Opinions on Athearn RTR HO Veranda Gas Turbine

[riogrande5761]

7j43k

 

rrinker

  There's always the Scale Trains version... 

 

 

 

 

Scale Trains does not do a veranda turbine.  The subject under discussion is the Athearn veranda turbine.

Ed

Correct.  Athearns Veranda is a different engine than Scale Trains.

[7j43k]

rrinker

  There's always the Scale Trains version... 

 

Scale Trains does not do a veranda turbine.  The subject under discussion is the Athearn veranda turbine.  Which means I cannot, must not mention my Lionel veranda turbine.  Either.

 

Ed

[Darth Santa Fe]

I have the earlier 4,500HP Turbine which runs on the same chassis.  The detail is near Genesis level, and it's one of my best runners!

[rrinker]

  There's always the Scale Trains version - which already comes with the Loksound decoder, all set up with all sorts of effects, including the diesel engine for hostler mode and the whole turbine startup sequence. Check out one of the reviews. The top of the line version they have even has the spinning turbine blades visible. 

                                --Randy

 

[Omaha53]

I have an Athearn Genesis Veranda which runs very good on the club layout (which does not have the best track work). When I run it at the club it pulls 25-28 cars (the most I can put in a siding with the loco) without a problem on a flat layout, which does have a bunch of curves. A couple of years ago I installed a QSI Titan decoder and upgraded the headlights to LEDs. I am very happy with it! I comes with a few extra detail parts that can be added, but I have not since I pack it and unpack it often. The following is a video of the Veranda at the club.

https://www.facebook.com/SebringModelRR/videos/427338870941030/

At the club I run it at about 70-80% volume instead of 100% like other sound decoders. That turbine is LOUD.

[peahrens]

While needing another loco like another hole in my head, I find myself considering a Veranda Turbine w/Tender, which I would convert to DCC w/sound.  (I need to see if LokSound Select (or WowSound) has an appropriate sound file.)  I'm not sure I'm up for springing for the nice Scale Trains turbines w/tender, which are tempting.

a) Can anyone clarify the RTR Verandas for me?  The ones I see are "RTR", such as the one below.  Are these the latest Athearn runs?  They look reasonably detailed, so are they pre-Genesis.  In other words, am I looking at the latest ones?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Athearn-88668-HO-Scale-UP-Union-Pacific-Veranda-Gas-Turbine-Diesel-Locomotive-71/292276795503?epid=1600172518&hash=item440d0df86f:g:rNQAAOSwr7tZg76i

b) Comments on the RTR as a model? Running characteristics, detail, etc?

c) Comments on converting to DCC?  I normally hard wire LokSound Select 6AUX version, add multiple micro speakers in custom enclosure (milling the frame to make more room if reasonable) and add LED lighting if bulbs.  

Any comments would be appreciated.