I have Two of my BNSF Locomotives right in front of me. As I look at each one I see a big difference between the two. The (Kato) SD70MAC off to my left. And my (Athearn) SD75M to my right. I compair each one. The SD70MAC’s Hand rails are much thicker,the paint isn’t too bad,but the Silver under frame is kind of dull. The Athearn Hand rails are much thinner(In which look much more perfect),The paint looks about the same as the Kato SD70MAC. As for the silver. I see a much brighter silver on the Athearn SD75M. Sure the Kato Models are great runners,but I think that the Athearn wins my vote for the best Paint and detail. What do all of Hard core Modelers out there think? Allan.
Well, Athearn beating Kato, that’s a first! Though I have started considering getting some since they got really good. The handrails look really good on the RTR and genesis stuff, and Kato isn’t bad either. But how does it run?
Both are really nice locomotives. Even tho’ the grabs on the Kato seem a bit heavy, compared to the wire grabs on the Athearns, they don’t detract from it one bit. If highly detailed off the shelf is the focus here, both MACS need work on the fuel tank area depending on the road you choose. The fuel tanks on the Athearn seem a bit light, in that they don’t have that bulky look. An ideal match would be to use a combo of both manufacturers best attributes. Athearn shell on a Kato underframe. I’ve seen Athearns sideframes look pretty twisted, but not on any i’ve owned. Not sure about that one. Both run well.
The BNSF Warbonnet SD75M from Athearn is a stunner when detailed. It runs good, too.
Wow! An Athearn beating Kato at anything?
Who would have thought! [:O]
Then again, I do have my reasons why I don’t have any Kato locomotives. [:D]
Gordon
Don’t get me wrong guys,there is nothing wrong with Athearn nor Kato at all. I like both and own both. I just like the detail more on the Athearn’s. Allan.
Before I start, let me say that this is just my opinion, and I am NOT trying to “bash” anybody’s product.
You are correct. A lot of the Athearn units LOOK great ( particularly the Genesis models, but the RTR units are pretty nice too )! If you are going to be putting them up in a display case, or are simply a collector and will never be running them, then they can’t be beat on paint and detail. HOWEVER, if you ARE going to be running them, then Kato is the only way to go. I am MORE than willing to overlook a tiny paint problem ( of which I can find none on my Katos ), or handrails that are a little too thick as long as the unit runs as smooth as a Swiss watch, and is whisper quiet. Because after all, if you are a true model railroader, then the way a model looks is only part of the equation - It needs to run as well as it looks! That is just my [2c] worth. I could be wrong! [;)]
So the athearns aren’t the best runners, eh?
The athearns run like… well, athearns. I had 3 of them and sold them all to buy 2 Katos. I dont regret that at all. My two main problems with the athearns is that they are noisy and most of them wont stay on the rails unless you fix the trucks. Katos run smooth and quiet right out of the box, although you do have to add all the detail yourself.
The older Athearns blue box locos were an apples to oranges comparison to Kato diesels, the newer Genesis and RTR stuff is much, much better, my Genisis SD75 that I used to have ran just as smooth and quiet as my katos, I like the kato drive better as well as thier headlight and ditch light setups, using fiberoptics instead of seperate bulbs. I am now into N scale and Kato is just about all I buy. Thier Via Rail P42 is just a work of art!!!. I did the layout of all the decals that went on the real locos at my last job, small decal shop that does the decals for GE here in Erie. and I have my walls decorated with all kinds of hearlds, they have small blemishes or tears and went to the trash. Cheers Mike
Comments like this almost cause me not to buy my 2 NS SD70s with the Spartan cabs…When these SD70s started showing up at the club I found out that I have been misinformed as these engines ran like a swiss watch…so,I bought my two SD70s and been quite happy with them. All of my RTR units run as smooth as my 4 Kato GP35s.
My Genesis SD75M has a lot more detail than my Kato SD80MAC. I think the grab irons on the SD80 are undersized a few scale inches, and none of the vents can be seen through, making it look a little more toy-like. So I agree that Athearn’s detail and paint are the best.[:D]
Some of you may remember my posting this a year ago…
My wife’s cousin purchased a pair of Genesis SD70s or 75s. Both are noisy. To this day one of them is still a pain. After going through mechanically and even having a knowledgeable friend perform repairs, it still derails on curves when traveling forward and makes a growling noise that is hard to pinpoint. So much for a $100+ locomotive. He bought a P2K SD60 for $60 and runs the tar out of it. No problems yet. He’s interested in Katos and may buy one in the near future.
He’s kept his word about never buying Athearns again.
Athearn is supposedly coming out with an SCL SD45-2 in the near future. I’m willing to buy one AFTER a thorough testing at my LHS. If I hear a “Blue Box” style growl, then it’s “no sale”.
Then what about Athearns new SD40-2’s that are coming out this spring. Are they worth the buy instead? Allan.
I have 2 of the RTR SD40-2s in HELM…These have the new hex drive shafts and both run smooth.Sadly,the SD40-2 doesn’t have the metal grabs like the next release of the GP38-2 and GP40-2.[V] Athearn needs to add the metal grabs to the SD40-2…[^] The new SD40 will have the metal grabs installed.[:D]
I’ve never heard a Blue Box growl in any Athearn unit but a Blue Box. My Athearn RTR SD50 is the smoothest running locomotive I own. It has just as good a detail as my P2K SD60M and is quieter too. My Genesis SD70M is a GREAT looking and running unit, the only problem with it is that one headlight bulb burned out and the gears are cracked, both of which are my fualt, not Athearns.
I model in N scale and after a few bad buys, stuck to either Kato or Atlas. Recently, Athearn released the SD70M and out of curiosity purchased it. Being the first Athearn in my collection I made some comparisions. In fact, I found the paintwork good, details acceptable especially liked the handrails which are better than Atlas or Kato. I also like the fitted MT couplers. Initially, I found the motor to be noisy, but after a few hours of running-in it quieten down to acceptable levels. Although I am a diehard Kato fan I think that if Athearn improves on the motor and the lighting they will give Atlas and Kato a run for their money! Anyway I placed an order for their SD75.
Well now, isn’t this special!
Looks vs performance…reminds me of my Prom delemia. (Just kidding)
I have both or all as it were. Old Athearns, re-motored Athearns, Genesis Athearns, RTR Athearns and Katos (more than I’ve claimed by the look of the stack of boxes, remind me to pu***hem further under the layout).
The old Athearns are, well old. I’ve re-painted and detailed all of them and they run, sort of. The newer Athearns (SD50, SD70, SD457-2) look great and mostly run very well. The ocasional problem with electrical pick-up or grounding etc.
I’ve never really seen a KATO that looks bad and they run like, well really well.
Having said that, I have had success running Kato’s ansdthe Newer Athearns in the same consist for an extended period of time, without problems. (DCC)
Sooo…it’s getting closer to personnal prefference.
I said closer, Katos really run nice. 