Join the discussion on the following article:
Athearn Trains HO and N high-pressure gas tank cars
It’s remarkable that Athearn has modeled all three of these types of tank cars at the same time.
I picked up a UTC 33K LPG “Early”. The detail is great for a ready to run model, Athearn has come along way. The only problem I seem to have found is that when I purchesed mine is that out of the 10 or so cars on the shelf only three had grab irons that were not bent or broken.
I agree re Athearn coming a long way, though I do lament the passing of the blue box kits - they just need to improve QA I have a Heritage UP SD70ACe (MP) that had a few parts fallen off upon delivery - a sand filler cap and number board. Not a big deal to fix - fortunately the parts were still in box - but for over US$200 each I shouldn’t have to repair/reattach parts.
I am going to have to agree with Mr Brown. I recently purchased the red oxide version of the KTTX 89 ft flat that recently came out ( the TTX yellow version review is on pp 74 of the July issue ) and to date I have lost one of the corner grabs, repaired 2 more, reglued the brake ratchet handle, one of the trailer hitches while I was trying on an SP Golden Pig trailer and the uncoupling lever on the brake end of the car, all on the first day !! Thats too many fixes for a car for its price.
Athearn has come a long way with the quality of their locos and rolling stock. However, their product quality control seems to be falling behind. I purchased a MP15AC CSX # 1300 and, after installing a digitrax decoder, the unit ran fine for about a week. Then, both rear head lights burnt out at the same time after a week or so on the layout. I emailed Athearn and they sent me bulb replacements.
I want this in N-Scale, but they are just a bit expensive.