Ho SD70ACE

jacob_t_b · February 2, 2011, 8:07pm

So, what does everyone think of the new Athearn Genesis HO SD70ACE?

Train_Modeler · February 2, 2011, 8:14pm

Stay away. You might consider the MTH

schulzie · February 2, 2011, 8:25pm

love mine. had no problems with it at all. I would be keen thou to see the difference first hand when compared to MTH

D_HRR · February 2, 2011, 8:49pm

I have four of them and I like them all.

wholeman · February 2, 2011, 9:01pm

I have two of them. They aren’t too bad.

skagitrailbird · February 2, 2011, 9:43pm

Jacob,

These are terrific looking HO scale engines with good paint and a lot of very fine detail They are also very smooth runners and the Tsunami sound is quite nice.

But…the fine details (especially the sand pipes) make removing the shells for service very difficult. Many also have warped trucks, with one or two wheels on one side of the truck(s) not resting on the rail, resulting in frequent derailments.

Look at this thread link (http://cs.trains.com/TRCCS/forums/t/185967.aspx) to read many postings concerning the warped trucks, including one from me describing in some detail how difficult it was to remove, then replace the shell on a friend’s locomotive and the (unsuccessful) effort to correct the problem. The unit has since been returned to the seller with a replacement on the way. Hopefully the new one will not have warped trucks.

cudaken · February 3, 2011, 9:04am

I was going to get one, but after the post I started a few weeks ago about them I am staying away. Besides the truck problem, they seem to have the ditch lights go out quickly.

Ken

cndash9 · February 3, 2011, 12:08pm

I own both brands. Sure the Genesis has a lot of details but it is all flimsy. The bulbs are a waste of time and money. The handrails are badly warped. Overall, very poor quality control. I hope Athearn steps up their game on the second run on SD70M-2s.

Really, MTH is the way to go.

ho_modern_modeler · February 3, 2011, 6:23pm

I have a pair of the Genesis “Swooshes” and I’m waiting for the CSX. They are no doubt the most detailed RTR engines I’ve ever bought that weren’t brass. They run great ,too (DC). Sorry, I don’t do Mike’s Toy House and can’t offer you a comparison.

KCS_Modeler · February 4, 2011, 7:34am

Me Own 2 Athearn 70ACes myself one in KCS and BNSF. Best detailed and running locomotives I have on my Roster. Like stated before I don’t deal will Mikes Toy House either.

Train_Modeler · February 4, 2011, 1:29pm

I own the MTH and tried the Athearn with the following observations.

The MTH sounds great, has metal hand rails, DCC uncouplers (for basically the same price), great detail and paint and as I recall heavier than the Athearn. It uses a DCS system so CV access is limited with DCC I think 29 Functions, been a while since I’ve used them all.
Athearn had warped handrails taking away from the otherwise great detail and paint, poor sound that can’t really be fixed without a new enclosure methodology(they have released CV settings to try and fix on an interim basis recognizing the problem) and warped trucks. The store owner was very frustrated since he had just unpacked them that day. I own several other Athearn Genesis units and would have bought the unit.
I know you want DCC and If you want sound and since sound is subjective, I would suggest you get the two side by side at a full service hobby shop. Run each in DCC and see for yourself.

Richard

wyldmanr8cer · February 12, 2011, 12:13am

I have an MTH and a Athearn SD70ACE and Id say theyve both performed well, Ive read of people complaining about the Athearn Genesis SD70ACe having warped trucks but I havent talked to anyone at my local hobby shop whos had that problem, your always gonna find a few lemons in the basket thats life you just have to hope you dont get that lemon and if you do send or take it back and get a different one.