Having worked with the older runs of these engines, they do have a pretty critical flaw. The traction tire driver is driver #2. As the engine actually gets into hills, #2 driver loses grip. If you load #2 up to gain grip, you lose weight on number 1, which is what actually guides the engine through curves, and will cause derailments. The traction tire wheelset really needs to be on driver #4, and to my knowledge this still hasn't been changed. The spring rigging in this frame is nice, but really hurts it with the factory traction tire location.
I’ve read about this on forums and have heard stories about the suspension system from other modelers. I don’t think mine is a first run engine. From what I’ve heard they improved the situation on later versions of the engine? I don’t have any grades on my layout so I can’t confirm but I’ve found this engine has more pulling power than I need. Hopefully this does get fixed. If I encountered the problem with any frequency I’d probably see about swapping another axle with a tire in
@@gopernoperstrains3160 Problem is the counterweights are different on #2 vs #1 or #4. Otherwise I'd move them. This is an issue with at least the first and second runs
I hope your headlight last longer than mine did. My headlight burned out on mine in 30 minutes running time. Other than that issue I've had no other issues with my engine.
I originally ordered one but I never got it because it was on back order the whole time I wonder if Athearn Genesis MT-4 has a sound feature that includes a secondary airhorn which I believe it does considering that these engines were equipped with airhorns the same with the GS class northerns and the class cab locomotives here’s a fun fact about why the stars are in the middle of the drivers it was a feature how SP identified engines with certain type of bearings SP steam engines with a star in the middle of the drivers indicated they were equipped with friction bearings while engines with a circle indicated they were equipped with roller bearings
Glad to see your back
Having worked with the older runs of these engines, they do have a pretty critical flaw. The traction tire driver is driver #2. As the engine actually gets into hills, #2 driver loses grip. If you load #2 up to gain grip, you lose weight on number 1, which is what actually guides the engine through curves, and will cause derailments. The traction tire wheelset really needs to be on driver #4, and to my knowledge this still hasn't been changed. The spring rigging in this frame is nice, but really hurts it with the factory traction tire location.
I’ve read about this on forums and have heard stories about the suspension system from other modelers. I don’t think mine is a first run engine. From what I’ve heard they improved the situation on later versions of the engine? I don’t have any grades on my layout so I can’t confirm but I’ve found this engine has more pulling power than I need. Hopefully this does get fixed. If I encountered the problem with any frequency I’d probably see about swapping another axle with a tire in
@@gopernoperstrains3160 Problem is the counterweights are different on #2 vs #1 or #4. Otherwise I'd move them. This is an issue with at least the first and second runs
She’s a beauty.
Amazing video Will, One of the best Athearn Steam engines released ,great detail and runs smooth
Very beautiful
Very nice
Nice and informative.
Let’s go!:)
Very impressive. 👍
That’s a great locomotive!!
But did Athearn finally resolve the traction issues with the spring tension on Driver #2???
I love this locomotive ❤
Lovely engine
I hope your headlight last longer than mine did. My headlight burned out on mine in 30 minutes running time. Other than that issue I've had no other issues with my engine.
I’ve had this one for about a year and a half now, no issues so far, but I’m hoping mine lasts.
I originally ordered one but I never got it because it was on back order the whole time I wonder if Athearn Genesis MT-4 has a sound feature that includes a secondary airhorn which I believe it does considering that these engines were equipped with airhorns the same with the GS class northerns and the class cab locomotives here’s a fun fact about why the stars are in the middle of the drivers it was a feature how SP identified engines with certain type of bearings SP steam engines with a star in the middle of the drivers indicated they were equipped with friction bearings while engines with a circle indicated they were equipped with roller bearings