Just got the latest NSR and, is it my imagination, but these days all the new product announcements are coming from Athearn? And not just warmed over MDC stuff...
I noticed the same. So far, there hasn't been a lot that I've needed for my fleet. But some day, they'll have a batch of "gotta have it" rolling stock. Boxcab E50
I have seen a lot of Athearn announcements, but most of the stuff was previously announced or MDC-based product. WHat completely new stuff have I missed? Harold
How about the line about ConCor possibily announcing a new engine at the San Diego convention? I don't know whether to be excited or afraid...
That SD 70 CSX unit is looking nice.... Would look good with my New CSX SD 80 Mac I should be getting next week ( E-bay ) [ August 17, 2005, 10:58 PM: Message edited by: up mike ]
I am curious how the Athearn unit will run with the Kato SD80. I am also waiting for someone to do an SD70 comparison between the Kato & Athearn units. Harold Harold
Chessie, the Athearn units (at least the 3 pole) had the exact same speed range as your average Kato.
Did MDC have the big box car with the nice roof ladder detail? And the GSC flatcar with the nice floor detail? I thought those were brand new models, just to pick two. It's not like they've announced three newly-tooled products every week, true, but if you consider how little was happening a year ago - now they're running with the big dog, Atlas, and it seems like they're keeping up! I remember a year ago they were saying, just wait and see, and it just looks to me like they've been true to their word. I've not bought many of their new products, but if they keep this up, that is going to change!
Athearn seems to be on the right track. As a former HO guy, I have a lot of confidence Athearn will provide us with some excellent stuff.
In little over three years Athearn has anounced the following: F59PHI SD70M/70I/75M/75I Auto-Max articulated autorack Bombardier Bi-levels Coalporter gondolas GSC flat GSC bulkhead flat NACC 50' plug door boxes (two phases) Pullman 60' auto-parts (two phases) Pullman PS2 three bay covered hopper (two phases) Seico 50' box 65' Mill gon I may be missing some. In reality, they have introduced more body styles than either MTL or Atlas for this period. In fact, they are the fastest growing product on my roster. Well detailed, dependable runners and are relitivly cheap. I love their stuff. I hope they jump into intermodal, as well as introduce more commuter equiptment. We need 89' TOFC, and Comet II cars!
I just picked up at a LHS 3 Athearn 53' lumberloads. I must say I am impressed with them. I don't remember these being announced anywhere. Bob
I am really happy with Athearn's offerings and buy what I think is suitable for the 50's (plus some older and newer stuff, too ) The recycled MDC looks good, and the new models are great, e.g. the flatcar. Now I am wating for the mill gindola and the covered hopper. If they would offer a first generation diesel or even some steam, this would be perfect. Christoph
I got the email too. The gondolas look sharp. The express reefers are definately MDC. My biggest hope is Athearn does a well detailed, smooth running UP challenger for $250 like they have in HO. I have a few Athearn auto parts boxcars and bulkhead flats. The detail and graphics are nice and crispy. They have excellent rolling qualities and couplers. The warmed over MDC models are welcome. I never liked MDC wheelsets and rapido couplers. Especially at $10.00 for a built up car. I think Athearn is doing a good thing with MDC by adding good trucks and couplers. The graphics will be crisper too I'm sure.
I am looking forward to their release of the Thrall coal gondolas that MDC did. I need about 28 of em'
They can announce all they want - but let's see them delivered. I ordered and paid for 2 sd75i in CN late last year......and was told they "might" be in my LHS by Christmas. Rule of thumb should be -"don't announce it -until your are ready to roll it" WITHOUT DEFECTS and/or QC problems. That's my rant
Well, ya gotta give them credit for fixing the q/c issues and delaying the release. The re-release date was for August, so well probably see them next month.
