I'm gonna call Athearn again and see if i can talk to same guy as before when i started this thread. He never mentioned which engine it was but he did say us UP N scalers would be very happy. Was he just playing with me? I hope not because if he was i'm going to the land of fruit and nuts and smack him around. LOL It's cruel to play with a UP fan like this. Dave
Athearn website shows 5 new challengers "Due Late March, 2010 Announced 2/23/2009" So maybe neither FEF or Turbine! Dave
I have no information, but if I had to guess I would say their next locomotive product will follow the same process as the Challenger and the Big Boy. They'll shrink their HO CAD drawings and release the FEF and then the turbines. If the Athearn contact truly meant a "first for N scale" and it is Union Pacific then the FEF has obviously been done in brass and the veranda turbine was done by ConCor/Kato. I don't think the other turbine has been released in brass or plastic as of yet. Would Athearn deviate from their norm and release one of the double diesels from the 1960s? I can't imagine they'd do N before HO though. I'm a UP fan, so whatever they release I'll collect the thing.
Only in expensive limited run brass. I am applying the term 'never been done in N scale' to mass produced ready to run items as produced by Athearn as that is who we are talking about. If they don't consider it viable to do an FEF-3 I doubt they would do any of the 60's era double diesels like the U50C or C-855. But then maybe normal logic doesn't hold sway in the Athearn boardroom so who knows. I still haven't seen that turbine denied by Athearn.
The Standard Turbine 4500 HP has not been done in N scale ever . That was the first turbine they did in HO , after that one they did the Veranda . http://forum.atlasrr.com/forum/data/drolsen/200922217027_AthearnTurbine1.jpg
i want to see this set done in plastic and not have to spend half a weeks pay on it! and i'm not a U.P. guy
Don't tease me. I am of the opinion that Athearn does have an N scale locomotive to announce soon and that all of this denial on their part at this time is simple diversion so that they can maximize the impact of their own unveiling. What is this opinion based upon? Sheer hope and desire that it be so and that by the grace of Thor they will announce all of the turbines, FEFs, all the double diesels, and the E2s at once in one Earth-shattering hedonistic Union Pacific orgy. It makes your pulse race just thinking about it. Chant with me! "UP Fest, UP Fest, UP Fest, UP Fest, UP Fest..."
In regards to your post all I have to say is.....Please let me be in on your hedonistic orgy!! Hell ya
Absolutely. By the way, Jason, I've watched posts of your layout and UP collection on the boards with envy. Congratulations on your recent magazine article. I enjoyed reading the details and knowing more. What area of the country are you living in? I'm in northern Colorado not all that far from the region you've modeled and that I intend modeling myself, plus down to Denver and the Moffat. I dream big. )
At the WGH show in Denver on 2/20, I asked at the Athearn booth if there was a FEF or Turbine coming in N scale and the rep told me "It had not been decided yet". I told him I have multiple Challengers and Big-Boys and would buy multiples of both the FEF or turbine. He said he appreciated the feedback and would make sure he passed it on. Let's hope the powers that be listen. Dan
Thanks Bob! Tomball, Texas...I love the area you live in a wish I was up there. The next time Sara an I visit Wyoming or see her brother in Grand Junction we will swing by. -Come on Athearn I ll buy 10 FEFs alone! UP fest...Up fest!
This sounds like to me it's definitely in development but that there's no timetable for announcement. I'm sure if you break into their offices** and log on to their computers, you'll find CAD files of a FEF or a Turbine or even both, but whether such a plan has been ordered for production...who knows yet. **I do not advocate breaking and entering, but if by chance you do, can you pick me up a Challenger and a 4-unit Husky Stack in TTX Yellow? Much appreciated.
I just went through some old videos I took of UP #844. The question no longer asks, "what is next?" but rather "How is this not already available?!!" Union Pacific #844 in Nebraska Union Pacific's #844 at Pinole, California, April 20th, 2009 UNCUT Union Pacific's #844 leaving in San Leandro, California, April 22nd, 2009 pt1 Union Pacific's #844 leaving in San Leandro, California, April 22nd, 2009 pt2 Union Pacific #844 in Oakland yard on RailImages.com
