timberley
Member
Posts: 189
Primary Railroads: VIA Rail Canada, AMT (Montreal)
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Post by timberley on Aug 21, 2014 17:53:01 GMT -5
Athearn has a new production run of P42s coming in their RTR line, and the recently posted sample photos of the new models show that they've actually made some significant improvements to the models. Mainly: -The windshield is FINALLY two pieces with a solid bar in the middle. This was my biggest issue with the Athearn model, and I'm very glad to see it addressed. -There are now proper etched windshield wipers, unlike the old sort-of-stand-in partial wipers. -Much better looking sinclair antenna on the roof -Improved painting on the various grills, especially the intakes directly behind the cab on the conductor's side. -PhV units have GPS-antenna added and printing to simulate bolt-o-nose -Also, according to George's Trains (who are commissioning a run of VIA Rail units), these will actually have lighted ditch lights for the first time. So there are still things that could be improved, but this does take care of a few things that the Kato unit had done, and continues to make the Athearn model a better option (imho), especially for the price.   |
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Post by acelaphillies on Aug 22, 2014 21:05:43 GMT -5
FINALLY, the windshield fix! That improves the ENTIRE appearance. IMO, after putting on my windshield on my NJT unit it kind of was the one disappointment of using the Athearn model. These new models look excellent! I agree, better than Kato.
Also worth noting, they are offering a P40 in Phase V for the first time as well. The second picture is actually a P40.
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Post by Amtrak207 on Aug 24, 2014 4:08:59 GMT -5
Ah you beat me to it! Great catch!
They do look MUCH better! PS... Details West now makes an appropriate P40/P42 plow. Part is PL378
Tom
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Post by mgwsy on Aug 24, 2014 17:20:51 GMT -5
Only think I noticed thats missing is the grill on the rear fan. Seems all the units in the pics lack it, I hope it is included with the units though. Now if they would add some underframe parts and an interior that would be great, LOL.
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Post by backshophoss on Aug 27, 2014 2:05:50 GMT -5
Believe Details Associates has a detail kit(Walters #229-711,$12.50) for the Athearn models,might be useful for Kato's as well.  |
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Post by backshophoss on Nov 23, 2014 2:45:49 GMT -5
Athearn has changed the mold to include the"bolt on nose" change,the fan grill is normally an
"add on part" in the brown envelope with the model(Athearn part #36505)
MN P-32dm's were not modified with the "bolted nose" when they were "remaned" at GE Erie.
All of Amtrak's P-32dm have had the "bolted nose" mod done a their Albany shop.
If Model Traction Supply is still in business,their IRT shoe beam casting part
is a close match to what is used on the prototype P-32dm,the rear truck had
2 3rd rail shoes mounted on the beam.
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Post by Amtrak207 on Nov 23, 2014 9:24:55 GMT -5
I believe the production runs will have the fan grill installed. I am wondering if they did something with that glittery silver paint that plagued the previous models. That irked me but I still believe this is the most accurate P40/42 on the market. I just wish they upgraded it to the Genesis line. It wouldn't have been that hard with its body shape and design. See through body grills would have been nice for it.
Anyway, with a little detailing they can be made into very realistic units and am looking forward to them.
(Imagine what Rapido could've done with it? I asked Jason at Rapido a few years back if he had thought about it since VIA has a few, at the time he said no as other projects were on the table and at the time The Canadian passenger train project was in full swing.)
Tom
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Post by backshophoss on Nov 23, 2014 17:24:40 GMT -5
Does Athearn have a part # for the Sat Dome? Qualcomm supplied sat comm treminals to Amtrak in
the early 2000's.
The closest match is Hi-Tech Details part 331-6027 small dome(Walters'15 catalog,pg944)
that dome is a bit taller then the avg Qualcomm supplied dome.
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timberley
Member
Posts: 189
Primary Railroads: VIA Rail Canada, AMT (Montreal)
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Post by timberley on Dec 6, 2014 1:00:57 GMT -5
Just noticed that the previously announced batch of P42s (with the variety of unexpected improvements) are now listed as "In Stock" on Athearn's website. Presumably that means they should be showing up at retailers soon. This is of course prior to the newly announced run, which are due sometime later next year.
Anyone on here getting any of these? Would love to hear thoughts/reviews when they arrive.
This batch also includes the custom VIA runs, which I am VERY excited for.
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Post by backshophoss on Feb 27, 2015 0:52:18 GMT -5
If you want to go thru the extra work and $$,Athearn does offer the Genesis motor,
the part # is 63842(MSRP is around $40.00 ea),labeled for the Genesis SD70/75,has flywheels installed.
The flywheels are set for the current production hex headed drive shaft used in the current production
Genesis and RTR models,you will also need to get the new style motor mount screws to attach the motor
to the underframe.
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Post by rails4dmv on Feb 27, 2015 18:39:23 GMT -5
If you want to go thru the extra work and $$,Athearn does offer the Genesis motor, the part # is 63842(MSRP is around $40.00 ea),labeled for the Genesis SD70/75,has flywheels installed. The flywheels are set for the current production hex headed drive shaft used in the current production Genesis and RTR models,you will also need to get the new style motor mount screws to attach the motor to the underframe. It's a shame Athearn won't do a Genesis quality P42. Heck, I'd be shocked if they finally did a Genesis Amtrak F7 |
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Post by backshophoss on Mar 22, 2015 18:30:22 GMT -5
Amtrak 207,A thought about the "Glittery" ph V silver from the early RTR run,that could have been "Shop Fresh" look out of the paint booth,a light pass of a matte clear coat should kill off the "glitter" look,the paint weathered to a dull silver on the prototype after a running for a while and a few passes thru the wash plant.  |
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Post by backshophoss on Jun 13, 2015 22:57:32 GMT -5
Athearn now offers the Genisis motor as an upgrade for the SD-40/45 RTR("Blue Box"), and a PTC Antenna "kit" for Genisis SD-70 ACE models,they could be used to repower, and add details to the P-40/42 models as well. see the attachment,a screen grab from the Athearn on line catalogue for details Attachments:
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cab4
Member
Posts: 149
Primary Railroads: Conrail, NJ DOT, Amtrak, SEPTA, NJT
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Post by cab4 on Jun 17, 2015 8:34:45 GMT -5
Where is the NJ Transit version?  |
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Post by rails4dmv on Jun 17, 2015 20:11:53 GMT -5
Just got word Athearn dropped 2 Amtrak P42's from the new production run due in November 2015.
ATH88739….. NYA HO RTR AMD103/P42, AMTK/PHV #30
ATH88740….. NYA HO RTR AMD103/P40, AMTK/PHV #32
Don't know if it was from low orders intakes, but not good news.
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