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Athearn Genesis HO scale F unit diesels now include sound and DCC
This is a nice locomotive. But the decoder seems to burn up if you dont treat it well. I have my second copy already. The sound controller is handy, however. For I have a DC layout.
I have a dozen athern genisus f units they all are great runners but they are a chore when it comes to adding decders. The light deal and resistors seems to me is realy not dcc friendly as it could be.
Recently while at a hobby store i was looking at Athearn’s Genesis F7s. I asked one of the employees if I could test it, and he was completely okay with that. While “testing” I was amazed by the sound and that the headlight turned on automatically. (The units were tested on a d.c. track.) I was really hoping to hear the horn and bell but the remote didn’t have a battery. I rate this product 5 stars for its great performance and detail and I can’t wait to add some to my roster!
I obtained several F-unit Genesis sound chassis, thinking I could slide my own custom painted bodies over them. Surprise! The older Athearn bodies slide down over the chassis and keep going! I had to add shims to get the bodies to sit correctly. Seems the outside of the frame is narrower than on past models. Overall, the sound is terrific (a little too loud), and needed to be toned down. Other than the body/chassis problem, I would highly recommend this item.