Box! If they weren’t around I wouldn’t be able to stay in this hobby.
I still have my old RI SD40-2 (at least until Kato finally decides to make one!),
my SW 1500 in RI blue, and one GP38-2 in blue, too, that I’m superdetailing
(and one new P2K, which has far better detail than my “improved” Athearn will ever have!).
By the time you superdetail and put directional lights (or a DCC plug and LEDs) into these beasts, you might as well have got a P2K - it would be cheaper!
Of course, it no one else makes that model …
Thats all I used to run until I switched over to DCC, the old open frame motors just didnt seem to convert well, so i made them all dummies. They are not bad looking models though, just add a plow, brass airhorns and a firecracker antenna and they look as good as a atlas, proto or kato, of course always weather.
I’ve got 3 BB F7’s, a GP35, a GP38, a PA1/PB1. I can’t say that they’re all running, since my layout isn’t even constructed yet. I bought them about 15 years ago because I was just getting into the hobby and didn’t know that much about the various manufacturers. I can’t complain too much about my BB’s - they run, they’re easy to work with, and I haven’t yet started superdetailing any of them, but would like to, eventually.
I have I think seven BB locomotives. I am actually having trouble getting a Digitrax DH123D decoder to fit inside an Athearn GP38-2. Whenever I put it in, something either pushes the front truck so it “rears” up like a horse, or something seems to be in contact with the drive chain. Any ideas?
Thanks,
Reed
LOL! Chuck,Yes I have 27 Athearn locomotives including 4 of the new CF7s.[:D]
I used Athearn for years and would be lost without my Uncle Irv’s even though my roster is mostly Atlas and P2K…I do have other brands,4 Katos,2 Stewarts,3 Walthers. My top three choices is Atlas,Athearn and P2K…
I find the Athearn BB’s is still a good buy and the best bang for the buck in their class.
I must have 50+ at least, and probably more. Some more than 20 years old, and never need anything but the occassional lube. I’ve had P2K, Atlas, Stewart, & Kato drives all wear out on our club layout, but the Blue Boxes keep on running. And here’s the best part…no reason to get rid of them! They are just now getting to where the gears mesh well and they run smoother and quieter than ever. I may someday put A-line motor kits in them, but I’ll never give them up.
Time is all an Athearn needs!
I DO!!!
For the money, they’re still the best locomotive you can buy!!!
I still plan on buying more!
Just my 2 cents
Gordon
GOOD mechanical design indifferently carried out :
- Cheap motors + poor electrical connections.
Amazing how much better PPW run - using and improving on Athearn’s mechanism - from 5volts to start to1.5v; and 1amp to 0.25a. (That’s 4X !) … and P1K’s products (and some P2K), by offering CV - directional lights and copying it…
I think Life Like’s products were a wake-up call for Athearn, and the primary reason they went to RTR (losing market share).
Yes, most the diesels I have are Athearns.
I have about 10, including rtr. I installed dcc in my GP40-2, F59PHi, and P42. It’s almost as easy as installing plug and play decoders. [:D]
I have some outstanding Athearn engines! I regear them, break them in good and have some sturdy, dependable engines with easily replaceable parts. I love 'em!
I still have several Athearn locomotives including the NYC PA’s that hooked me on the NYC to begin with. Great runners.
I have a GP-7 which is mid-1970’s that runs terribly[:(], and I have a pair of SD-45s, one of which runs o.k.[:)] and the other is a truly great[:D] running loco. I think I’ll retire the two ill-performers, and run my Genesis series F3A instead, because it will outpull BOTH of the SD-45s "Blue-boxers"COMBINED![:D][:D]
Twenty years ago BB’s seemed the way to go, inexpensive, good looking , lots of detail etc. But after leaving the hobby and coming back there is some real good looking loco’s out there now! BB’s just don’t seem to have the same luster anymore.[2c]
I have 18 powered Athearn units on my layout. I had problems with a pair of FM trainmasters unil I reworked the electrical pickups when I changed them over to DCC. They’er all good runners now and MU with my other brands (Atlas, P2k, Rivarossi, Mantua, IhC and AHM). A few added details puts them par iwth others costing twice or three times as much. I don’t need any more motive power, but if I did or Athearn introduces something I like, I won’t hesistate to buy it.