Excellent review! Honest review! The more I watch your reviews (even the older ones) the more impressed I am with your channel. I may have already purchased a variant of this model and it no doubt, is still in the box, as the model RR side of the bucket list has not happened yet. That being said, I probably would not get another one of these models since the weight and pulling power are not even close to what the prototypes pull and the sound and volume are on the verge of annoying, to my ears (which you point out as being a possibility). Just one example of why your channel is quite worthwhile... and the fact that you are a very pleasant person to listen to! As always, thanks for being there and thanks for your service!
That is really a great model to have on the layout. Can't wait to get one soon! I was going to note that the real life 1943 is actually a Tier 4 Credit SD70AH and was originally UP 9026 before being repainted into the "Spirit of the Union Pacific" paint scheme.
I picked up the 1943 at the Great Midwest Train Show on Sunday April 8th and I got it from a vendor for $260. I was instantly hooked and I really love it!
Note: This model had been handled like crazy before it arrived to me, it had been shown at several train stores...thus the decal on the front is a bit rough. Models shipping out next week(including the model I have coming that I ordered from trainworld.com) will have crisp printing.
Good to know. That was one of the first things that stood out to me. Also looks like there's some fuzzy areas at some of the color separations, like between the blue and silver on the nose and the blue and white in the Coast Guard stripe on the electrical box behind the cab.
Nice job. No beating around the goofy bush. Really good on this one getting to the point. Was busy and only could listen to your narration on this one and was actually impressed! The planets or something must be aligned right. Keep it up!
Hand rails although striving to be prototypical look very delicate . Decoration though looks superb , and sound is excellent . Nice model, enjoyed the review , thanks.
The lights are not unrealistic. As locomotive bulbs are burning out they are being replaced with the more cold white color LED bulbs that are still relatively new on the market. So basically this light color is fine on this engine. Excellent review. Makes me want one more than ever and I am not a UP modeler.
Not true at all. Class ones and short lines have experimented with LEDs, but have installed them in very few locomotives. The prototype UP 1943 has regular old bulbs just like the rest of UP's fleet.
Hello Sir, Another excellent review of the UP 1943 ! I ordered the UP 1943 with no Tsunami Sound decoder from Athearn a month ago, it's for my son for Christmas. I feel lucky to have gotten one, now I realized it doesn't have a Tsunami decoder for it. I wish I could get the decoder before Christmas. I don't know which is the one it needs 😕 Sorry to ask which one ! Thanks !!
I seen your video very excellent review commenting again because some odd reason my 1943 had a non working ditch light so I had to get a 2 up 1943 now it working great so that was a bummer but my hobby shop graciously offered me another one free since i paid for the one i ordered
A LITTLE loud? Mine was incredibly, hilariously loud! The prime mover volume CV was set to 255 out of 256 steps. I had to turn it down to 115 to hear myself think!
hornhospital my caterpillar demonstrator was set at the highest cv from factory I had to play with it to be able to even speak it was in fact louder than my big blow turbine with the turbine running
Like most DCC sound implementations, this lacks realism in that the sound is generally following the motion. The first movement on the video preceded the engine notching up. I think DCC needs a major rewrite to allow the sound unit notching to set the acceleration, deceleration and speed. This would make models sound and drive much more authentic.
Hey James, great review as always. I recently picked up my model of this, but I'm on my third model in one week. The reason why, lighting issues. The original model my local hobby shop had set aside for me had the conductor's side ditchlight out, so they gave me a different one, no big deal right? Later that week at my railroad club's op session, both ditchlights and headlight would periodically not work, and the headlight completely shut off. (Yes both the headlight and ditchlights were turned on) so I took it back to my local hobby shop who gave me a new model, no questions asked. I'm very curious if anyone else has had the same issues as I. I'm very happy with this model, I think athearn is just working out some kinks with these LED lights yet.
Anthony don't be afraid. I got at least 4 Athearn SD70ACes with Tsunami 2 and all sounds are too loud preset from factory. So when you set the volume down it will be OK and I say you, the horn and all the sounds are fantastic then.
Ola Boa Tarde! Tudo bem. Por favor gostaria de saber eu tenho uma GP38-2 Genesis Tsunami2 quando eu ligo o DCC ela já começa a funcionar, para que isso não ocorra qual CV para programar para deixar ela na espera do meu comando.
So much freight , wonder why Athern, Scale Model Trains and others don't have any passenger locomotives with all the details as they put into the freight engines...?
Reread my comment. I very specifically said they don't flash on UP's SD70ACe's. They have several former SP locomotives that are still wired up to flash when the horn is sounded, but not very many. The SP had quite a few of them back in the 90's this way, but they're few and far between on the UP roster nowadays.
The Genesis Ace is the nicest one on the market but this paint is just hideous, Athearn had also mentioned in the past that one of the reasons it took them so long to equip their locomotives with LEDs is because they wanted to make sure they got the right color on them, I've seen them in person and they failed at that but Im okay with straight white LED lighting. With an MSRP of $239.98 for a DC unit they have completely lost their minds, thats the MSRP for a Genesis sound equipped locomotive, whatever to each his own Im glad Im modeling UP but nothing past 2013. As always good job James!
this is a great looking loco. and like many i ordered one to. and i think Athearn knows how much people are going to want this and jumped the price to match, I got mine today at a staggering price of 422.44$ Canadian. and opened it up. to 3 pieces floating around in the box. so over priced and quality is lower, in my thoughts. But hey Athearn saw a cash cow and rode the rails right to the bank with this one..
I was really hoping they would have made it heavier. Athearn sd70's are too lightweight imo. Also the fact that they released such a nice paint scheme wit hout lit number boards really shows they are still behind the times.....bummer
this model had been handled like crazy before it arrived to me, it had been shown at several train stores...thus the decal is a bit rough on the front.
I do not understand why Athearn thinks it is necessary to put those terrible semi scale plastic couplers on their engines. I produce a great product then you immediately need to turn the engine upside down and put in better couplers.
You could certainly contact Horizon Hobby and tell them they need to put metal couplers in. If you don't let the manufacturer know what you want they'll never make it. Of course, you could just keep complaining on RUclips and have nothing you want.
Problem is that Horizon Hobby owns Athearn, Roundhouse, and McHenry couplers. So because of that you will never ever see a model from them equipped with Kadees from the factory.
Douglas, up until almost a year ago, I worked in a local train store and you can believe me when I tell you, I am not the only one who has spoken to them about this matter. I mean, how can Walthers' put metal knuckle couplers on their engines that are not Kadee's.? Their coupler looks like a Kadee but is a slightly different size.
The handrails aren't leaning toward the body because of a lack of foam padding. They lean because Atheatn handrails SUCK. Always have and apparently always will.
I dont understand why Athearn keeps installing these crappy plastic Couplers and the window shades are too fragile they need to be molded into the body. For the price Athearn is charging this is a rip off sorry folks. Honesty I think Scale Trains is kicking Athearns butt now.
love your reviews but like every other modeler 90% engines 9.99% rolling stock and /0001 everything else I just got in the hobby and I have less boring layout with 45 buildings semaphores lighting miller engineering neon signs etc .. i will upload videos soon .. when completed ... do any modelers care about buildings structures bridges lighting scenery figures scratch building weathering are care about having a beautiful diorama full of interest not just a bunch of engines and rolling stock seriously???
Honestly its ugly. I have seen other Athearn SD70Ace's that look allot nicer. Sorry I gotta pass on this one. Especially the price. Sorry but its way over priced. You do a fantastic job on your reviews keep up the good job. I love UP SD70Aces but this one is too pricey and just ugly.
Excellent review! Honest review!
The more I watch your reviews (even the older ones) the more impressed I am with your channel. I may have already purchased a variant of this model and it no doubt, is still in the box, as the model RR side of the bucket list has not happened yet. That being said, I probably would not get another one of these models since the weight and pulling power are not even close to what the prototypes pull and the sound and volume are on the verge of annoying, to my ears (which you point out as being a possibility). Just one example of why your channel is quite worthwhile... and the fact that you are a very pleasant person to listen to! As always, thanks for being there and thanks for your service!
Well! 3 years later I finally got a hold of this exact model!!! Finally got a good deal on one!
That is really a great model to have on the layout. Can't wait to get one soon! I was going to note that the real life 1943 is actually a Tier 4 Credit SD70AH and was originally UP 9026 before being repainted into the "Spirit of the Union Pacific" paint scheme.
This is AWESOME!! SO HAPPY YOU GOT YOUR HANDS ON IT! CANT WAIT TO GET IT KEEP UP,THE GREAT WORK!!!
I picked up the 1943 at the Great Midwest Train Show on Sunday April 8th and I got it from a vendor for $260. I was instantly hooked and I really love it!
Note: This model had been handled like crazy before it arrived to me, it had been shown at several train stores...thus the decal on the front is a bit rough. Models shipping out next week(including the model I have coming that I ordered from trainworld.com) will have crisp printing.
Good to know. That was one of the first things that stood out to me. Also looks like there's some fuzzy areas at some of the color separations, like between the blue and silver on the nose and the blue and white in the Coast Guard stripe on the electrical box behind the cab.
jlwii2000 I SEEN THAT LOCO IN REAL LIFE
Okay I was going to say. the slanted white and blue lines just behind the cab look like quality of something from 1980's Bachmann
jlwii2000 ... Which DCC system do you prefer on a personal layout? I've used Digitraxx at the club I use to be associated with.
Nice job. No beating around the goofy bush. Really good on this one getting to the point. Was busy and only could listen to your narration on this one and was actually impressed! The planets or something must be aligned right. Keep it up!
Hand rails although striving to be prototypical look very delicate . Decoration though looks superb , and sound is excellent . Nice model, enjoyed the review , thanks.
The lights are not unrealistic. As locomotive bulbs are burning out they are being replaced with the more cold white color LED bulbs that are still relatively new on the market. So basically this light color is fine on this engine. Excellent review. Makes me want one more than ever and I am not a UP modeler.
Not true at all. Class ones and short lines have experimented with LEDs, but have installed them in very few locomotives. The prototype UP 1943 has regular old bulbs just like the rest of UP's fleet.
James, today I got my BLI 3985 delivered to my house today!
Awesome review! It's about time athearn started going to LED's on their Genesis diesels. Excited for the model of this I ordered to come in soon
Great model I looking forward to having mine as well plus I seen the real thing and I have a t shirt of that locomotive great video and review!!
Awesome model James keep up the amazing videos hope you get in to the 100,000s soon!
Don't worry he will.😀
Awesome review and model! Would love to see more run by shots like you did in this video on future reviews.
Awesome. I like that James. I love that engine right there! I can't wait to get one too!!!!
Wow.. really nice engine.. nice hoppers too.. thanks for sharing and keep up the great work.. Lance
What a beautiful model!
Great video Willie. My Uncle will be getting this model.
I believe KATO is having one coming out this summer in N Sacle. They are taking pre-order now.
Have a safe one
Hello Sir, Another excellent review of the UP 1943 ! I ordered the UP 1943 with no Tsunami Sound decoder from Athearn a month ago, it's for my son for Christmas. I feel lucky to have gotten one, now I realized it doesn't have a Tsunami decoder for it. I wish I could get the decoder before Christmas. I don't know which is the one it needs 😕 Sorry to ask which one !
Thanks !!
I can’t believe it’s been 2 years already
I seen your video very excellent review commenting again because some odd reason my 1943 had a non working ditch light so I had to get a 2 up 1943 now it working great so that was a bummer but my hobby shop graciously offered me another one free since i paid for the one i ordered
Iowa Interstate 513-516 had this same issue, but with the headlight and ditchlights as well
Brock Krenke sorry to hear that
A running video with 1943 and 4141 would be awesome
A LITTLE loud? Mine was incredibly, hilariously loud! The prime mover volume CV was set to 255 out of 256 steps. I had to turn it down to 115 to hear myself think!
hornhospital my caterpillar demonstrator was set at the highest cv from factory I had to play with it to be able to even speak it was in fact louder than my big blow turbine with the turbine running
All volumes set to the max is common practice by most manufactures and has been for more than 10 years.
Hey James nice union pacfic unit I love it
What a pretty train.
I own a UP SD50 road #5017. I have a CSX TRANSPORTATION TIER 4 GEVO AND A NS GE 44-9W
Nice Video!! I be getting mine tomorrow.
Great review James. Keep it up
Super Duper Zuper Excellent Model
Did you know these locos also have cab chatter?..the volume has to be turned up on cv 160 and hit f7 at start up
Love the run bys
Nice loco. The UK should do something similar with one of our locos.
Love that box!
I have the #1943 made by Lionel in o scale. Looks great for HO. Stay away from mth’s version the paint on the camo is off
I saw this unit on Sunday with a 20 car executives special.
Cool Beans!
Awesome can't wait to get mine
Did anyone notice the lowercase H on the SD70AH
I believe it's missing part of the decal for the uppercase H. Like he said this engine has been handled quite a bit.
Yup
h
Like most DCC sound implementations, this lacks realism in that the sound is generally following the motion. The first movement on the video preceded the engine notching up. I think DCC needs a major rewrite to allow the sound unit notching to set the acceleration, deceleration and speed. This would make models sound and drive much more authentic.
I might get this one to go with my csx walthers one
The box it comes in matches great
My dad will get me this if I rock the next school concert
I didn’t
Awesome video!
What’s the function number for Cab Light and number boards?
What is the 3 bay engine house kit you have in the background?
I have a SD60 that needs Repairing and I'm not sure where to get it fixed
I want this loco soooooooooooooooooo bad
Dude that's a Nice Model Ho Scale SD70AH 1943 Unit
Hey James, great review as always. I recently picked up my model of this, but I'm on my third model in one week. The reason why, lighting issues. The original model my local hobby shop had set aside for me had the conductor's side ditchlight out, so they gave me a different one, no big deal right? Later that week at my railroad club's op session, both ditchlights and headlight would periodically not work, and the headlight completely shut off. (Yes both the headlight and ditchlights were turned on) so I took it back to my local hobby shop who gave me a new model, no questions asked. I'm very curious if anyone else has had the same issues as I. I'm very happy with this model, I think athearn is just working out some kinks with these LED lights yet.
I kinda wish they did the scheme on the Tier 4 GEVOs.
Damn I can't wait for this
Now maybe this is just more or the volume. But the horn kinda Sounds like a K5LA then the K5LLA. I'm trying to be rude its just something I noticed.
Nice looking but the horn sounds like a value line model a lot shell rattle. I have been impressed T2 decoders but horn sounds like old SD 70 ACE.
Anthony don't be afraid. I got at least 4 Athearn SD70ACes with Tsunami 2 and all sounds are too loud preset from factory. So when you set the volume down it will be OK and I say you, the horn and all the sounds are fantastic then.
How did you get yours early? Awesome videos keep the great work.
finally your volume is back to normal
$389.99 in Canada 🇨🇦 plus 13% tax = $440.00
hey, can you do a review of the Walthers GE ES44AH w/SoundTraxx Sound & DCC?
Load is good
I am jealous!!!!!!!!!!
Can you do a review on the KATO N scale UP 1943 SD70ACE
Nice...
Ola Boa Tarde! Tudo bem. Por favor gostaria de saber eu tenho uma GP38-2 Genesis Tsunami2 quando eu ligo o DCC ela já começa a funcionar, para que isso não ocorra qual CV para programar para deixar ela na espera do meu comando.
Mine Just Arrived
Nice model union pacific symbol
So much freight , wonder why Athern, Scale Model Trains and others don't have any passenger locomotives with all the details as they put into the freight engines...?
Buford Hart There is an Amtrak sdp40f in the genesis line. It’s pretty nice in detail standard.
Suche DD 40 in AC Wechselstrom mit den besten Grüßen Heinz Walkowiak aus Köln Danke
For some reason I can't find that Union Pacific locomotive when I type in Sd 70 phase two
steveMCHS look up on google or athearn.com Spirit of Union Pacific SD70ACe
hey jlwii2000 what ever happend to the sd70ace tier 4s did they stop producing them and what ever happend to emd?
they are now SD70AH (heavier weight) and EMD is owned by Progress Rail now.
wow o ok cool
Can you program the CV's to get the ditch lights to flash when F2 is pressed?
yes you can but that isn't accurate.
UP's SD70ACe's don't flash.
Reread my comment. I very specifically said they don't flash on UP's SD70ACe's. They have several former SP locomotives that are still wired up to flash when the horn is sounded, but not very many. The SP had quite a few of them back in the 90's this way, but they're few and far between on the UP roster nowadays.
Thanks for the information.
The Genesis Ace is the nicest one on the market but this paint is just hideous, Athearn had also mentioned in the past that one of the reasons it took them so long to equip their locomotives with LEDs is because they wanted to make sure they got the right color on them, I've seen them in person and they failed at that but Im okay with straight white LED lighting. With an MSRP of $239.98 for a DC unit they have completely lost their minds, thats the MSRP for a Genesis sound equipped locomotive, whatever to each his own Im glad Im modeling UP but nothing past 2013. As always good job James!
this is a great looking loco. and like many i ordered one to. and i think Athearn knows how much people are going to want this and jumped the price to match, I got mine today at a staggering price of 422.44$ Canadian. and opened it up. to 3 pieces floating around in the box. so over priced and quality is lower, in my thoughts. But hey Athearn saw a cash cow and rode the rails right to the bank with this one..
Its actually a SD70A-H
#earlysquad
another heritage unit
Now I want the George Bush 4141
isnt it a SD70AH?
1943 is an AH not an ACe
SD70ACH
*SD70AH
For that price it should have Loksound...get with the times Athearn!!
Es una sd70AH nou ace ah jlwii2000
I was really hoping they would have made it heavier. Athearn sd70's are too lightweight imo. Also the fact that they released such a nice paint scheme wit hout lit number boards really shows they are still behind the times.....bummer
Would never buy this when ScaleTrains is selling the RivetCounter for $230.
Sir give me shop adress
Was that an ex BLMA covered hopper in the consist?
The bleed of the blue on the nose sash really concerns me. That's actually pretty bad.
this model had been handled like crazy before it arrived to me, it had been shown at several train stores...thus the decal is a bit rough on the front.
did anyone notice the poor white pin stripes on the blue banner of "the spirit of the Union Pacific?"
this model had been handled like crazy before it arrived to me, it had been shown at several train stores...thus the decal is a bit rough on the front
They were not that bad
thanks i was curious as to why the lines were so jacked up
My F Unit set would out pull it no problem.
I do not understand why Athearn thinks it is necessary to put those terrible semi scale plastic couplers on their engines. I produce a great product then you immediately need to turn the engine upside down and put in better couplers.
You could certainly contact Horizon Hobby and tell them they need to put metal couplers in. If you don't let the manufacturer know what you want they'll never make it. Of course, you could just keep complaining on RUclips and have nothing you want.
Problem is that Horizon Hobby owns Athearn, Roundhouse, and McHenry couplers. So because of that you will never ever see a model from them equipped with Kadees from the factory.
Douglas, up until almost a year ago, I worked in a local train store and you can believe me when I tell you, I am not the only one who has spoken to them about this matter. I mean, how can Walthers' put metal knuckle couplers on their engines that are not Kadee's.? Their coupler looks like a Kadee but is a slightly different size.
Bob Rule, Jr. I agree with you completely always do that when I get athearn locos!!
The handrails aren't leaning toward the body because of a lack of foam padding. They lean because Atheatn handrails SUCK. Always have and apparently always will.
I'm sorry but for that price, the painted on that sash should be a lot better than that...
I dont understand why Athearn keeps installing these crappy plastic Couplers and the window shades are too fragile they need to be molded into the body. For the price Athearn is charging this is a rip off sorry folks. Honesty I think Scale Trains is kicking Athearns butt now.
love your reviews but like every other modeler 90% engines 9.99% rolling stock and /0001 everything else I just got in the hobby and I have less boring layout with 45 buildings semaphores lighting miller engineering neon signs etc .. i will upload videos soon .. when completed ... do any modelers care about buildings structures bridges lighting scenery figures scratch building weathering are care about having a beautiful diorama full of interest not just a bunch of engines and rolling stock seriously???
I'll try to work more buildings and structures in.
All I've been doing lately is building structures....So much fun
would look better with purple trucks/fuel tank
Honestly its ugly. I have seen other Athearn SD70Ace's that look allot nicer. Sorry I gotta pass on this one. Especially the price. Sorry but its way over priced. You do a fantastic job on your reviews keep up the good job. I love UP SD70Aces but this one is too pricey and just ugly.