Sigh. Why do HO guagers always get the good stuff. Please Athearn, bring out these models in N scale too.
Guys, what a great review. I bought one of these great models, and it runs quite well. I cannot wait to order a sound module for it, maybe soundtraxx, or QSI. Not sure yet. Get back later on with more to come.
a very nice piece of equipment.
I would like to have one just to display, because I into CXS.
All though I model Australian prototype steam locomotives when I saw the review of the UP Gas Turbine I have decided I realy need one. I have always had a soft spot for UP and especially Gas Turbines.
Reading the comments from fellow modelers from the US has convinced me that I need to add this loco to my roster of US prototype consisting mainly of Northern Pacific passenger stock.
It will make a nice change.
I have one, It is a pitty not have factory installed DCC and sound
A very good model in general. I did some research on them when I read that they were coming out and because it is a streamlined car body type of locomotive, I figured I would to add one to my loco’ roster. I like the very smooth and quiet motor, it has excellent speed control from super slow through to top speed. The head lights are extremely disappointing, I think I will take out the whole head light and replace it with a 3mm or 5mm warm white reshaped LED. Also got the QSI DCC/Sound decoder, sounds great(not having heard the prototype though, but from what I read, it sounds right). Instructions tell of two speakers, kit only has one, dissapointed, would have paid the extra for two. Have you seen the resistors they say we can change to make the lights brighter?, whew!! I enjoy fine modelling, but I do not have an electronics workshop. Overall, very happy with it.
You definitely have to add the sound. I have a Lionel HO Veranda-type UP turbine which came with sound. I can’t tell you the feeling that will come over you the first time you hear one of these if you’ve only heard “normal” train sounds coming from you motive power units…
I think somebody made a “B” unit in HO, but I forgot who, I’ve seen pictures. I’m interested in the veranda style turbine. Athern and MTH both have them out now, I’m trying to decide which one to get. I haven’t found a review of either one yet either, but I figure that if I buy DCC/sound on the Athern, I’m not that far from the cost of MTH which has lots of interesting sound and control options. I haven’t made the DCC leap just yet, still getting back into this from a couple decades away from the hobby.
A veranda in N scale would be nice, I found an old, clunky looking one made by Con-Cor, did not want that one.
I now have both of Athearn’s UP’s Gas Turbines, the Veranda and the Non-Veranda styles, and they run great, “Double Heading” together.
Another train club member has an older Lionel version of the Veranda style, with an Athearn Tender that has sound, and it’s an attention getter. That jet turbine whine! “WOW!”
I plan to add sound with two speakers to both turbines, after Christmas or New Years.
I just bought one and have not received it. I hope it is as great as they claim. Will let you know.