Just received my Walther’s catalogue and buyer’s guide today. First thing I noticed was that Proto is releasing an F7 (looks to be ph1) in the P2K line.
This is supposed to be a new drive, 14:1 gearing w/ helical gears. Authentic detailing on the shell, correct bulldog nose, no. boards, fuel tanks, underframe details, and prototypical coupler spacing.
The first release is available in ATSF, C&O, CB&Q, GN, MILW, SOO, NYC and SP. But wouldn’t you know that the first run doesn’t include my B&O in any paint.
This model comes w/o sound and with the QSI sound.
I really do like the Genesis Highliner shell, but in my opinion the Genesis drive is not as great as Stewart or IM. What Athearn was thinking to use the MRC sound also? I hope the new P2K “F” unit is as good as the Athearn plus it does have the better QSI sound decoder. Will have to wait and see just how this compares. I have no problems with any P2K I currently run.
Your right. These were actually announced last ummm July? at the same time as the Empire Builder passenger cars. I almost broke my purchasing rule and pre-ordered a few ABBA sets.
Still I am not holding my breath for an E5, a GN 2-6-8-0, or anything like that. Being unique to 1 or 2 (if you call C&S separate from CB&Q) railroads is a killer. They don’t have the mystique (deserved or not) of things like the Big Boy, that would make them attractive to non-UP modelers.