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Post by Deleted on Nov 8, 2013 14:15:06 GMT -8
Well this is one guess that came true!
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Post by atsfan on Nov 8, 2013 14:16:17 GMT -8
Smart use of existing tooling.
Modern sells. These will do well unless they jack up the pricing.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 8, 2013 14:17:45 GMT -8
Southern purchased six GP39X locomotives produced by EMD. In keeping with Southern’s unique style, they included a high short hood, controls set-up for long hood forward operation, walkway safety lights, bell mounted on the long hood end, and more. While the experimental GP39X resembled a Phase I GP50, the revised clean air compartment, engine and radiator compartment door arrangement, and pair of 48” Q-Fans differentiated them from their high-horsepower cousin. In 1982, the GP39X locomotives were given mechanical upgrades prompting their re-designation to GP49. For the first time ever in HO scale, this one-of-a-kind EMD locomotive will be available as a highly-detailed, ready-to-run model as only the Athearn Genesis team can deliver. We’re offering all six road numbers for both Southern and Norfolk Southern. This will be the only production run for at least three years, so be sure to preorder at your favorite retailer and experience southern style. Retail Without DCC and sound: $169.98 With DCC and SoundTraxx Tsunami Sound: $269.98 Preorders due: Friday 12/27 ETA: July 2013 Link: ns.horizonhobby.com/nscontent/Brand/ATH/2013.11/images/TrainfestBrochure.pdf |
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Post by dti406 on Nov 8, 2013 14:18:29 GMT -8
Could have done the real Alaska Railroad GP49 and I would have bought, but my wallet is safe.
And these are not modern, most have been sold off to secondary customers.
Rick J
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Post by Deleted on Nov 8, 2013 14:18:59 GMT -8
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Post by jaygee on Nov 8, 2013 15:03:12 GMT -8
Guess I'll take one...to go with my SD7 #201, and SD24H.
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Post by drolsen on Nov 8, 2013 15:18:34 GMT -8
Rick - Most people consider the '70s and later to be the Modern era for diesels. Sounds like you mean that these aren't "contemporary."
Kind of a niche model, but a smart use of the existing components from the Dash 2 GP series.
Dave
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Post by ambluco on Nov 8, 2013 15:29:37 GMT -8
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Post by MONSTERRAILROAD on Nov 8, 2013 16:40:52 GMT -8
Told you.  Another spin of the GP38-2. |
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Post by curtmc on Nov 8, 2013 21:07:34 GMT -8
Well here's my opinion on the GP39X... I'm not sure if we'll end up (A) getting the "not enough preorders to make them" cancellation, or (B) (if made in sufficient quantities for Athearn to recoup the tooling costs) we end up with them in the bargain bins because supply will far exceed demand (like the Genesis Southern GP38-2s are, the RTR Southern GP40Xs were, and the Atlas second run Southern GP38s and B23-7s were)...
If they're made I'm certainly not going to preorder... I'll wait until they are under $100 like the Genesis MP GP38-2s are.
I predict another unit that so many say they want (thinking that they'll be unique by having them) right up until the day that they are widely available (or for some when they get the credit card bill a few weeks after purchase) and many reconsider (or regret) because there will no longer be any novelty or uniqueness in having a SRR/NS GP39X.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 8, 2013 21:38:43 GMT -8
Well here's my opinion on the GP39X... I'm not sure if we'll end up (A) getting the "not enough preorders to make them" cancellation, or (B) (if made in sufficient quantities for Athearn to recoup the tooling costs) we end up with them in the bargain bins because supply will far exceed demand (like the Genesis Southern GP38-2s are, the RTR Southern GP40Xs were, and the Atlas second run Southern GP38s and B23-7s were)... If they're made I'm certainly not going to preorder... I'll wait until they are under $100 like the Genesis MP GP38-2s are. I predict another unit that so many want (thinking that they'll be unique by having them) right up until the day that they are widely available and many reconsider because there will no longer be any novelty or uniqueness in having a SRR/NS GP39X. Well Athearn has quietly snuffed out the SCL F-unit project due to lack of pre-orders. It will be interesting to see how these SRR and NS models do. |
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Post by curtmc on Nov 8, 2013 21:42:10 GMT -8
By the way, as for the later owners of the GP39X after NS, there was only one and they chop nosed them all. All 6 went to Florida Tri-Rail, got chop nosed, and converted into Tri-Rail GP49s (#812-817), so there are not any GP39X units still running around either in freight service or with high short hoods.
The NS GP39X units were among the first in NS paint (likely received when converted to GP49s) and thus did not spend much time in Southern paint...
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Post by drolsen on Nov 8, 2013 21:43:40 GMT -8
Curt - Unfortunately, I think that's a pretty good prediction. Here's how my thought process has been going lately when one of these new models is released (or even a new run of an existing model):
1. That looks like a great model - excellent detail, great paint job - and I'd love to have one.
2. CSX didn't have any of them in my 1998 modeling era, and with today's prices getting so high, I'm determined to only buy models that fit into my plans for modeling that era.
3. I'd still like to have at least one example of a model like this (in this case, a quality model of an interesting NS prototype that could be used as run-through power).
4. I'll wait to see if any of these show up at a good discount a few months after they are released, and them maybe I'll buy one.
I've found myself still spending a lot of money just to buy the models I want to support my CSX modeling goals. In the last couple years, that's including two Genesis undec GP15Ts and three undec GP38-2s. I've also been buying older Athearn SD50s and Atlas CW40-8s when I can find them, since I want to eventually have about 8-10 of each of them in my CSX fleet. I used to buy a lot of models every year, and I still feel like I spend a decent amount of money on the hobby, but with a family now and today's much higher prices, I feel like I can't just buy every neat model that comes along. I hope the Southern and NS modelers out there can support this one, because it looks excellent, but it's hard for me to imagine this one selling in huge numbers.
Dave
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Post by curtmc on Nov 8, 2013 21:55:09 GMT -8
By the way, I've just noticed that Athearn either doesn't have the proper stanchion spacing or an incorrect blower duct housing length on their GP39X, as the last long stanchion on the prototype is well in front of the walkway/housing step location (and not right at the step as on the Athearn #4600 model): prototype: www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=1443266 |
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Post by DaYooper on Nov 8, 2013 22:58:50 GMT -8
The NS GP39X units were among the first in NS paint (likely received when converted to GP49s) and thus did not spend much time in Southern paint... The GP39X's were converted in 1982 but most (all?) lasted in SOU paint until at least 1985ish: Southern GP49'sAnd, if you can believe the photo date, 4604 lasted until at least 1988:  Ryan |
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Post by DaYooper on Nov 8, 2013 23:32:27 GMT -8
By the way, I've just noticed that Athearn either doesn't have the proper stanchion spacing or an incorrect blower duct housing length on their GP39X, as the last long stanchion on the prototype is well in front of the walkway/housing step location (and not right at the step as on the Athearn #4600 model): prototype: www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=1443266I'm not sure I understand what you're saying? There is a close up photo on Athearn's Facebook page and it looks fine to me. Here are a couple of prototype photos that show the area a litte better:   Ryan |
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Post by atsfan on Nov 9, 2013 5:57:53 GMT -8
If they tooled it they are going to make them.
The F unit is a paint job.
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Post by curtmc on Nov 9, 2013 7:42:47 GMT -8
Ryan, If you look closely at the Athearn 4600 model the step on the walkway is very close to the back of the last tall stanchion. If you look at the prototype the step is farther away from the bottom of the last tall stanchion. Upon further review the step location looks close but that stanchion location looks off a few inches. (Looks like Athearn needs to adjust the painted striping a bit too as number of stripes doesn't match, and size/location of SRR cab side numbers as distance below window looks off) In looking at the Athearn FB photos, once again it looks like the top of the long short hood on the model is lower than the top of the cab. In the photo of 4602 as trailing unit above you can see that on the prototype that there is not a step up between top of short hood and top of cab. Repeat of the issue Genesis HH GP38-2 had? Then there is the exhaust silencer section change. Your 1983 photo of 4601 above shows the exhaust outlet centered in a smaller elevated section (behind the dynamic section fan), whereas it is toward the short hood end in a larger elevated section on the Athearn Southern 4600 model - see FB photo www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152007574330041 for closeup. Hopefully Athearn has the proper part for that planned for use in any post-1982 models. (Have photos of the top of the NS painted model been posted anywhere?) As for the paint jobs, earliest NS painted units were about 1985 so with those being painted by 1987, they were early repaints. They didn't last into the 1990s in Southern paint as some Southern units did. Also, I seriously doubt if the 4604 lasted until July 1988 in Southern paint because there is a May 1988 photo of it already in NS paint 0n that same photo site... (RRPictureArchives) www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=2561602So the operational eras you end up with... Southern GP39X as delivered 11/1980 to 1982ish Revised GP39X/GP49 in Southern paint 1982ish-1987ish NS GP49 without ditch lights 1987ish-1994ish NS GP49 with ditch lights 1994ish-2001 Unfortunately it doesn't appear that any of those versions lasted even a decade (at least until Tri-Rail chopped/rebuilt them)... PS. Overall a fair/good effort by Athearn and with some adjustments could be nice model, but you have to really wonder if the sales numbers would reach those of a GP59, SD60F, SDL39, C40-9 or even a regular GP39 in Chessie and CSX paint. |
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Post by curtmc on Nov 9, 2013 8:23:44 GMT -8
Ryan,
That Warren Calloway photo of Southern 4601 is also great at showing that there is NOT a seam across the front walkway/anticlimber area as the Athearn models (production HH GP50 and the preproduction GP39X) unfortunately have at the anticlimbers due to the way Athearn elected to do their model design.
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Post by dstark on Nov 9, 2013 11:05:11 GMT -8
Hopefully Athearn has the proper part for that planned for use in any post-1982 models. (Have photos of the top of the NS painted model been posted anywhere?) Yes, a partial photo of the top of the Athearn NS GP49 is in the new PDF brochure they published yesterday. I think we can give Athearn some credit in knowing that calling a GP39X a GP49 doesn't make it so, and that there is a physical difference between the two. Doug Stark  |
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Post by Donnell Wells on Nov 9, 2013 20:11:04 GMT -8
Hi Curt,
Even if Athearn doesn't sell as many GP39Xs as they'd like, they'll still be sitting in a pretty good position because of the modular nature of their GP tooling. They are getting much more than the most bang for their buck! 
Donnell
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Post by Deleted on Nov 10, 2013 13:26:48 GMT -8
They are running the six numbers...one and done on these...for at least 3 years...It's only a matter of time for the GP38/39/40 series in Genesis...as the wheelbase is the same...as the dash twos...plus with the GP40-2...more variations...and less overhead on tooling...Smart Move...Who would've thought we'd EVER see a GP39X or GP49 in high quality plastic...RTR? Not me. Those were just pictures in my Diesel Spotters guide...now they've come to LIFE in HO!!!
Thanks, Athearn!!!!
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Post by Deleted on Nov 10, 2013 13:28:12 GMT -8
Curt:
You can take your hard hat off...the sky ain't falling, dude!!!
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Post by dti406 on Nov 10, 2013 14:38:49 GMT -8
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Post by atsfan on Nov 10, 2013 16:49:36 GMT -8
What about the Aero Cab GP59's? The ones with the "streamlined" cabs?
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Post by curtmc on Nov 10, 2013 19:17:01 GMT -8
Who would have thought some major company would do a GP39X before a SD60F or flared SD70M? I bet you that UP and Canadian fans wanting those much more numerous units certainly were not thrilled with the GP39X announcement.
Every delay and every other release that occurs before those units just likely increases the prices of those units when they are eventually done.
The sky is not falling but the prices sure are rising... I'd like to get some flared SD70Ms and CN SD60Fs BEFORE such units go over the 200/300 price point.
PS. About 3-5 years ago I would have been thrilled with a GP39X model and might have bought a few, but times have changed and I've since realized that such oddball high short hood units are really nothing special once they are mass produced. So you have a high hood B23, GP50, GP38-2? So what, everybody does and they are in the bargain bin for the next person who wants one... And I've also realized just how poorly done the high short nose Genesis GP38-2 and GP50 actually are - from nose height issues, unprototypical walkway seams, bent anticlimbers, loose fitting lights, questionable font sizing, poor packaging (and resulting damages)...
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Post by Deleted on Nov 10, 2013 19:47:14 GMT -8
Just buy undecs, Curt. That's what I do. Then you can fix what you don't like.
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Post by carrman on Nov 10, 2013 22:09:30 GMT -8
Always a ray of sunshine aren't you Curt? Did you ever stop and think maybe the manufacturers know more about their business than you do?
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Post by curtmc on Nov 11, 2013 5:43:37 GMT -8
Several years ago I thought that they finally might be getting a clue as to providing higher quality products to the consumer at reasonable pricing... But these days it seems to be simply chasing whatever fad they think will sell (and/or that they can produce cheaply) that can be thrown together (forget about QA or QC) mostly from parts already done, and sell by using extensive social media over-hyping...
From Atlas freight cars that cannot be reopened to secure loose weights, to IM dimensional issues, to Genesis botchings... there are plenty of signs that they don't know their business well enough... except perhaps the realization that there are at least some who will buy even the crappiest stuff (and praise them) despite all the issues.
It wasn't that long ago that we were getting nice SD60s and SD40T-2s for $60 street price... Now we're looking at $150 for geeps???
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Post by iccn1000 on Nov 11, 2013 5:56:57 GMT -8
Did you ever stop and think maybe the manufacturers know more about their business than you do? Im going to back Curt up on this one.. But there is no comparison between flared 70s to a GP39X.. Yes, i will SELL Southern and NS units because I'm in Cincy, but im only going to sell maybe one or two to each individual. I COULD NOT IMAGINE how many UP and NS flares i could sell. Maybe there is calling for these units, but it is NOT as large of a calling for the flares. I hope Athearn listens to the 9 posts a day on fb bashing them not doing flares. My 2 cents, -Rob |
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Another spin of the GP38-2.
