Athearn Genesis F7...

[CN1]

Any personal "review" about the latest release of Athearn Genesis F7A

How's the power-train As noisy as before :curse:

Details

Thanks

 

[mykroft]

Not available in CN yet.

 

[rockislandnut]

I have two Athearn Genesis F7A, one with a NCE DASR decoder and one with Soundtraxx DSD-100LC decoder. the NCE one runs quieter than my atlas GP-40's ( Master Series with Lenz decoders ) The Soundtraxx F7A makes a lot of noise , but it's the engine (decoder ) sounds and of course the loud bell and five chime airhorn ( can be set for single chime,three chime or five chime ), dynmatic brakes sounds, diesel exhaust sound gets louder as it notches up to top speed and lower as it is brakeing and upon slowly stopping, engine wine spins down to idle. ( pretty cool ).

So I believe the new "Genesis series" are quieter running ( elect. motor and gears ) than the older series of any of the Athearn f7's. But thats just my opinion, but if you want them to be heard.........put in a sound decoder and have a blast ( Oh yeah--Blast--get it ) aw never mine I'm going to bed. :sleeping:

 

[CN1]

Would you say the details and "power-train" are greatly improved?

Thanks rockislandnut .

 

[Ray Marinaccio]

I'm interested to know about the "power train" also.
I've never seen the innerds of the new generation Athearns .

 

[mykroft]

Well, there's no comparison between the Genesis and Blue-Box units. Different drive & shells.

The Genesis F's are Highliner shells, custom decorated, on a Genesis drive (Almost Kato/Atlas quality). This is a better drive than even the upgraded RTR Athearn Drives.

 

[CN1]

Would you say better than Life-Like Proto series?

 

[mykroft]

Yes. Better drive (the LL drives can be a little flakey), and better detail. These are the premier F units on the market, although the Stewart F unit drive *Might* be a little better.

 

[rockislandnut]

CN1, here is a "Weigh-In" shot of my F7A Rock Island and according to the scale ( scales correct believe me ) this unit is very healthy. :thumb: And will pull the socks off my Atlas GP-40 units. The scale is right on at 17 ounces.

Yeah its a nice shell, very well running. at least mine are and I've two of them.

 

[rockislandnut]

And a nose shot ( not the greatest pic ) The grab irons and ladder railings are wire and not molded on.

 

[rockislandnut]

A side shot of the Athearn Genesis F7A favoring the front.

 

[rockislandnut]

And another side shot favoring the rear. Note the grill work, a very nice metal mesh that you can see right through to the other side. :thumb:

 

[CN1]

rockislandnut, great pics :thumb: :thumb:

therefore.....SOLD!!!!

Any idea how much in CND $$$$

...and any F7 in MILW Road

Thanks again guys I realy appreciate this :thumb:

 

[mykroft]

They run $320 for an AB set usually, or about $175 for an A unit. Not sure whether or not MILW is available at the moment

 

[rockislandnut]

Since mine has decoders ( Athearn does not install decoders**yet** ) installed they cost a little more and since I'm lazy :sleeping: I had my decoders installed by "Tony's Train Xchange". F7A with NCE DASR cost 137.95 w/S&H, while the F7A with sound by "Soundtraxx" cost 262.95 with S&H. Pretty stiff price for sound, but if you can install the decoders yourself you'll save a lot.

Here I am ranting and maybe you don't have DCC well then mykroft had the right retail prices. :thumb:

Here is a pic of the Atlas GP-40 that can't lick either of my F7A Genesis units.

 

[CN1]

Thanks mykroft :thumb: , I'll start with a single F7A for now
I'll check my LHS to see what they have.


rockislandnut thanks again :thumb:

Yes I do have DCC but I'm not into sound...yet but who knows

 

[rockislandnut]

CN1 check these out. May not be in stock but you could try.

 

[rockislandnut]

And here is "Tony's Train Xchange" price ( should be anyway ) not to sure if this 800# will work in canada but maybe. 1-800-978-3472

 

[CN1]

Ooooooooooooooooooo!

Nicce :thumb: :thumb:

Thanks