Walthers seems to have made some sort of update to the Mainline F40PH -- they now offer sound/DCC and the prices are higher. I'm going to guess the DC ones are now DCC-ready, but does anyone know if there are any significant changes to the shell or elsewhere?
I'm not sure about changes to the shell, but I wouldn't assume that locos advertise as "Standard DC" are DCC ready.
Mike.
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With the Rapido F40PH, why bother with the Walther's one which was a POS when it first came out anyway.
Rick Jesionowski
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The Walthers F40PH isn't a POS. That designation would be reserved for the Life-Like and Bachmann versions. The Walthers one is "okay". Not great, not bad...just middle of the pack in today's market with the Kato and Rapido versions out there.
dti406With the Rapido F40PH, why bother with the Walther's one which was a POS when it first came out anyway. Rick Jesionowski
There is an easy answer to that one. The Rapido F40PH only represents the earliest order of Amtrak F40's. What about the vast majority, peas in a pod version?
I'm going to have to agree with Paul III on that one. Bachmann and LL, sure but Walthers Trainline was actually a "decent" model when it first came out until the KATO F40PH.
Really, at present we STILL don't have a top level "standard" F40PH. Some have complained KATO didn't get the nose right on their model and btw, the RAPIDO F40PH is only good for the very first order of with the fuel tank mounted in the rear.
The vast majority of the F40PH's in the 230 -3xx number range still doesn't have an ultimate F40PH in HO, at least until RAPIDO gets around to doing them, if they get around to doing them. Until then, your choices are basically Walthers or KATO and neither is perfect.
BTW, I did get a single Rapido F40PH phase III paint but they were pretty rare on the Amtrak California Zephyr. If Rapido does the standard F40PH, it's going to be another couple years before they see the light of day.
Rio Grande. The Action Road - Focus 1977-1983
In defense of the Walthers units: I like 'em. the detail isn't superior, but on our 70'x72' club layout you're always looking at them from a distance. :) They look decent enough with wire handrails and grabs, there are no delicate details to break if someone ham-fists 'em, and they are great pullers -- one unit alone will take six of my old lousy-rolling Walthers Amcans plus an MHC or two up our 2% grades.
Another reason to love them: The three I own, together with their attendant decoders, cost me less than half the retail price of a Rapido F40PH. :)
Aaron
www.pmrrc.org
Speaking of which, Walthers now has the Phase IV version of the "old" F40PH on sale for $38!
https://www.walthers.com/products/emd-f40ph-standard-dc-amtrak-phase-iv
Same for the Metrolink model. We don't need one -- we have Athearn F59PHs to haul the Metrolink train at the club -- but the temptation is so very, very strong...
AutonerdAnother reason to love them: The three I own, together with their attendant decoders, cost me less than half the retail price of a Rapido F40PH. :) Aaron
For club use, definitely the Walthers F40PH fits the bill. Now if you are really into the F40PH, and want one really done right, Rapido is the way to go and are more like the Genesis F7A of that type of passenger diesel.
No, I don't like the high cost but if you want the ultimate F40PH done right, then Jason Schron can be trusted to do them. I'm hoping he will get around to doing the "standard" Amtrack F40PH in the next year or two. I'll be in for a couple.
Autonerd Speaking of which, Walthers now has the Phase IV version of the "old" F40PH on sale for $38! https://www.walthers.com/products/emd-f40ph-standard-dc-amtrak-phase-iv Same for the Metrolink model. We don't need one -- we have Athearn F59PHs to haul the Metrolink train at the club -- but the temptation is so very, very strong...
The $38 is discontinued clearance price. Once there gone they are gone for good so don't wait. I have the Metrolink F40PH model and I think it is nice. I also have some of the Athearn F59Phs for Metrolink and they are nice too. I plan on buying a Walthers Amtrak Phase 3 F40PH soon.