Nice review. Lot of potential to really detail out those locomotives. I like how the lift ring mounting places are indicated on the roof. I recommend that if you can afford it, order a Rapido Trains Inc. Christmas mystery box this year. They really went all out to hook everyone who ordered, with lots of nice stuff.
Great review, I appreciate you sharing how details and decoders can be added to these models. I wish Athearn would just start selling their locomotives and railcars with the Kadee couplers. Thank you for sharing.
The only thing I don't like about Athearn recent releases of EMD GP locomotives is the fact they (Athearn) has removed the brackets and nubs where the pilot mounted MU hoses would go. Previously, all one had to do was cut off the nubs, drill holes for aftermarket hoses and done. Now, it's much more difficult as one has no idea where to place these hoses.
Have found the Nce to be easy when adjusting CVs,but does take longer than using Decoder pro.Soundtraxx decoders need to be set up,which does not take long.Add momentum,and braking rates,dynamic braking,select prime mover,horn and bell.And DDE if its Tsunami.All can be done on the Nce.
Definitely an awesome setup, I had a really nice 4x8 layout like 15 years ago. Everything is different now but I'm planning on building a new layout in the near future. At least that's my plan. Thanks for the upload brother this definitely gives me some ideas and some inspiration to start building a new layout
I'm very surprised you had to rewire for those rear lights. I did this on a roundhouse model that came with dcc no sound but it did not have rear lower lights issue. Great review.
This models no doubt look amazing, however I am a little taken back because of these are basically the RTR series from Athearn, didn’t the SD40-2s that they previously did have a pretty decent amount of detail on them, if these are from the same line it seems like they went backwards in the details? Overall these sound great and look awesome with the extra details added. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks buddy, yeah from talking to Athearn, the old RTR line will have models with varying states of details.....this model is clearly on the lower side of that. The SD40-2's in the RTR line is still my favorite and I consider a great bang for your buck. The SW1500 is also an example of a highly detailed loco from the old RTR line. But keep in mind.... the price also reflects that, even in this line. I certainly share in your thoughts. Thank you again!
@@DGModelworks that makes sense, I do regret not getting any of the SD40-2s when they were available, in Chessie paint obviously. I did email them to make some other GP38s and GP40s in B&O/C&O paint. The main thing I would want them to have is the unique rock plow that Chessie used on some of their engines.
I would love to know what decoder to install in my lifelike proto 2000 sd60 and where to obtain it. If you'd be so kind? my locomotive is dcc ready has an 8 pin plug and no speaker.
given up waiting for my Athearn preorders!! Been 2 years since I ordered a DDA40X 6901 and a DRGW GP15T fictional livery thru my local Athearn dealer here in Oz, Athearn just haven't bothered to fullfill overseas preorders on the DDA40X (dealer looked on the ordering system and it was listed as still coming, even though its available on ebay!) and the GP15T still isn't released... Cancelled both my preorders and got deposit back... can't even order directly with Athearn as there webpage won't except Australian address's!! Sticking with Scaletrains from now on..
Hi Derek & it's is Randy and i like yours video is Cool & Thanks Derek & Friends & Randy & I AM ENJOY Your's Video ON UA-cam Derek & WELCOME BACK Derek & I Purchase OTTER VALLEY RAILROAD & INTERMOUNTAIN & CANADIAN NATIONAL ET44AC & (EF-644 T ) & CN VETERANS & #3015 & LOK SOUND & Thanks Derek & I am (Enjoy Yours Video Derek & Friends Randy & Super Cool Athearn GP40-2 Thanks Friends Randy
Good video. Clear, easy to understand audio. No rambling dialog; stays right on the topic yet covers all the bases. This is a great review. Thanks.
Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Nice review. Lot of potential to really detail out those locomotives. I like how the lift ring mounting places are indicated on the roof. I recommend that if you can afford it, order a Rapido Trains Inc. Christmas mystery box this year. They really went all out to hook everyone who ordered, with lots of nice stuff.
Thank you! And thanks for the heads up on the mystery box.
Great review, I appreciate you sharing how details and decoders can be added to these models. I wish Athearn would just start selling their locomotives and railcars with the Kadee couplers. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks for watching and I agree, Kadee's are nice!
Hi Derek, nice to see your layout coming along. There's a lot of work in building one! Thanks for the video.
Thank you, it's definitely a work in progress!
Hey Derek sounds great and looks great.. thanks for sharing
As much as I like your channel it usually remains me of something I forgot to buy then I have to get it
The only thing I don't like about Athearn recent releases of EMD GP locomotives is the fact they (Athearn) has removed the brackets and nubs where the pilot mounted MU hoses would go. Previously, all one had to do was cut off the nubs, drill holes for aftermarket hoses and done. Now, it's much more difficult as one has no idea where to place these hoses.
Thanks great review ,its ben a long time good to see you back
Thank you! I have been busy lately.
Have found the Nce to be easy when adjusting CVs,but does take longer than using Decoder pro.Soundtraxx decoders need to be set up,which does not take long.Add momentum,and braking rates,dynamic braking,select prime mover,horn and bell.And DDE if its Tsunami.All can be done on the Nce.
You are absolutely right. Thanks for watching!
Definitely an awesome setup, I had a really nice 4x8 layout like 15 years ago. Everything is different now but I'm planning on building a new layout in the near future. At least that's my plan. Thanks for the upload brother this definitely gives me some ideas and some inspiration to start building a new layout
I'm very surprised you had to rewire for those rear lights. I did this on a roundhouse model that came with dcc no sound but it did not have rear lower lights issue. Great review.
Hmm, I'm not aware of roundhouse models that had ditch lights. Usually they are just headlight and rear light. Maybe I misunderstood your comment.
This models no doubt look amazing, however I am a little taken back because of these are basically the RTR series from Athearn, didn’t the SD40-2s that they previously did have a pretty decent amount of detail on them, if these are from the same line it seems like they went backwards in the details? Overall these sound great and look awesome with the extra details added. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks buddy, yeah from talking to Athearn, the old RTR line will have models with varying states of details.....this model is clearly on the lower side of that. The SD40-2's in the RTR line is still my favorite and I consider a great bang for your buck. The SW1500 is also an example of a highly detailed loco from the old RTR line. But keep in mind.... the price also reflects that, even in this line. I certainly share in your thoughts. Thank you again!
@@DGModelworks that makes sense, I do regret not getting any of the SD40-2s when they were available, in Chessie paint obviously. I did email them to make some other GP38s and GP40s in B&O/C&O paint. The main thing I would want them to have is the unique rock plow that Chessie used on some of their engines.
@@DGModelworksso you installed a DCC n sound decoder . would you work on mine
Awesome, they made it their own, they are so Underrated, I put a 21MTC Lok sound 5 in my DCC Sound Ready Version.
That's awesome!
never seen that kind of packaging,, looks like a nice product, for the less expensive models.. nice
when are we going to get to see videos of you working on your layout like building, scenery all that good stuff...
Hey DG
The level of detail is perfect for me because I can't see most of the Genesis level of detail.
Maybe Athearn is using motors from different suppliers? That could explain the difference in running speed. Did the motors look the same?
The motors were the same. Maybe once the brushes get wore in a little it will run closer to the other one.
Oh wow, the inside and outside look a lot like my blue box GP-40-2s from the mid 1990s! I think Athearn got their money's worth with that tooling lol.
Yeah.....basically a blue box with a couple upgrades. :)
I would love to know what decoder to install in my lifelike proto 2000 sd60 and where to obtain it. If you'd be so kind? my locomotive is dcc ready has an 8 pin plug and no speaker.
given up waiting for my Athearn preorders!! Been 2 years since I ordered a DDA40X 6901 and a DRGW GP15T fictional livery thru my local Athearn dealer here in Oz, Athearn just haven't bothered to fullfill overseas preorders on the DDA40X (dealer looked on the ordering system and it was listed as still coming, even though its available on ebay!) and the GP15T still isn't released... Cancelled both my preorders and got deposit back... can't even order directly with Athearn as there webpage won't except Australian address's!! Sticking with Scaletrains from now on..
🤠👋🚂🗯
Hi Derek & it's is Randy and i like yours video is Cool & Thanks Derek & Friends & Randy & I AM ENJOY Your's Video ON UA-cam Derek & WELCOME BACK Derek & I Purchase OTTER VALLEY RAILROAD & INTERMOUNTAIN & CANADIAN NATIONAL ET44AC & (EF-644 T ) & CN VETERANS & #3015 & LOK SOUND & Thanks Derek & I am (Enjoy Yours Video Derek & Friends Randy & Super Cool Athearn GP40-2 Thanks Friends Randy