The model is great like the other genesis (except the first-second run SD70s). I saw one and all I can say is its beautiful. From what people have told me it runs good too.
BUT, they are still using the MRC sound system and it is still total junk. If you want one then it is a great loco, but buy the no-sound version. It still has the frame cut for speakers so you can add good sound easily if you want.
Here's the MR Review of the locomotive....
http://www.trains.com/mrr/default.aspx?c=a&id=734
Here's the MR video of the locomotive....
http://www.trains.com/mrr/default.aspx?c=a&id=742
Sean
Your friendly neighborhood CNW fan.
Here's a few pictures of my SD45-2 in CSX paint (with sound & DCC)...
I am very pleased with my SD45-2, it is a very neat and detailed locomotive. Now, if only Athearn would invest in QSI or LokSound...
Where are you James Saunders?!? We need pics of your excellent Santa Fe SD45-2!
-Brandon
Lord Atmo wrote:not a fan. the SD45 was a much cooler locomotive than the SD45-2. and honestly, we really need to see a new SD45 from athearn one of these days. and are all of these SD45-2s with noselights? is there a single one that comes with high mounts?
Good news! There is a updated SD45 coming from Athearn..This SD45 replaces the old "fat" body SD45.
Larry
Conductor.
Summerset Ry.
"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt Safety First!"
I have one coming in the mail but it is an undecorated DCC w/ sound which I will be painting up in MRL colors. I'm looking forward to my little project.
--Zak Gardner
My Layout Blog: http://mrl369dude.blogspot.com
http://zgardner18.rrpicturearchives.net
VIEW SLIDE SHOW: CLICK ON PHOTO BELOW
zxb1 wrote:I must say athearn has come a long way, since the days of the old blue box. I just picked up two genesis sd70macs csx of course, and the detailing is dam good. Your sd45-2 pictures are truly incredible, will their be any more road numbers ?
Yes, there will be more road numbers, but possibly not in CSX.
For CSX, there are numbers 8886, 8889, and 8952 (mine). 8886 and 8889 have a good story behind them, as they were SD45-2s that were rebuilt to SD40-2 standards, and the model reflects that. Athearn's box says SD45-2, but the lettering beneath the road number says SD40-2. Number 8952 is a straight SD45-2.
There will be many new roadnames, including Santa Fe Bicentennial, Santa Fe freight Warbonnet, Clinchfield Railroad, and Conrail. That, in addition to the current roadnames (CSX, Santa Fe Pinstripe, Erie Lakawanna, and Seaboard Coast Line) will make for a pretty interesting production run.