Athearn Genesis 4-6-2: I want to model one of these locos, but don't know if the Athearn Genesis is worth the investment. Notice that most of my steam is Riv or P2k so I am picky about it running well. Can anyone give me some input on this product. 7600EM1, maybe I should get the Riv? Thanks a bunch. [ 29 May 2002, 02:00: Message edited by: bnsf4354 ]
Bought one at a train show several months ago. I run DCC and like sound, so I added a SoundTraxx decoder, easiest installation I've seen yet. My layout is Atlas Code 100, lots of #6 turnouts. These turnouts have a known problem, the frog is slightly higher than the rails. With unpowered frogs, the height would lift the driver wheels of the Pacific just enough to break electrical contact (power pickup only thru the drivers.) I added additional pickups to the tender to solve that problem. Pacific didn't pull very well at first. The springs holding the leading and trailing trucks to the track were quite strong. After replacing them, Pacific pulls much better. Running, it makes a bit more motor noise than my other locos (IHC and Bachmann). I think its a very attractive locomotive, and I'm quite satisfied with it now, but it took a bit of tinkering to get there. -Jack
Forgot to mention that Model Railroader had a product review of the Genesis 4-6-2 last year. Good reading. I used some of their suggestions to improve the appearance. -More Jack
BNSF, As for owning one, I do not, but I must say, if they are built anything near or like the Genesis Mikado they aren't the loco of choice! At the club I have 22 and 24 inch radius curve track for my beasts and will say that "6206_S1a" Mike K's will not run on my track! The frame is too rigid by far... Their is no side to side play to leave the wheels slip side to side in curves. If the Pacific is made the same way, the engine bed (driver wheel frame) is to solid to allow it to "track" on curves. And if the front wheel raises off the track it will not fall dirrectly back down to the rail head the other wheels with the side rods holds that wheel in a complete straight line and will derail it... Don't get me wrong though, I'm going by the opperation of the Genesis Mikado 2-8-2... Being your asking about the Pacific 4-6-2 I'm not so sure but if their made the same the Pacific may have the same trouble. BUT its very possible to be a better loco from the Mikado's tracking problem being its a shorter wheel based loco with only 6 in-line drivers instead of 8.... As for them saying the drivers are sprung. BE CAREFULL! The Mikado's were sprung YES... So may be the Pacific... BUT the springs are so stiff and strong they do no springing to the axles! They simply hold the wheel down and do not let it adjust up and down like it should.... Even tho, these company's loco's are cheaper and not as detailed they run alot better then the Genesis line to me for the Mikado and the Pacific if my asumption is correct... I'd stick with Riv (forsure) and P2K... BUT the other good ones is Mantua (even tho they are out of bussiness) Their mikado's and Pacifics were and still are great runners! I got a race horse with a Mantua Collectable Pacific "President Washington". And even IHC... The newest "Premier" line by them....
I have two of the Genisis Mikes and will get a Pcific without hesitation when / if they release a road I want. They do not pull alot. Not real heavy but run really smooth and quiet and will take a 17" flextrack curve ( easements ). A 22' curve with no problem at all. Now if I run it into an 18" curve with sectional track ( no easement ) the front pilot and front drivers hop off every time. With easement it WILL turn very sharpe. It looks funny but this is an under the layout hidden turn a round on my layout so no biggy. Get one and add wipers to the tender for electrical P U if needed and I bet you will have a good one. Scott
