Athearn HO scale EMD DDA40X diesel locomotive

Comments MRR
1

Join the discussion on the following article:

Athearn HO scale EMD DDA40X diesel locomotive

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Dana, are you sure those headlights are LED’s? I haven’t taken my DDA40x apart but the lights in my model sure look to be the typical crummy incandescent bulbs that Athearn claims look more prototypical. If, in fact, this loco has LED’s it would be a first for Athearn as they are the only major manufacturer still using “bulbs”. Also, the only Centennial to ever have ditch lights is the remaining survivor 6926 which is still operable. The other 6900’s were out of service by 1985. Ditch lights were not mandated by the FRA until Dec. 31, 1997!

3

Whoops, I noticed a typo. The remaining active Centennial is 6936 not 6926. 6936 is the lone survivor still running and is a part of UP’s Heritage fleet along with the E Units and the two steamers, 844 and 3985. Athearn’s future run will include the 6936 complete with ditch lights and A/C on the cab roof.

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Despite the headlight bulb issue I think that this i one of the finest locomotives Athearn has ever produced!

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Hi RA,
You’re correct. The lighting is bulbs not LEDs. I’ve updated the review.
Thanks for reading,
Dana Kawala
Senior editor

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Waiting for the 6936 to come out!

Thanks once again Athearn! Great job!

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Received it 2 weeks ago here in the Netherlands. Look good and runs smooth. Nice Tsunami sound from the front and rear speakers

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Item of note: The 6936 is currently “on loan”, and is at the Western Pacific RR Museum in Portola California.

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Although the “DDA” is said to mean 4-axis truck and cab-unit in Athearn’s shieet too, is this really secure?
Every book I owned, did not write such a thing. Please tell me the basis.

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great looking locomotive i am thinking either to get the big boy or this

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This has GOT to be THE best Diesel locomotive Athearn has ever produced… and they produced a ton of 'em!