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Athearn HO SD45-2 is available with DCC and sound
I just got mine and I like it. It is a great addition to my stable of good running locomotives.
For many years I felt that my Erie Lackawanna layout was just not complete because of this very engine. We had the big SD45’s and even brass SDP45’s but not the SD45-2. And nothing says Erie Lackawanna like the big SD’s from General Motors. We invested in all three road numbers with sound and could not be happier. Athearn absolutely hit a home run with this locomotive. Now all three units are assigned to Croxton-99, a hotshop TOFC train and it couldn’t look better rolling through Akron on our layout.
This is a very nice model of a prototype I didn’t expect any mass producer would make. The Athearn model requires a double push on a function key to bring it to life, this is to reduce the large inrush current required by a number of sound locos on a DCC layout and as such is an idea to be commeded, however in the event of a supply short for whatever reason, the loco shuts down and you have to go through the start up procedure to get it back on line. Not a great problem unless the loco is in a consist with other units. Then you have to select it individually and re-start it. A time consuming and somewhat irritating exercise that could take a while if you have more than one in a consist.
I got this when it was first released, and am really pleased with it. The sound is fantastic with an exceptional startup sequence. Includes a unique prototypical strobe that operates only at low (yard) speeds. It’s clear Athearn really paid some attention to this - I hope they look into doing this level of work on other later day diesels.
I have two CSX units and i will tell you that they run just as well like my RTR Athearns i dont think they run like a Genesis.
I have two CSX units and i will tell you that they run just as well like my RTR Athearns i dont think they run like a Genesis.
I purchased the ATSF model beautifuly done. I really like the strobe effect of the beacon light, waiting for the yellow bonnet so I can purchase it.
i have the csx i cant wait for more to come out
i have the csx i cant wait for more to come out
I would like to know the specifics of the programming adjustments that were used to reduce the DC startup speed of the sound units from 10 mph to 4 mph. The article does not provide this information.
I would like to know the specifics of the programming adjustments that were used to reduce the DC startup speed of the sound units from 10 mph to 4 mph. The article does not provide this information.
I have a model of Santa Fe #5692. It’s a great model that I would claim to be the best engine on my fleet. The sound quality is great and I would reccomend that anyone who likes very detailed, sound equipped locos to by one immediatly.
I have a model of Santa Fe #5692. It’s a great model that I would claim to be the best engine on my fleet. The sound quality is great and I would reccomend that anyone who likes very detailed, sound equipped locos to by one immediatly.
Athearn’s SD-45’s are a welcome addition to the rest of their RTR SP fleet. The locomotives capture the look of the SP units right down to the L-shaped engineer windshield. Out of the box the locomotive started smoothly at 2 volts, drawing less than 0.25 amperes. I have all three road numbers and all of them performed equally well. They are very quiet and very smooth. I would rate them equal, in operation, to the last Genesis models I bought from Athearn. I am very impressed. The only drawback that I can find is in the operation of the headlights. The models come with both nose and cab-roof headlights - four bulbs in all. The circuit board supplied with the locomotive is set up for two-bulb operation. Therefore, the headlights are very dimly lit, if at all, at normal operating speeds. In reverse, the rear lights are bright. Hats off to Athearn for continuing to supply us SP fans with good-looking and smoothly operating locomotives.
Athearn’s SD-45’s are a welcome addition to the rest of their RTR SP fleet. The locomotives capture the look of the SP units right down to the L-shaped engineer windshield. Out of the box the locomotive started smoothly at 2 volts, drawing less than 0.25 amperes. I have all three road numbers and all of them performed equally well. They are very quiet and very smooth. I would rate them equal, in operation, to the last Genesis models I bought from Athearn. I am very impressed. The only drawback that I can find is in the operation of the headlights. The models come with both nose and cab-roof headlights - four bulbs in all. The circuit board supplied with the locomotive is set up for two-bulb operation. Therefore, the headlights are very dimly lit, if at all, at normal operating speeds. In reverse, the rear lights are bright. Hats off to Athearn for continuing to supply us SP fans with good-looking and smoothly operating locomotives.
Could it operate on 15’’ if necessary? If not, how does it operate on 18’'?
Could it operate on 15’’ if necessary? If not, how does it operate on 18’'?
First run, ATSF bicentennial 5700. Superb engine, so happy Athearn made it! Thanks!
First run, ATSF bicentennial 5700. Superb engine, so happy Athearn made it! Thanks!