Rookie question, however, I used the search and came up empty-handed. What are the major differences between Athern’s Genesis and thier Ready to Roll lines of motive power?
Obviously, the Genesis is more detailed, but is the difference signifigant? Are there any mechanical differences between the two?
It depends on which RTR rolling stock your talking about. Some range from the old blue box kits coming assembled with metal wheelsets and kadee style couplers while new toolings are almost genesis quality such as the Maxi Is, 30k tanks, slurry tanks, and 2970 hoppers. Seeing picks of the new spine car looks like that will be in the same ranks.
Also, with the Trinity 5161 cars, they actually started as genesis but we bumped down the RTR with the only differnece being the trucks and the couple/ couple pockets.
Correct me if Im wrong, but I think that as far as rolling stock, Athearn is only using the RTR lable.
-Tom
No, you can get rolling stock under the Genesis line. However, I must apologize, because I was actually refering to the motive power. I’ll edit my original post for clarification.
Although the RTR newer run is retooled, they still have smooth walkways, no MU hoses…or any detailing on front of back for that matter. The RTR motor is still noisy on most locos and IMHO they don’t run as smoothly out the box. Genesis line have interiors while RTR’s don’t. I am sure there is more to be said, but those are my concerns.
So, how would the RTR line compare to, say, Atlas locos?
RTR doesn’t compare to Atlas…in fact Genesis barely does…Atlas has manned cabs and detailing is excellent. They run extremely well and IMHO, I say they produce the best overall loco. If you go to sound QSI out performs MRC anyday.
some Athearn RTR locos were made with new tooling and are basically Genesis quality except with a bit less detail like MU hoses and cab interiors, but the biggest difference is the clunky old motors inside all RTR units. I heard rumors that Athearn will be installing the genesis motors in their RTR locos.
Really! Wow…that’s exactly the kind of info I was looking for. So basically, I can’t go wrong with Atlas? That’s good to know. I thought my Genesis SD70’s were awesome, but I wasn’t sure how the rest of the competition stacked up. I wanted something with a similar level of detail.
So, stick with Atlas factory equiped with DCC and sound and I’ll be in good shape?
The funny thing is that retooled RTR locos now run in the 70-80 dollar range…as you referred to a modern widecab, I referred to the RTR ac4400cw’s selling for 74.99-89.99. Honestly,they are priced as well as others and that without working ditchlights on the RTR’s. RTR is good, but Genesis is better. I have Atlas,RTR,Genesis,Kato,BLI,T55,P2K and I honestly would only buy RTR if no other manufacturer makes that type loco. I would rather buy a discounted Atlas on Ebay or wherever than a RTR loco.
In RTR defense, they also re-wired the electric pick ups from that bent bar to copper frames on both sides of the trucks. They also have the board that allows for a 9 or 8 pin DCC decoder to be used without harnesses. Also, you can make one sound equipped with plugging in a MRC 8 pin sound decoder and removing the rear weight to allow for speaker mounting. I am not a fan of MRC, but even giving them their fair due, the SD45-2 is one of the best sounding locos I have ever heard.
Kato is the only other company that makes GP35s. Kato did, but they usually cost an arm and a leg; and is unassembled. I have a GP35, and like it, despite everything else in BN is a P2K. As of now I’m looking to add sound (what does a Gp35 use anyways, a turbo 567, or a N/A 645?) and bring it to par with my P2Ks. (lift rings, MU hoses, etc.)
While the MRC sound Genesis uses has become to be recognized as a big mistake, the basic loco’s made by Genesis can be quite nice.
To say Genesis barely compares with Atlas is silly. I have a Genesis F3ABBA set that is absolulely gorgeous! They are more beautiful than anything I have by Atlas. Now on the average, Atlas is at the top of the heap in quality and paint etc. But please, lets not be irresponsible to new people in the hobby and make silly comments like Genesis barely compares. It is Athearns top of the line series of loco’s and rolling stock. The biggest problem for Athearn has always been quality control, so people still find examples of Genesis loco’s from time to time, with finishing or running issues. Atlas’s quality control has always been much more consistly top notch.
Hmmmm I’ve been wanting one of Athearn’s new Maine Central RS3s which are retailing in the low 70s. I hadn’t realised the walkways were smooth, but after reading this thread I looked closer and saw for myself. And no, I don’t see any MU hoses either [:(]
Mike
I have to agree with what was said here, good info.
I always find these “so and so vs so and so” threads to be a waste of time since all that usually comes up are biased opinions. A good way to determine what is “best” (if one has the means) is to purchase a locomotive from the manufacturers in question and compare for yourself. Another good way is to visit your LHS (if one is still open in your area) and let them show you the differences (good and bad) in order to come to a logical answer to a “vs” question.
I have only one Atlas engine, a GP-38, and other than the non-silent running factory installed DCC decoder, I’m happy with the engine since it’s nice looking and runs pretty good. I also have two Athearn RTR GP40X’s, now these run just as good as the Atlas and the detail on all 3 engines is excellent. So yeah, to say “Genesis” (or RTR for that matter) “barely compares with Atlas” is indeed silly.
[2c]
Athearn Genesis is their top of the line, they are comparable to Atlas “Silver” and “Gold” and Kato, in details and drives, not including sound, with Atlas & Kato on top (for their reliability). When it comes to on-board sound, Atlas wins hands down. Katos don’t come with sound.
Athearn’s RTR is kind of a hybrid. They still use an open-frame motor, although it has been updated with skewed windings just like can motors have for smoother low end speed. The drive line is also similar to Atlas and Kato drive lines. The trucks however still have the original BlueBox gearing, but are also upgraded with nicklesilver wheels and are now hard wired and the engines are ready for plug-in DCC. Detail is generally upgraded from the old BB, including Celcon handrails, grabs and some other items. Price-wise are comparable to Atlas Trainline, (Atlas TL has the better drives, but less detail). The Athearn RTR do require a longer break-in period to smooth out their running.
Proto 2000 seems to fall somewhere in between Atlas and Athearn RTR depending on the model.
Here is the thing about Athearn RTR. It varies a good deal between models and is about confusing to the noob. Some are improved blue box loco’s with no DCC ready ability like the GP40-2 and others are newly tooled, almost Genesis quality with a good amount of detail like the SD45T-2. Athearn really needs to make break the RTR line down into basic and plus at minimum.
I stand behind what I said and I did give Genesis their due. You can’t credit Genesis with the F3 shell as they only bought it from someone else who did all the work. I had Genesis F3’s and I had nothing but problems with them. They look great but run less that desired and the general attitude is to buy Genesis without sound and add your own sound decoders. I do have Genesis locos and my problems are fragile handrails,bad sound systems as compared to QSI and no manned interiors just to quickly name a few. I once bought an SD70 widecab in Genesis and the flywheel was bent and sounded like an airplane prop at speed. I called Athearn and was given excuses. I fixed it with a vise and patience. How is that for QC?
My comment is my comment as it was not said from online opinions, but from personal e
[quote user=“leejax01”]
I stand behind what I said and I did give Genesis their due. You can’t credit Genesis with the F3 shell as they only bought it from someone else who did all the work. I had Genesis F3’s and I had nothing but problems with them. They look great but run less that desired and the general attitude is to buy Genesis without sound and add your own sound decoders. I do have Genesis locos and my problems are fragile handrails,bad sound systems as compared to QSI and no manned interiors just to quickly name a few. I once bought an SD70 widecab in Genesis and the flywheel was bent and sounded like an airplane prop at speed. I called Athearn and was given excuses. I fixed it with a vise and patience. How is that for QC?
My comment is my comment as it was not said from online opinio
Actually Bachmann also makes GP-35’s, but that has nothing to do with this Ford vs.Chevy debate…[;)]
ok, I just had to add my 2 cents too. Yes, first of all I agree with everything said here.
But I did notice the newest Genesis SD 70 ran much better than the RTR anything. (A friend has the genesis)
That being said I have only one of the new Athearn RTR and many Kato and Atlas.
What? You bringin’ a Honda into this fight?[;)]