SD70M-2

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I’m in the market for an SD70-2. How does the MTH compare to the Athearn Genesis?

Thanks in advance.

2

The Kato 70 mac would be the better of the 2 but thats my opinion because I have them and they are great pullers, about 50 - 60 weighted cars with 2 of them pulling on a 2% grade. Jim.

3

The Athearn Genesis ones were announced in Feb for Sept 2012 delivery. Assuming they learned all the lessons from the 70ace, these should be decent models? Needless to say it will be a while before anyone knows.

4

I have the Athearn model in NS paint, dcc soundtraxx. It’s a beautifully detailed locomotive that starts to crawl at speed step 1. The sound is very good *for an HO scale model)

This is it below.

The paint job is nice and crisp, details such as sanding hoses are great.

Now. The first unit I bought had a problem with one of the trucks, derailed on curves usually. Took it back to my LHS and exchanged it and, so far… I’m very pleased with it.

Jarrell

5

I have an MTH SD70ACe, and an Athearn Genesis SD70M-2, both without sound or DCC. I would have to say that the MTH is less detailed but more durable. The Athearn is very detailed and much more fragile. It really depends on what you want, but I think I will go for Athearn from now on.