Well, I did it. I went ahead and pre-ordered a couple of the Warbonnet FP45s with sound to head my Super Chief/El Cap. The only problem is that I model the late '50s, but these are just too good to pass up. I do have F7s, but I figured I could change eras very quickly by swapping out power. September is such a long time away right now…
I have the same problem with the era, but reserved one. They should be a nice model and are just too desirable to pass up. I have been on the one at Union Illinois and sat in cab.
CAZEPHYR
I would buy just about any Santa Fe passenger power. I am waiting for somebody to do a U30CG in plastic. I like 'em, but not enough to drop the cash for an Overland or older Hallmark model.
I’ll pre-order mine soon. They are beauties.
Smitty, I think the Santa Fe put the prototypes in service sometime in 1967-68.
BTW: Are you aware that you may be getting MRC sound in these units?
The dates sound about right. Like I said, I just can’t pass on these beasties. They are gonna look real sharp heading that train up.
I am aware of the MRC sound going in these units. I am probably going to pay dearly for saying this, but I am satisfied with the MRC sound. I am not too terribly particular about the sound issue, although that may change after I get my Daylight PAs from PCM with the LokSound. I need to get that interface as well.
Anyhow, you need to get a few so you can live up to your username!!
Nah! Don’t worry about paying dearly.[;)] What counts is your satisfaction.
I just have a selective ear when it comes to diesel locomotive music only because I spent so much time around locomotives during my teen and young adult years. In photos I’ve seen, the horns “appear” to be Leslie S3s. Soundtraxx has this horn sound available. Hopefully MRC has that one included in their sound package. Would add authenticity to the model.
You’re right! It would be comical if I didn’t have at least one. I’m actually an east/southeast coast modeler but I’ve always liked those monsters just because they look so sharp in that paint scheme.
BTW: There was a movie that featured a Santa Fe FP45 hauling a special. I’m trying to call the name…Basic Instinct or Fatal Instinct. Saw it a couple of years back on tv. Some nice shots of our favorite cowl.
It’s killing me but I’m just going to sit and wait for the second run when they will hopefully do them in Santa Fe Superfleet paint. Makes more sense for my era, and I’ve always liked that scheme more anyway. No sound for me, would love to get a pair with sound as I don’t have a problem with MRC, but cash is an issue. Note that the DCC/sound equipped FP45s and F45s will more than likely feature the same decoder and sounds used on the Genesis SD45-2s, which in my opinion, sound fine.
I went ahead and ordered them now so I can start saving my pennies and sneak them under the radar.
As far as the sound goes, I can tell the overall difference between an EMD, ALCo, and GE prime mover, but not the specific models of a prime mover. As long as it sounds generally correct, I can live with it. If I just have some decent background “noise”, I am happy. I am just anxious to see how the ALCo sounds are with the LokSound. They were definately distinct.
I will be in trouble when the Santa Yellow Bonnet F45, Santa Fe Superfleet FP45, and BN F45’s come out. Although I have only a need (desire) for a couple the price will add up.
BTW: What is the price?
I no longer get the newsletter as I changed my ISP and forgot to send my new e-mail address to Athearn.
I cant wait for them to release the units in BN i model the road from 1980-1990 so it would be a nice unit to have and i always thought they looked cool!
I have to wait for the WC to show up now…
Alec
Sorry I didn’t respond sooner. Here is the link to the Athearn site in regards to these units…
http://www.athearn.com/Search/Default.aspx?SearchTerm=F45+ATHG&CatID=THLD&NYA=1
Thanks for that link.
I saw the “non-sound” 1968 SF version on page two.
$139? I’ll still go for it but I wonder if it will be offered at discounted prices by some hobby dealers shortly afterwards.
I assume so. Proto 2000 units retail at $125.00, but I doubt they sell at that price.
You and me both!
One of those “hmmmmmmmm” questions.
The 1968 SF “45s” had functional gyra-lites. The white lit up in the forward direction while the red light lit up either when reversing or when the emergency brakes were applied (I"m not certain which setting Santa Fe used.)
Does anyone know if the Gyra-lites on these models will function in a similar fashion?
I hope so. This may be one of those things we can e-mail Athearn about. If they haven’t considered this, they may want to.
OK, can anyone explain why EMD called them F45s instead of SD something. It is the only EMD F unit that doesn’t have four wheel trucks. It isn’t an F unit in any normal sense.
F stands fo “Fantastic”[swg].
Actually it was a holdover. it stood or "F"ull carbody (or cowl). After that (railroad mechanical depts. must have asked the same thing) they moved the f to the end, SDP40F, SD40-2F, SD60F.