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Athearn HO SD40T-2
My only disappointment was the lack of the uncoupler levers, not a big deal but I thought they should have been installed as a normal part on the model. Other details I will put on myself. Runs very smoothly.
Very nice, I like the detail and it is priced decent.Bravo!
I have two from the first run (B&LE and Cotton Belt Bicentennial) and have put DCC decoders in both. They look and run great. I’m looking for a second B&LE unit (have #904)!
I’m waiting for my UP prototypes at the first glance it a great model
i great modeli
I think that the Model Railroader magazine is one of the best RR magazines I have seen. It gives plenty of ideas for a novice like myself and it always has easy to read articles. Keep up the great work and thanks for a good practical mag.
Great looking and running models, I have two of the SP models install with DCC. However,I did notice one carryover error from the original models, the Rio Grande SD40T-2’s do not carry the 4,000 gal; fuel tank,this only found on the SP’s. I’am disappointed with the lack of hose and lever details, why just on Genisus models? Why can’t they model in the SP nose lights on the Athearn SP/GP models they offer? I guess Athearn doesn’t want to go the extra mile. I do hope they will at least offer the 123" nose in the Cotten Belt scheme, as on the proto type.
Absolutely my all time favorite model and prototype! I have two from the first run and am waiting for the snoot nosed ones to become available. Those are my favorite engines as I have seen many working there domains in the california mountains! Being from upstate N.Y.and never seeing them live, they were certainly a site to behold when I first saw them in action on the Tehachapi’s for the first time. Nothing beats the show of power of trains like “The Tank Train” on it’s uphill climb from Caliente!!! Athearn should have redone these years ago! Maybe in the Genesis line too! Over all…thank you Athearn! If it wasn’t for you we’d be paying about $500. for brass versions! NOW!!! all we need is a company like YOU Athearn, to produce some quality Milwaukee Road prototypes (such as Little Joes and Bi-Polars!) Once again…Thank You Athearn!! Patrick J. Huot phuot@twcny.rr.com
I liked the article, it makes me want to look at them at my Hobby shop and perhaps get one, THE PRICE IS RIGHT!
I have all 3 Susquehanna engines and they look great. All 3 will have the new sound and Digitrax DCC decoders installed.
I got the DRG+W model and it was very good. Besides the initial start up jerking, I was very pleased with the product. Thank you MRR for the review which influenced my purchase and I hope that you have more reviews like this one. Great Product
Based upon this review/article, thanks MRR, I purchased 3 Tunnel Motors to pull coal drags on my SPSF Bayou Division. Out of the box the locomotives were extremely impressive, paint, markings, weight and general appearance are as impressive as the Athearn SD45T-2, in fact the locomotives are hard to tell apart. Great pullers for your unit trains. One point to look out for is to carefully go over the shell, I found a few parts loose or bent due to probable rough handling in shipment, normal hobby tools allow a quick fix. Another hit for Athearn
Sorry to contradict Mr. Goode but the Rio Grande does (or should) have a 4000 gallon tank; SP versions had 4400 gallon tanks. Beautiful model-can’t wait to buy one
NICE!!!
I have the SP version of the SD40T-2 (88" nose) by Athearn in a later release (SP #8529). I love this Tunnel Motor. The details are superb. I like that this later version has the hoses. The “front porch” is huge and just begs for putting figures there. The see-through grate shows the top of the truck and the drive shaft. If Athearn had used a special rear truck where 4 of the 6 wheels were driven or even a dummy truck for the rear, they could fully pull off the see-through illusion of the prototype.
I have had 3 of these for a couple years now, and I love 'em. They run really well, very smooth. The plug-in DCC is handy. The detail is excellent and very much appreciated. The only negative is that the trucks were grossly over-lubricated by the factory. The extra lube very quickly makes bad crud on the wheels, stopping the locos from moving. You’ll want to dis-assemble them, clean them dry, and re-lube sparingly.