Just got word from a friend of mine that Athearn is going to produce the GE U50D locomotive, the “official” will be sometime this fall. From what he told me theywill be using the “turbine” driveline which makes perfect sense.
Union Pacific had 23
Southern had 3
So before you break down and buy one of the brass ones better hold on…
Mark
Just a couple of minor things.
It was the U50B and the Southern PACIFIC had 3.
http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=70699&nseq=0
The trailing unit’s a DD35B.
Andre
I am sure they would look very nice on my Santa Fe in Oklahoma set in 1989…NOT!
Think I will go on to bed, no excitement tonight.
Bob
OOPS!!! Sorry about that, I usually “always” proof read my stuff “before” hitting the enter key, obviously I didn’t this time and it bit me in the “end zone”!!!
Mark 
Actually it’s a U50BB
Although I’m an SCL modeler, I’ve been wanting a plastic U-50 since the late 1970s…Good Grief, so I’ve been waiting over 30 years! (and some of you “yung-uns” aren’t even that old yet[:P]). I’m definetly reserving one at my LHS. I’ve always liked the tough, boxy, brutish look of these giants. They’re unique and hard to mistake them for any other locomotive.
Jeff Schulz (on the “other forum”) took a photo of a preproduction U50 shell (in black) at the NMRA meet. From the photo, it looks like a winner even though it’s going to be “RTR” instead of Genesis.
It’s too bad that the prototypes didn’t survive. From what I’ve read, GE took a “shortcut” and wired up the units with aluminum wiring instead of copper. Not a smart move for long term durability.
I’m assuming it will also be offered in Southern Pacific.
GE produced two distinct 5000-HP locomotives.
Built in the mid-1960s, the first version (which was B+B-B+B) was simply designated as U50 by GE. The designation with the B or D added (which I kinda prefer) is something that appeared later.
The second (1969-71) 5000HP version, which had two 3-axle trucks, was called the U50C, and it was the model plagued with fires, and other tiny irritations, due to aluminum wire.
Holy garbage!! Why does Athearn have to keep making stuff I want!?[}:)] And I always did like the U50B better than the U50C. What’s next, a C-855? And then the DD35 (A and B) and DDA40X? And then I after that I suppose they’ll make a PRR S-1 6-4-4-6?
I also noticed they’re finally remaking the GP9. From the looks of it, it will be a Ready-To-Roll model, but I have been wrong before. I’d also like to see them remake the ALCO PA-1.
Sign me up! [:P]
That willn be nice only if they can power all of the trucks or make an GP-9b to go with it. If it has the same power setup as the turbines , they will not pull a realistic looking train.
How long is a realistic train for an engine this size? I know my Turbine only has 8-wheel drive, but its traction is still comparable to my heaviest 6-axle diesels from P2K, Hobbytown, Kato, and even Tiger Valley. If it really isn’t enough, than that’s what Bullfrog Snot is for![:D]
They are using the “turbine” drive, but Overland makes a nice version and it has all axles powered if that’s an issue, or you could always go with one of the old “coffee grinder” KMT versions.
Your money, your choice…
Mark
Wow, all these niche locomotives: UP turbines, Baldwin Centipedes (or so they say), and now U50s. Can I possibly get any of those in Amtrak?
And word on the street is MTH is developing their version of the SD40-2, F-unit, and PA. Like the hobby doesn’t have enough of those already. What could they possibly add to a cab unit that hasn’t already been done very well by P2K in the case of the PA, and P2K, Athearn Genesis, and now Rapido in the instance of the F? Especially in light of MTH’s price point history.
Well, I have discovered from my LHS who is really in to MTH that they have a very loyal following in the O Scale market and I suspect a lt of that has to do with their controllers.
So they have this DCS system in HO they are pushing and “my thinking” is they think they are going to take the HO market in much the same way they have the O Scale market.
Why else would you persist in making engines at almost twice the price of the competition when common sense dictates otherwise.
The fellow who owns my LHS is convinced they are the best because of their O Scale equipment and that may be true for all I know, but he persists in stocking their HO engines and all they do is “sit” on the shelves while he trys everything to convince people to spend $400 for a 2-8-2 that they can get from BLI for $200 and he doesn’t understand what the problem is.
He has a small test layout in his store with the MTH controller on it but refuses to carry BLI because their engines don’t work properly with it, the sound functions I’m talking about.
So who is delusional here???
Mark
Oh.,…ohh!!! I know…I know…my hand’s up…!! [8D]
MTH’s versions of the PA and F-Units are the same ones they got from BLI, so these are more just re-releases than new products. And as for the Rapido F-Unit, it’s only Canadian National’s FP9, which hasn’t been made by anyone else yet.
i want one but can that big engine take a 22in curv?
I was wondering how long it would take before someone asked that question.
Andre
My Turbine is engineered to make it around even an 18" radius, but there are two minor problems that come with that ability. The ladders and bell have to be left off for clearance of the trucks for anything less than, I’d say, a 28" radius (I don’t think the Veranda has this problem, but it looks like the U50 will). And like other very long engines, it looks kind of odd taking a turn that tight.
Did not know MTH had ever done PAs and Fs in HO - from BLI or anyone else. When was that?
And you are correct about expanding their penetration of the DCS into HO and their success in O gauge. I have even heard talk of stand alone decoders for application into non-MTH HO product. Regardless of people’s opinions about the MTH owner, his DCS system is very capable.
I interviewed Gary Paulino and Phil Greenberg of Traintek, LLC for a podcast. Phil is their DSC man and he explained just what DCS could do. It is amazing
Their proprietary HO couplers are still ugly, though.
that dcs is costly. if they make it cheep like the dcc i mite take a gander at it. does any other comapany make dcs?