While browsing, I found an Athearn Roundhouse RTR GP38-2 complete chassis for sale. The seller claims it is from a recent run. Does this RTR model have the genesis drive, the old athearn drive, or an improved BB athearn drive? A conversion to DCC would be very easy with this locomotive. Would a BB GP38-2 shell fit on this model? I admire the finely detailed locomotives but prefer to only admire at a distance and run a locomotive with more robust/less breakable details. Just my preference.
Can you link me to the ad? I'm not 100% positive, but the Athearn RH locos are probably an "improved" BB drive, probably closer to their RTR series.
Athearn offers the Genesis, the RTR (Ready to Roll, blue and yellow box) and the Roundhouse ( blue box)
They are not Genesis
Mike.
My You Tube
Athearn's Round House brand, to my knowledge are mostly former blue box Athearn models or former MDC models and are in thier lowest tier for detail etc. They have better paint jobs than in the past.
Unless someone has upgraded the Chassis, I would assume the Roundhouse line has an improved BB drive. Honestly I don't know what motors they put in the Roundhouse line but Athearn has improved the drives over the years.
Rio Grande. The Action Road - Focus 1977-1983
I'm guessing these have the "dog bone" style drive shafts, which are a lot quieter than the older "spline" shaft. The last run of BB locos (early 90's?) featured them. I have a few of the SD40-2's, nice runners.
Here's a thread from not too long ago:
http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/88/t/260588.aspx#top
Mike, sorry it was an item on flea bay with no real description. Athearn has past models listed on their website but not sure if this is the exact same one as advertised on flea bay.
http://www.athearn.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=RND14846
Thanks, Mike! Good info! Didn't see your post until after I replied to first one.
I know what they are Rick, link me to the ad, so I can see it. Trust me, I'm not interested in buying. I did a quick search on there, didn't see just a GP38-2 chassis.
PS. I think I found the ad. Chassis sitting on a track, in front of the blue Roundhouse box?
It has the newer style drive shafts, and a board with the jumper plug. All ready for DC. An Athearn BB shell should fit, or can be made to fit, with out much work. It won't snap on the old BB's, you might have to figure something out.
maybe this one?
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
Yep, I think so Henry. The one before it is a Genesis, I'd go for that one!...
Thanks guys! Sorry, I didn't think ebay were permitted... Cool, now I know! Would have added clarity from the beginning! Thanks again!