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Post by Colin 't Hart on Aug 4, 2020 12:00:46 GMT -8
- Genesis 2.0 freight cars? - not sure what that will be given what is already in current Genesis freight cars Accurate draft gear with keystone detail etc such as Moloco, Tangent, ExactRail etc are able to do (instead of the very toy-like square plastic boxes). Semi-scale width using Kadee whisker couplers would be a good improvement too. Heck, make your own metal couplers -- this is one thing that would make a huge improvement across the board!
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Post by mdvle on Aug 4, 2020 13:50:48 GMT -8
August 4th - recollections - as usual possible errors Times 02:10 - 30,000 gallon tank cars 12:05 - FMC 4700 23:00 - Dash-9 - showed test shot photos, some taken outdoors 27:20 - Dash-9 -will look into with engineering improving the screens 35:50 - Q&A - Dash-9 - CN/BC Rail tear drop - coming in a future run, already tooled - Dash-9 - Australian - good chance (the SD90's did well) - Dash-9 - second run likely 1Q 2021 - ATSF Hudson - will look into, may tie in with some other possibles - F125 - would love it **BUT** only Metrolink... Single operator makes sales problematic, so unless others buy it... - Hyundai Rotem cars - have been considered with some other projects - rerun of 844 - maybe in the next 6 to 9 months - UP Turbines - keep an eye on announcements - looking at GP7/GP9 upgrades/updates - Genesis 2.0 DD40AX UP - hold on to your hats - MP15AC - needs updates before another run (SW1000/SW1500 also mentioned as possibilities), maybe fit into schedule sooner rather than later - Fed Ex / ABF trailers & containers - can't get licensing - PTC roofs for NS/UP heritage SD70ACe's as separate part - maybe, would need to be a preorder item - SD70ACe - sometime next year, working on licensing for some new paint schemes
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Post by fr8kar on Aug 4, 2020 19:11:32 GMT -8
I'm never around for these events when they're happening. Would anyone be willing to ask Athearn a question on my behalf? I'm curious if they'll ever offer the Barber-Scheffell trucks that came with some of the TankTrain cars as separate parts. I could use a few sets for my Southern rapid discharge hoppers.
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Post by jonklein611 on Aug 5, 2020 6:27:30 GMT -8
I'm never around for these events when they're happening. Would anyone be willing to ask Athearn a question on my behalf? I'm curious if they'll ever offer the Barber-Scheffell trucks that came with some of the TankTrain cars as separate parts. I could use a few sets for my Southern rapid discharge hoppers. If I'm on, I'll ping them. I can probably guess the answer, the TankTrain is showing as discontinued on their website. Maybe they have some parts lying around? Maybe shoot them an email?
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Post by cemr5396 on Aug 5, 2020 8:37:17 GMT -8
If I'm on, I'll ping them. I can probably guess the answer, the TankTrain is showing as discontinued on their website. Maybe they have some parts lying around? Maybe shoot them an email? FWIW, 'discontinued' on Athearn's website only means that they are not currently producing it and there aren't any in stock. I would almost guarantee that the TankTrain cars will be re-released in the future.
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Post by 690 on Aug 5, 2020 9:18:46 GMT -8
For us old school diesel folks, MB Klein just posted a video showing Athearn’s GP39-2 in the Gulford D&H gray paint scheme. Looks good and I’m happy to see there is now an electrical cabinet door on the engineer’s side (time stamp 1:25). That door was missing on previous runs. Now I just need to wait patiently for a new run of Reading units. HO Scale Athearn Genesis EMD GP39-2Thanks, Mark Now if they’d do the old D&H 7600s after they were transferred and repainted into the Boston & Maine 350 series. Preferably with the correct fuel tank details that were unique to those engines.
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Post by NS4122 on Aug 5, 2020 10:22:33 GMT -8
That was my question about the PTC roofs. Hopefully they can make that happen as I have several SD70ACes from the first runs that I would like to update with PTC, but would be tricky to paint match. August 4th - recollections - as usual possible errors - PTC roofs for NS/UP heritage SD70ACe's as separate part - maybe, would need to be a preorder item - SD70ACe - sometime next year, working on licensing for some new paint schemes
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Post by Deleted on Aug 5, 2020 12:56:04 GMT -8
For us old school diesel folks, MB Klein just posted a video showing Athearn’s GP39-2 in the Gulford D&H gray paint scheme. Looks good and I’m happy to see there is now an electrical cabinet door on the engineer’s side (time stamp 1:25). That door was missing on previous runs. Now I just need to wait patiently for a new run of Reading units. HO Scale Athearn Genesis EMD GP39-2Thanks, Mark Now if they’d do the old D&H 7600s after they were transferred and repainted into the Boston & Maine 350 series. Preferably with the correct fuel tank details that were unique to those engines. I'd go for those. Kansas & Oklahoma has a few of them that I would like to model from my time as a conductor there.
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Post by markfj on Aug 5, 2020 15:46:33 GMT -8
The D&H paint looked really sharp on the ex-Reading units. I would get one just for display.
I know this has been discussed before, but I think Athearn should tackle the early GP35 phases. They have a good grasp of phase variations with other early GP locomotives and have shown that they are willing to invest in tooling to create correct sills, long & short hoods, fuel tanks and other components. So even though the GP35 is a bit of phase nightmare in terms of all the variations, I think Athearn could handle it.
Thanks, Mark
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Post by 690 on Aug 5, 2020 17:44:05 GMT -8
Now if they’d do the old D&H 7600s after they were transferred and repainted into the Boston & Maine 350 series. Preferably with the correct fuel tank details that were unique to those engines. I'd go for those. Kansas & Oklahoma has a few of them that I would like to model from my time as a conductor there. There are quite a few paint schemes possible for that batch of 20 GP39-2s. Off the top of my head, at least two D&H variations, early Guilford with the Boston & Maine spelled out, and white pilot stripes, Guilford Rail System for three numbers, Union Pacific, Wisconsin Southern, generic Watco paint scheme, Mission Mountain’s two uniquely painted ones, and I’d be surprised if there weren’t a few more in addition to that. For such a small group of engines, they sure have had quite the careers.
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mpi
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Post by mpi on Aug 6, 2020 1:01:21 GMT -8
The 7600 D&H units had the switcher style step well. I don't know if Athearn would have to tool a new sill. It would be great to get those done
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Post by 690 on Aug 6, 2020 3:36:56 GMT -8
The 7600 D&H units had the switcher style step well. I don't know if Athearn would have to tool a new sill. It would be great to get those done I believe they already have the tooling from various other offerings, iirc Santa Fe, and BN both had that style sill.
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Post by spsf on Aug 7, 2020 7:14:06 GMT -8
For us old school diesel folks, MB Klein just posted a video showing Athearn’s GP39-2 in the Gulford D&H gray paint scheme. Looks good and I’m happy to see there is now an electrical cabinet door on the engineer’s side (time stamp 1:25). That door was missing on previous runs. Now I just need to wait patiently for a new run of Reading units. HO Scale Athearn Genesis EMD GP39-2Thanks, Mark Now if they’d do the old D&H 7600s after they were transferred and repainted into the Boston & Maine 350 series. Preferably with the correct fuel tank details that were unique to those engines.This is the issue. It would take new tooling to do it correctly.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 7, 2020 7:24:23 GMT -8
Janek: Please consider that GP38-2 sill with the notches stepwells and the 81" short hood...you have all the rest of the tooling. I'm not sure of which other railroads it would encompass...but anyway it would do this paint scheme; and of course MP Blue...which is my avatar. rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=4129621
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Post by PennCentral on Aug 7, 2020 7:29:13 GMT -8
Now if they’d do the old D&H 7600s after they were transferred and repainted into the Boston & Maine 350 series. Preferably with the correct fuel tank details that were unique to those engines.This is the issue. It would take new tooling to do it correctly. Yes it would but it would net you D&H as delivered, Guilford/B&M, Union Pacific, and multiple WATCO roads. I know it's not Santa Fe but is there maybe a GP38-2 or GP40-2 that also used the same sill/step combo that would allow you to spread the tooling expense over a few models? Jason C D&H and Guilford guy, Indiana
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Post by Deleted on Aug 7, 2020 7:49:16 GMT -8
This is the issue. It would take new tooling to do it correctly. Yes it would but it would net you D&H as delivered, Guilford/B&M, Union Pacific, and multiple WATCO roads. I know it's not Santa Fe but is there maybe a GP38-2 or GP40-2 that also used the same sill/step combo that would allow you to spread the tooling expense over a few models? Jason C D&H and Guilford guy, Indiana What exactly are the differences that would require tooling a new fuel tank?
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Post by thebessemerkid on Aug 7, 2020 8:47:46 GMT -8
A quick note on the dash-9 screens:
I understand the dilemma faced by a manufacturer. A competitor with a very fine product offers this model with etched screens, therefore there is pressure to incorporate that feature, especially at the price points involved. As it stands, the current etched intake filters appear to be oversized (from both manufacturers), likely due to cost, process and durability limitations.
I think so far there are ~5 options.
1) use etched screens as is.
2) try a finer etched material, with cost and durability considerations.
3) use an injection molded filter with proper corrugations dimensions
4) use an alternative molded or 3D printed see-through material with light paint overspray to get the "see-through" look while maintaining correct dimensions
5) use any of the above while consciously making grilles *very* easy to replace and encourage the aftermarket to come up with a solution. Those who wish the nth degree detailing can drop the $20 or $30 (or whatever) for detail level which is outside the limits for the regular production model. To do this, opening dimensions in the shell might be detailed, which helps the aftermarket folks get their offerings ready in time for the actual product shipment. Might have to slide it by management somehow, i.e. "unofficial" detail drawings of just that particular area or some pics with a good ruler or other positive reference (US coinage works well) in the photo.
Just a thought...
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Post by spsf on Aug 7, 2020 11:03:59 GMT -8
Yes it would but it would net you D&H as delivered, Guilford/B&M, Union Pacific, and multiple WATCO roads. I know it's not Santa Fe but is there maybe a GP38-2 or GP40-2 that also used the same sill/step combo that would allow you to spread the tooling expense over a few models? Jason C D&H and Guilford guy, Indiana What exactly are the differences that would require tooling a new fuel tank? www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=3779183What is needed: Fuel filler pipe, fuel gauge, and a modified air tank ( so they would physically fit)
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Post by rails4dmv on Aug 7, 2020 11:49:46 GMT -8
I like the idea of the aftermarket route for the grilles. As much as I want a highly detailed Dash 9, I prefer the aftermarket detail route, so at least I could possibly afford to buy 3 or 4 models when these are released. I never thought I would say I miss the good old days of cutting spruce to detail a Kato locomotive. If we keep pressing these manufacturers to up their ante with more and more factory applied details, $400 locomotives will soon be the norm. I'm soon at a breaking point. Give me a model that looks, sounds, runs & pulls out of the box and I'll add my own details. Over the last year, I've either sent brand new locomotives in for warranty repair, exchanged or contacted companies where supposedly brand new locomotives have missing parts or details, or sold off brand new locomotives that can't pull worth a lick. Most new locomotives today, you might get 2 out of my 4 requirements for the very low cost of $250 a model. And P.S.....Speaking of unaffordable, has anyone seen this $405 RTR P42 bidded up on eBay?? www.ebay.com/itm/Ho-Scale-Athearn-RTR-Amtrak-40th-Anniversary-Phase-3-III-P42DC-145/274447656959?hash=item3fe65ae7ff:g:7YYAAOSwseJfJ1yI
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Post by Deleted on Aug 7, 2020 11:58:07 GMT -8
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Post by 690 on Aug 7, 2020 23:58:52 GMT -8
As far as I’ve ever seen, those fuel tank details are unique to that batch of 20 GP39-2s, so unfortunately there’s not really anything else to use it. Fortunately, the units have had a long careers over multiple (popular) railroads, so it’s not nearly a niche as say, the GP40P-2, which you guys have done multiple variations of despite only having three engines built.
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Post by thebessemerkid on Aug 8, 2020 10:23:32 GMT -8
As far as I’ve ever seen, those fuel tank details are unique to that batch of 20 GP39-2s, so unfortunately there’s not really anything else to use it. Fortunately, the units have had a long careers over multiple (popular) railroads, so it’s not nearly a niche as say, the GP40P-2, which you guys have done multiple variations of despite only having three engines built. GP40P-2 was Espee + bicentennial. I'd bet it would easily outsell the GP39-2 (and I'm a fan of relatively obscure locos, including the SD18 which has been ignored by everyone) I do wish manufacturers would take a good long look at what has been done vs. MIA locos. If I had the inclination, I'd make up a spreadsheet of all the US loco varieties made (rows), columns for which manufacturers made models them and ratings (1-10 maybe?) on fidelity and performance. Maybe someone younger and more energetic than me could make a wiki or something on it. I'll start a separate thread on it.
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Post by mdvle on Aug 8, 2020 11:17:08 GMT -8
As far as I’ve ever seen, those fuel tank details are unique to that batch of 20 GP39-2s, so unfortunately there’s not really anything else to use it. Fortunately, the units have had a long careers over multiple (popular) railroads, so it’s not nearly a niche as say, the GP40P-2, which you guys have done multiple variations of despite only having three engines built. I do wish manufacturers would take a good long look at what has been done vs. MIA locos.
Can't say it applies to all the manufacturers, and Athearn was clear the examples given were examples out of thin air and not necessarily what they might do in the future, but in discussing on Friday the 31st (and I think again on the 4th) the reasoning behind the Dash-9 one of the key points was that it is both relatively new enough and popular enough (both in modeler interest in buying as well as variety of possible prototypes to offer) that it will sell well for the next decade or so - and in doing so help generate profits that will enable other riskier projects like those obscure MIA locos to be done.
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Post by lars on Aug 9, 2020 6:58:55 GMT -8
As far as I’ve ever seen, those fuel tank details are unique to that batch of 20 GP39-2s, so unfortunately there’s not really anything else to use it. Fortunately, the units have had a long careers over multiple (popular) railroads, so it’s not nearly a niche as say, the GP40P-2, which you guys have done multiple variations of despite only having three engines built. I’d bet that the D&H units alone would be good sellers. D&H, along with EL, seem to punch above their weight class in sales and interest. Of course having some of the classiest paint schemes in US RR history certainly doesn’t hurt. PS - that could be an interesting topic - over represented vs under represented railroads.
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Post by 690 on Aug 9, 2020 14:12:41 GMT -8
That’d be my guess. D&H usually sells well, as does UP and Guilford does well enough too. I forgot that there’s actually three D&H variations they can do, as delivered without the shields, with the shields applied, and later lightning stripe repaints with the large hood numbers.
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Post by fishbelly on Aug 9, 2020 17:28:52 GMT -8
What I would really like to see Athearn do is retool their RTR roofwalks to be thinner like the Accurail roofwalks. Also retool the RTR brake wheels to look better. Other than that, I like their RTR cars a lot. hose two things would bring them up to par with what Walthers offers in their Mainline series of RTR cars.
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Post by lars on Aug 9, 2020 17:45:42 GMT -8
I usually see it the other way around - ranking Athearn RTR above Walthers Mainline. In nearly all of the rolling stock I'm looking for, Mainline doesn't make the cut for me due to all the molded-on grabs and other details. RTR locos are more road specific than Mainline too. More often than not I seem to compare Mainline to the Roundhouse line for post-1970 rolling stock.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 9, 2020 17:49:14 GMT -8
I usually see it the other way around - ranking Athearn RTR above Walthers Mainline. In nearly all of the rolling stock I'm looking for, Mainline doesn't make the cut for me due to all the molded-on grabs and other details. RTR locos are more road specific than Mainline too. More often than not I seem to compare Mainline to the Roundhouse line for post-1970 rolling stock. Agreed.
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Post by fishbelly on Aug 9, 2020 17:59:59 GMT -8
I usually see it the other way around - ranking Athearn RTR above Walthers Mainline. In nearly all of the rolling stock I'm looking for, Mainline doesn't make the cut for me due to all the molded-on grabs and other details. RTR locos are more road specific than Mainline too. More often than not I seem to compare Mainline to the Roundhouse line for post-1970 rolling stock. Agreed. OK, I used the wrong series. The Ready To Roll series. That is what I would like Athearn to retool the roofwalks for and brakewheels for. I like the Ready To Roll series. I do not buy any of the high end cars anymore. I sold all mine off. Emptied a lot of space on my shelf.
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Post by loco8107 on Aug 11, 2020 7:32:04 GMT -8
I like the idea of the aftermarket route for the grilles. As much as I want a highly detailed Dash 9, I prefer the aftermarket detail route, so at least I could possibly afford to buy 3 or 4 models when these are released. I never thought I would say I miss the good old days of cutting spruce to detail a Kato locomotive. If we keep pressing these manufacturers to up their ante with more and more factory applied details, $400 locomotives will soon be the norm. I'm soon at a breaking point. Give me a model that looks, sounds, runs & pulls out of the box and I'll add my own details. Over the last year, I've either sent brand new locomotives in for warranty repair, exchanged or contacted companies where supposedly brand new locomotives have missing parts or details, or sold off brand new locomotives that can't pull worth a lick. Most new locomotives today, you might get 2 out of my 4 requirements for the very low cost of $250 a model. And P.S.....Speaking of unaffordable, has anyone seen this $405 RTR P42 bidded up on eBay?? www.ebay.com/itm/Ho-Scale-Athearn-RTR-Amtrak-40th-Anniversary-Phase-3-III-P42DC-145/274447656959?hash=item3fe65ae7ff:g:7YYAAOSwseJfJ1yI So well said. It’s almost unaffordable now because of that reason.
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