athearn sd70ace

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

i am new to this hobby and i am looking at an athearn sd70ace ho scale and i just wanted to know the pros and cons with this model.

thank you for any comments---------- tom

2

Hi Tom

I do believe you’re looking at the sd70ace from Athearn’s Genesis series. I don’t have any myself but have been fortunate enough to play with a few. They’re top-notch models with detail good enough to stand with anything out there, and they’re available in either DC or DCC flavours. The only real downside I’m aware of is price; this animal is definitely a member of the ‘great-if-you-can-afford-it’ club.

Out of curiousity, which roadname are you modeling? The 1:1 sd70s look great rumbling past my house in CN livery.

Stu

3

Ha! Norfolk Southern. I should look a little closer at people’s avatars before I post. Cheers!

4

Tom

They are very good in overall detail and the new sound is excellent. They run OK but not as good as most other models available today like other diesels by Kato, Atlas or Walthers. If you pick one, have it run so you can decide if it is smooth or has problems. I have several of the Heritage units and I had the bulbs replaced with smt leds.

The light bulbs are a con since they do not last very long. The detail and accuracy is a plus. I noticed the latest runs have better handrails compared to the early first runs. MTH also makes the model and they do run well but are not as detailed as the Genesis model.

CZ

5

I have 3, one UP from the first run and 2 CSX from this run, no sound but I installed DCC… I think I paid about $150 for each of them. Not to spendy in my book for the detail your are getting and they all run great. There was truck issues with the first run.

6

Hi Tom-

I’ve been more than pleased with the Athearn Genesis SD70Ace. I think it’s one of the best modern diesels available in HO scale. I don’t think you will be disappointed either.

The 1st release of this model [sevearl years ago] did have have an issue with the truck being warped. This has been fixed. Recent releases have benefitted from better quality control.

Check out a couple short vids of my SD70ACe’s in action and DCC sound installation

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPjN4rzAjgE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQXiEYfE4C0

Erik

7

hey thanks,

for the insight, i am currently modeling in ns, up, and the sd70ace that i believe i will get will probably be the kcs paint sceme.

i will probably get the kcs with dcc and sound. i have enough money for it its not an issue with me but i like to know what i am getting with my money. thanks again for the help

tom

8

thanks Erik i was just watching your athearn sd70ace videos very nice. i was just wondering what led lights you used, i have a couple athearn engines and the lights burned out so i would like to find a good alternative to my light problem.

thanks again, tom.