Athearn N scale F59PHI ... your thoughts?

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Can anyone comment on the athearn N F59PHI?

They are finally releasing some for caltrain (even though they never had any), and I would love to pick one or two up from my LHS.

Let me know what you guys think! …

2

bump …

3

I have one (Metrolink). Really noisy, sounds like a pencil sharpener. I think it has a lot to do with shell resonance, since if you remove the shell, it’s much quieter. I wonder if lining the inside of the shell with think pieces of cork or foam would help.

4

Noisy? … ugh. [*-)] Well, I’m glad the LHS that I will be getting them from lets you “test-drive” anything you buy so ill be sure to look for that. Hopefully they improved that for this run! How is the slow speed operation? Is it smooth?

Thanks!

5

Noisy? … ugh. [*-)] Well, I’m glad the LHS that I will be getting them from lets you “test-drive” anything you buy so ill be sure to look for that. Hopefully they improved that for this run! How is the slow speed operation? Is it smooth?

Thanks!

6

If you’re looking for Kato smooth, no it’s not like that at all. The noise might have something to do with it too. If you were hardcore you might switch out the motor with a better one. BTW, I’m still using DC, I can’t vouch for its DCC performance.

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ok … the athearn web site does say its a new and improved motor so lets hope for the best. …

And I do plan on DCC … (but not the DCC/Sound equipped)

8

Here’s a comprehensive review of this loco: ATHEARN F59PHI

It fits with what I’ve heard from other sources. Top issues are excessive speed and noise. If Athearn is re-releasing these, then I’d advise a test drive or wait to see if someone else posts a review before purchasing.

9

Thanks for posting the review!

I will be sure to test drive it before buying. (And I’m glad they are putting a new motor in for this release!)