Athearn engines - are they any good?

[cnw4001]

I have Athearn engines and I recommend replacing the factory wheelsets with nickel-silver wheelsets.

This makes for cleaner running as the factory wheels tend do accumulate dirt quicly.

As has been noted in other answers, you'll get folks who highly recommend Athearn and others who wouldn't touch them under any circumstances.

Both arguments have merit.

Try a couple and see what you like, in general they are good value for money but then more expensive engines are also good value for money.

Dale

[loathar]

Noah's right. This may turn into a Ford vs. Chevy debate.

[Anonymous]

You CAN NOT buy a better locomotive for the money than an Athearn. I have two that I know are over twenty years old that still run good as new.

[Noah Hofrichter]

Your going to get two categorys of Advise here. The first will be the people who Say that Athearns are great, the second will be the people who will say save your money and buy a Proto 2000, Kato, or Atlas engine.

I'm one of the people who says that Athearns are an awefully good buy. I like them a lot and there are steps you can take to avoid the nosie issues. For the price though, the noise is not a big deal. I say go for it, there a heck of a lot better then most Tyco's I've seen.

Noah

[DrummingTrainfan]

Athearn is probably the #1 brand of loco. Good quality and decent prices!

[loathar]

I have a GP-38 and an SW-7 that I've had for about 15 years.Haven't had a lick of trouble with them. Good pullers, no stalling problems, smooth low speed. I've seen some posts by people complaining about the newer ones but I don't know whats up with that.
I think there a good value.

[Anonymous]

Hello all,
I am still kind of new to the hobby, I am starting to get to the point where I want to get some nicer engines. The Old Tyco just is too noisy any more. I have seen the name "Athearn" come up alot on these forums. I am thinking of getting one of the low end Athearn engines - are they any good?
I just thought that I should ask the people would know.
thanks for your help. ennout