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Post by thunderhawk on Nov 14, 2019 8:02:20 GMT -8
There's no guarantee the Chinese units sound the same either. The silencers are likely different. As I recall from running both CP and UP MAC-H's (we actually got UP Big Mac's on coal trains occasionally) they did not bark like a typical (GE) 4 stroke locomotive when in 8 and they sounded very different at idle. The idle sound was like it had a big cam in it. Sounded kind of mean sitting there waiting to go. Will be interesting to hear how the model sounds. I'll probably pick one up as I really liked running the real thing. Those things were beasts on both heavy intermodals and coal trains. Will be the only thing built after '76 I own. Glad to hear from someone what actually ran one of these! Did you also ran UP AC6000CWs (pre-downrated)? Very curious as to how you think about the GE 6000HP units vs SD90Hs, how did they compare running with a heavy load? I can try to find some urls of the Chinese HXN3 (6000HP EMD) to post here. A few years ago they were running a single unit on 10000 metric ton coal trains, so the sound on some the videos are quiet clear as they were really being worked. The only AC6000 I recall running on the road was actually a CSX unit and I remember the number. The 666. I remember it mostly for having to call the CSX diesel doc as I accidentally kicked the foot pedal for the horn sequencer, CP units don't have these, and the damn horn just kept going. (Flipping the breaker didn't reset it.) The diesel doc laughed and didn't believe they had a unit with that number until he punched it in his computer. After 15 minutes the conductor hit his horn button and it finally stopped. (CP doesn't have those either) Anyway, I didn't note it as being particularly strong. More than an AC4400 but not a huge difference although since it was a junk train it's a bit harder to do a direct comparison. And it's been probably 10 years now. IIRC they derated those to try and get some longevity out of them? Otherwise it was a typical CSX turd hearse. Dirty, full of rattles, crappy seats and a stinky shithouse. Moved a UP AC6000 around the yard in Bensenville and they had everything accessible on the screens. One could look at the bearing temps in the prime mover. Usually you need a maintenance access code to get that deep into the info. btw-I did run into one of the electrical issues the 90MAC-H's were known for. Hit a mildly rough switch at 60 and the computer screens went blank, which caused a penalty application. While grinding to a halt they reset, was surprised to see the Windows logo, and away we went after a brief stop. A nice touch they had was the CP Golden Rodent logo that displayed as well while booting up. Also, as far as the sounds I'd say they were similar (not the same) to a GEVO when under load. Not a raspy bark like an FDL. Don't recall the AC6000 sound really.
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Post by spsf on Nov 14, 2019 8:11:27 GMT -8
The point being made wasn't that the plow doesn't matter from a visual perspective, but rather that you missed your opportunity to possibly have the issue dealt with. With the SD90MAC-H2 models likely in production if not almost finished it is simply too late to even consider making a different plow.
And sorry, a comment on YouTube saying the plow is wrong doesn't count as there are just as many incorrect claims online as there are correct ones. Which is why we are pointing out for the future (either for you or anyone else reading this) the best way to make sure your concerns are dealt with is direct communication with the manufacturer in question, with supporting data to demonstrate the point you are trying to make.
It doesn't mean you issue will be acted on, because again the cost of tooling a fix need to considered against the ability to make a profit, but you stand a far better chance than a random comment on social media or web forum.
The good news is that, unlike some other issues people have with various models, it should be relatively easy to fix if it really bothers you that much.
I actually posted my comment underneath the Athearn video several months ago shortly after they posted on Youtube. They did respond to my question about when these will be in the stores, but chose to ignore the other question about the plow. The way they gushed about how "acccurate" and road specific detailed they have made these, it is somewhat disappointing that an obvious details about this is missed/overlooked. I guess I will be only buying the UP version and pass on the CP version. But like you mentioned plow is somewhat easy to replace as a DYI. I only sporadically go on the YouTube page. It's always best to contact us directly with questions.
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Post by jonklein611 on Nov 14, 2019 8:19:56 GMT -8
Glad to hear from someone what actually ran one of these! Did you also ran UP AC6000CWs (pre-downrated)? Very curious as to how you think about the GE 6000HP units vs SD90Hs, how did they compare running with a heavy load? I can try to find some urls of the Chinese HXN3 (6000HP EMD) to post here. A few years ago they were running a single unit on 10000 metric ton coal trains, so the sound on some the videos are quiet clear as they were really being worked. The only AC6000 I recall running on the road was actually a CSX unit and I remember the number. The 666. I remember it mostly for having to call the CSX diesel doc as I accidentally kicked the foot pedal for the horn sequencer, CP units don't have these, and the damn horn just kept going. (Flipping the breaker didn't reset it.) The diesel doc laughed and didn't believe they had a unit with that number until he punched it in his computer. After 15 minutes the conductor hit his horn button and it finally stopped. (CP doesn't have those either) Anyway, I didn't note it as being particularly strong. More than an AC4400 but not a huge difference although since it was a junk train it's a bit harder to do a direct comparison. And it's been probably 10 years now. IIRC they derated those to try and get some longevity out of them? Otherwise it was a typical CSX turd hearse. Dirty, full of rattles, crappy seats and a stinky shithouse. Moved a UP AC6000 around the yard in Bensenville and they had everything accessible on the screens. One could look at the bearing temps in the prime mover. Usually you need a maintenance access code to get that deep into the info. btw-I did run into one of the electrical issues the 90MAC-H's were known for. Hit a mildly rough switch at 60 and the computer screens went blank, which caused a penalty application. While grinding to a halt they reset, was surprised to see the Windows logo, and away we went after a brief stop. A nice touch they had was the CP Golden Rodent logo that displayed as well while booting up. Also, as far as the sounds I'd say they were similar (not the same) to a GEVO when under load. Not a raspy bark like an FDL. Don't recall the AC6000 sound really. You'd be surprised at how many systems run on Windows. I've been in fossil power plants still running Windows 2000's and nuke plants running Windows 7.
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Post by riogrande on Nov 14, 2019 8:24:33 GMT -8
And bank ATMs running XP and paying MS for patches.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Nov 14, 2019 9:14:20 GMT -8
Well said thunderhawk.
My son wants a big UP engine, and the DDA40X Genesis unit is a bit hard to find now, so we bit and pre-ordered two of the MAC-H2...want to tryout Genesis 2.0.
They will absolutely be the only engines built after '76 on our layout.
Most other motive power is Alco/MLW six axle power, with a couple EL SDP45's, and one single (survivor) F-3A.
Jack
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Post by spsf on Nov 14, 2019 10:49:14 GMT -8
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Post by railmodeltroy14 on Nov 14, 2019 11:14:42 GMT -8
Good to know...would not have caused me to cancel order if plow was wrong. ...went back and studied James's video and details on that locomotive must be seen in person. I installed twin sugar cube speakers in a Kato SD80MAC with Tsunami 2 and sound was incredible but the Genesis model has see-through fans which would improve overall effect. When Athearn announces the Conrail, CSX and NS SD80MAC's, my Kato models will probably go on static display.
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Post by Donnell Wells on Nov 14, 2019 11:55:33 GMT -8
Simply awesome Janek! Donnell
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Post by Donnell Wells on Nov 14, 2019 12:09:18 GMT -8
I actually posted my comment underneath the Athearn video several months ago shortly after they posted on Youtube. They did respond to my question about when these will be in the stores, but chose to ignore the other question about the plow. Again, read what is being said. Random comments on social media do not get much done - I did go look through the comments and did see what I take to be your comment. A rather generic comment stating that the plow was wrong, and as such it failed on 2 key points from a manufacturer perspective (as previously mentioned): 1) it provided no proof. If you want these companies to even consider your feedback you need to provide proof of what you are claiming. There are far too many false claims made for these companies to attempt to research every piece of feedback they receive. 2) you didn't directly communicate with them. The people in charge of the product aren't following the Facebook/YouTube/Twitter/random Internet forums, so they likely never saw your feedback. Yes, you got a response about delivery estimates, because that is something the social media/pr people have information to answer with. But that doesn't mean they know the intricate details of the design of the model because they aren't doing that.
So, because there are alleged "false claims", all claims are to be considered false, discredited, or overlooked? Particularly those randomly posted on social media outlets like YouTube...Facebook...Twitter...here? The thing is, Athearn has a presence on every single social media outlet you have mentioned, and someone IS monitoring those sites, looking for comments just like the one he posted. It doesn't really matter though...Janek has posted a rendering of the correct snowplow. Donnell
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Post by Deleted on Nov 14, 2019 14:23:40 GMT -8
Particularly those randomly posted on social media outlets like YouTube...Facebook...Twitter...here? The thing is, Athearn has a presence on every single social media outlet you have mentioned, and someone IS monitoring those sites, looking for comments just like the one he posted. The presence they have in general is not the people responsible for the development of the models. Those who are, and thus can use the input, are not regularly monitoring those sites. How about some quotes. From Janek (Athearn), about 7 messages prior to this in this thread: "I only sporadically go on the YouTube page. It's always best to contact us directly with questions." Or perhaps Jason (Rapido Trains), from the now locked Rapido News turned into B36-7 issues thread: "We do not monitor all of the forums all the time" So no, these sites are not being monitored on a regular basis for the type of feedback we are talking about. I appreciate the time that those responsible do spend reading sites like this, but as has been made clear by direct statements from the people doing it they can't guarantee that they will see comments made on these sorts of sites and so, yet again, this sort of feedback should be submitted directly to the manufacturers.
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Post by es80ac on Nov 14, 2019 19:43:06 GMT -8
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Post by railmodeltroy14 on Dec 16, 2019 11:20:17 GMT -8
Toy Train Heaven e-mailed and said my CP locomotive is on the way.
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Post by bigblow69 on Dec 21, 2019 15:53:00 GMT -8
Yeah all four of my CP ones showed up. Wasn't expecting them until March. 1K in damage. Hope they announce the SD70ACU shortly. Be wise to hit while the iron is hot.
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Post by 12bridge on Dec 21, 2019 16:03:49 GMT -8
Nice to see ESU announced a sound file for these this week.
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Post by es80ac on Dec 23, 2019 23:14:50 GMT -8
Got my UP and CP units today. Really fine details and Athearn indeed corrected the plow profile on the CP unit. Great job Athearn!
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Post by railmodeltroy14 on Dec 24, 2019 8:38:43 GMT -8
My guess is the SD80MAC in Conrail, CSX and Norfolk Southern paint schemes will be next?
The Kato SD80/90 MAC models were highly-regarded at the time but the detailing on this Genesis unit is about as nice as I have ever seen on an HO scale locomotive.
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Post by edwardsutorik on Dec 24, 2019 8:57:27 GMT -8
The UP H2's were very cool looking locos.
But the SD9043's were (and are) more numerous and lasted longer. I've got three of the Katos tucked away. That wouldn't stop me buying several of the Athearn version(s).
I'm very fond of the big galumphasaurs.
Ed
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Post by railmodeltroy14 on Dec 24, 2019 13:10:33 GMT -8
The UP H2's were very cool looking locos. But the SD9043's were (and are) more numerous and lasted longer. I've got three of the Katos tucked away. That wouldn't stop me buying several of the Athearn version(s). I'm very fond of the big galumphasaurs. Ed I just finished installing dual sugar cubes and Tsunmami 2 decoder in a Kato SD80MAC complete with flashing ditch lights. As nice as the Kato locomotive was/is...it doesn't hold a candle to the Genesis as to details, fit and finish but I still love those models...considering I have had them for 17 years. As to drive characteristics, smoothness and pulling power...the Kato SD 80/90's are hard to beat. I haven't put the Genesis locomotive on the track yet but maybe I can test after Christmas. Lee
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Post by chicagopcclcar on Dec 26, 2019 14:22:56 GMT -8
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Post by raptorengineer on Jan 5, 2020 9:11:52 GMT -8
speed matching loksound v5 sd90mac h2 to loksound v4 bowser sd40-2 is tricky since they both have different versions of the decoder. i'm getting there i'm 96% speed matched. just the sd90mac h2 has little start lag in the loksound v5 decoder.
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Post by raptorengineer on Jan 8, 2020 16:47:04 GMT -8
so over all i love sd90mac h-2 that athearn made. i think they made amazing locomotive and love the genesis 2.0 features. if there something they should improve that i don't like i say the front and real headlights. they are not as bright as the ditch lights and that because there on light circuit board and light is cast though that glass mold light bulb plastic thing. i guess there trying out the same thing that rapido, intermountian bowser did to there lights and i think that cool but the led is not as bright. i think they can go higher on brightness. i donno what led they should upgrade to go higher. or stick the the led on fiber optic liek they did for es44ac and sd70ace etc... if anyone still on fence with sd90mac-h2 and could buy it i recommend it. it such awesome locomotive the waight the design number board and truck lights. thank you athearn for making the locomotive if your reading this.
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erb
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Post by erb on Jan 9, 2020 12:27:59 GMT -8
After seeing a pair that someone else ordered, I decided to get a pair - beautiful locomotives. I swapped out the sugar cubes that came with my sound-equipped for one of the Bowser sugar cube packages then tinkered with the settings to get more of the base thrum that I heard in videos. Only other mod I did was to turn down the brightness of the ditchlights a bit so they matched the headlight... Then I turned all of them down some more because the prototype just isn't that bright.
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Post by brammy on Jan 25, 2020 17:52:37 GMT -8
My next UP locomotive purchase is going to be a 1943 to run with my 4141. Looking at these I may change my plan. They narrowly miss an accurate lash-up with my Gevos and SD70aces, but they just look too darn cool to let that get in the way.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 25, 2020 20:51:32 GMT -8
My guess is the SD80MAC in Conrail, CSX and Norfolk Southern paint schemes will be next? The Kato SD80/90 MAC models were highly-regarded at the time but the detailing on this Genesis unit is about as nice as I have ever seen on an HO scale locomotive. My son has two of these new SD90MAC-H2's, and they are indeed very impressive locomotives, especially for plastic, and I've seen the YouTube clip of the two Athearn's mu'd with an Overland Models brass unit, and at least on that clip, I can't really tell which is which. My son just loves the Genesis 2.0 engines and is taking exceptionally good care of them on break-in etc. (and now wants to learn all about the UP's "Big Guys"--yes, I just ordered him the now rare book encompassing ALL the big UP power from 1949 to 1997). However, there actually are some Overland Models diesels that to my eyes are nicer models. For example, I don't even really like C44-9W prototypes; they just aren't my thing, but Overland's model is loaded with all kinds of see-through detail, and they are just absolutely gorgeous to look at in bare brass. Yes, sometimes the screens modeled by Overland don't always "look right" on earlier diesel models but then there are other later models that are simply fantastic, and can now actually be found for prices approaching the Genesis 2.0 price (but still often a bit higher). However, in plastic, I have to agree that few locomotives seem to be as nicely done as these Genesis 2.0 units. Jack
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