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Athearn Trains HO scale UP gas turbine
I just got my Athearn turbine and it looks great and seems to run very smoothly. But, after all these years of development of model railroad technology, how could they miss the boat with the dim headlights? Also, There is a big step backwards with the wheel wipers for electrical pickup. Why not use the proven development already in place from the Genesis F units? It seems cheap. I am glad to have to turbine, though - so far.
They run great!!! We have 4 of of the HO scale running in the Club
Sure, great looking loco, but no sound or DCC. I have them backordered in three different places for months for my two
Athearn’s. QSI can not handle the demand. I also have two Lionel Turbines and they run and SOUND super.
I am in 0 Gauge and have several Gas Turbines from OMI.
I am looking forward to get the sounds from QSI or Soundtraxx.
Erich
I’m interested in seeing the 3 piece turbine numbers 1-10 come out. I’m modeling the biggest baddest engines UP had. I have the Big Boy, Centennial, Challenger, and would like to have the 3 piece turbine.
I have a hard time finding flaws with this model, especially since it’s RTR. It’s beautiful - outstanding after installing a QSI Turbine sound board and an HB speaker!
Like most others, I give the Athearn Turbine a high rating and hope that some manufacturer will develop an after-market “custom” sound installation that includes both the diesel and turbine sounds for this locomotive. For DC operation, it could start-up in “Diesel-mode” and then switch over automatically to “Turbine-mode” when it reaches a typical “road speed” say anything about 8 MPH, or for a better solution, it could use a “current sensing circuit” that, depending on drawbar loading, would trigger the switch to Turbine sounds. Then you could hostle light in the yards with its Aux-Diesel, but couple to a freight and automatically be switched to Turbine - Big Blow - power as you clear the yards onto the mainline!
With the Verandas now coming, there definately will be a market for this accessory, if someone does it right with twin speakers that will fit the model’s frame. (I doubt Athearn will change the Frame or mechanism on this winner!) This model runs so smoothly and silently that it would really benefit from having sound installed! I hope that’s a strong enough hint!
While I wish they had powered all of its axles, I am completely satisfied. And having waited years and years for an “affordable” turbine, I’m thrilled with my #58. I rate it, my “top buy” so far in 2009 and have to add - It’s better than BRASS.
I don’t have one of these beauties as yet, but boy do I. I’m a UP fan, so how does one pass by this? Wow!
Though I model the Pennsylvania, I have always been fascinated by the Turbines. And having been an aircraft mechanic for many years, I also have a keen interest in the mechanical layout of these machines. The Athearn model is superb, and I might have to add it to my collection. Artistic licensce, perhaps–the Pennsy testing out one of them for a while? I was wondering, if the single unit model is successful, any thoughts on coming out with the later two unit version?
This model looks great. Going to get one for my layout.
Looks like a well detailed model but it’s too bad Athearn rushed to get it out and left out a sound system that would give it the WOW factor.
Been testing mine with P2k
GP9BM and FRP GP9 and it runs well with both of them. Around 20 or so cars up a 2% 36" rad. curve. For the price and detail it is better than brass. Especially so since no tinkering is needed fresh out of the box. Phil
My family and I moved to Nebraska in 1958. To find out about our new state we took frequent short trips exploring our new home One weekend we drove to Columbus, Ne and as we apprached the business area we heard this ungodly roar. Coming around the corner we encountered a "Big Blow’ idling on a city street right-of-way. What a blast! The noise was unbelievable! I don’t know how the crew handled that noise level all day. But it was quite a thrill to see what at that time was the state of the art locomotive Bob Pierson
807 S 173 Plaza, Omaha, Ne 68118-3102 402-691-0131
My QSI sound decoder arrived yesterday. Will install tomorrow.
Locomotive will not operate without a decoder at address “00.”
More later.
I have to agree with Larry Shindel from Illinois, the wow! factor is just not there. They really missed the boat when they left out the sound. Otherwise, it’s a great looking model, and I wouldn’t mind owning one.
I have two Athearn Gas Turbines and they look great and run very smooth. I have a new Veranda version pre ordered for next June.
This is a great looking and operating model. Athearn made a smart decision to produce such a unique and historical replica of this powerful giant. I am a bit concerned about the wheel wiper type contacts although newer materials have improved reliability in general. I would like to see fully functional headlights that are prototypically bright and the option of an attached pilot for a less toy like appearance. The real loco did not have a separated pilot did it ? Overall I think Athearn did a great job with this model and I plan to add one to my collection next year. Very nice!
One of our club members is installing sound into 2 of the units. see them in club operation www.deltamodelrailwayclub.com
I want one--------------in N scale
Dave