Is there a good model of a FP 45 out there?

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I was wondering if a company sold a FP 45 in HO scale.

2

Athearn makes a Blue box FP 45, but you did say good, so that might not meet your criteria.

Tilden

3

The old Athearn Blue Box model of the Santa Fe version of the FP45 is the best one currently available. If your LHS doesn’t have one, try online shops or even e-bay. They certainly show up there from time to time. Also, Athearn is currently working on an upgraded version of both the FP45 and the F45, to be released next year, so far as I know.

4

I have heard that Athearn is making a RTR model.

5

Hang on…Athearn is going to do a highly upgraded RTR FP45.

6

Athearn will be releasing a new one sometime. I think it will be in their Genesis line, but I’m not absolutely sure. A topic from a little while ago with a link to some pictures was recently brought back. Here’s a quick link to it:
http://www.trains.com/TRC/CS/forums/950758/ShowPost.aspx

7

The existing Atearns I have are fairly old and definitely not up to current standards. I also have a brass F45 which is a good shape but very lacking in detail. (So, if you see brass, be cautious).

It’s probably best to wait a few months.

8

I was a teen back when the Blue Box F45/FP45 hit the market around 1976 (I think). Lot’s of fan fare and excitement. For its time, it was a beautiful unit. Over the years, Athearn improved the drives, handrails, truck sideframes, etc. but the cowl body has remained unchanged for 30 years!

By today’s standards the Athearn BB cowl body’s detailing is bland but with work modelers can still turn them into works of art. A number of detailed BB cowls have appeared in MRR over the years.

BTW: BB FP45s show up regularly on ebay. I’ve seen them go from $14 to $80. For those interested in purchasing one on ebay…don’t overpay. If you’re considering installing DCC/sound and upgrading the motor, you’re going to spend additonal money. $30 max for one in good condition is what I would suggest. I have six units, but I may sell several of them.

I’m looking forward to the non-sound Genesis version. I’m already imagining having a Lok Sound set up that features the sound of an EMD 20 cylinder (645 series) with an S3 horn. Should be sweet!