I got my Athearn RTR GP38-2.

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Finaly I got in at least one of my Athearn Blue Box HO Locomotives today.
Firsthobby sent me Two Locomotives of the same Unit numbers so I had to send one back for an exchange for another number. I got in Two BNSF 2094’s instead of one of each. Oops! So now I have to wait till I recieve the BNSF 2257 to come in. Oh well…
I tell you what,I truly just Love this Locomotive. And also one more thing,I have never owned any GP38-2’s before. This is my first. So Thank you all for the good advice on helping me to change my mind on getting these Locomotives.
I will enjoy them for years to come. Allan.

2

Glad that you’re happy with your purchase. Don’t just leave us hanging though!!!

Give us the details…In your opinion, how’s it run? How are the details on the body? Paint look good? Is this the retooled railpower shell? How’s it set up to accept DCC/Sound? (enough room for all the stuff / quick plug)

Thanks and have fun!

3

If I’m not mistaken, the GP38-2 is the Athearn shell and the GP35 is the RailPower shell.

I recently bought an Athearn RTR GP38-2 (the DT&I Bicentennial unit) and it is the old non-DCC, Blue Box version. I stuffed a Digitrax DH163A0 in it because that’s what I had handy. It runs like a coffee grinder, same as every other BB Athearn. [:D]

At the same time, I was looking at the RTR DT&I GP35 (Shoulda bought it, too [:(]). On the GP35 box they mentioned the Athearn “quick plug”, which I believe is the standard JST plug. It was several dollars more, which would make sense if it’s the RP shell and it’s DCC-ready. I’m going to TrainFest next month, if I see one there and the price is reasonable I’ll probably grab it.

HTH,
Steve

4

“Runs like a coffee grinder” thats funny, yet such an apt description of my Athean BBs.

5

One word! I truly Love it.
Allan.

6

Two numbers? If I am correct, Athearn only offers one road number on its Blue Box and changes those every several years. I know they did offer two road numbers for the GP60s, 9-44CWs, and AC4400CWs when they first came out. However, I do not recall them doing that for GP38-2s. The road numbers you listed match those for the RTR GP38-2s on Athearns website. The website shows the Blue Box GP38-2 as BNSF 2099. Did you order RTR or Blue Box?

7

I have heard that the most recent release of the GP38-2 is more than the BB with plastic handrails, although the RTR GP38-2 that I bought was just that, even with that big light bulb in the cab.

On the other hand the GP35 RTR is very nice and if it is a reworked Rail Power Products shell it is heavily reworked. It is DCC ready and has directional lights and a quiet drive.

Bob DeWoody

8

I am sorry. It’s a RTR. (Ready to Roll). I currently have the BNSF 2094. I am waiting to get my BNSF2257. Allan.