Athearn vs. Kato SD70

[brothaslide]

Any opinions of the Atheran SD70 vs. the Kato SD70? Which one would you spend your money on and why?

[Martin4]

Hi

I didn't see a Kato SD70 yet but I have a couple of Kato SD90s (that seem to be only a bit larger than the SD70Macs) and a pair of Athearn SD75is. All of them have a great look, run extraordinary well, are great pullers and have about the same noise level. Athearn have finer detail and scale size handrails but sometimes the first axle derail if radius is under 22'' ; I will try to avoid this situation on my layout (still under construction). That never happens on the Kato units.

Martin
Québec City

[Anonymous]

Hands Down on the KATO units. I have 3 of these and they are much quieter than the Athearns. Plus the Katos handrails are a little more durable than the Athearns. Look wise...they are both about the same...very highly detailed. A bonus to the ATH models are the see thru Dynamics Grilles and Radiator Fans. Personally tho...i prefer the KATOs.

[nfmisso]

As far as I can tell, Kato has never offered, nor announced an EMD SD70 in HO, just the SD70MAC, a very different animal.

Your only choice in HO plastic is Athearn for the SD70, SD70M, SD70i, and the SD75.

I believe that Athearn announced a SD70MAC, (see: http://www.trains.com/content/dynamic/articles/000/000/004/566tssyf.asp )but they are not yet available. Kato's SD70MAC just started shipping.

I would go with which ever one better matches your road of interest. There is not enough difference between the two for any other choice. Kinda like comparing a BMW 540 and a Mercedes E430