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Post by richardthomasatal on Dec 29, 2023 8:02:38 GMT -8
I received my Athearn P42 locos this morning after approximately 30 months of delays and still missing one from this release and several from future runs. My first step which I do on every model is to reprogram to the cab number using my Digitrax Evolution Express system. Well once reprogrammed the darn things wouldn't respond. I had to take them to a friends house with a different system to get them working again but can't get the road numbers in still.
Then, I notice one decal misplaced badly. The icing on the cake was the locomotive was not running good at slow speeds. I am about tired of this.
I have given Athearn one last chance. They finally returned estimated arrival dates to the website which was a big plus but these constant fumbles on product is wearing my patience thin. Especially considering they bring the price up to insane levels for locomotives. Diesels are now approaching $370 MSRP.
Will they ever figure out how to return to the glory days? I hope so but it surely isn't looking likely.
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Post by surlyknuckle on Dec 29, 2023 8:41:19 GMT -8
I don't know what's more obnoxious...the fact that the road number is in the wrong location on the side, or the people defending it because "they're just toys/there is a prototype for everything". Like guys, it's wrong. It shouldn't be wrong on a brand new $$$ model.
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Post by richardthomasatal on Dec 29, 2023 8:52:27 GMT -8
I don't know what's more obnoxious...the fact that the road number is in the wrong location on the side, or the people defending it because "they're just toys/there is a prototype for everything". Like guys, it's wrong. It shouldn't be wrong on a brand new $$$ model. If it were Rapido this forum would have 500 respones and a meeting place for torches and pitchforks to be handed out to storm their office building. Also whoever says there is a prototype for everything should know there is exactly one #46 P42 so there's not a prototype for that to be screwed up this badly on the decal location.
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Post by ambluco on Dec 29, 2023 8:58:29 GMT -8
Waiting to hear what customer service says. I received my Athearn P42 locos this morning after approximately 30 months of delays and still missing one from this release and several from future runs. My first step which I do on every model is to reprogram to the cab number using my Digitrax Evolution Express system. Well once reprogrammed the darn things wouldn't respond. I had to take them to a friends house with a different system to get them working again but can't get the road numbers in still. Then, I notice one decal misplaced badly. The icing on the cake was the locomotive was not running good at slow speeds. I am about tired of this. I have given Athearn one last chance. They finally returned estimated arrival dates to the website which was a big plus but these constant fumbles on product is wearing my patience thin. Especially considering they bring the price up to insane levels for locomotives. Diesels are now approaching $370 MSRP. Will they ever figure out how to return to the glory days? I hope so but it surely isn't looking likely.
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Post by richardthomasatal on Dec 29, 2023 9:16:45 GMT -8
Waiting to hear what customer service says. Probably nothing or that they are working to resolve the issue but then they wait for lengthy time to pass and hope people forget. That has been their way of handling things in the past.
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Post by cera2254 on Dec 29, 2023 9:31:43 GMT -8
How can you be missing several from future runs? Who knows what will be in future runs? Did your dealer short your order? When were the glory days?
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Post by cera2254 on Dec 29, 2023 9:35:33 GMT -8
Waiting to hear what customer service says. Probably nothing or that they are working to resolve the issue but then they wait for lengthy time to pass and hope people forget. That has been their way of handling things in the past. I seems to recall remade shells in the past. I don’t think Rapido has ever rerun shells since you seem to think they get too much flak.
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Post by SOMECALLMETIM on Dec 29, 2023 9:45:34 GMT -8
Unless a post was deleted, I don't see a single post on this topic saying it's just a model or there is a prototype for everything for the Athearn P42. I agree that road number misplacement is bad. The price for the newly announced Athearn GP18 / GP7R is right in line with the newly announced Rapido FT B-unit at $319.99 (.95 for Rapido). However Scale Trains beats them both for price for their museum quality SD45X at $379.99. Prices are getting out of hand as I purchased a NIB O scale Atlas GP7 with all the bells and whistles for less.
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Post by gevohogger on Dec 29, 2023 10:16:49 GMT -8
Diesels are now approaching $370 MSRP. I hope you didn't pay that much. They are $239 with DCC and sound at Lombard's.
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Post by craigz on Dec 29, 2023 10:46:14 GMT -8
Probably nothing or that they are working to resolve the issue but then they wait for lengthy time to pass and hope people forget. That has been their way of handling things in the past. I seems to recall remade shells in the past. I don’t think Rapido has ever rerun shells since you seem to think they get too much flak. Two Rapido shell replacements immediately come to mind: USRA B&O boxcars - the boxcar red was more of a bilious nausea green. Replaced entire body with its details. One road number of the MTA/Penn Central FL9 shells had the side worm logos printed upside down. Replaced entire body with its details.
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Post by csxt8400 on Dec 29, 2023 11:01:07 GMT -8
Tim, I dont think comparing regular runs to what is dubbed Museum Quality is really fair. Everyday locomotive models sold in similar fashion, like Rivet Counter, Genesis, Rapido, etc.
Anyway, no, I don't see Athearn rising above where they are now.
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Post by ambluco on Dec 29, 2023 12:21:55 GMT -8
So you did contact customer service? It wasn't mentioned in the OP. Waiting to hear what customer service says. Probably nothing or that they are working to resolve the issue but then they wait for lengthy time to pass and hope people forget. That has been their way of handling things in the past.
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mdq
Full Member
Posts: 131
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Post by mdq on Dec 29, 2023 12:42:02 GMT -8
I received my Athearn P42 locos this morning after approximately 30 months of delays and still missing one from this release and several from future runs. My first step which I do on every model is to reprogram to the cab number using my Digitrax Evolution Express system. Well once reprogrammed the darn things wouldn't respond. I had to take them to a friends house with a different system to get them working again but can't get the road numbers in still. Then, I notice one decal misplaced badly. The icing on the cake was the locomotive was not running good at slow speeds. I am about tired of this. I have given Athearn one last chance. They finally returned estimated arrival dates to the website which was a big plus but these constant fumbles on product is wearing my patience thin. Especially considering they bring the price up to insane levels for locomotives. Diesels are now approaching $370 MSRP. Will they ever figure out how to return to the glory days? I hope so but it surely isn't looking likely. Geez that scks! I had similar experience with rapido. I also heard the same thing about Athearn GP9. The lack of Quality Assurance and Quality Control seems to plague manufacturers and it is very annoying (or they are simply not doing it to increase profit$) In any case, fool me once..fool me twice..... In the end I vote with my wallet. Hit them where it hurts
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Post by edwardsutorik on Dec 29, 2023 13:11:32 GMT -8
I've got some of the Athearn P42's. My recollection is that the addresses below 128 MUST be programmed as short addresses IF one is running Digitrax.
I also have noticed that sometimes a new address doesn't "stick". So I tend to do an address read AFTER I've programmed the new address.
I'm surprised Athearn is using decals on their locomotives. I thought it was all pad stamping.
Ed
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Post by scasey on Dec 29, 2023 14:02:32 GMT -8
Unless a post was deleted, I don't see a single post on this topic saying it's just a model or there is a prototype for everything for the Athearn P42. I don’t want to speak for the OP, but I believe they may be referring to the conversation being had on a particular Facebook group, Amtrak Modelers.
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Post by bnsf971 on Dec 29, 2023 15:28:18 GMT -8
I received my Athearn P42 locos this morning after approximately 30 months of delays and still missing one from this release and several from future runs. My first step which I do on every model is to reprogram to the cab number using my Digitrax Evolution Express system. Well once reprogrammed the darn things wouldn't respond. I had to take them to a friends house with a different system to get them working again but can't get the road numbers in still. Then, I notice one decal misplaced badly. The icing on the cake was the locomotive was not running good at slow speeds. I am about tired of this. I have given Athearn one last chance. They finally returned estimated arrival dates to the website which was a big plus but these constant fumbles on product is wearing my patience thin. Especially considering they bring the price up to insane levels for locomotives. Diesels are now approaching $370 MSRP. Will they ever figure out how to return to the glory days? I hope so but it surely isn't looking likely. What did Athearn have to say for themselves when you contacted them about this?
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Post by edwardsutorik on Dec 29, 2023 15:44:38 GMT -8
What did Athearn have to say for themselves when you contacted them about this? And when did you contact them? Ed
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Post by jonklein611 on Dec 29, 2023 16:43:56 GMT -8
I've got some of the Athearn P42's. My recollection is that the addresses below 128 MUST be programmed as short addresses IF one is running Digitrax. I also have noticed that sometimes a new address doesn't "stick". So I tend to do an address read AFTER I've programmed the new address. I'm surprised Athearn is using decals on their locomotives. I thought it was all pad stamping. Ed This has bit me many times in the past. I'm so used to using 4 digit address programming that I forget about the two digit method for anything under 128.
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Post by bncascadegreen on Dec 30, 2023 0:29:31 GMT -8
I received my Athearn P42 locos this morning after approximately 30 months of delays and still missing one from this release and several from future runs. My first step which I do on every model is to reprogram to the cab number using my Digitrax Evolution Express system. Well once reprogrammed the darn things wouldn't respond. I had to take them to a friends house with a different system to get them working again but can't get the road numbers in still. Then, I notice one decal misplaced badly. The icing on the cake was the locomotive was not running good at slow speeds. I am about tired of this. I have given Athearn one last chance. They finally returned estimated arrival dates to the website which was a big plus but these constant fumbles on product is wearing my patience thin. Especially considering they bring the price up to insane levels for locomotives. Diesels are now approaching $370 MSRP. Will they ever figure out how to return to the glory days? I hope so but it surely isn't looking likely. I agree, I’ve agree too….. About done with them
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Post by bncascadegreen on Dec 30, 2023 0:30:38 GMT -8
For those that don’t care, that’s fine or those of us that have been in the hobby a long time ( me about 40 years). We demand a quality product.
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Post by bnsf971 on Dec 30, 2023 4:11:58 GMT -8
What did Athearn have to say for themselves when you contacted them about this? And when did you contact them? Ed That, too...
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Post by richardthomasatal on Dec 30, 2023 7:38:12 GMT -8
What did Athearn have to say for themselves when you contacted them about this? And when did you contact them? Ed What does that have to do with the problem? It is a problem and they are aware with multiple people I associate with contacting them. The response is they "should" get around to responding after the holidays. But the point remains that this shouldn't have happened and based on the past they will not satisfactorily resolve this. Even shell replacements will not appease some modelers who are not capable of rewiring, etc. As I said before their typical response is that they will formulate a plan and then never actually provide a resolution as time goes by. There are hundreds if not thousands of these already out in the marketplace so I doubt there will be a resolution that is acceptable to a majority of customers.
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Post by richardthomasatal on Dec 30, 2023 7:40:52 GMT -8
How can you be missing several from future runs? Who knows what will be in future runs? Did your dealer short your order? When were the glory days? Future ANNOUNCED runs that are also far past their original delivery date. Glory days were when Shane and then Chris ran things as managers. They had more backbone to speak up for modelers.
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Post by edwardsutorik on Dec 30, 2023 8:22:19 GMT -8
And when did you contact them? Ed What does that have to do with the problem? You were asked what Athearn said when you made contact. I thought it useful to learn how long it took for them to get back to you. It appears it happened quite quickly, since you only received them yesterday morning. Of course, that likely answers my question: you contacted them yesterday, and have not yet received a response. Of course, that was a Friday. And it sounds like you took the loco to a friend's house to further check it out, thus getting me to think you didn't try contacting them until yesterday afternoon. Anyway, I guess the clock started ticking Friday (yesterday) afternoon. And now there's the weekend. And New Year's Day. I don't think those should be included, as it's likely no one's at work at Athearn. Please let us know what their response is. And when. Ed
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Post by cera2254 on Dec 30, 2023 8:58:13 GMT -8
How can you be missing several from future runs? Who knows what will be in future runs? Did your dealer short your order? When were the glory days? Future ANNOUNCED runs that are also far past their original delivery date. Glory days were when Shane and then Chris ran things as managers. They had more backbone to speak up for modelers. Yes you’re right, I’m sure Athearn is intentionally delaying products so that they can irritate you and so they have to wait longer to get paid.
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Post by NS4122 on Dec 30, 2023 9:24:21 GMT -8
Years ago they did a complete recall of a run of NS SD60Ms with botched cab stripes. You returned the model to your dealer for a refund and bought the corrected models when they were rereleased months later. What does that have to do with the problem? It is a problem and they are aware with multiple people I associate with contacting them. The response is they "should" get around to responding after the holidays. But the point remains that this shouldn't have happened and based on the past they will not satisfactorily resolve this. Even shell replacements will not appease some modelers who are not capable of rewiring, etc. As I said before their typical response is that they will formulate a plan and then never actually provide a resolution as time goes by. There are hundreds if not thousands of these already out in the marketplace so I doubt there will be a resolution that is acceptable to a majority of customers.
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Post by richardthomasatal on Dec 30, 2023 10:28:46 GMT -8
Future ANNOUNCED runs that are also far past their original delivery date. Glory days were when Shane and then Chris ran things as managers. They had more backbone to speak up for modelers. Yes you’re right, I’m sure Athearn is intentionally delaying products so that they can irritate you and so they have to wait longer to get paid. And WHERE did you read anything about INTENTIONAL? The problem with you Athearn simps is you put words in people's mouths. I doubt any train company in the history of train companies has intentionally delayed a project to irritate people. Your emotional response indicates a lack of intelligence or blind brand loyalty that is beyond reconcile. My guess is lack of intelligence since you can't understand how a future run is past it's delivery date without me clarifying that it has been announced. The fact is lack of organization and proper oversight causes delays along with some factors that are beyond control. But many factors can be managed and simply are not thus causing the delays.
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Post by wmcbride on Dec 30, 2023 10:31:33 GMT -8
Unless a post was deleted, I don't see a single post on this topic saying it's just a model or there is a prototype for everything for the Athearn P42. I agree that road number misplacement is bad. The price for the newly announced Athearn GP18 / GP7R is right in line with the newly announced Rapido FT B-unit at $319.99 (.95 for Rapido). However Scale Trains beats them both for price for their museum quality SD45X at $379.99. Prices are getting out of hand as I purchased a NIB O scale Atlas GP7 with all the bells and whistles for less. Tim, Where did you get such a good deal on an Atlas O GP7? Was it a 2R engine? Thanks, Bill McBride
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Post by edwardsutorik on Dec 30, 2023 11:10:34 GMT -8
Yes you’re right, I’m sure Athearn is intentionally delaying products so that they can irritate you and so they have to wait longer to get paid. And WHERE did you read anything about INTENTIONAL? The problem with you Athearn simps is you put words in people's mouths. I doubt any train company in the history of train companies has intentionally delayed a project to irritate people. Your emotional response indicates a lack of intelligence or blind brand loyalty that is beyond reconcile. My guess is lack of intelligence since you can't understand how a future run is past it's delivery date without me clarifying that it has been announced. The fact is lack of organization and proper oversight causes delays along with some factors that are beyond control. But many factors can be managed and simply are not thus causing the delays. I think you've run into what is called "sarcasm". Ed
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Post by snootie3257 on Dec 30, 2023 20:10:22 GMT -8
And WHERE did you read anything about INTENTIONAL? The problem with you Athearn simps is you put words in people's mouths. I doubt any train company in the history of train companies has intentionally delayed a project to irritate people. Your emotional response indicates a lack of intelligence or blind brand loyalty that is beyond reconcile. My guess is lack of intelligence since you can't understand how a future run is past it's delivery date without me clarifying that it has been announced. The fact is lack of organization and proper oversight causes delays along with some factors that are beyond control. But many factors can be managed and simply are not thus causing the delays. I think you've run into what is called "sarcasm". Ed Don’t feel bad,Sheldon has a problem with recognizing it too 😁 Steve
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