I’m thinking about buying a few and would like to know about the level of detail, sound how it runs.
I have two of them a Up and a Rio grand love them they run great and the detail on them are great also the sound is great also…!!!
I picked up one for my son at xmas. Runs great through our #4 crossovers and 18" curves when needed. My only complaint is the typical Athearn deal; headlights are intermittent and ditch lights don’t work, right out of the box. Still haven’t taken the shell off to diagnose what is probably an easy fix.
Detail is some of the best, runs awesome. Will handle #4 turnouts, and 18" curves if nessisary. (Looks odd doing so, but it works in a pinch.)
Only complaint? Regular bulbs for lighting, glued into place. Big pain to replace… When you do, go with LED’s.
I just wish Athearn would join the program and install LED’s from the factory, save lots of modeler’s headaches…
Like Doug and Rick, my major complaint is the lousy quality of the headlight lamps. Even if they insist on staying with incandescents, I wish they would at least shop for a source of better quality. Mine burned out shortly after this photo was taken:
You have to swap the plastic couplers for Kadees, too.
Out of the box the sound levels are extreme (except for the horn) so you have to tweak those. However the level of detail is amazing, lettering is outstanding and operating characteristics are very good.
When I finally decide to tear into replacing the headlights (the one over the cab will be a challenge) I’ll probably rip out the Soundtraxx decoder and put in a Loksound.
Happy Modeling, Ed
All good stuff to know guys, as I was thinking of a couple. I have a few older Genisis locos, and the bulbs came right out, with no problem. Things must have changed. Mine are 1998 vintage.
Wow, now that I do the math…are guess mine are “old” ? [^o)]
Mike.
There are a couple of SD70Ace’s that I really like but the lack of LEDs for lights is a bummer but I guess I will buy them.
Thanks for your responses, very helpful.
The lightbulbs seem easy enough to replace. I have 2 Athearn SD70ACes, but I have not had to change the bulbs. The bulbs in the cab are pretty easy to get to because the cab roofs are removable and held on by magnetic.
My biggest complaint with Athersn is their use of McHenrey knuckle couplers instead if Kadees, but that is an easy fix. Otherwise great locomotives, the level of detail is excellent
I have several of the SD70 series (SD70M, SD70MAC and SD70ACe) and they are all fine runners with excellent detail. No regrets about getting them, except that Athearn keeps coming out with NEW ones to add to the bunch 
The bulb to LED conversion can be done and their are a couple guys out there making conversion kits if you want to go that route.
I understand that Athearn HAS to use the McHenry couplers because they bought the company, but it is irksome to pay $250-$290 per sound-equipped loco and have to immediately replace the couplers!
Get some and have some fun!