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Athearn N scale FP45 and F45
Lookin’ Good!!!
It looks as if the successors to Uncle Irv are deserving accolades as a new member of the Kato-Atlas-Intermountain family. I certainly hope that this is the beginning of a healthy line of N-Scale diesel offerings; perhaps there is an SW1000/SW1500 somewhere in the not-to-distant future.
Thank You for posting this review!! It really will help me when I get mine…
Nice Model!!! Cant wait for my model. I bought one with DCC and Sound. Way to go Athearn!!!
I have 2 of the SF warbonnet versions and they are some of the best running and looking engines i have ever bought. They are quiet and smooth. I liked them so much i ordered 2 of the SF yellowbonnet schemes coming sometime in the spring of '09. Looking for a great engine to run, take a look at the Athearn FP45
Dave
I’ll keep an eye open for it at my local model shop.
If you want a unit with a sound decoder, make sure you make the commitment and order it that way! If you buy the DC version and decide to get the decoder later, GOOD LUCK! Athearn will refuse to sell it to you. They claimed that MRC made the decoder, but when I contacted MRC, they claim that they never made it. I don’t know who is blowing smoke up who’s skirt, but this is another nail in the coffin for Athearn. I don’t know if they just don’t stock parts for N scale, or it’s their corporate mind set to not supply them, but I’m getting more disappointed with them all the time. I can’t speak for HO customers. Otherwise I concur with this review. It is a good looking and good running model.
I have 2 HO SF FP45’s-I have a weakness for SF passenger trains- which are great performers and the sound is great. The N scale SF FP45’s will be added to my collection. I purchesed the UP N scale Challenger that ocassionally pulls my SF passenger train. Again great performance and sound. Now all I need is someone to offer a N scale 3751 or 2900 series SF Northern. What are you waiting for Athearn? I started my model railroading with an HO Athearn engine 30 years ago. I am still a loyal fan of Athearn.
I think I will have to draw yet MOER money from my retirement fund. Looks a superb loco.
Wow can’t wait until get ca get my hands on it. There goes the credit card balance. Will have to get two.
I liked Athearn’s SD70s, and hope the F45 will match the performance likewise. I will watchout for this one especially with it’s reviewed pulling power, the first thing I look for in any impending loco purchase I make. Nothing more frustrating than a skidding loco pulling only 5 freight cars!
Question; if you purchase the DC version and want to add a decoder and or sound later. Does Digitrax or SoundTraxx have decoders available for eather loco?
I bought two of SF WB units, they are excelent!!, I have them pulling a string of con-cor flutted sided SF coaches…
I waited this model for years!!
Thank you Athearn!
PD: I only need some Bi-level coachs…
Wow this a great running loco. Smooth and has great pulling power.
I had a loksound decoder installed and the performance is overwhelming.
I am glad to see this model available in “N” scale. It looks excellent and I have no doubt that it performs as well as it looks. I would think a person could install an “N” scale decoder in the DC version without a big fuss but I have not seen the model other than the picture of it. As far as I know, most manufacturures won’t sell their “proprietary” DCC electronics to you and some use a different chassis to accomodate their DCC sound and electronics so upgrading your DC vertion would require a different solution anyway. My Athern HO F7’s are beautiful in every way. I love the F45 and plan to purchse this one soon in “N” scale.
This locomotive is so cool. I have to get at least one these engines for my Santa Fe railroad.
Finally got mine. THe sound is overwhelming. Like the sound of the motor at start up.!!!
I am in the process of building an N scale layout after many years in HO where all my motive equipment was DCC and sound equiped. Once you are exposed to this its difficult to switch to anything less, hence my interest in this model. I recently purchased one and love it! I wish there were more N scale equipment similarly equiped as I have vowed to not purchase anything thats not DCC/sound.
I have a GN Sky Blue F-45, w/DCC&sound - it’s very good, and a good puller. I use it w/ other non-sound DCC locos on our club’s (Twin Tiers NTRAK, NY/PA) layouts to add sound to my trains. I’ve had no trouble w/ the MRC sound decoder. Thanks, Athearn. I’m planning on getting an F-59 w/ sound soon.