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Athearn HO GP40X
Beautiful models. The SP 40X is an excellent running model-based upon personal experience. Ch
Athearn engines have many improvements over the last few years BUT I have stopped buying them for three reasons. #1 no attached windshield wipers. #2 Their headlight installation “taped and glued into the shell”. #3 time for a motor upgrade. If and when they equal the “Atlas quality” at the Atlas price level I will continue to buy Atlas only.
i am new to modeling so not to sure how or what to say,i like the way it looks and the info about makes it easy to choose on the units that i am planing to buy. the price is good .
Interesting machine but a little price distant for me. I have been retired for 19 years and my “Fixed income” Pension’s purch power ( VIA inflation ) is diminished by about 60% so that the price tag of $100 is to me in real dollars about $150 to $200. Come up with a Sr consideration and all would be well if I could get the ADV item for $50 bucks… Thanks for listening, Ol Dick Huff from Balto Md
Let’s see them do the Orange & Black StL&A paint job and I’ll start doing some serious drooling.
I liked the SP version that I purchased. It could have done with air hoses on the front and better instructions for the bag of detail parts that come with the model. Its distinctive look draws favourable comment from those that visit my layout. Overall however I’d happily give it 7 out of 10.
Hey guys, I’m with you Donald, though I like their body styles the running gear leaves a lot to be desired and for a few more dollars spent in this department they could corner the markets, thats the price that industry pays for letting bean counters take control.
Engines that start moving, all of a sudden, at 4.5 MPH is not very realistic operation, the review did not say if it has a slower moving start on DCC instead of just DC. I,ve found that after use only 1 MPH or so slower start. Engine looks great, good paint. Thanks for letting me add my thoughts.
Hey Guys, As usual Athearn puts out a well detailed moded for the price. I don’t like the elephant ears, it detracts from the side flare radaitors. Compared to the older rubber band drive models, you get some good band for the buck. Old hand at SP.
because of the comments D. Russoman made earlier about the lack of attached windshield wipers and unrealistic running gear, I will have to consider Atlas or maybe Tower 55 first, and pay a few more dollars. I particularly like that NS body style…
For the price,accuracy and detail, you really can’t beat Athearn. I model SP and own 11 SD45T-2’s. Remember, these engines represent thier Ready To Roll Line. For a few more dollers you can buy Athearn’s Genesis Series, which are amazing.
I am not an SP Modeler, but I love RR history, and if a manufacturer can model specific, unique prototypes, like these ‘eared’ GP40X units, it can be a lot of fun. I agree that the RTR units lack some details and the ‘fire -in-the-cab’ headlight is ridiculous in this day and age(even for the RTR price) but that said, we certainly have upgrade options available, and plenty of MR ‘how-to’ articles, including how to add LED headlights. I can run with Mike and give it a ‘7’.
The GP40X is a fine locomotive I ordered one in NS #7000 and its doing a fine job It has good Quality and runs great the details are very good and all in all its well worth the money.
I own Santa Fe GP40X #3805 (Kodachrome) and it is a very great running locomotive. I haven’t got a chance to test it’s full potential because it’s hard to make good money when your only 14 years old. I am planning on using the Feb. issue for 2008 on how to add working dcc ditch lights to EMD engines on it. I am also going to order another GP40X in SP (#7231.) I would give this engine a product rating of 10/10!
Some years ago I bought the RPP shell for this engine, but found enough “rough edges” to make of it a major project, the outcome of which seemed less than worthy of optimism. I will probably end up buying this model, in Union Pacific dress, from Athearn. Probably at an upcoming show, where prices will be favorable
Looking at other GP 40 engines from other manufatures, this comes behind atlas’s GP 40 in second place
I have a southern railway gp 40x it runs great it pulls22 coal hoppers with no problem at all on a small layout with 22&18 %radius curves beautifuly the paint scheme is great but the imitation aluminum band around the locomotive look’s more like a white band its#is 7000 southern had 3 units 7000-7002 all details are correct from the 5 chime horns to the high nose mounted bells ieven had the pleasure when i was younger to see
7000 run along the track @ my front door in virginia wow brings back memories
I have the SP #7200 GP40X and think it is a very beautiful model. I opted to not get the “elephant ears” on this one. I am quite surprised that the model’s drawbar pull is relatively higher than that of the Athearn SD40T-2. The high adhesion trucks at work! The light clusters are fantastic on this model, particularly for SP.
I am surprised that the prototype had a whopping 3500 HP. This is massive for a 4 axle locomotive. I plan to use this GP40X as a switcher on my layout. That is until the SD50 (model also by Athearn) decides to prototypically break down. LOL