I have recently purchased two Athearn Genesis sd70m wearing the EMD Demo Scheme. I got as far as detailing the side frames, and already having some issues with these models. For one, they (Athearn) fail to provide for spare parts unlike their competitors like Kato's for an example. Secondly, calling Athearn or Horizon hobbies have been no help in getting extra detailing parts. Thirdly, the detailing parts are so flimsy, things like the Bracket that subsitute the vertical shocks mounted on the side of the truck sideframe, they break on contact with any thing! While I gripe about this, I would like to know where I may get better details that will not only look better, but not break as easily!
any sugguestions??
All those happy memories I do remember about athearns.... when I was younger I had a few Athearn and they were fun, and would pull some 20 cars on a 4'x8' layout with out complaint. They really could take abuse (as well as my painting skills that abused the original paint scheme) very well, ashamed to say I've derailed them and watched them plunge some 4 ft below layout. Only with minor damages like bent hand railings, broken couplers, or the side frames would pop out of their spots on the locomotive power chassis. I've grown alot since those rigid athearns with less compelling details, grown to know and love those dang expensive Katos. I did purchase an sd75m once before, it was prebuilt, it was a real beauty, but then there was some tracking issues, specially with switches. After countless hours of studying the issue, I decided to sell it. But now I'm having second thoughts on the purchase of any future model from athearn. Any one experience the same sorta delimas as I am?
Dan
any sugguestions??
All those happy memories I do remember about athearns.... when I was younger I had a few Athearn and they were fun, and would pull some 20 cars on a 4'x8' layout with out complaint. They really could take abuse (as well as my painting skills that abused the original paint scheme) very well, ashamed to say I've derailed them and watched them plunge some 4 ft below layout. Only with minor damages like bent hand railings, broken couplers, or the side frames would pop out of their spots on the locomotive power chassis. I've grown alot since those rigid athearns with less compelling details, grown to know and love those dang expensive Katos. I did purchase an sd75m once before, it was prebuilt, it was a real beauty, but then there was some tracking issues, specially with switches. After countless hours of studying the issue, I decided to sell it. But now I'm having second thoughts on the purchase of any future model from athearn. Any one experience the same sorta delimas as I am?
Dan