Given a choice between an Athearn Genesis vs a Walthers Proto 2000 DCC-equipped locomotive, which is the better buy. Notice that the cost is NOT an issue since they are both pretty much about the same. I’m looking more from a performance perspective.
For me this is somewhat hypothetical, because I tend to buy models that suit my era, rather than by specific brand. I’m transition era, but my boys have gone headlong into modern power. Based on the recent purchase of some Athearn Genesis SD70Ace, I would say that the quality and detail of the Athearn is very high. I don’t like the bulbs for lamps and have had to replace some already with LED’s. Having said that, the forum boards have been flooded with quality concerns over Athearn Genesis. Not my personal experience, but worth noting. If I were to assume same model then my personal ranking would be
Atlas, Broadway Limited, P2K, Genesis but really I don’t think there is a lot to choose between them.
I’ve got several of both and have found that overall the Proto 2000 is a higher quality. That does not take into account DCC and/or sound. The Genesis line locos aren’t all bad or all good as I’ve had some of each, depending on the model. There are many models such as SD70s and GETLs that Proto don’t make however. And of course some the other way.
Richard
Assuming you mean with DCC and Sound, since they didn’t come with DCC motor and light control only, the thing you have to watch for with Athearn Genesis is, whose sound decoder is in it? Some of the older models have MRC decoders, and the newer ones have Tsunami. If you do some research on these forums, you’ll soon learn that MRC has had some serious quality control issues in the past.
Walthers Proto 2000 and Atlas have always used QSI sound.
For some inexplicable reason, Athearn has had problems with warped trucks on some of their locomotives, and warped wheelsets on rolling stock.
As much as I like my Athearn I find the P2K locomotives is not as fragile as the Genesis.
A side note observation…
Three of the hood grab irons on my P2K Ohio Central GP7 fell off…Thankfully they fell off in the box and was a easy repair.
No glue at the factory or oversight? (Shrugs)
Because no one else has asked, and have offered useless advice, WHICH LOCOS ARE YOU THINKING OF?
Both Proto and Genesis locos have a history and variation in builds. It would be best to ask something like…“I am interested in a GP9 with sound, which loco should I buy? Proto or Genesis?”
David B
From a performance standpoint - in general - I’ve had better success with Proto 2000 than with Athearn Genesis. However, despite his gruffness, David does make a good point. If you are interested in a specific locomotive, it’s better to compare apples to apples. There are gems and clunkers from just about every manufacturer.
Tom
Here here! Further are you talking only ones currently in production or some old hobby stop stock, or used? The Genesis SD70 and SD75m have been problematic due to warped truck frames. The new Walthers Proto-2000 have speed issues (1:14 gearing). Old Life-Like Proto-2000 had cracked gear issues. SOOOO it depends on the exact loco models you are talking about.
I purposely left out the two I am looking at. Here is the info:
Proto 2000 EMD F7A w/Tsunami sound and DCC according to the web site
Genesis F3A w/DCC and sound
As said already, it will depend on which model you want to compare. I feel that the overall quality, dependability and operation of the Proto is better. Now this is not to say that the genesis isn’t a finely detailed decent runner, just that in my experience the Proto seems to have less issues overall. I use a comparison of hundreds of units owned by club members as well as myself. I’m not a great fan of most of the Genesis line, however if you are refering to F units, the Genesis has the most outstanding shell (Highliner) of any other offering.
I shyed away as many others from the early MRC sound. A couple members have actually used the Highliner shell, but transplanted the Stewart/ Kato or IM Regal drive. This makes for the ultimate F unit (the best of both worlds).
Edit: I see that you posted just as i was. n this case I would definately go w/ the genesis Fs. I just finished work on a member’s Genesis F7 A and B NP, Kadee’s recomended coupler installed in the Athearn box, didn’t work good enough for my liking. Since placing Kadee #450s on all my Stewart’s I find that the 30 series “tortion” type spring in that PITA to assemle box, is actually the best operating coupler that you can use. The F7A had the passenger pilot and used the #36 long centerset (front) for the A, the medium centerset (same as #5) used on the rear of the A, and both end of the B.
The shells are so highly detailed, you just need to be quite careful with some of the side grabs and the screening.
Proto 2000 also makes an F3A, F3B, and F3A-B that is very nice.
Tom
I’ve given up on Athearn since they refused to honour their warranty on the Genesis 4-6-2 and 2-8-2.
I see that they’ve also had problems with their diesel models, warped trucks for example. How do they do when honouring their warranty when it comes to the diesels with problems?
When I contacted them about my concerns and issues with the ditch lights, I received replacements within a couple of days. None of our 3 SD70ace had the warped truck issue, but have read about several incidents. As far as I know they handled these without question.
The problems with warped trucks seemed to be when Athearn was under previous management.
Shortly after Irv Athearn passed away, a couple of employees were running the company (or should I say, ruining it).
During that time, I purchased 4 Athearn Genesis SD-70 models and all 4 had warped trucks. The management was in a state of denial that they were responsible for any faults and refused to honor any warranty, written or not.
I eventually bought new trucks instead of trying to get them to send free replacements under their warranty,
I would not touch any Athearn product for several years thereafter.
Since Horizon Hobby now owns Athearn, I have heard that things have changed for the better insofar as their sending out free replacements for defective products.
Now that you have provided specifics, I can provide feedback.
Athearn Genesis F is widely considered to be THE BEST HO shell on the market interms of accuracy and getting the EMD F contours and body accurately. So Genesis definitely has the edge there if that matters.
Secondly, Genesis comes with Tsunami sound which is also widely considered to be superior to QSI by most of the sound afficianado’s.
Frankly, I’m surprised people haven’t chimed in universally about this comparison now that the OP has given us details.
Proto 2000 do make nice models, so the comparison is a fairly fine one. In my case with F3’s, I found Genesis got it right when they did the Rio Grande 60’s versions but Proto 2000 made some small mistakes in the phase change details so I went with the Genesis F3ABBA set plus the F9m (rebuilt F3A)
I have owned 2 Genesis engines, both Big Boys with the POS MRC decoders. [N] Both returned for full refunds so I can not speak well of the Genesis line.
As far as the quality of Proto’s they are my favorite manufacturer at this point. I have killed a few, I run my layout a lot, some of my engines have well over 400 hours on them and I have to admit I am not great about routed maintains.
When I look at buying another Engine, Proto’s are the first I look at!
Best bang for the buck is the PK 1000 F 3’s. Pair of them in Monon Colors have been dragging a 40 car train for around a year now (not a solid year) with out a whimper If the PK 2000’s cousins are close to being as good, jump on them. Hum, guess I better oil them again! [:-^]
Cuda Ken
I agree. The Athearn Genesis F7A shell looks way better than the Walthers Proto 2000 F7A shell. Both locos are expensive, and if I had to choose between the two I’d pick the Athearn every time.
Why even bother to offer opinions on the quality differences between Walthers Proto 2000 and Athearn Genesis in this instance?
If you are considering the same road name for the F7A and the F3A, why not select based upon your preference for the prototype. The F7A and the F3A are different locomotives.
If you are considering different road names, why not buy one of each since cost is apparently not an issue? I have F-series locos from both Walthers Proto and Athearn Genesis, and the quality and performance are good on both brands.
If the cost of two locoomotives is an issue, then pick the road name and F-series loco that you like better, regardless of who makes the locomotive.
If you still cannot decide, then tell us the road name of each locomotive, and we will pick one for you.
Rich
Thanks Rich but I have made a decision, it will be the Proto and the road name for both was ATSF. My layout can run two trains and a switcher and I want a third locomotive rather than run the same two all the time.
Agree’d the MRC decoders were consider junk, but the Tsunami which come with the newer Genesis F units are universally considered better than the QSI decoders that come with Proto 2000 F units.
But the original poster has chosen Proto 2000 so he’ll have to be happy with QSI which some have likened to listening to a submarine under water or some such.