Athearn Genesis GN F7s?

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I looked on Athearn’s site but unless I missed something…

I would like to know if Athearn is planning a release of Great Northern F7s (or F3s) in the Orange and Green color scheme (similar to Walther’s) anytime soon or if they have in the past? I’m only interested in the Tsunami sound/decoder versions though…

I have the Santa Fe version and it’s gorgeous and a good runner.

Thanks,

Jim

2

Captain, yes there was an Athearn Genesis GN F7A/B set in the Empire Sceme previously released…

The Athearn web site indicates they were released/built in 2002.

They are number ATHG1504A and ATHG1504B, they are in the Empire orange and green.

The F7A unit has two lights, the top light is a red light and the bottom the headlight.

I bought these to pull my Empire Builder, but ended up using an Intermountain F7 set in an ABA configuration.

3

Thanks Don. I assume the MRC decoders were used in 2002? Ever have any trouble with them?

I don’t trust them although the two I have remaining in Genesis Big Boy and Challenger are still behaving themselves.

I’m hoping that Athearn is planning a newer release with the Tsunamis instead. I emailed them but haven’t received a reply about road names/future batches.

I just love the detailing on the Athearn F7s and haven’t found another shell that speaks to me as much…yet…

Why did you go with the Intermountains instead?

Jim

4

The set I have is not equipped with either DCC or sound. I have the DCC cards in their boxes but have not even connected them.

I had changed my mind and decided to go the Steam route so I shelved the Genesis models and bought a GN S2 for my layout. It is their 4-8-4 painted in Glacier Park colours. Looks great, being brass it is very heavy and pulls great.

Later I bought a Intermountain FP7 set for my Canadian National passenger train, It is a great puller, Intermountain was then using QSI sound, think they stuck with that brand.but not certain.

That engine set was so great is its running capabilities, sound quality and pulling power that I bought another set for my GN,

I prefer the Intermountain over the Genesis, They run great, their sound units sound good and they cost less than the Genesis models. I can not remember the exact dollar difference but it was quite a difference then.

I also had a few dealings with Intermountain and their customer service is great. I had a pilot come off one of their diesels, an old model I had picked up. They sent me replacement pilots, both regular passenger but also one of their new snow shovel pilots they had only recently developed.

In another dealing had purchased a bunch of their steel wheels for converting a number of old Athearn cars and while some wheels fit, others did not, turns out Athearn had changed their trucks to another manufacturer. Intermountain sent me a bunch of their trucks (no wheels) so that I could complete the changing of the wheels. They contacted me and asked me how many I needed.

Now that is service, with that kind of treatment I will stick with them. Their locomotives are also in my estimation just as good as Athearn.

5

Thanks Don. I’ll look at Intermountain again. I do value customer service above most things.

Appreciate the added info. and details.

Jim