SINCE almost 100% of the F-7’s stopped running some 40 years ago, I wonder who’s memory, or what point of refererence is being used to claim ‘correct’ sound? I was around then, but I can’t recall with any accuracy,
Mass manufacturer’s tool up a single shell to pain’t for a dozen or so road’s,whether it’s accurate or not, so do we really think we are going to get an individualized sound unit’s for equipment which quit running 40-50 years ago - for a market. that’s largely under 50?
Well, F units were still being made 50 years ago, and many went into the '70s. I am sure that there are plently of recordings to go by.
Yes, Athearn has some catching up to do, but they’re still great for beginners.
With $60-$70 prices for good looking and good running locomotives, I would consider Athearn RTR’s the best buy anywhere. The SD50, SD60, CF7, the new GP38s and GP40s, the new P42s, GP35s and SD45T-2s are some of the best locomotives out there. I own an RTR SD50 and it’s the smoothest and quietest unit I own (even quieter than my Atlas, P2K’s and Katos!!!). After seeing a P2K SD50 in action, I was dissapointed. Although they look great, I was disapointed to see a dull orange headlight and many grinding sounds coming from the truck. My Athearn SD50 has bright white bulbs for the headlights and hardly makes a noise. And with the recent price hike on the P2K units, I’ll be going for more Athearns.