Ban on Athearn Locomotives

[mtrails]

I can't complain. I own Athearn locomotives exclusively. I am happy about the availablitiy of loco models, and road names, and recently, the level of detail they have achieved. You can't beat that for the price. I have only had a problem with ONE locomotive, the newly released SD40. Wheels were offset, motor was tight, very loud, couldn't pull a thing. I called Athearn and asked what the heck? It's brand new!!! They suggested diving in and trying to fix it myself. Well, that sucks. I told them I did this, and I did that, and it's a small percentage better, but it's absolutely horrible compared to all of my other locos. I asked "what are you going to do to satisfy this customer?" The said, send it back. What? I have to pay to ship this to you, when it was defective from the factory? I was P.O.! I said heck with it, bought a new motor for it and runs just fine now.

So I had to tinker with it a little, and drop a few extra bucks into it. My biggest complaint, is their customer service is rock bottom. They don't want to to anything for you, and not even offer an appology.

[Anonymous]

You have a great point about the Genesis and Athearn BB engines but I own numerous RTR locos at least 30 and everyone one runs like butter on a hot sunny day. I love them great detail, great motors and surprisingly powerful. Of course KATO is the best because DAAAAA!!!!!!!!! Its KATO but definetely disagree about Atlas I have had numerous Atlas locos go up in smoke and actually one almost burned down the club I belonged to. So I personally would not recommend Atlas.

[Darth Santa Fe]

QUOTE: Originally posted by modelmaker51

QUOTE: Originally posted by dxr8007nz

What mean BB ?

The original AThearn locomotive line was sold in blue boxes, hence Athearn BB.

Actually, the original line of locomotives from Athearn (Hustler, F7, GP9, 4-6-2?, 0-4-2...) came in yellow boxes. There was also a white and orange box, but I've only seen those on the original DD40s.

Old Athearn diagrams can be seen here:http://www.hoseeker.net/lit.html

[joeyegarner]

I been out of the net for a while....... but I stand by all my athearn BB, they are some of the best running locos I have. For the money I dont think you can beat them, it dosent hurt to spend a little time and money perhaps regearing and adding a hard wire to them to increase preformance. In the end you just cant beat them for the money!

[Anonymous]

If it were not for Irv Athearn a lot of us would not be in the hobby. Any electromechanical mecanisim will require some periodic maintenance and lubrication to ensure good operation. Some folks need to develop the skills to further enjoy the hobby. I speak from over 50 years in the model train hobby. I'm sorry this individual had such a bad experiance but maybe he needs to learn a little more about mechanical things and realize nothing is perfect.

[Philcal]

Wasn't going to do this but, I have about 25 Athearn locomotives including some pretty new RTR. All, and I mean all, are great. Five of the units are over 20 years old. They get an annual check over and lube. They are great performers, fun to detail, rugged and reliable. I do quite a bit of switching, and by Athearn units are awesome. Naw, don't think I'll ban them.

[waltersrails]

true whats the true meaning.

[icmr]

How was your saturday?



Victor

Happy Railroading.[swg][swg]

[icmr]

Get any lube for your engine wheels?



Victor

Happy Railroading.[swg][swg]

[waltersrails]

pretty good

[waltersrails]

i use whats alvable to me

[icmr]

Bob did.



Victor

Happy Railroading.[swg][swg]

[waltersrails]

cool

[icmr]

How many engines did you use saturday?



Victor

Happy Railroading.[swg][swg]

[waltersrails]

i ran a few need to run all my dash 9's

[icmr]

All of mine took a trip to the shop.



Victor

Happy Railroading.[swg][swg]

[waltersrails]

thats sad to here or run run run..........................

[icmr]

No.



Victor

Happy Railroading.[swg][swg]

[icmr]

I was running the large scale engine tho.



Victor

Happy Railroading.[swg][swg]

[waltersrails]

that makes sense .....................................

[icmr]

Whats with the ......................................... in your posts?



Victor

Happy Railroading.[swg][swg]

[waltersrails]

theres more just to lazy to type

[icmr]

Thats what i thought. Used up your energy on saturday didnt you.



Victor

Happy Railroading.[swg][swg]

[waltersrails]

always do.......................................nWo......................

[icmr]

Two LD in one day, that takes time and energy.



Victor

Happy Railroading.[swg][swg]

[waltersrails]

yep very true so hows the layout going

[icmr]

Doing what it does best, just sitting collecting dust.



Victor

Happy Railroading.[swg][swg]

[waltersrails]

cool need to finsh mine.

[waltersrails]

well need to run some trains

[icmr]

Come to the meeting tonight. Im going to bring my IC SD60.



Victor

Happy Railroading.[swg][swg]