I just got the latest Athearn News Email. In it, Athearn states that the Coalporters and Automax cars should be hitting stores now! Has anyone seen one of the N Automax cars in person yet?
I saw the same e-mail, but haven't seen the Automaxes. The e-mail also mentioned SD-70's, saying they were on the water, but not what scale. These couldn't be N-scale so soon, could they?? Al.
The SD70Macs are HO. To the best of my knowledge, Athearn has only hinted at doing N scale Spartan cab SD70s. They have been showing images of their upcoming HO SD70Macs for awhile and I"m betting it is these engines they are refering to.
Checking the latest Athearn Ad in MR, I see that the ad is specifically for 'Athearn N Scale'. In a small balloon is the text 'Coming Soon SD70 Locomotive, Watch for Announcements'. I'm pretty quite sure that Athearn will be delivering this diesel in the near future. Of course, with Kato coming out with their own SD70, it's a shame Athearn didn't do the GP60 instead.
So, has anybody gotten any of these Automax cars yet? My LHS says they have not been notified they are shipping even though Athearn says they should be in the stores any day.
Hey Richard, long time no see! I saw a new Horizon envoice for us (www.internettrains.com) today and the two Mexican Auto-Max's were on them. We will be recieving the shipment tomorrow, so I guess I need to bring my bib to work to stop the drool.
Both the Athearn Coalporters and AutoMax cars were in stock at DesPlaines Hobbies as of yesterday evening. I am not a modern modeler so don't have "the eye" for this equipment, but the molding, paint and lettering looked first rate, especially on the auto carriers. Now if Athearn would get off the modern kick (yes, I know we transition era guys have the John Deere tractor and the Ford truck...) and do some neet stuff I'd be happy (and broker). Charlie Vlk
Okay, the Automax cars are definatliy in the stores. Here is the first one to make it to my layout!!!!! They do look good!
I ended up buying four sets from my work right off the bat and plan on getting at least 21 more sets (yeah, you can call me crazy). These cars look great, but the only thing I don't like is (once again) how far the cars sit apart due to the accumate couplers. Thus, I spent a few minutes last night converting two sets to body mounted, Z scale couplers. These look WAY bette and bring the cars closer together. Anyway, 2 down, 23 to go later.....
Craig, I know what you mean re accumate spacing. I hope Atlas addresses this soon, it doesn't seem it would take much to correct this on future releases. Did you still use the accumate trucks, or switch to something else? Has anyone seen the new Seico (Sieco?) boxcars from Athearn yet?
Are there any major problems with the Athearn Auto-Max cars, other than couling distances? How do they compare the the Atlas cars? I'll probably have to get a few of the Athearn cars, just to add some variety to the Atlas cars I already have. Aside from Con Cor, does anyone else make an enclosed autorack? Not looking for the MT cars though. Too pricey for me. And this from someone who just purchased the N Scale OMI Westinghouse transformer car!!
I got mine in on Friday. They look great. I agree with Craig about the accumate coupler thing. They seem a little light as well. They weigh in at 2.5 oz. I do not know what the NMRA standard would be for a car this length, but I think it would be heavier. I held an Atlas car in one hand and the Automax in the other today at my club, and the Atlas rack was heavier. Other than that they are great. They run very smoothly. The detail and printing on the ends is really nice and they also have a seperate hand brake detail on the side. Two thumbs up. Here is an image of the end detail I took. [ 14. June 2004, 06:42: Message edited by: geep35 ]
Isn't Redcaboose also supposed to be coming out with Auto Racks? Hey, looks like the BNSF cars are also starting to arrive per Chuck's photo.
Red Cabose did announce that they would do autoracks late last year, but all has been quiet since then. I've asked a few times and got the standard, "Still in development" type answer. Looking forward to them though. RC does a good job, IMO.
Check R-C's website - it has said the cars are coming in September - the same month as the MT autoracks. Personally, I think RC and MT do joint tooling or something. Take a look at their centerbeam cars someday and see how both look like they share the same tooling. (except for length)
Saw a couple of Automax cars on NS in Chattanoga TN and Atlanta GA last week. Both were mixed in with regular freight trains. I found that to be a little odd but it was nice to see them here.
OK, I broke down and spent some money.... I now have 17 Automax sets! It's going to be a sweet train and I'll try to post pictures if I get some.
