ModelRailroader.com Reader Poll – January 8, 2004

[Anonymous]

When I first got into the real Phases of Model Railroading, Athearn had a big influence on me and many other MRers. You had many choices at very reasonable prices. A lot of smaller companies were started to update or detail Irv's wonderful creations. After moving to N gauge, I hoped to find an "Athearn" in Nscale. No such luck! There were some close, but no cigar! When Athearn announced the were going to produce N scale, I had visions of the days in HO scale with the vast choices that were available. I am still waiting! The N stuff is very pretty, if you model modern operations. I don't! I have not bought a thing, but did sneak alook at the John Deere stuff. I thought for Athearn, it was nice, but overpriced. So I will wait and see what the new outfit does.

[Anonymous]

My brother runs a railroad hobby shop. When we heard about the sale I contacted Horizon, and said that we would be dealing with them, could they please send a dealer package. The following day: 1. A dealer package came in the mail; 2. We received a telephone call from Horizon asking if we had gotten the dealer package they had already sent. Best of all, the dealer package wanted a photograph of the store to prove that we weren't a garage operation, and included a disposable camera so that we could take the picture. Also, the package contained a postage paid envelope. We are much less apprehensive about the sale, the new company seems to know what it is doing. If only they re-issue the old blue box locomotives (GP7, GP35, Trainmaster, etc.) at reasonable prices, and not as part of their built-up line, we will be happy. We sold a lot of those old blue box locomotives.
GW

[SWarren]

I spoke to the owners of the local hobby shop where I buy the majority of my railroad supplies and did not come away feeling very good about the purchase of Athearn by Horizon. The shop is not currently affiliated with Horizon and had just received the application package. They said that no other distributor had ever requested as much private information as had Horizon and they were not willing to provide it. After those comments I went to Horizon's web site and checked the application package. I agree with the shop owners' concerns. Additionally, they had concerns about minimum order quantities required by Horizon. If the minimum order is high, I'm afraid it will affect me by at least slowing my special orders while I wait for the shop to build up an order of sufficient size.

[Allen Jenkins]

Check out Athearn.com! There's an add for the John Deere Line to be sold in Walmart! I was suprized to see trainsets back on their product line. I saw the Southern Rwy. GP 59 #4610 in a set and bought it for a 10yr. old. I figured I should do that much to help a company that's been part of my life all my life. Did you ever stop to think how many people are "Athearn experts?" I never stopped being amazed how Shane responded to that trainset, simple as it was. The only thing that bothered me was that the switches cost $15.00. Try as I did I couldn't get any interested investers. Just stupid excuses. The set cost $105.00 down at Int. Hobbies. Well worth the effort because for a kid that was master of any video game, and could track deer and hunt with any man, Shane learned to railroad! God-speed to the greatest hobby in the world!

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by CityofLA102

Athearn is/was one of the few that had prices for the entry level modelers could afford and get a quality product. Hopefully this won't change with the new takeover. Phil

I think it has already changed...remember that change comes slowly.

How many of you have gone into your local hobby shop and seen all those dusty blue boxes and noticed that the same kits are sold in shiny new see through Athearn Ready-To-Roll series for $15-18.00 a car?
My Dad bought his kits for $2.98 in 1978 and I bought some of mine 2 years ago for $6.99. Now their up to $15.00!

Engines are now WAY overpriced for what you get. I'm being converted slowly by Life-Like's Proto 1000 and 2000 line of kits and engines. Besides, they have far more detail, upgraded Athearn style drives , are easliy stripped with 91% alcohol,and nickle silver wheels that don't require cleaning every other lap around the layout!

[Anonymous]

My local retail hobbyshop says they order their Athearn equipment from Horizon as they get the best deal on Athearn from Horizon (including Walthers). They are very happy Horizon has taken this step.

[ngfred]

Any remember bread fpr 5 cents? or gas for 23cents/ And I am only 67.
Fred in NC

[on30francisco]

I model in On30 and am also building an old time HO layout so I don't use Athern products. I have used them in the past (blue box and locos) and I hope they keep the quality up and the prices affordable.

[darth9x9]

It will affect me..... I have my reservations in for their new GP35s!

BC