just looking for opinions here. what do you consider a better quality and prototype " correct" F7A+B combo, the Proto2000 set or the Athearn Genesis? [i wish to purchase a CNW set in the old black/yellow/green scheme, non-sound] thanks for any experienced opinions. michael r.
I have an ABBA set of Genesis CNJ F7’s and they are excellent!
I don’t own a Proto 2000 set but have at least 3 Proto 1000 F7’s and they are good too.
Possibly the Genesis units would take the prize for overall detail,but perfomance wise there is no difference.
Bear in mind I live in the UK and have never seen the real thing!
Steve
They are BOTH excellent engines
I think the Athearn Genesis is the more serviceable/reliable of the two.
However on prototypical detailing, I think the Proto wins hands down. The details are more finely cast. For example, take a look at the mirrors between the two.
I think Walthers did more research as well. For example the Athearn uses a 3 note chime on the C&O F-7. However the 5 note chime was appropriate for that road. (as found on the Proto model)
Protos used QSI decoders (They will likely use Soundtraxx Tsunami in the future)
Genesis used MRC decoders, but now use Soundtraxx.
The MRC is junk far as DCC decoders go. However they have one advantage over Soundtraxx. They often come with a remote that allows you to activate various sounds on a DC layout without the need for a special “box”.
QSI allows you to activate bell and horn with the direction switch on DC layouts. But this is VERY hit and miss. Flip the switch too slowly and you may kill the loco power long enough to cause it to stop dead on the tracks.
You don’t have the ability to activate individual sounds manually with a Soundtraxx on a DC layout.
Just to make it more interesting have you checked out the Intermountain F7’s? I have a number of EMD F units by Athearn Genesis, Proto 2000 and also Intermountain.
They are all about equal, however I prefer the Intermountain units for their running capabilties and as far as sound goes, Intermoutain now has switched over to Tsunami decoders.