James, nice review but you missed the most Important feature of the new Athearn SD40T-2; The rear gear tower has been re-work and moved forward so most of it is hidden to replicate the look of the prototype. Also the rear radiator grills are see through.
I wish Athearn and Kadee could come to some sort of agreement to install their number 5 couplers on these units instead of the plastic McHenry couplers. Most people probably change out the couplers for Kadees right out of the box.
I bought a pair of SD40T-2's in UP colors with DCC and sound. Absolutely beautiful units. I'll have to 3D print cab interiors and add the crewmembers. Add in some light weathering and they'll be just about perfect.
Have to say i love your reviews. Even after 10 years watching i never get bord. Hopefully next year when i find a house ill finally be able to start my layout (hopefully) lol. Its thanks to you and people like NSmodeler, BArailsystem and monster railroader thats kept me driving to hey into the hobby and my love for trains alive. Sadly dont hey much free time so always have to binge watch 10 to 20 episode at a time lol. Keep it up man and heres to the new year and what it brings!
@@jlwii2000 well hopefully good luck to everyone on the give away. It's been a interesting ride seeing from where your old layout started and the extension it went through, then to the great layout you have now. I cant wait to see what happens with the next one after the big move. Keep up the great work and the awesome reviews
Looking at getting my first DCC loco through Athearn and this has me sold. Although I may get a Genisis version for ultimate detail. Still on the fence with super detail on my first loco. That being said, I really appreciate your advice and reviews.
JLWii2000, there are selectable horns on the econami sound decoder as well as function 3 can be set to grade crossing sequence. Regardless, awesome review! Keep up the good work.
I got 3 new Athearn RTR SD40-2 locomotives in CN #5931 5934 and 5935 in GTW lettering and their dynamic brakes where removed and they’re fully detailed
I just purchased a Rio Grande version as my first DCC loco. Absolutely loved it for about two hours. Then the rear truck stopped picking up a current. Talked with Athearn support and they said they have an issue with their manufacturer in that they painted the electric pickup bracket. So I removed the wheels and sanded the paint off per their instruction just to find that the power wire that connects to one of the brackets was sheared off and hanging loose. Sad to say, I’ve got to ship it to them for warranty repair. Still love this loco and the quality that Athearn puts out but they have had a rash of this issue on this run.
I got a Southern Pacific version of a SD40T-2 from the consignment shelf at my local model railroad club for 80 dollars. I think it may be an older model, but it does have DCC and sound. Plus, it runs very well with good pulling power. Missing the window wipers though.
Love your video reviews and I love when you throw in the text with prototype facts. I'd only ask that maybe you leave the text on screen a touch longer. It sometimes disappears before I'm finished reading what it says.
The original RTR locomotives from Athearnwe're basically the kit engines put all together with a little bit of detail added I still have two of my original RTR pre-horizon hobby locomotives. Compared to these newer locomotives the old RTR locomotives are basic locomotives
I looked up that SD40-2 as well because the black paint job was intriguing. Turns out there were only like 5-6 of these and were eventually rebuilt to SD40-3's. Probably why this one has no ditch lights. There's a bunch of info about them at www.wvncrails.org/sd40-3-csx-old-new-locomotive.html
Do you think you could do a comparison of the new SD40T-2 with the old ones that came out in (what?) the 1980s? They were the first units from Athearn to have the more prototypical width shells instead of the wide shells used. The change came about with the introduction of the narrower can motor and brass flywheels that replaced the older and wider motors used on Athearn units of the past. Also, please add a ScaleTrains SD40T-2 for a comparison as well (assuming you're getting one).
The long nose units were for the installation of SP's Radio Control Unit equipment that was used to remotely control helper locomotives. Someone more knowledgeable about this will probably chime in.
I don't mean to throw cuss words in your comment section but I have to ask. I'm from the Athearn Blue Box era, to be honest the sounds don't do anything for me, are these (or any products today) come without the sound?
Yes they do. The Econami decoders that Athearn installs in their RTR line are full fledged Econami Decoders. You are not missing out on any of our features with a factory installed Econami or Tsunami2!
Unpaid Intern not in sound quality. The main differences are sound selection roster and some limited features such as no Dynamic Digital Exhaust. I hope this helps.
Scaletrains is Genesis/ Brass Quality, these are RTR. When comparing them side by side, it's amazing the mold quality that Scaletrains version is as well as the details and railroad order specific details. I have 20 RTR tunnel motors
Cut this, eliminate that, save on this and that but it's still priced at 200 bucks! I still fail to understand the hype over Athearn... especially nowadays with Scaletrains degree of detail and accuracy for a few dollars more or BLI even. Not to mention the plastic couplers.... which I guess goes nicely with the plasticky look of the models. And they call it great value. Nice vid James. Thank you.
yeah MSRP isn't cheap by any means but these days $140-$160 for sound equipped and fairly good detail is pretty good. I think it's the best value you'll get in the hobby. Bachmann's sound value usually has minimal detail. ScaleTrains Operator you have to add MU hoses and other details. So it's pretty good considering this day and age's prices.
Realistic crawl start but disappointing hesitation with completely unrealistic stop on a dime- save your wallet unless you're buying a toy for your children...(pretty expensive toy)
James, nice review but you missed the most Important feature of the new Athearn SD40T-2; The rear gear tower has been re-work and moved forward so most of it is hidden to replicate the look of the prototype. Also the rear radiator grills are see through.
thanks! I have pinned your comment so people see it and notice that detail.
jlwii2000 it’s good to see people that don’t react negatively towards being corrected, people need to learn, not get angry.
I wish Athearn and Kadee could come to some sort of agreement to install their number 5 couplers on these units instead of the plastic McHenry couplers. Most people probably change out the couplers for Kadees right out of the box.
Amen Brother !!!!!
I just wait for the McHenry's to break. Which, they inevitably do.
70humdinger yes me to I wish they would
I bought a pair of SD40T-2's in UP colors with DCC and sound. Absolutely beautiful units. I'll have to 3D print cab interiors and add the crewmembers. Add in some light weathering and they'll be just about perfect.
Awesome review of the tunnel motor and sd40-2R
Have to say i love your reviews. Even after 10 years watching i never get bord. Hopefully next year when i find a house ill finally be able to start my layout (hopefully) lol. Its thanks to you and people like NSmodeler, BArailsystem and monster railroader thats kept me driving to hey into the hobby and my love for trains alive. Sadly dont hey much free time so always have to binge watch 10 to 20 episode at a time lol. Keep it up man and heres to the new year and what it brings!
thanks! glad to keep you interested after 10 years! For my long time viewers I hope to have a giveaway in the next few months!
@@jlwii2000 well hopefully good luck to everyone on the give away. It's been a interesting ride seeing from where your old layout started and the extension it went through, then to the great layout you have now. I cant wait to see what happens with the next one after the big move. Keep up the great work and the awesome reviews
Love your content. One of the best review channels! Very nice of you to mention Carter and the make a wish foundation.
Got one last week.SP version. Love it. Got mine for $180.
Where at? Looking to get my first DCC loco and I think this is the best bet.
Got the 4 in Southern. They are fantstic. They added start up and shut down sounds.
Looking at getting my first DCC loco through Athearn and this has me sold. Although I may get a Genisis version for ultimate detail. Still on the fence with super detail on my first loco. That being said, I really appreciate your advice and reviews.
JLWii2000, there are selectable horns on the econami sound decoder as well as function 3 can be set to grade crossing sequence. Regardless, awesome review! Keep up the good work.
I got 3 new Athearn RTR SD40-2 locomotives in CN #5931 5934 and 5935 in GTW lettering and their dynamic brakes where removed and they’re fully detailed
Great sound at 19:20. Thanks for the review.
I really like this line from Athearn. They added a few more sounds like start up and shut down. BTW parts folks at Athearn are great !!
I just purchased a Rio Grande version as my first DCC loco. Absolutely loved it for about two hours. Then the rear truck stopped picking up a current. Talked with Athearn support and they said they have an issue with their manufacturer in that they painted the electric pickup bracket. So I removed the wheels and sanded the paint off per their instruction just to find that the power wire that connects to one of the brackets was sheared off and hanging loose. Sad to say, I’ve got to ship it to them for warranty repair. Still love this loco and the quality that Athearn puts out but they have had a rash of this issue on this run.
Nice. As always, a great review. Thanks for sharing. 🚂
I got a Southern Pacific version of a SD40T-2 from the consignment shelf at my local model railroad club for 80 dollars. I think it may be an older model, but it does have DCC and sound. Plus, it runs very well with good pulling power. Missing the window wipers though.
Saw your review and bought both of them. $169 each. Thanks!
James! Another great. Hey- video idea - maybe do a inventory video of your rolling stock?
Nice model, I just might get a couple SD40-2s and customized them into BN boosters.
Love your content
Love your video reviews and I love when you throw in the text with prototype facts. I'd only ask that maybe you leave the text on screen a touch longer. It sometimes disappears before I'm finished reading what it says.
Nice review. Are the rear lower vents on the tunnel motor see thru?
yes they are
jlwii2000 thank you James, have a blessed day.
These are great value.
Thanks James,
Carter
I had read and seen your geatured part in the model railroader magazine in the scaletrains.com section
Got mine SD40T-2 for $120! I’m getting it today!
The original RTR locomotives from Athearnwe're basically the kit engines put all together with a little bit of detail added I still have two of my original RTR pre-horizon hobby locomotives.
Compared to these newer locomotives the old RTR locomotives are basic locomotives
The CSX 8901 was EX-Norfolk Southern and got quick patched and stayed black
I looked up that SD40-2 as well because the black paint job was intriguing. Turns out there were only like 5-6 of these and were eventually rebuilt to SD40-3's. Probably why this one has no ditch lights. There's a bunch of info about them at www.wvncrails.org/sd40-3-csx-old-new-locomotive.html
Your ballast is slipppin off a little bit. Great vid
Do you think you could do a comparison of the new SD40T-2 with the old ones that came out in (what?) the 1980s? They were the first units from Athearn to have the more prototypical width shells instead of the wide shells used. The change came about with the introduction of the narrower can motor and brass flywheels that replaced the older and wider motors used on Athearn units of the past. Also, please add a ScaleTrains SD40T-2 for a comparison as well (assuming you're getting one).
mmm, unlikely because I don't have an old one or the extra time. I may compare ScaleTrains and Athearn but they are different price levels and detail.
Lol the horns together and the bell together lol. But great video and why do they make such a long nose one?
The long nose units were for the installation of SP's Radio Control Unit equipment that was used to remotely control helper locomotives. Someone more knowledgeable about this will probably chime in.
70humdinger oh ok thx, would you know if that’s the same way for FEC ones?
Athearn's last stand with the EMD SD40T-2s. ScaleTrains.com's version will BLOW everyone out of the water with what is to come!
Seeing is Believing! ScaleTrains Raised the Bar that Nobody can top.
I don't mean to throw cuss words in your comment section but I have to ask. I'm from the Athearn Blue Box era, to be honest the sounds don't do anything for me, are these (or any products today) come without the sound?
NYSW still has SD40T-2s still in service
Hey james nice tunnel motter good job buddy
thank you
19:16 This is two horns at once, or what I like to call them, a Rs6l Lol
Sounds good though lol
Do they have start up/ shut down??
Yes they do. The Econami decoders that Athearn installs in their RTR line are full fledged Econami Decoders. You are not missing out on any of our features with a factory installed Econami or Tsunami2!
Is there any difference in sound quality between the econami and tsunami decoders/speakers?
Unpaid Intern not in sound quality. The main differences are sound selection roster and some limited features such as no Dynamic Digital Exhaust. I hope this helps.
@@goaliegeorge thank you for the information. I appreciate it!
I love your channel
nice video good job
Nice!
Personally, I'd disable the start up sequence if that is possible.
Is this better than scale trains?
Scaletrains is Genesis/ Brass Quality, these are RTR. When comparing them side by side, it's amazing the mold quality that Scaletrains version is as well as the details and railroad order specific details. I have 20 RTR tunnel motors
That one there is called the Black Hornet
My SP version has lost it's left ditch light after three weeks. Otherwise, nice loco.
Nice 👌 👌 video
CSX was a temporary patch out paint job.did not last long in that paint job
If they would just add truck air lines. That drives me crazy, not a huge detail and would really make those nice.
Just in case anyone doesn't know, emergency stop button will shutdown this loco when stopped
Same sounds as thw bachmann sd40-2
UP sure didn't keep them long at all.
I would like to see a BN or ATSF review, not a BNSF or SP-SF review.
First
Second i guess
Cut this, eliminate that, save on this and that but it's still priced at 200 bucks! I still fail to understand the hype over Athearn... especially nowadays with Scaletrains degree of detail and accuracy for a few dollars more or BLI even. Not to mention the plastic couplers.... which I guess goes nicely with the plasticky look of the models. And they call it great value. Nice vid James. Thank you.
yeah MSRP isn't cheap by any means but these days $140-$160 for sound equipped and fairly good detail is pretty good. I think it's the best value you'll get in the hobby. Bachmann's sound value usually has minimal detail. ScaleTrains Operator you have to add MU hoses and other details. So it's pretty good considering this day and age's prices.
you will not believe this,i have a dog called ,tunnel motor,sure gled
Realistic crawl start but disappointing hesitation with completely unrealistic stop on a dime- save your wallet unless you're buying a toy for your children...(pretty expensive toy)
Thats one of the worst Rs3l horns ever. Its sounds like a single chimw
Athearn's parts department is shit. They're so unorganized
I lose half my data on your babbling ... Get on with it
ok
Get a better plan then. Plus, there is something called the fast-forwarding button. Geez