Kenworth tractors from Athearn.

[cgrivno]

Athearn sent in an image of its Kenworth tractors. The firm will be announcing more details on these models tomorrow. To see the image, click on the following link: http://www.trains.com/Content/Dynamic/Articles/000/000/005/839vcphb.asp

[davekelly]

Looks pretty cool. Wonder if its an entirely new model or an updated version of their blue box Kenworths?

[Anonymous]

I like the paint schemes - looks like it'll be a nice upgrade from the old plain janes.

BTW, did you notice how the MR Express logo kinda looks like the new BNSF LOL!

And congrats Dave on getting your letter published in the May MR.

[dknelson]

You have to give Athearn credit - they are doing more than just sticking higher price tags on models made with old tooling.
Do any of our truck experts know the era of these particular Kenworths?
Dave Nelson

[davekelly]

Dave,

I'm not a truck expert by any means, but I have done some surfing on trucks to see what era the Athearn blue box models were. I believe the Athearn Kenworth's are modeled after a prototype from the early 70's.

[Anonymous]

From what I can tell, based on hood/grill design and the fact that this is a non-integrated, or "add-on" typr of sleeper, I would agree that this seems to be a 70's model, but was used into the early to mid 80's. The newer "classic" editions look similar, but with an integrated sleeper. Hope that helps some.

[Anonymous]

The Kenworth trucks Athearn featured are 1978 versions of the prototype.This version is still used on todays KW trucks,though now you can have 2 different versions of the grill mounted on the rig.One with the 4 spacer grill,or one with an 8 spacer grill,like that of the Peterbilt trucks. The sleeper is a 34 incher,when it should be a 60 inch one,as this was the more popular version. Personally I think for $11.00 for a model is pretty steep. Where the heck are the c.b. antennas,company lettering on the doors,turbo wing,chrome ladies on the mud flaps,the "headache' rack on the back of the sleeper ,and the red,blue,and green air/brake lines. If Athearn's gonna make a truck,then they should make one that has all of these features,or start making kits like Irv Athearn did years ago,with the freight cars and locomotives. For $11.00 I expect more for my money.