Nice review of a very nice and very large locomotive! I can definitely appreciate the level of detail on this locomotive, Athearn has really stepped up their game with these Genesis 2.0 locomotives!
Thank you! Athearn did step up their game with this one. In was impressed. I’m glad I waited all these years to buy one instead of getting the first release.
If you’ve had your eye on one, I definitely recommend getting one of the new 2.0s. Definitely worth it. You won’t be be disappointed. Thank you for the compliment!
Well done sir! FYI, most of us don't care if you run it...tons of videos if trains running. We care about the "to the point" review, in which you NAILED!
Would be interesting to see a side by side comparison to the first run version and this run. I’ve ran my first run units at the club for nearly ten years and they work great, they don’t derail or pick through switch points at all. And both of mine are factory sound units and no issues there. So if they’ve made some good improvements all around, they should be a great investment like the first run version.
I agree. I have actually been trying to collect first runs of models to do comparison videos. I have on video of two Genesis SD70Aces from a first release to a later release where I showed the difference in sound. I’d like to find a first release DD to make a video.
I have a earlier run of #6946 and a Gen 2.0 of #6927 same as yours!I have one of the RTR SD40 fast forties #8040 to go between em. Got 6946 secondhand and had to get it re wired s most of the light wires had been broken by someone putting the body on wrong!! I have another one on preorder of #6901 in ready to weather....still waiting... These beasts can really pull!! had #6946 pulling 33 mixed cars on my layout up a 2.7% grade.....kept adding cars till it could not get up the hill.....only problem with a long train is some of the older Athearn Blue box style coupler box metal clips like to spring off under heavy strain!! much prefer coupler boxes with screws.
I bet those 3 engines lashed up look great together. I got a second DDA40X this year at the Rocky Mountain Train Show. They look good together. Athearn has really been pushing their products back. I’m still waiting for some P40DCs that I preorder a while back. That’s impressive how much they can pull! I haven’t pushed mine yet. My layout is kinda small. Maybe you can swap the coupler box’s out with Kadees. Thank you for watching my video!
@@modelrailroadingthesouthwest yes coupler changes are on the to do list once the track is laid properly (just setup for grade tests with a basic loop with some sidings for a little fun). I need 2 do some CV changes too as all 3 together are way too loud out of the box, plus speed matching and turning the auto start off). My mainline will be approx 40m long (mostly single track with passing loops and 2 yards) winding around the edge of the rumpus room, base boards are all done just adjusting and adding some supports to some of the grade sections
@@modelrailroadingthesouthwest Yes Athearn stuff seems to take forever to turn up(and their website is rubbish). my Scaletrains orders are brilliant! They let you know if stuff is going to be delayed (or early) and they send out discounts notices for frequent customers.....which is how I ended up with a 2nd DRGW GP30.....lol
Nice review Joe and I have sub'd. Yesterday I received my 6910 with sound which fortunately is without damage or imperfections ! As there is a lot of delicate stuff on this enormous loco. Athearn did a good job with their protective packaging in that nice blue box. I don't have layout so I have to wait how it runs and sounds. A few minor things deviant like the horns of mine are located in the middle of the roof between two fans. Glad I now know the purpose of those two little silver parts that came with it in a little plastic bag. Do they belong on the right hand trucks front and rear ? The first thing you notice when you see the loco are those glittering silver trucks which is prototypical but black or dark grey is nicer color I think. If you know how and where to download an exploded view I am happy to hear from you ! Cheers, Jan
Thank you for the sub! I’m glad yours came with out issues. Athearn is good about very few imperfections. Rarely do I find issues with their products. I really like that Athearn did do road number specific details. I wish I had ordered the unit 6924 because it has the air raid siren. About those silver details, on my unit they go on the engineer side on front and rear trucks. From what I have seen on the prototype, that vary from side to side. So check both sides of the model to see where they go. Right above the EMD stamp you will see two small pilot holes. Those details attach there. Although, you may have to increase the diameter with a very small drill bit. My details don’t fit in the holes, so I will need to modify the holes for them to fit. I know what you mean about the bright silver trucks. They are quite striking. I think the gray trucks would have looked good as well. As of right now, I don’t know where to get the diagram. I’m going to send Athearn an email about it. If I get a response I’ll let you know and I’ll see about getting one to you as well. I hope you get to runs your model soon. You will not be disappointed. In all honesty it’s probably my new favorite model to run it’s sounds amazing in person. Thank you again for comment and subscribing! I appreciate it.
@@modelrailroadingthesouthwest Thank You Joe, also for the sub ! Good idea to ask Athearn for an exploded view ! I have given you a link on my UA-cam channel where you can get such a Tuscan Red TRIX GG1 ......... They are very rare however ! It could well be one of the last ones.
Nice man! These are definitely amazing models. I finally got 6936 and retrofitted Tsunami 2 in it. If athearn does a new run of the 6936 I’m going to get it because mine has the red sill and I want the more modern yellow sill.
@@tonycano3203 I can imagine the cost. I was looking at George Bush UP 4141 and they are for twice the MSRP. Those and DDs are in need with everyone wanting to build UP heritage trains.
Nice review of a very nice and very large locomotive! I can definitely appreciate the level of detail on this locomotive, Athearn has really stepped up their game with these Genesis 2.0 locomotives!
Thank you! Athearn did step up their game with this one. In was impressed. I’m glad I waited all these years to buy one instead of getting the first release.
@@modelrailroadingthesouthwest yeah, I have one of their SD70ACUs (CPRAIL 7006), that thing is amazing! And this DDA40X is no different!
I have seen those ACUs and I’m impressed with them. I’m kicking myself for not ordering a few of them. Maybe in the future releases.
@@modelrailroadingthesouthwest yeah they're awesome, almost went for the NS version, but the CPRAIL unit was to good to pass up!
@@randallellison6421 the cp rail is gorgeous. Great choice.
This is a handsome model of the dda40x locomotive, these really peak my interest as I am a major Union Pacific rr fan, excellent product review- Tom.
If you’ve had your eye on one, I definitely recommend getting one of the new 2.0s. Definitely worth it. You won’t be be disappointed. Thank you for the compliment!
Well done sir! FYI, most of us don't care if you run it...tons of videos if trains running. We care about the "to the point" review, in which you NAILED!
Thank you very much! I appreciate the compliment!
Would be interesting to see a side by side comparison to the first run version and this run. I’ve ran my first run units at the club for nearly ten years and they work great, they don’t derail or pick through switch points at all. And both of mine are factory sound units and no issues there. So if they’ve made some good improvements all around, they should be a great investment like the first run version.
I agree. I have actually been trying to collect first runs of models to do comparison videos. I have on video of two Genesis SD70Aces from a first release to a later release where I showed the difference in sound. I’d like to find a first release DD to make a video.
Awesome engine Joe!!
Thank you Jeff!
@@modelrailroadingthesouthwest You're welcome Joe!!!
I have a earlier run of #6946 and a Gen 2.0 of #6927 same as yours!I have one of the RTR SD40 fast forties #8040 to go between em. Got 6946 secondhand and had to get it re wired s most of the light wires had been broken by someone putting the body on wrong!! I have another one on preorder of #6901 in ready to weather....still waiting...
These beasts can really pull!! had #6946 pulling 33 mixed cars on my layout up a 2.7% grade.....kept adding cars till it could not get up the hill.....only problem with a long train is some of the older Athearn Blue box style coupler box metal clips like to spring off under heavy strain!! much prefer coupler boxes with screws.
I bet those 3 engines lashed up look great together. I got a second DDA40X this year at the Rocky Mountain Train Show. They look good together. Athearn has really been pushing their products back. I’m still waiting for some P40DCs that I preorder a while back.
That’s impressive how much they can pull! I haven’t pushed mine yet. My layout is kinda small. Maybe you can swap the coupler box’s out with Kadees. Thank you for watching my video!
@@modelrailroadingthesouthwest yes coupler changes are on the to do list once the track is laid properly (just setup for grade tests with a basic loop with some sidings for a little fun). I need 2 do some CV changes too as all 3 together are way too loud out of the box, plus speed matching and turning the auto start off). My mainline will be approx 40m long (mostly single track with passing loops and 2 yards) winding around the edge of the rumpus room, base boards are all done just adjusting and adding some supports to some of the grade sections
@@modelrailroadingthesouthwest Yes Athearn stuff seems to take forever to turn up(and their website is rubbish). my Scaletrains orders are brilliant! They let you know if stuff is going to be delayed (or early) and they send out discounts notices for frequent customers.....which is how I ended up with a 2nd DRGW GP30.....lol
Nice review Joe and I have sub'd. Yesterday I received my 6910 with sound which fortunately is without damage or imperfections ! As there is a lot of delicate stuff on this enormous loco.
Athearn did a good job with their protective packaging in that nice blue box. I don't have layout so I have to wait how it runs and sounds. A few minor things deviant like the horns of mine are located in the middle of the roof between two fans.
Glad I now know the purpose of those two little silver parts that came with it in a little plastic bag. Do they belong on the right hand trucks front and rear ?
The first thing you notice when you see the loco are those glittering silver trucks which is prototypical but black or dark grey is nicer color I think.
If you know how and where to download an exploded view I am happy to hear from you !
Cheers, Jan
Thank you for the sub! I’m glad yours came with out issues. Athearn is good about very few imperfections. Rarely do I find issues with their products. I really like that Athearn did do road number specific details. I wish I had ordered the unit 6924 because it has the air raid siren.
About those silver details, on my unit they go on the engineer side on front and rear trucks. From what I have seen on the prototype, that vary from side to side. So check both sides of the model to see where they go. Right above the EMD stamp you will see two small pilot holes. Those details attach there. Although, you may have to increase the diameter with a very small drill bit. My details don’t fit in the holes, so I will need to modify the holes for them to fit.
I know what you mean about the bright silver trucks. They are quite striking. I think the gray trucks would have looked good as well.
As of right now, I don’t know where to get the diagram. I’m going to send Athearn an email about it. If I get a response I’ll let you know and I’ll see about getting one to you as well.
I hope you get to runs your model soon. You will not be disappointed. In all honesty it’s probably my new favorite model to run it’s sounds amazing in person. Thank you again for comment and subscribing! I appreciate it.
@@modelrailroadingthesouthwest Thank You Joe, also for the sub ! Good idea to ask Athearn for an exploded view ! I have given you a link on my UA-cam channel where you can get such a Tuscan Red TRIX GG1 ......... They are very rare however ! It could well be one of the last ones.
thinking about getting it maybe I am building the up train and I almost have everything
Nice man! These are definitely amazing models. I finally got 6936 and retrofitted Tsunami 2 in it. If athearn does a new run of the 6936 I’m going to get it because mine has the red sill and I want the more modern yellow sill.
I have the Tsunami 2 6936 model that incorporates ditch lights, in addition to the rest of the lights. Greetings.
Nice! I wish I had ordered that road number back when they were available.
I bought this model on eBay approximately a month ago and between shipping costs and customs taxes, it cost me a lot of money.
@@tonycano3203 I can imagine the cost. I was looking at George Bush UP 4141 and they are for twice the MSRP. Those and DDs are in need with everyone wanting to build UP heritage trains.
You are also missing a lift ring near the forwardmost fan. Other than that great model. I have 6936.
Oh shoot I didn’t notice. They are gorgeous models. Thank you for watching!
It homicidal engine 😂
Haha