Hey all Found this on you tube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zkEcDX3oA7g&NR=1 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0lYBUKEdrw&feature=related
Yes nice comparison; who would have thought in the beginning that Athearn would out best MT.... Thanks for sharing:tb-cool:
When MT first came on the N-scale scene, they were pioneers, groundbreakers. No other N scale manufacturer had attained that level of quality and detail. Unfortunately MT has only kept the same level since then. Now, many other companies have taken advantage of modern model design and manufacturing technology and surpassed MT. Although MT is still "The Cadillac of N scale," don't forget that Cadillac is a GM brand...the lowest quality of the Big Three.
After seeing this, I am tempted to sell my two MT cabooses and pick up the Athearns to replace them. Then I will add the FVM wheels, an interior, DCC controlled lighting and have near perfection!
You won't have to add an interior, as the Athearn model already has one. Also the "Con-Cor" caboose in the video is actually the original Rivarossi bay window, which was tooled circa 1970. It still looks pretty good, given that it was priced around $2 at the time.
Add a Gold Medal Models detail kit and they look pretty good, I think. But still not as good as the Athearn model. [edit] I see some are mentioning caboose classes. When I made this caboose several years ago, I was not even aware of caboose classes. So this is just really a generic SP caboose with some details added. I see I need to paint the grabs white. It is a passable stand-in, IMHO.
I have both in Conrail, and I am most definitely happier with the detail on the Athearn one (right). I even tried to lower the carbody on the Micro Trains caboose (left) as well as add detail paint to the handrails.
To be fair.. I watched both videos in 1080p, and while I would agree IN PERSON to the Athearn looking better that the MTL, that's because my eyes cannot focus that small, so seeing the More Pronounced details on the Athearn is easer. What I did notice very well in the 1080p video, was the MTL injection molding is far cleaner and crisper. That round thing on the lower left bay window panel is lumpy and oversized on the Athearn, and all the details are overpainted thick with embedded dust and debris particles, compared to MTL's crisp thin coat of paint and finer pad printing. Athearn pluses, the McHenry Couplers are very nice, separate grab irons, and the built up detailing is very nice, as are the end rail detail, and the silver window flanges. The lower ride is a major plus too! MTL Pluses, the injection molding is square, crisp, and smooth. Paint is cleaner, thinner, and lettering is better. The details seem more to scale, albiet smaller and harder to see. The trucks seem the lowest friction of the bunch. The Magna-Matic couplers have been the standard for decades, and although the McHenry couplers are very interesting, and i can't wait to try some out, I would not bother to replace any MTL Magna-Matic's with them, or the Accumates either for that matter. For RTR use, I would choose the Athearn because of the more complete and lower appearance, but to customize and superdetail, the MTL is the car for me. The car would need to be lowered, the toolbox shaved down a bit with a new lazerboard facia engraved, and peel and stick silver window frames added. The curved grabs shaved off and replaced with wire grabs, a bit of peel & stick lazerboard detailing to the end rails, and the etched brass roof details added, and it would trump the same work to the Athearn hands down. The etched brass detail and the "Handmade With Pride in USA, where we can't dump our waste in the Yangtze, and must pay for medical, unemployment, and social security benefits" is where the cost differences went. While I enjoy running my trains, I am one of the few modelers who actually enjoy modification and super detailing, (I just can't bring myself to RTR many models straight from the box) so I would have to choose the MTL over the Athearn.
Rob, You are correct on details, but when people are comparing MTL, Athearn, & the old Atlas/Model Power" Rivarossi". The old Atlas bay window is not in the running. It is a different version of all together. The Atlas caboose is a nice model with all the GGM details added. (Great work on yours Flash). The MTL & Athearn cabooses are modeled after the c50-9 SP caboose. The Atlas is modeled after the SP C40-4 caboose. http://espee.railfan.net/picindex/c-40-4_photos/1402_sp-c-40-4-caboose-bob_dengler.jpg So I do not know why the guy who made these Videos compared these 3 cabooses, when one isn't even the same class of caboose. It is nice to see people doing comparisons. But this is all just MY Opinion.
I watched with interest...especially the part where the McHenry coupler WOULDNT uncouple. Just had to grin...even laugh a little. Must have been my sadistic side...hehehehe. .
