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Athearn Genesis UP FEF 4-8-4

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  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Seattle WA
  • 1,233 posts
Posted by Hoople on Friday, May 18, 2007 9:22 PM
I want a few.
Mark.
  • Member since
    July 2002
  • From: California
  • 3,722 posts
Posted by AggroJones on Friday, May 18, 2007 8:04 PM

FEF-3? Nah. Already got one. Its a new and improved Rivarossi. Its got its flaws, but what steamer doesn't?

Now the SP MT-4, thats what I'm axiously awaiting!

"Being misunderstood is the fate of all true geniuses"

EXPERIMENTATION TO BRING INNOVATION

http://community.webshots.com/album/288541251nntnEK?start=588

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  • From: St. Louis, MO
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Posted by river_eagle on Friday, May 18, 2007 7:32 PM

FEF-3 #844 already on order, I've had no issues with the MRC sound decoders, factory or aftermarket..

Now, If we could just get Athearn to make a couple of aux. water tenders for the 844/3985,

I'd be a happy camper.

When in doubt, rule #1 applies  Central Missouri Railroad Association cmrraclub.com
  • Member since
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  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Friday, May 18, 2007 6:40 PM

 bb4884 wrote:
I am shure that the Decoder is a MRC, because it has that crappy handheld for DC operation. I will still buy one, I just hope it's gray/white and not gray/yellowEight Ball [8]

***SLAPS HEAD

Dang it! There it is... How could I miss it! That is a confirmation it will be a MRC decoder as the hand held controller must be held close to the rails for the engine to respond.

That engine DOES miss a dome, it looks like a UK model (No offense to our Friends across the pond)

  • Member since
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  • From: Colorful Colorado
  • 191 posts
Posted by bb4884 on Friday, May 18, 2007 6:30 PM
I am shure that the Decoder is a MRC, because it has that crappy handheld for DC operation. I will still buy one, I just hope it's gray/white and not gray/yellowEight Ball [8]
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  • 3,264 posts
Posted by CAZEPHYR on Friday, May 18, 2007 6:18 PM

 ouengr wrote:
I already ordered mine.  I am interested in how the operate and look.  This sound does nothing for me.  Frankly the DCC sounds like more of a headache than it is worth.

 The sound will be MRC from the description and you are right.  It is nothing if it is MRC.   I replaced the MRC DCC drive and sound on my Genesis models.  It is hard to believe how good the Challenger and Big Boy can run with a Zimo DCC drive. 

 

  • Member since
    June 2003
  • From: Oklahoma
  • 241 posts
Posted by ouengr on Friday, May 18, 2007 6:13 PM
I already ordered mine.  I am interested in how the operate and look.  This sound does nothing for me.  Frankly the DCC sounds like more of a headache than it is worth.
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Posted by CAZEPHYR on Friday, May 18, 2007 6:13 PM
 twhite wrote:

Hmm--a Genesis FEF.  Hadn't heard about that.  What I HAVE heard about is the rumored Genesis SP MT-4 4-8-2.  Now, THAT I'd be anxiously awaiting. 

What series FEF are we talking about--an earlier one, or the one that Rivarossi put out for several years?  I'd be interested in looking at an earlier one, but I have a feeling that Genesis will be putting out the 844.  Still, that's one handsome Northern--

Tom

Tom

 The Genesis model is the FEF-3 and a version of the FEF-2.  Both are nearly identical with only the drop pilot and home built dual stack on the FEF-2.   Both should be great looking models and from looking at the pictures, they have the correct tender with the curved upper section, unlike the Rivarossi which uses a freight tender off of the Challenger.

They have a picture of the FEF-3 prototype and ommitted the sand/steam dome.  Looks almost like a UK model without the dome.

CAZEPHYR

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    April 2003
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Posted by Anonymous on Friday, May 18, 2007 5:55 PM

Actually I think it's better to ask what are they doing putting a cheapo Decoder into a very nice engine if it is indeed the MRC unit?

Athearn goes to great lengths to tell us what the engine does have but only use the words "Dual Mode Decoder" and does not come out and specifically state decoder type like "LokSound, QSI and others."

That only leads me to think that indeed it's another MRC. What am I doing on the forums typing about a engine I already am 95% sure I wont buy. Sheesh! Banged Head [banghead]

  • Member since
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  • From: Carmichael, CA
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Posted by twhite on Friday, May 18, 2007 5:52 PM

Hmm--a Genesis FEF.  Hadn't heard about that.  What I HAVE heard about is the rumored Genesis SP MT-4 4-8-2.  Now, THAT I'd be anxiously awaiting. 

What series FEF are we talking about--an earlier one, or the one that Rivarossi put out for several years?  I'd be interested in looking at an earlier one, but I have a feeling that Genesis will be putting out the 844.  Still, that's one handsome Northern--

Tom

  • Member since
    February 2005
  • From: Vancouver Island, BC
  • 23,330 posts
Posted by selector on Friday, May 18, 2007 5:44 PM
 Safety Valve wrote:

...I find it interesting that in this age of blow-outs and discount pricing they still think that a retail 400 dollar price point is what we are willing to shell out for a new engine.

Safety, if they give you a kind of out-there price, and then you find it available at better retailers everywhere for only $299 once they hit the street, isn't it more likely that you would be sorely tempted, especially if they throw in the words that make many modellers' hearts thump, "Limited run!"?  I am certain that Rivarossi has sold about 200 H8 locos at or near their MSRP, but you will find them discounted already with room for even more discounts in the next year.  Unless, of course, the run was "limited", in which case, what am I doing on this forum!!!?Tongue [:P]

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Posted by Anonymous on Friday, May 18, 2007 4:25 PM

I have no interest in the unit because of the MRC Decoder.

Now if it was a QSI Equippted unit.... errrmmm.. maybe. Just maybe.

I find it interesting that in this age of blow-outs and discount pricing they still think that a retail 400 dollar price point is what we are willing to shell out for a new engine.

  • Member since
    October 2001
  • From: OH
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Posted by BRAKIE on Friday, May 18, 2007 2:52 PM

First  that is a preproduction photo.I agree they should dump the MRC DCC/Sound..

http://www.athearn.com/Newsletter/051507/GEN_FEF_051507.jpg

Heres what Athearn has to say..

http://www.athearn.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=ATHG9202

 

HO FEF-2 4-8-4 w/DCC & Sound, UP/Black #821

Key Features

  • Boiler backhead with full details and printed gauges
  • Individually applied detail parts like piping, valves and generators
  • Adjustable cab windows and opening doors
  • Cab hatches can be opened and closed
  • See-through running boards
  • Blackened metal wheels
  • 22" recommended minimum radius
  • Pilot has opened and closed positions
  • Factory installed DCC sound board with dual speakers
  • Decoder automatically senses the power supply (works with both DC and DCC systems)
  • Includes hand-held remote control unit for DC operation
  • Smoke unit ready with no soldering needed

 

 

Larry

Conductor.

Summerset Ry.


"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt  Safety First!"

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Posted by CAZEPHYR on Friday, May 18, 2007 2:44 PM
 don7 wrote:

How many out there are waiting anxiously to see this unit in action when it debuts this fall.

 

http://www.athearn.com/Newsletter/051507/GEN_FEF_051507.pdf

 

I for one.  Too bad it will have the great MRC sound unit and DCC drive in it.   That will be the first to go.  I hope they actually include the missing steam dome and remove the ash pans for the oil version.

  • Member since
    April 2005
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Athearn Genesis UP FEF 4-8-4
Posted by don7 on Friday, May 18, 2007 1:25 PM

How many out there are waiting anxiously to see this unit in action when it debuts this fall.

 

http://www.athearn.com/Newsletter/051507/GEN_FEF_051507.pdf

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