I’ve got a couple of questions that don’t require an exact answer, just you’re best guess:
I know they made an announcement but when approximately will Athearn release their version of the SD70ACe?
I’ve noticed the engines rolling out lately such as the Veranda Turbine were not DCC with sound…Will the SD70ACe be DCC equipped with sound?
Will it have all the UP heritage schemes and George Bush 4141?
Thanks for your help…Athearn doesn’t do a good job at returning emails…
I’m sure I read that the 6 heritage engines will be done, however I have not heard anything from Athearn about the 4141. I would be surpissed if they don’t do that one, since T55 was going too, and they were where Athearn got the stuff from. There was a recewnt debate on whether the engines were going to be Genisis or RTR, If the former, then yes, there will be DCC/Sound. If the latter, likely not.
As for when I’de give them a year. That’s a bit long, but they just showed us the undec prototype at the last big show, so I think a year would be plenty of time to build up enough stock to turn loose.
I talked to a athearn rep at this years trainfest, I was told to expect a announcement in dec/jan via athearn newsletter. The sd70ace will have sound/dcc or dc both will be offered plus soundtraxx is recording new sounds just for this locomotive.
I didnt ask about the heritage engines because I have no use for them.
Ah the ironies of a market base, they’re the only reason I want them. I could care less about the straight UP engines. Maybe a few for me to repaint.
Heres a “Hmmmmm” question for you: Are the recently announced ES44 AC and DC Engines by Intermountain from T55 toolings? If so we’re getting really close to the 70 Aces. I want BNSF Swoosh, I’m sure they’ll do that one.
No, the Tower 55 tooling went to Athearn.
For the question about whenAthearn will release their SD70 ACe, the models will arrive no sooner than when the ship from China docks and unloads the container. When that will be is anyone’s guess.