|
Post by csx3305 on Mar 30, 2019 5:38:51 GMT -8
Can't really say this one is a let-down, chiefly because I figured myself outside of the target audience in the first place, given the clues. Still fun to participate in the guessing games, though.
On the other hand, I sure would've liked to see a three-window SD60M. Or a GP60 demonstrator.
|
|
|
Post by csx3305 on Mar 30, 2019 5:47:58 GMT -8
Sadly, any hint of impartiality has just gone out the window on their future reviews, especially of Athearn. After all these years, whether magazine, video, or other, you would think that reviewers would have learned by now. I'm not sure Ken Patterson ever had impartiality to begin with, at least not since his "What's Neat" video series started production. Many of the Youtube videos show him composing ad images for Athearn.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 30, 2019 8:35:31 GMT -8
On the old Atlas forum, there were want lists AND the manufacturers read them and acted upon them. They are also more likely to read them and pay attention when we, all of us, whine less. As I recall the want list pole winners actually got made.
|
|
|
Post by NS4122 on Mar 30, 2019 9:46:28 GMT -8
|
|
|
Post by railmodeltroy14 on Mar 30, 2019 11:19:27 GMT -8
I certainly hope Athearn's latest Genesis locomotive sells out in no time.
I will most likely purchase a few to replace the Kato SD 80/90 mac's I already own as they are announced.
When looking at the exploded views in the instruction manuals for the SD70 series, I am very impressed at the number of add-on detail parts for each specific model. Athearn goes to great length and I appreciate the effort and do fully expect to pay for that.
I long ago gave up detailing or assembling model railroad locomotives and rolling stock since my time is more valuable running my business and taking care of the family.
This new locomotive will sell at $300.00 retail and I think it's worth every penny...especially after viewing James Wright's video and it will not be necessary to detail, repaint, replace bulbs, decoders or speakers.
RMT
|
|
|
Post by jlwii2000 on Mar 30, 2019 11:52:35 GMT -8
Just wanted to reply to a couple of comments: 1. Why Wright and Patterson? I'm guessing it's because of our social media reach. I'm at 43,000+ subscribers and average 25,000 views per video. Ken Patterson has been around a long time in the hobby and has nearly 8,000 susbcribers on his weekly What's Neat show and averages 7500 views on every video. His association with MRH affords a monthly video and several pages in each digital edition covering that monthly show. So he's well versed in the hobby and he does do photography for manufacturers. 2. Regarding the comments saying now that I've appeared on screen with Athearn all objectivity is out the window....my response is this: Where have you been? I've appeared on screen for product announcements with manufacturers since 2012. It does not keep me from saying whatever I want on videos labeled Product Reviews. The unboxing video was not labeled or claimed to be a product review, and it would make no sense to tear apart a pre production locomotive that doesn't have finalized colors, details, lighting, etc. Anytime a manufacturer has crossed the line of flat out telling me what to do in a review, asked for a video to be taken down or suggested a cover up of performance...well they have been swiftly dealt with by being placed in a corner and dropped like a bad habit in terms of associating with. This type of scenario has occurred as recently as this year. I mention whatever I want in my videos labeled "product reviews" and more often than not I am still buying items including Athearn items from TrainWorld. Ask them about the frequency of my pre orders, I'm sure they'll give you a rough estimate of the five figures that gets spent yearly even if some models are provided. In the case of this 90MAC H2 it was borrowed and brought back to Athearn yesterday. No cool toys for me as often as you guys think at least Everyone glazes over the fact that even if this was of massive benefit to me, I'm spending a huge amount of our most precious resource on these announcements and collaborations, that resource is my personal time. This trip alone has taken away 48 hours from my wife and children. I do it because I have a passion and love for it. I didn't even realize I had been on my feet and running around Horizon's facility for 8 hours yesterday when it was all done. It was because I thoroughly enjoyed covering the announcement. Anyhow, if you have any other questions I am happy to assist. Thank you to everyone else that had supportive comments, I tend to focus on the negative but appreciate the majority of you that find value in what's showing up. -James
|
|
|
Post by NS4122 on Mar 30, 2019 12:31:22 GMT -8
As to manufacturers not listening, I think the manufacturers do listen, but the voices that are heard loudest are those of who want modern models. In case anyone hasn’t noticed, Tier 4s, SD70Aces and GEVOs, Dash9s etc., are flying off the shelves. The 70’s era modelers do not represent as significant a segment of the hobby as you would tend to believe looking at this forum, which is heavily in the 70s. The manufacturers go where the money is, not into nostalgic models that fewer (comparatively) will buy. Like it or not, 70’s modelers are a vocal minority.
|
|
|
Post by railmodeltroy14 on Mar 30, 2019 12:32:44 GMT -8
Just wanted to reply to a couple of comments: 1. Why Wright and Patterson? I'm guessing it's because of our social media reach. I'm at 43,000+ subscribers and average 25,000 views per video. Ken Patterson has been around a long time in the hobby and has nearly 8,000 susbcribers on his weekly What's Neat show and averages 7500 views on every video. His association with MRH affords a monthly video and several pages in each digital edition covering that monthly show. So he's well versed in the hobby and he does do photography for manufacturers. 2. Regarding the comments saying now that I've appeared on screen with Athearn all objectivity is out the window....my response is this: Where have you been? I've appeared on screen for product announcements with manufacturers since 2012. It does not keep me from saying whatever I want on videos labeled Product Reviews. The unboxing video was not labeled or claimed to be a product review, and it would make no sense to tear apart a pre production locomotive that doesn't have finalized colors, details, lighting, etc. Anytime a manufacturer has crossed the line of flat out telling me what to do in a review, asked for a video to be taken down or suggested a cover up of performance...well they have been swiftly dealt with by being placed in a corner and dropped like a bad habit in terms of associating with. This type of scenario has occurred as recently as this year. I mention whatever I want in my videos labeled "product reviews" and more often than not I am still buying items including Athearn items from TrainWorld. Ask them about the frequency of my pre orders, I'm sure they'll give you a rough estimate of the five figures that gets spent yearly even if some models are provided. In the case of this 90MAC H2 it was borrowed and brought back to Athearn yesterday. No cool toys for me as often as you guys think at least Everyone glazes over the fact that even if this was of massive benefit to me, I'm spending a huge amount of our most precious resource on these announcements and collaborations, that resource is my personal time. This trip alone has taken away 48 hours from my wife and children. I do it because I have a passion and love for it. I didn't even realize I had been on my feet and running around Horizon's facility for 8 hours yesterday when it was all done. It was because I thoroughly enjoyed covering the announcement. Anyhow, if you have any other questions I am happy to assist. Thank you to everyone else that had supportive comments, I tend to focus on the negative but appreciate the majority of you that find value in what's showing up. -James James: Keep up the great work and don't let the criticism get to you. I, for one one, find your videos constructive, upbeat and extremely helpful. Those making negative comments can buy a nice video camera, set up a U-Tube Channel and create their own model railroad shows. What is stopping them? From what some type on their keyboards, seems like many on this forum have keen eyes for details and could share their wealth of knowledge in a much more constructive and mature manner. I grew up with the attitude of "don't criticize if you can't do better." RMT
|
|
|
Post by jlwii2000 on Mar 30, 2019 12:36:45 GMT -8
Just wanted to reply to a couple of comments: 1. Why Wright and Patterson? I'm guessing it's because of our social media reach. I'm at 43,000+ subscribers and average 25,000 views per video. Ken Patterson has been around a long time in the hobby and has nearly 8,000 susbcribers on his weekly What's Neat show and averages 7500 views on every video. His association with MRH affords a monthly video and several pages in each digital edition covering that monthly show. So he's well versed in the hobby and he does do photography for manufacturers. 2. Regarding the comments saying now that I've appeared on screen with Athearn all objectivity is out the window....my response is this: Where have you been? I've appeared on screen for product announcements with manufacturers since 2012. It does not keep me from saying whatever I want on videos labeled Product Reviews. The unboxing video was not labeled or claimed to be a product review, and it would make no sense to tear apart a pre production locomotive that doesn't have finalized colors, details, lighting, etc. Anytime a manufacturer has crossed the line of flat out telling me what to do in a review, asked for a video to be taken down or suggested a cover up of performance...well they have been swiftly dealt with by being placed in a corner and dropped like a bad habit in terms of associating with. This type of scenario has occurred as recently as this year. I mention whatever I want in my videos labeled "product reviews" and more often than not I am still buying items including Athearn items from TrainWorld. Ask them about the frequency of my pre orders, I'm sure they'll give you a rough estimate of the five figures that gets spent yearly even if some models are provided. In the case of this 90MAC H2 it was borrowed and brought back to Athearn yesterday. No cool toys for me as often as you guys think at least Everyone glazes over the fact that even if this was of massive benefit to me, I'm spending a huge amount of our most precious resource on these announcements and collaborations, that resource is my personal time. This trip alone has taken away 48 hours from my wife and children. I do it because I have a passion and love for it. I didn't even realize I had been on my feet and running around Horizon's facility for 8 hours yesterday when it was all done. It was because I thoroughly enjoyed covering the announcement. Anyhow, if you have any other questions I am happy to assist. Thank you to everyone else that had supportive comments, I tend to focus on the negative but appreciate the majority of you that find value in what's showing up. -James James: Keep up the great work and don't let the criticism get to you. I, for one one, find your videos constructive, upbeat and extremely helpful. Those making negative comments can buy a nice video camera, set up a U-Tube Channel and create their own model railroad shows. What is stopping them? From what some type on their keyboards, seems like many on this forum have keen eyes for details and could share their wealth of knowledge in a much more constructive and mature manner. I grew up with the attitude of "don't criticize if you can't do better." RMT Thanks! Another thing I've done for those concerned about objectivity is provide pull tests, up close HD shots, NMRA compliance tests, slow speed running and other factors that take control away so people can see what's going on outside of what the reviewer says.
|
|
|
Post by railmodeltroy14 on Mar 30, 2019 12:51:58 GMT -8
James:
Your love of model railroading is quite apparent and more in this hobby should adopt a similar approach instead of constantly criticizing manufacturers and others who disagree with their viewpoints.
RMT
|
|
|
Post by hovehicle on Mar 30, 2019 13:38:41 GMT -8
Does anybody know if the SD90 made it into the Building America era? I don't see any when I railfan the UP so hopefully I just miss them. If there is at least 1 Building America with yellow sill stripe SD90 left I hope Athearn makes it. I didn't see this coming but I really like it and the details look amazing, especially the handrails. Handrails on this and the Scaletrains dash 9's look pretty straight and it seems like it is a priority going forward.
Vito L.
|
|
|
Post by edwardsutorik on Mar 30, 2019 14:04:53 GMT -8
There were a number of these locos that made it into Building America with the yellow sill stripe.
Ed
|
|
|
Post by brakie on Mar 30, 2019 15:33:07 GMT -8
Dave,Athearn does have QA/QC issues that has been discussed on this and other forums as well as Athearn's Facebook pages as you will recall.
I'm happy this announcement fills the needs of the modern modeler.. None the less I won't be buying any Genesis engines any time soon because of their on going QA/QC issues.
I do have several Athearn RTR CR engines (mostly GP38-2s) that are smooth runners and several cars that fills my 94/95 needs should I ever tire of my current 54/55 era..
|
|
|
Post by csxt8400 on Mar 30, 2019 15:33:07 GMT -8
Well maybe you're a psychic, but most of us aren't. How are we supposed to know what a post says unless we read it??? Are you being serious right now?
|
|
|
Post by sd40dash2 on Mar 30, 2019 15:52:27 GMT -8
The thing is that if you're just a handful of people down at the model train club hanging out talking about a new model, then fine, say you're not interested. But this forum, while not huge, is definitely big enough that if everybody chimes in about how something doesn't fit their modeling focus then the thread gets bogged down. And, to be clear, if you have something substantive to say about the model then go ahead, but "this doesn't fit with what I model" is not substantive. I quite agree. All this quarreling in response to the release of a beautiful model looks pretty bad on all of us. I have proposed a new rule for the forum, which I detailed in the Administrative forum. Can we please discuss this over there and let this thread be about the content of the Athearn announcement of March 29, rather than what does or does not fit your own personal modelling era? Thank you.
|
|
|
Post by carrman on Mar 30, 2019 16:00:57 GMT -8
The thing is that if you're just a handful of people down at the model train club hanging out talking about a new model, then fine, say you're not interested. But this forum, while not huge, is definitely big enough that if everybody chimes in about how something doesn't fit their modeling focus then the thread gets bogged down. And, to be clear, if you have something substantive to say about the model then go ahead, but "this doesn't fit with what I model" is not substantive. I quite agree. All this quarreling in response to the release of a beautiful model looks pretty bad on all of us. I have proposed a new rule for the forum, which I detailed in the Administrative forum. Can we please discuss this over there and let this thread be about the content of the Athearn announcement of March 29, rather than what does or does not fit your own personal modelling era? Thank you. Are you suddenly a moderator here?
|
|
|
Post by thunderhawk on Mar 30, 2019 16:33:28 GMT -8
It seems to me, that every time a manufacturer teases a new release, there are about a dozen or more excellent suggestions tossed out there as to models which should sell VERY well in numerous roadnames, but then the announcement comes and we're left shaking our heads, wondering just who the heck was clamoring for that? U25B, SD45, U30C, C30-7, Alco and EMD switchers, SDL39... Even a P30CH would probably sell better than this thing. "Gosh, I sure wish someone would make the definitive SD90MAC..." said no one... Ever. I'd put a lot of money down saying they will sell more 90MAC-H's than most any of the models you listed. I only see the SD45 as possibly being more popular out of that bunch and there are already thousands of decent ones out there. It's big and it's yellow. Add in the fact they appear to have done a very good job on it. It'll sell. The few times I had a CP 9300 on the point railfans were jumping up and down as I went by. Big power is popular.
|
|
djh4d
Full Member
Posts: 205
|
Post by djh4d on Mar 30, 2019 16:33:46 GMT -8
I'm curious if the ground lights will be something we can buy as a detail part for other locomotives.Rapido is offering them on their engines, I wonder if this will become standard on high end locos.
-Dave
|
|
|
Post by railmodeltroy14 on Mar 30, 2019 16:47:12 GMT -8
The paint and detailing on the latest Genesis Union Pacific "Support The Troops" SD70ACe I just purchased is outstanding.
Add the see-thru steps, Tsunami 2 decoder and other improvements James Wright pointed out on his video of the SD90 will make this the finest modern diesel Athearn has released to date.
I don't doubt all future Genesis products will be as outstanding.
RMT
|
|
|
Post by csxt8400 on Mar 30, 2019 17:29:38 GMT -8
It seems to me, that every time a manufacturer teases a new release, there are about a dozen or more excellent suggestions tossed out there as to models which should sell VERY well in numerous roadnames, but then the announcement comes and we're left shaking our heads, wondering just who the heck was clamoring for that? U25B, SD45, U30C, C30-7, Alco and EMD switchers, SDL39... Even a P30CH would probably sell better than this thing. "Gosh, I sure wish someone would make the definitive SD90MAC..." said no one... Ever. I'd put a lot of money down saying they will sell more 90MAC-H's than most any of the models you listed. I only see the SD45 as possibly being more popular out of that bunch and there are already thousands of decent ones out there. It's big and it's yellow. Add in the fact they appear to have done a very good job on it. It'll sell. The few times I had a CP 9300 on the point railfans were jumping up and down as I went by. Big power is popular. If the 90MAC-H sells more than a U25B or C30-7 I'll eat my hat. Legacy railroads are still in demand, so let's look at the U25B. 478 produced. Railroads such as PRR, NYC, CRIP, SP, GN, and ATSF. Which translates to Penn Central, Conrail, and BN. Now, if we are counting the whole SD80/90/Rebuild line then yeah, but strictly this initial announcement? I would be very surprised and it would truthfully bum me out.
|
|
|
Post by carrman on Mar 30, 2019 17:53:47 GMT -8
I'd put a lot of money down saying they will sell more 90MAC-H's than most any of the models you listed. I only see the SD45 as possibly being more popular out of that bunch and there are already thousands of decent ones out there. It's big and it's yellow. Add in the fact they appear to have done a very good job on it. It'll sell. The few times I had a CP 9300 on the point railfans were jumping up and down as I went by. Big power is popular. If the 90MAC-H sells more than a U25B or C30-7 I'll eat my hat. Legacy railroads are still in demand, so let's look at the U25B. 478 produced. Railroads such as PRR, NYC, CRIP, SP, GN, and ATSF. Which translates to Penn Central, Conrail, and BN. Now, if we are counting the whole SD80/90/Rebuild line then yeah, but strictly this initial announcement? I would be very surprised and it would truthfully bum me out. The MAC-H was never that common and didn't last long operationally. I'm gonna guess these will sell well, but sure wouldn't outsell a properly done SD45.
|
|
|
Post by Great-Northern-Willmar Div on Mar 30, 2019 19:29:34 GMT -8
The paint and detailing on the latest Genesis Union Pacific "Support The Troops" SD70ACe I just purchased is outstanding. Add the see-thru steps, Tsunami 2 decoder and other improvements James Wright pointed out on his video of the SD90 will make this the finest modern diesel Athearn has released to date. I don't doubt all future Genesis products will be as outstanding. RMT And there are many that are very vocal about how the Tsunami 2 still sucks pond water when compared to the ESU offering. This is over on the Facebook side. So not all which want this model will be happy. I don't know but all the advances in the hobby seem to come with a fair share of beefs too....as of late. The gasps by some on the MSRP shouldn't be a real shocker. Didn't the SDP40F have a $320 MSRP? So such a price isn't a shock. Plus, aren't the prices on Rapido's models in the same neighborhood on price.
|
|
|
Post by amtkhogger on Mar 31, 2019 0:10:17 GMT -8
Does anybody know if the SD90 made it into the Building America era? I don't see any when I railfan the UP so hopefully I just miss them. If there is at least 1 Building America with yellow sill stripe SD90 left I hope Athearn makes it. I didn't see this coming but I really like it and the details look amazing, especially the handrails. Handrails on this and the Scaletrains dash 9's look pretty straight and it seems like it is a priority going forward. Vito L. The SD90MAC-H2s were off the UP's roster by 2006, changed hands a couple of times, and were scrapped in 2009.
|
|
|
Post by brakie on Mar 31, 2019 0:41:03 GMT -8
Does anybody know if the SD90 made it into the Building America era? I don't see any when I railfan the UP so hopefully I just miss them. If there is at least 1 Building America with yellow sill stripe SD90 left I hope Athearn makes it. I didn't see this coming but I really like it and the details look amazing, especially the handrails. Handrails on this and the Scaletrains dash 9's look pretty straight and it seems like it is a priority going forward. Vito L. The SD90MAC-H2s were off the UP's roster by 2006, changed hands a couple of times, and were scrapped in 2009. Wasn't the majority of the SD90MAC-H2s scrapped or rebuilt into SD70ACUs by some roads?
|
|
|
Post by railmodeltroy14 on Mar 31, 2019 8:43:07 GMT -8
Athearn upped the ante with this new product announcement and that should excite model railroaders of all eras.
I run the most modern equipment available but also have steam excursions and am looking to add a 50's-60's diesel passenger train.
The level of detail and features added to this latest Genesis locomotive will find its way to all future Athearn models.
We should all be happy with that.
RMT
|
|
|
Post by edwardsutorik on Mar 31, 2019 8:56:57 GMT -8
There were a number of these locos that made it into Building America with the yellow sill stripe. Ed Oooops!!!! (Probably) Not so! Even if you go through the following collection of thumbnails that result from a search for UP "SD90MAC-H II"s: www.rrpicturearchives.net/modelthumbs.aspx?id=UP&mid=877There were a number of SD70ACe's mistakenly put in the above selection. The SD90MAC-H II's had a brief life on the UP from about 2000 to 2006. They were replaced in the same number series by SD79ACe's. Which look very similar, if yer not paying attention. The "Building America" stuff was only applied to a very few repaints--it's been on all NEW UP locos since about 2001. The yellow sill stripe showed in about 2005. Ed
|
|
|
Post by railmodeltroy14 on Mar 31, 2019 12:23:10 GMT -8
Back to the topic at hand...
The more I have researched Athearn's upcoming SD 90 MAC H2, the more I see potential huge sales.
Since we all know the normal wide cab SD 90 and 80 plus the SD70ACU are soon to follow, look at the options with 430 units sold:
CP CEFX EMLX Indiana Railroad UP Conrail CSX NS
Those railroads purchased and operated the locomotives in various configurations with a time span of mid 90's to the present.
Looks like wise marketing...
RMT
|
|
|
Post by bdhicks on Mar 31, 2019 13:53:59 GMT -8
I think Athearn has actually toned down the hype machine a bit lately, and I'm glad for it. I remember some where the teaser period was more like a month instead of the day and a half we got this time.
|
|
|
Post by orangec on Mar 31, 2019 16:36:31 GMT -8
I model 1969 B & A Penn Central and thus don't need a UP 90MAC. However, I do find myself looking at the announcements from all the manufacturers web pages regardless of the era or road. I admire the great level of specific details. The vast variety of models available now compared to twenty five years is awesome. My point being, any new model shows progression in the hobby.
|
|
|
Post by hovehicle on Mar 31, 2019 18:56:01 GMT -8
Well Ed, thanks for checking on the Building America scheme. I guess I'll have to settle for 2 of my favorite roads instead of 3, that being NS, CP and UP. My time period is way too modern for the red sill stripe, so I 'll have to pass on UP. I do have a Kato CP SD90 that I might sell now because I really don't want to assemble all of the grab irons. I could do it, but constructing a building in HO is way more fun for me.
Athearn, I love the announcement! Yes, they are rare out there now, but that is one distinctive, huge diesel.
Vito L.
|
|