We just received word that Horizon hobby has purchased Athearn. We’ll continue to post the latest information we have on our site - here’s a link to the story:
Thanks for reading Model Railroader,
Terry
I hope this doesn’t effect modellers in a negative way.
WOW!!
I hope Horizon Hobby continue’s to let Athearn be Athearn. Unless they improve the company somehow. Not sure how they would do that.
I haven’t had a complaint with them yet, & hope I I never will.
Just My 2 Cents
Gordon
Good news for Athearn, after a few years in the slump, now they’ll have a bit of corporate parent influx to produce more and sell cheaper.
Mergers of thsi sort usually involve soem streamlining, no more outside accounting fees, less management cost, ect. so look forward to better Athearn products soon.
That stinks. I’m 12 and can only afford Athearn locos so I hope they don’t screw up the prices and engines. I better stock up on their engines
i hope they cut the price on kits and RTR stuff. Athearn is probably half my rolling stock collection. i need the prices to stay down. i only have one Athearn locomotive but i hope to purchase a few more of them.
Damm I was just getting to like them and aford them now… who nows what the future will bring.
ShaunCN
The only thing you can count on in life is change - Sounds like something your dad tells you.
I knew this day will come eventually. I have enjoyed Athearn kits and locos for several decades and have only two wishes.
Keep the kits and engines affordable for those who may not have much disposable income. And the second is to try and have a complete line across all eras for everyone.
What is Horizon Hobby? Are they a store, a distributor or a manufacturer? Do they have any production experience or any existing models to judge there approach and fidelity?
Dave H.
Its hard to believe Athearn is no longer an independent company–I used a lot of their stuff when I was in HO. They are a long established company, but nowadays something like this is to be expected. Should be interesting.
I hope someone of influence within the industry takes this one very seriously. If you want the youth to get into the hobby then you will have to provide inexpensive yet very reliable products to the new and entry level crowd. As I’m getting more into the hobby and purchasing high end equipment there will always be room for Athearn on my layout.[^]
From the article, it sounds like they are all three: one of the countries largest hobby providers and owner of a line of RC cars!
Most of my equipment is Athearn, including the last 10 I purchased. I would hate to lose the quality, cost and range of equipment they offered. Lets hope it will be a change good for railroaders.
YUP!
i hope prices stay down i still need a another 5 pack of nickle plate 34 foot 2 bay hoppers.
I bet the first thing they do is move it to MEXICO
Actually, according to the latest Trains.com article, everything will stay where it is (CA), and the current president will stay. It’s status quo,… for the time being.
I figure they will eventually cut costs and move their offices to Billerica Mass, renting office space from Guilford Rail Systems. Then maybe N-scale will finally get a Guilford loco! [:D][;)]
Where have you guys been? Athearn stuff is mostly (if not completely) made in China these days…
Like you all, I have a really bad feeling about this new Athearn deal. I think it would probably be a good idea to stock up on Athearn products now while you still can.
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I understand the terms of the sale includes Horizon becoming EXCLUSIVE distributor of Athearn products. Before, some dealers could check several distributors in order to fill orders. I guess that ends now for Athearn products.
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I also heard that Horizon will NOT guaranty they can fill the orders they get. So, if your dealer cannot fill their orders from stock purchased from Horizon, and there are no other distributors (see previous bullet), it’s possible some modelers won’t be able to get their items.
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Horizon’s dealer discounts for some Athearn product lines (i.e. Genesis) may not be as good as what some people might have gotten before. That, plus increased shipping charges dealers have to pay, could mean higher prices for us consumers.
Things like this make me very nervous about our ability to continue purchasing Athearn products. Just when Athearn was really making progress with new models in their lines. It will be interesting to see what details come out in the coming months.