Picked up on eBay; details parts not fitted and had been "professionally renumbered from #1021 to #1025" - except the cab numbers rubbed off when I was installing the details So, I got the Microscale set and found the easiest number to do was #1001 - so I have me the Class Leader I've also installed a Tsunami decoder and a Sugar cube speaker in the body; I've also drilled out the exhaust vent so the heat from the decoder has somewhere to go - and the cab has got a crew.
My newest piece is in my profile picture, an ex-ATSF BNSF F45. It is an Athearn Genesis model. I bought it for $199.99, a good $70 below MSRP. I am a big fan of cowl units. It's too bad there weren't more of them. This is the best model in my collection, I think. The only thing I don't like about it are the incandescent headlights that Athearn uses. They shine around through the light plastic, and aren't the exact same size as the hole. They look a little cheesy sitting in there. Other than that, I am extremely impressed with this model. My favorite thing about the model is the etched metal fan grills. The fan below is an amazing detail. Too bad they don't turn... This is a nice change from the Kato locomotives I have. They tried to show the fan, but it isn't the same as a real one. The other details are great as well. There are many etched and see-through parts, with radiator grills, the dynamic brake grill, and a third one below the dust collector bin whose purpose I still need to learn. It also appears that the exhaust is etched as well, but it is dark down there, so I can't really tell. The front end has a walkway with safety tread. The pilot has a plow with MU hoses. The glad hands are painted. There is also a cut lever, although it is hidden below the anti-climber. The nose has all grabs installed, and a cab interior painted a light green color. The cab Windows have rear view mirrors. The rooftop is very detailed. There is an air conditioning unit, antenna stands, a 3 chime horn, and piping (visible behind horn). The Windows have a simulated gasket seal. There is what appears to be a blanked beacon stand on the roof edge closest to the picture. The roof also has lift rings. The underbody has nice detail to go along with the rest of the model. Some piping is visible here, on this upside down photo for some reason. The other end of the fuel tank has an oil rendition tank. The speed recorder cable isn't the most realistic looking. The truck molding is crisp and accurate. The brake shoes are on the same plane as the wheels, unlike some trucks that have it molded into the sideframe. The step detail is painted and the doors have side grabs. There is some CA visible, specifically on the engine door grabs. The back end also has all MU piping and another coupler lift bar. The first photo shows a lot of the back end detail. There is a ladder and what appears to be a sand filler hatch on the top. The links of chain on the railing have the loop as an actual hole. Overall, I am extremely impressed with the detail of this locomotive. There are some detail painting issues, like the window gaskets. One of the dynamic fan grills was not glued in centered. It is slightly out of the groove that it is supposed to sit in. The back handrail was bent in the package. Other than there minor issues, this is a great model. The Tsunami sound is much better than the Digitrax sound in my AC4400CW. This is easily my new favorite locomotive. The detail and sound make it a great enjoyment to run. I would highly recommend this locomotive to anyone of the early BNSF era. This locomotive was the last to see service, in May 1999. It was retired in 2002 and the three F45s that survived into BNSF were scrapped in 2004.
I have some of the old blue box chassis and drives, if you're interested. Sent from my IdeaTab S6000-F using Tapatalk
The newest additions here are two Alco/MLW C630's and a GMD SD40-2 in BC Rail. View attachment 173236
I've already got one of these Athearn Genesis boxcars in Mopac and one in BN, but when a friend showed me his in Frisco I knew I had to have one. https://goo.gl/photos/qGuaj1DCiPLVVvnw8
That GP60M shell looks like one of the Rail Power shells which were offered prepainted just before Athearn acquired the RPP molds. You'll need the either the RPP or Athearn RTR GP60 frames for them and not one of the Athearn blue box GP38-2/40-2/50 frames. The length of the GP59/GP60 was changed by an additional 7 inches and the Athearn RTR GP60 and RPP GP60 frames reflect this additional length.
I have the whole set up, GP60M A unit and a GP60 B from Rail Power Products with the Athearn GP60 chassis. I've had them for a LONG time, and realized I will never get that project done.
If the Athearn GP60 chassis is from a blue box GP60, it is too short for the RPP shell. Athearn used the GP50 Phase II shell, a new dynamic brake box and GP40-2/50 chassis to make a foobie GP60 that is too short in length. RPP made their shells and chassis the correct length for the GP60, GP60M and GP60B models. Athearn used the RPP frames and shells when they offered the RTR GP60M and GP60B.
Just went to the train room to check, the GP60B has the RPP chassis, the GP60A has a modified Athearn chassis. Neither are powered....
Just goes to show you, scarlet and gray can make any loco look good! =P j/k. Can you tell I'm a dyed in wool EMD fan boy? =D No photo's cause they haven't arrived yet but my recent HO purchase is a batch of 5 Trainworx Brown drop frame TOFC trailers (ATSF, N&W, SCL/LN, ICG and MILW). Those should be a nice compliment to the Athearn RTR 40' Fruehauf trailers. Here is a link to a photo of a 1979 D&RGW freight train with several drop frames as TOFC - looks like there is an ICG and an ATSF in there: http://www.railpictures.net/photo/403925/ They appear to be popular as woo woo woo sold out of their stock in about 12 hours. When I got word from Trainworx they were out to the distributors I was checking woo woo woo through out the day. On Wednesday just before supper, nothing listed yet, then after supper they were up and probably a 1/3rd of the stock was sold already but there were still multiples of all road names so I put my order in. By late evening some names were sold out such as ICG, N&W and SCL/LN.
Nice Paul. The Acurail cars seem to be pretty good. The prices are decent as well. I picked up 3 of the ACF hoppers the last time I was in Branson.
