Athearn will announce an all-new Genesis® model at the Railroad Hobby Show in West Springfield, MA.
One is the RTR 2-8-0. They say, Upgraded drive mechanism and Quick Plug. Roundhouse stuff. DCC ready.
I have the 4-4-0, 2-6-0 and 2-8-0 DCC ready from two years ago and no way could I install even a Micro Tsunami with out moving the tender light plug off the PC board to allow for the decoder. I had to unsolder the harness for the Quick plug and solder the leads from the Micro directly to the PC board. The tenders where ready for a 28mm round speaker. Still nice locos even though all three are identical in length. The 4-4-0 and 2-8-0 are identical lengths.
I was hoping for an engine that ran on a rechargeable battery so I would never have to clean track again. Maybe it could recharge right off the rails (OK, so the track would have to be somewhat clean to do that).
Actually, Northwest Short Line’s already developed that.[:D] It’s called the “S-CAB” system, and works with both track power and battery power, and the battery power does recharge using the rails.
I am 99% sure that the new Genisis models will be the UP 8500hp turbine and DD35 A & B.
I should also mention that I believe in Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, & Tooth Fairy, in no particular order. Well, they are bringing me my medication now, Life is good here at the home.