My new GP-9s arrived today, and while they're not perfect - they sure are beautful. After reading a lot (and I do mean a LOT) of slams and slurs against the new units, I'm happy to report that at least I, am very happy with what Athearn has done for Seaboard fans. I put two GP-9s on #67 this p.m, one from P2K and the other from Athearn. This train is the only one that switches my fictitous Copenhaver spur which is right up against my control panel and is the only place I can hand uncouple cars while seated. Therefore my point of view is say, 50 to 100 scale feet from where the units were working. And while there are variations in the paint job we're talking perhaps 1" to 3" and really not that noticeable from any distance. And all of my early (GP-7/9/18s) m.u. well together at least this first Genesis unit m.u.'d well with the P2K unit I chose. Problems, well yes a few beside the paint job. While I love the extra detail being put on the new units, two were loose in the packaging, an m.u. stand and a window shade. These are very small and I'm not certain I'll replace them. So, unless you're addicted to use/abuse of the scale rule and calipers, look at these in your LHS.
