Just thought I would ask if anyone is having problems with the new Genesis Decoders installed in the FEF-3?? It is almost new. Mine has stopped working but in all fairness, I did run it on a test track that is three fee long several times.
No matter how many times it is reset by the CV, it is gone to another world that only MRC is known for. I plan on replacing the electronics anyway but thought I could display it
Who was the other guy…was it cudaken? Someone had major issues with his MRC decoder in a Challenger or FEF. The guys over in Atlas are having the same discussion. It’s a turd…sorry if I offend anyone.
You probably named it correctly. The model is not bad overall for a display model if you back date the steam fan trip era details, but the MRC is not ready for prime time.
I updated my review on the Railfan page to detail its final straw.
http://forums.railfan.net/forums.cgi?board=HOScale;action=display;num=1196881325;start=1
Those MRC decoders are a waste of resources and inflates the cost unnecessarily for such a fine engine. Too bad they insist on hobbling the eagle with such a turkey.
I agree totally. Athearn probably has some kind of contract with MRC for several years so a lower price could be obtained and they are stuck with the deal. The actual inflation of the price would only be five dollars including speakers if the price was value based. None of the Genesis models run well on DCC and many are trouble from the start on club layouts. This one did not make it twenty days of light testing on my desk.
FYI: I was told that Horizon is the one that has choosen to use MRC sound, not Athearn. But what do you expect from an R/C distributer?
Gee, it makes me wonder if Horizon fell in love with the MRC’s remote sound controller because it’s something they understand?
Paul A. Cutler III
Weather Or No Go New Haven
That might be the case and if they told Athearn to use it, Athearn would be obligated to do so. The one who has the money gets to say who, what and when.
I will say that Athearn has done a great job of getting new products to the field since Horizon took over, but the steam should be offered in DC without sound.
This is your perfect opertunity to install a Tsunami in it’s place.
David B
I have always replaced the electronics in my Genesis models when I decide to use them, but this one was just a test.
It would be nice if Athearn would offer their steam without the sound and DCC drive as they do in the diesel line.
The DCC drive on the Tsunami if you compare it to a Zimo, but is much better than MRC for sure. I have several Tsunami’s already but this model will be used for display only in my office.
Once again until people stop buying the Genesis locomotives and let Athearn know it is because of the MRC electronics, they will keep making them. I’m now going into two years without purchasing a new Athearn.
You are absolutely right about the good sales firgures that keeps Athearn making the models with the MRC drive and sound. I have to believe Athearn will change brands if they have a choice in the future after the contract with MRC runs out. BLI had a contract for five years with QSI and started using Loksound before the exclusive contract was up by starting a new company called PCM. Now BLI has engineered their own sound system used in the Blue Line and the savings are really great.
Yes, if we had not purchased any of the products, they would have to stop offering the sound and DCC until they get it right. The problem is, none of us really knew had bad they were until we had purchase the first dozen or so and were stuck with them. However, the Genesis Big Boys, Challengers and now the FEF-3 run very well after the Zimo DCC drive is installed and the detail on these models is very good. For the low price and great detail, I can install the new DCC and sound and still sell my Keys, Overlands, Tenshodos, and the Challenger Imports models that I have and enjoy Big Union Pacific steam without breaking the bank.
I visited a large LHS in a very large town last week and the owners have complained to Athearn about the problems also, but they don’t listen to anyone including their dealers.