So long to my wallet... According to 4nscale.com, Athearn announced what we all thought a little while ago, SD70M/75M's for November. Wow, add this to the GP60's. Thoughts anyone...
Now, only if an unnamed company producing C40-8/C40-8W's in HO scale based out east will announce N scale versions, I can go really into debt!
Great news... Interesting points - competition on SD70M's between Kato and Athearn now (at least the flared versions for NS). Notice - no UP models! Must be the restraining order? Wonder if they have plans for the SD70 spartan cab unit, which they did do in HO.
Funny that you mention that, I didn't even notice the lack of UP. I'd agree it must have something to do with that pending lawsuit. I happened to see Kato's flyer today at the hobby shop and noticed that Kato is producing their first SD70M's with that new style cab too. So, pretty much every 70-series style is going to be released within the year, except the standard cab, though I can see that being too far behind with Athearn.
Finally a SD75M in Plastic. I cant wait to see what it looks like. But no BNSF in the Warbonnet whats up with that? I'm sure glad to see athearn hitting the N-Scale market hard with items we have been waiting for.
According to 4nscale.com: "Athearn: SD70M Locomotive Features Include: - Fully assembled and ready-to-run - DCC ready - Diecast split frame under frame - Either conventional or flared radiators per the prototype - All wheels driven and provide electrical pickup - Factory applied knuckle couplers - Equipped with machined brass dual flywheels - Equipped with directional lighting - Blackened metal wheels - Separately applied detail parts per the prototype that include sunshades, snow plows, air horns & brake wheel " Product numbers are listed as well. I'm sure Athearn will update their own website on Monday. This must have been a big announcement at the National Train Show?
Lenny nice pic. SD75i's = yeah baby! Chuck is going to bankrupt me. Glad to see they are DCC ready, that is a huge thing IMHO. CN all the way!
Oh man, this is too much of a good thing. . . ! GP60s, now these. . . not to mention continuing releases of tunnel motors . . . I wonder what this means in regards to Kato's SD70M, and if they will do the 'regular' version like these? I had really hoped that Kato was going to do these. . . I guess we shouldn't be complaining, though, right?? N scale is coming of age . . . we are really starting to get a LOT of great stuff now!! Between all these great locomotives, and the cool intermodal stuff coming, I'm going to have start to be a little more choosy.. . Dave
I am glad I model the steam-transition era. Those new diesels look great but my time frame makes these beauties "not available". I guess I'll wait for more steam to come out on the production line later in the year. I also would like some GP-7's and GP-9's that have their frames DCC ready.
Anyone need my services for anything? Please???? Will work for locomotives! George, fire up the reserve sheet. I'll need two of those ATSF SD75Ms! (why not all three? cuz I need some overtime first!)
Jerry: I know what you mean. Have alot of steam loco's coming later this year. Just ordered two ATSF PA - AB units that Kato is reissuing in November.
I'm a little surprised that Athearn isn't doing the SD70M in EMD demo or lease versions. I would really like one or two in maroon and silver to lash up with my UP SD60Ms. I managed to photograph the prototypes on the UP at Dupo, IL before they were sent to CSX, back in '96 I think. ~Tim
