Athearn Releasing GE U-50

All i can say is about time somebody done a HO scale U-50 thats not in brass wink:

http://www.athearn.com/Search/Default.aspx?SearchTerm=u50+RTR&CatID=THLD&NYA=1

 

I couldn't agree more; I've already Pre Ordered mine.
And we have plenty of time to save for it.
None of which could make me unhappy:tb-wink::thumbs_up:

 

They will have the model at trainfest in Milwaukee i seen pictures I have toured the Horizon hobies plant and met with all the ppl involved making the all the new stuff you all are going to like it the next 3 years just save some dollars

 

I'm torn. Maybe by next Spetember when It gets here I'll have $$$, or at least $, but a sbig a fan as I'm NOT with the bloody-nose, gosh-darn it I almost like her more than I do the UP yellow, but the UP would go more easily with the business train I'm building...

 

Good golly! With that beast run on anything less than 28 in. radius curves?

 

It should run on 20" radius cause my turbine does and its the same chassis as that

 

Thanks for the info, one more question if you will.
Is your Turbine a good runner could you tell a little about that please?
Since they will or have used the same drive in the U50

 

Well i have only run it around the layout a few laps by itself so i can't really comment on it too much, but tonight i'll drag it out and give it a good run. and get back to you.
though i did find the tender a little too light.

 

Thanks much I appreciate that; I'll check back:thumbs_up:

 

I tell you what the turbine runs great, much much quieter that the regular sd chassis loco's.
But 20" radius is as far is you would really want to take it.
i had one break away from the loco after about 15 mins of running, but that was at one of my not so greatly positioned turnouts

 

I really appreciate you doing that; also sounds pretty good. I will watch not to take the U50 on the inner curves which would be smaller than 20". The quiet part is also nice to know that the running gear is nice and smooth. I would presume that Athearn will use the same running gear that is used in the Turbine.

Once again thanks much for your review
:thumbs_up::thumbs_up:

 

I hear ya. They get you everytime. My P2K SD7 is allergic to one turnout I have. The B+B crew is not thrilled with having to replace that as ownership wants to change it over to a #6, which means realigning the divergent track. B+B crew prefers the SD7 just stay bad ordered. There's never a simple fix.

Mark

 

I'm not opposed to this model, but I really hope they don't make a habit of choosing rare prototypes to do. I feel like the U50 appeals more to a collector than to any sort of runner. Really, the number of model railroads that are large enough and of appropriate prototype to run this beast has to be very small.

 

Okay here we go; for those whom haven't seen the prototype models being released by Athearn there is a video interview that has been posted on Facebook
http://static.ak.fbcdn.net/rsrc.php/zF/r/OCVJLMZrBcC.swf?v=162210347145644&ev=0

 

Only they are confined to purely prototypical operations, which I agree would constitute a very small percentage. I think the majority of model railroads would enjoy running such a beast on their pike, regardless of size or prototype. At least I know I'm speaking for myself - my road is "loosely" based on the L&N, but I have to bring out the turbine every once in awhile (UP has trackage rights in my special world) :ru-cool::ru-shocked:

oh...and yeah that thing about the minimum radius....:tb-tongue:

 

You're right, but Athearn is getting a HECK of a lot of mileage out of that chassis. And as ffar as the veranda and U50 go, they only have to design half a locomotive. Hence why we're getting all of the oddballs.

 

I don't know exactly who else ran these Monsters but Con Cor made them in more than just SP & UP. They also were produced as PRR, Santa Fe, Great Northern. But mind you those were all N Scale.
And as we've heard it here before; "it's your RR so run what you'd like." Or something to that effect.
:tb-biggrin::thumbs_up::tb-rolleyes:

 

Oh of course, and to be honest, its not as if Athearn hasn't made many far more typical models. And yes, Big UP power will always sell. I'm just saying, I'd be more excited if they'd released something more typical.

But, again they are doing that, so what am I complaining about?

 

Athearn U50s at Oklahoma City train show.