https://scontent-dfw5-2.xx.fbcdn.ne...9UQ87fv2G-mGHI7fQ-IO0rHOOpoSvXQZg&oe=6376521B Don't know if anyone seen this on face book.
The Athearn versions of Challengers and Big Boys are beautiful models. The early versions were not as good as the later ones with Tsunami DCC/Sound. I don't know how Kato can improve on the Athearn models but I'm sure they will find a way. More than likely they are reverse engineered with improvement that will include Loksound. I am likely out of the market for these because I have several Athearn models. I would agree with DCESharkman that better Cabforwards would be welcomed.
I'm in, even though I already have a couple of the Athearns. I might even pick up one of the BLI versions, too. Is it possible to have too many trains??
When they first announced them there was a graphic that illustrated two motors. I'm guessing that it would be much simpler/cheaper to just have a motor coupled to each set of drivers than to try to otherwise link them.
I'm just happy to see that the design/tooling is likely done and that they can now move on to focus on the NCL!
Well... I looked at the diagram of my Athearn Big Boy and was disappointed to find out that they only use ONE motor with dual flywheels and universal joints to each drive gearbox. If in fact the Kato Big Boy will have two motors for each 'engine' it will be a superior model than Athearn's.
I was surprised to find that my Athearn Big Boys with the Tsunami decoder are about 9 years old... they have not been run since then... and only as a test run. Ugh... they probably have mechanical 'arthritis' by now.