mbinsewi I noticed the RoundHouse version at least has the much quiter dog bone/hex head, one piece drive shaft. I first seen this when I bought some new, off the shelf, from my LHS, SD40-2's, in the early 90's? some where around then. Not an expert, just adding. Mike
I noticed the RoundHouse version at least has the much quiter dog bone/hex head, one piece drive shaft.
I first seen this when I bought some new, off the shelf, from my LHS, SD40-2's, in the early 90's? some where around then.
Not an expert, just adding.
Mike
Athearn saw the success of Proto2000, Bachmann Spectrum, and Atlas, and then began to reinvent themselves. First new owners after Irv died, then Horizon and the merging with Model Die Casting, and the total move to China.
Each phase had its growing pains, but in the end they remain one on a short list of big players in this hobby.
What few people today know or remember, is that Irv Athearn and Model Die Casting owner C H Menteer were friends, and in some ways partners. It is said they had lunch together once a week. They did tooling and machining for each other based on the capabilities of each, and had a gentleman's relationship of promoting the hobby rather than competing with each other.
Find yourself a Wathers Catalog from the 60's, 70's or 80's and compare the two product lines. There was very little overlap, that was not by accident. The two lines together covered a wide range of era's and interests.
Not like some of what goes on today, how many companies make Big Boys?
And it is amazing how much of those early products live on today in the Athearn line.
Sheldon
My You Tube
BigDaddy When did Athearn stop producing BB locos and rolling stock?
When did Athearn stop producing BB locos and rolling stock?
Athearn announced it would stop making Blue Box kits in October of 2009. By that time most of those same models had been produced in "Ready to Roll" form, made or assembled in China for about a decade.
Current "Ready to Roll" and Roundhouse product lines are mostly based on older Athearn and Model Die Casting tooling, some having been partly upgraded, and all having much better paint and artwork, as well as metal wheels.
Some Blue Box locos are completely gone from the line, other carry on, but the drives have been improved, especially regarding wiring.
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
Garfield1437I would like to know if parts for the above (headlight brackets and wipers) are available.
Mr. Garf, I believe you are Frank's (Zstripe) friend, he has been waiting for your email.
We discussed in early Feb., when you asked the first time.
I have the parts, I'll send them to Frank, he'll send them on to you.
PLease email Frank, so we can get you the parts.
I have many headlight brackets, and the top wiper strips.
I will message Frank, and let him know your back on here.
Mike.
They are probably not available. Athearn had gears, power axle assemblies, motor mounts, and a few other Blue Box parts available.
I aquire "donor locomotives" and rob the parts I need from those.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
Garf,
I will be the first: please identify the particular loco and the part numbers.
Oops, didn't notice that this was nicely cared for in the OP's original post.
John
Dear Friends Ladies and Gentlemen,
I would like to know if parts for the above (headlight brackets and wipers) are available.
I can list part numbers if required.
Many Thanks
Garf