I am looking at purchasing an ABA set of Athearn Genesis locomotives. In particular, I am looking at road numbers 7044, 7522 and 7045 (the as-purchased combo) as they came from the second C&O order with the low-wave paint, progress logo, Mars light and dynamic brakes. The problem however, is that it appears Athearn goofed on the horn selection (two single chimes vice the 5-chime found on the high wave units).
Has anyone purchased 7044 or 7045/7522? If so, what are your thoughts on their accuracy and drivetrain (I read here that some units have oblong gears and other running problems)? Did you find it difficult to replace the single chimes with a Nathan and get the mounting holes smoothed over/painted to match the roof color?
What’s the consensus on the non-sound C&O high wave units (7028, 7029/7514)? Will Athearn release an individual F7A numbered 7086 to match the 7087/7543 lashup?
-Mike
I can’t give an opinion in regards to C&O particulars (I model Santa Fe), but the Genesis F7s are the best you are gonna get. The Highliner shells that Athearn uses are the most accurate, and the drives are great. The only issue I have with the Santa Fe units are the same as one of your concerns, that being the horns. I guess it was easier/cheaper for them to do the same horns across the board. That should be something easy to remedy yourself.
The only problem I have found with the Fs are the grills bowing outward when they heat up, or popping partially off. Again, this is easily fixed.
The general consensus is that the MRC sound is garbage (at least that is what I hear most often). If sound is not an issue, NCE makes a great drop in decoder for the Genesis units (I can’t remember the numbers off hand). I think overall that you will be quite satisfied with these models!!
Overall, great models. I may be picky, but I do have a continuing gripe about the Genesis F-7 models–the etched grill work and the manner in which it attached. The grills are held to the locomotive car body with some sort of glue. On many of the models, the glue is sloppily applied and can be easily seen behind the grills. On the 12 or so Genesis F-7s I have, there isn’t a one where the grilles haven’t popped loose from the glue, especially at the top and bottom. That might be OK, but because the gluee leaves ugly remnants that are easily visible between the grille edges and the carbody, I think it’s a major detraction from an otherwise excellent model.
I doubt that Athearn will correct this problem. I brought it to their attention when the Genesis F-7s were first introduced. They claimed that they would do something about it, but never have. It’s kept me from buying more. Like I said, maybe I’m picking. But this stuff isn’t cheap, and I’m not pleased with spending lots of money for something that is to me so unattractive.
Thanks for the inputs, guys. I guess the whole horn thing isn’t peculiar to the C&O models, although they did eventually get it right with their latest C&O releases.
-Mike