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Athearn HO AC4400CW
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I considered getting the swoosh when Athearn did their first run of it, but since I am not particularly fond of that particular scheme (on the proto or the models) I passed on it. Athearn recently did a second run of the swoosh since the first run sold out so fast. Well, I was looking at one of the 2nd run models on the shelf at LHS (the same LHS and shelf I had looked at the first run in) and marveled at how nice looking it was, and I didn't think that way when I had looked at the first run. It may have just been the particular individual loco I looked at of the first run had issues, I don't know, but a few others regulars in the shop said that they thought for some reason the second runs looked better to them too. Perhaps Athearn improved the paint or details? We don't really know, but I liked the model so much (that second time) that I couldn't leave the shop without buying it - and I still do not particularly care for the paint scheme. LOL <br /> <br />To make a long story short, I think it's a very nice unit!! The details are very nice and the paint is awesome. <br /> <br />FWIW, I have Kato AC4400's (UP and BNSF) and like them too. In certain ways I like the Athearn UP better (I also have the Athearn UP AC4400's) than the Kato UP - the grabs on the Athearn are metal and much closer to scale. Their railings are also closer to scale. Some of grabs are also painted the wrong colors on the Katos. Also, Kato's truck and fuel tank details are not very good on the AC4400's. The Athearn's details/molding are far nicer in those areas. I've had no problems with the Athearns, myself. Ironically, the Athearn is actually a stronger puller than the Kato AC's. I didn't expect it, but when I MU them together, the Athearn unit will either pull or pu***he Kato (depending on whether it's in front of or behind the other) because they do have a slight speed difference between the locos. Now, for whatever reasons, I like the Kato BNSF way better then the Athearn BNSF (non swoosh). It's the sweetest looking BNSF (non swoosh) loco I've seen. Go figure. <br /> <br />I say get the swoosh unit - you'll like it! <br /> <br />Greg
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