Shoot I reserved mine about 7-10 months ago and started paying on the two models I have reserved since then. There is NO WAY I could cough up $850 per unit at the time of arrival so it is good to reserve expensive items like this so that you can pay on it weekly, biweekly or monthly. I have an isolated cab and a standard cab version. These engines are a HOT commodity and have been since the first release in 2007. The best thing about these engines is they are so highly sought after that ALL of the UP models have INFLATED in price so if you have to sell it in a year you will make a couple of hundred bucks minimum. Have you ordered and reserved any of these models from OMI? It is kind ahard when I see and own three GORGEOUS MTH SD70ACe models. They are so good looking it is scary that the street cost is about $230. Athearns will no doubt look good but will have crappy handrails and the MSRP is $289!!! Talk about Sticker shock! After even 20% off it will still cost $230. I am sure it will NOT rn anywhere near as reliable as an MTH unit. My OMI SD70Ace run gorgeously too. So we have a lot for these SD70Ace in just a few weeks. What is your model of choice?
I’m happy that when I stuck my stake in the ground I chose an era where I don’t have to cough up anything resembling $850 per to get the motive power I need.
Old school, baby!..Old school!! [Y][8D]
Meh, Overland models are just way too expensive. Only the rich people can afford those.
I saw an Overland right next to an MTH and both looked the same.
I have 2 of the MTH’s and love them. I may check out the Athearn after they are out and people have them and see what the verdict is.
But right now, I’m happy with the MTH’s. Waiting to get some more when they release their second shipment. They are hard to come by as well.
I’m probably going with the Athearn units. For me the OMI is waaayyy out of the price range, although they certainly provide very high quality for the cost and they keep their value. The MTH is very impressive and I am still keeping my eyes on them. My personal problem is that I’m not a fan of certain business practices of MTH, so they are at the bottom of my choices list (however if some extra MTH SD70ACes go on really deep sale, my wallet will trump my objections). Athearn looks nice. I agree that on a unit this long I wish they had metal handrails like MTH. My other preferences include that I am a happy customer of Athearn stuff. Plus they have been VERY kind to UP modelers in the last few years!. I also have a “comfort level” in working on many Athearn items and my dealer does also. Parts are also generally easier to get for the Athearn units locally. Fortunately, although I could use a batch of them, for my layout just a couple will do.
Voltromman…
I had three of the OMI UP ACe’s but with the release of the MTH model, I sold mine off to pay for several of the MTH models I wanted.
I will not be buying Brass anymore, for obvious reasons:
The cost of Brass has priced them right out of the mainstream of the market.
The MTH model has proven to be a superb model, with dedicated detail to the specific prototype(just like brass) and with Full digital sound installed for 1/3 the cost of a Brass model. Side by side comparisons will show that the MTH will hold its own in the market.
Athearn’s model has been a long time coming, and from the Hi-Res photos on Athearn’s website of the first release, I’m really disappointed with it.
There are several glaring flaws with the grillwork and such, but the real issue is those danged Celcon handrails and detial parts that look like crap. Also, the roof line of these models is designed to be removable and it does not seal well, leaving a real gap around the top edge of the roof - not up to par for me (see website photos at athearn.com)
At this time, I’ve decided to cancel my orders for the Athearn UNTIL I see one up close - I’m reserving my final judgement till then.
In the meantime, MTH is getting ready to release the Phase IIa SD70ACe(Comfort Cab) with low headlight, FRA tri-spoke brakewheel, and other distinguishing details that will add another version of this locomotive to the current pair(SD70ACe and SD70M-2 both different from the other)
My money is going for the 3 UP and 1 BNSF (only ones ordered by Class 1s)
This will pretty much complete my roster of these engines unless MTH or Athearn comes out with additional road #s.
HeritageFleet1
It would be nice to have a brass OMI but I can vouch for the quality of the MTH units. I haven’t seen an Athearn version yet.
My only interest is in the CN SD70M-2, but in the late series with the nose-headlight, and ideally with the insulated cab. MTH has only done the first order CN units (which were tacked on to a NS order) with the high headlight, and Athearn’s first release will be the same units, even though they have already tooled the nose-light insulated cab (it’s on their upcoming BNSF SD70ACe).
Until either MTH or Athearn release that version, I have no interest in either model. And of course, brass is far out of my price range.
Expensive, NO DOUBT~! I did not say I LIKE the cost by no means but I had the first release OMI SD70ACe before there was an MTH or a Athearn coming out in 2007. I do not own ANY OTHER kind of brass and would not buy an OMI ES44AC model. I have the Tower 55 model and I do not like the look of them like I do of the SD70ACe so I will buy a couple more OMI models. i am NOT rich either trust me. Unlike 99% of the brass buyers out there I ACTUALLY TOUCH MY MODELS WITH BARE HANDS AND RUN MY MODELS ON A LAYOUT. So I am a model railroader not a collector of brass engines.
I would love to own a OMI brass model, but haven’t pulled the trigger, or saved $1000 bucks for one as it would be more of a novelty item for me.
In the meantime, I have purchased several MTH SD70Ace’s and have no complaints. They have outstanding detail and run great. Most of my power roster consist of them, (well until Intermountain releases their GEVO’s). The only problem is that I did not buy any of the MTH Norfolk Southerns and now I cant find one anywhere (or that are under $300). And, if they were so popular, I wonder why they didn’t release more NS on their second run due out early 2011?
As far as the Athearn SD70ACe, I will wait to see it in person. Just from the photos it looks like they dropped the ball and I am not a big fan of their handrails either. The fan housing on the top appears way too tall and the cab didnt fit properly. But maybe it will look better in person. Athearn has outstanding rolling stock, why cant it carry over to the darn handrails.
RiversideBNSF…
I couldn’t agree more about the Athearn SD70 ACe - I was planning to get some of theirs without sound to run But as I said, the verdict is still out until I can actually hold one in my hands and see if they fixed the issues.
You’re right - the Fans look way too tall but I can’t accept the cab roof looking like it got sheared off by a saw.
The traction motor induction grilles look awful.
What a waste of tooling cost just to detail the interior - I mean com’on…how many guys care about getting closed enough to view the interior anyway?
G scale? okay… that I can maybe understand - not HO.
The money saved in the additional toolng expense could have cut down on the cost of the model signifigantly but that’s just my opinion.
I sure hope that Athearn is not releasing these this way…they’ve been delayed again so maybe they’ve started listening.
Athearn will be at the upcoming Oklahoma City show in December - so in about a month from now, I’ll make my final decision.
RiversideBNSF…
MB Klien shows to have the Norfolk Southern SD70 M-2 versions in stock DCC Ready in two of the three road numbers @159.99 ea.
If you want sound, you may try Mainline Hobby Supply in Blue Ridge Summit, PA -ask for Bonnie or Brian Wolf ther owners - they may have one or two.
Their website is: www.mainlinehobby.com You’ll have to use their search engine to locate the MTH stuff in stock - I just bought a CN from them last month and I thought they had the NS ones.
Good luck.
HF1
Heritagefleet1,
Hey thanks for your help. Yea, I was looking for one with sound since im not real big on opening up my engines. I will look up mainlinehobby and grab one before they are really hard to find and/or way over priced. I think once folks purchase them they dont let go of them.
RiversideBNSF
just did a quick product locator on the MTH website and it looks like NS SD70M are available, both in PS3(sound) and also DCC ready.
R/BNSF…
Seems that Mainline Hobby does not have any in stock - just the CSX version for eastern roads.
But, I found this one for you - its at Imperial Trains near Pittsburgh, PA
Here’s a link to their website - they show to have #2649 in stock as of 10/24/10 and may have others too.
Go to: http://www.imperialtrainco.com
Hope this helps. Let me know if you have any luck.
HF1