Good review Buddy! I just ran a couple of SD60E units this evening. 6978 and the 6989. When these units first came out the engineer’s hated them because of the cheaply made cabs were extremely noisy. We complained so much about them they had to address the issue. While they aren’t as quiet as an ACe or a GE, they are better. One more thing about the homemade wide cab on these, that side mirror/wind deflector that you were missing is useless on the prototype. They placed it so far away from the window opening you can’t reach it to adjust it. Looking forward to your decoder install. Take care!
Thanks Tim! Yeah I heard the engineers didn't like these things very much. Glad they upgraded the cab for you guys! I personally thought they were ugly when they first made them. But now they have grown on me a little. Still not my favorite though. I have a little fun fact for you....The cabs are made less than I mile from my house. Thanks for stopping by, it's always a pleasure to hear from you!
Thanks for the review of these great looking engines. Still new to the MR hobby, so I'm absorbing all the information I can get. Look forward to your video on DCC installation w/sound!
One thing I like about NS as a rail fan (unfortunately gave up on being an employee after many failed attempts) is the variety of locomotives. Thankfully they've replaced the operating road's designation under the cab numbers (SOU or NW when NS was just a holding company) with locomotive model number. "Hmm, that looks different... it's a what? I gotta look that up." It's always an in house rebuild. Seems NS has taken a cue from its predecessors and said, "yeah, we think we can make it better."
Nice video Deryk! DC is how we all started out and there is still a market for it and lots of guys who run it. Thanks for sharing this. Those are really nice looking locos, by the way. Merry Christmas, my friend!! - Brian
Thanks Brian! Sometimes I miss the old and more simple days. I still think back to my childhood with just a simple 4x8 layout. Fun times! I will never forget. Merry Christmas to you and your family!
I have the veterans unit and first responders unit both with dcc and sound. I agree they are nice units. Thinking about getting the go rail one. I would really like the GP38 first responders unit made as well, the correct way. I would also by the NS F units if someone made them the way they are in real life. I do agree as well the things we want do come at a price. I'm not a total NS guy, I collect all roads, but I do enjoy ur reviews. When u did the scaletrains C44-9W review it gave me a idea of what the Santa Fe version I ordered from them was going to sound like and be like while I was waiting to pick it up.
The Athearn Genesis GP9 Iowa Interstate #306 I bought has a loud motor noise. The locomotive sound cannot overcome it even at full loudness setting. I’ve been running it back and forth but it doesn't seems to get better. I’m going to have it remotored with a Kato motor. Also pulling the Tsunami 2 and putting in LokSound 5 which I feel is superior. Spent $250 on this thing and I have to put in another $250 now. Also there was a part missing on the locomotive (arm rest). I sent several e-mails to Athearn over the last 4 months. Not one has been answered. It's a shame. They make beautifully modeled locomotives (Genesis line), but I can't buy again from a company with such poor customer support. I'm sticking with Walthers and Atlas who reply to my e-mails right away.. Giving ScaleTrains a try, just ordered one.
Great overview, smart move on purchasing non sound and DCC units to build up your display and overall collection. Like you said you can always convert the ones you want to run. Saving money in the process.
Nice review of the Athearn Genesis SD60E(s)! I model NS and know that any one would look great paired up with a couple of their ES40DC units. By the way, how's the pulling weight?! It'd be nice if Athearn would've had rotating bearing caps but the ground lights are a sweet addition. Thanks for the review.
These are pretty nice. As far as pulling weight....this locomotive weighs 20.45 ounces. To put that into perspective, an Intermountain ES40DC weights 18.00 ounces(which has terrible pulling power), and the MTH SD70ACE weighs 23.15 ounces (one of the best pulling locos). So this locomotive is somewhere in the middle and should pull a decent amount of cars. Keep in mind, if you install sound, you will lose a little weight because of removal of the weight where the speaker goes.
@@DGModelworks Thanks for replying back. Have you tried to pair up the Athearn Genesis SD60E with a Scale Trains Dash 9? I'm curious to see if they pair up well without having to be speed matched. Also, I'm guessing that you'll have to program that SD60E to get the ditchlights to alternate flash.
@@herbertw.jr.carrier6122 I have not tried pairing it with a scaletrains dash 9. My dash 9 already has dcc and this loco is still DC. I will be installing DCC in this loco though and then it will need to be programmed to make the ditch lights flash.
Nice review of these locos. I’m really liking that go rail one. It is so unique. And I’m not even an NS guy. 😱 lol. And unfortunately you are right about the new norm being broken off parts 🤨 it’s sad but true. Thanks for sharing. Glad to see back into it. I’m looking forward to watching you install dcc and sound. 😃 David
DG Modelworks probably nothing we can do. I like how scale trains has the less expensive operator series. Less details to break in shipping. And you can add the detail kits to it if you choose. But by the time you do that and upgrade the decoder you may as well buy the rivet counter version. I know some companies used to give the detailed parts in a separate bag and you applied them yourself. Maybe go back to that?
DG I LOVE YOUR VIDEOS I want to get 2 the locos out of the 3 first responders and support our troops are my favorite but I want to get them in DCC I have the MTH Training for our first responders but I I haven't ran it yet because I need the DCC controller I can't wait to run it thank you for the videos
Thank you very much George, I appreciate it! The First Responders and Veterans unit are my favorites too! There was no way I wasn't going to buy them. They both deserve our love and support!
this is what happens when factory locomotives are detailed....there is no constantly detailing on these like what you would use by detailing your own....that's why I support details associates, details west, minatures by erics, and cannon....
@@DGModelworks I have notice a lot of difference in the RTR SD40T-2s from athearn….but I do have to strip them down so normally all parts fall of, and I redetail and paint....but then again im also a SouthAmerican modeler
An interesting locomotive review, Athearn Genesis does produce impressive locomotives however- most of their locos are lightweights as concerned in the weight department category.
Thanks for the review. I want to get NS engines once I can started on my layout and am looking for all the information I can get on them. I do not need a rivet counter, but am looking for engines with DCC and sound. What do you feel would be a good place for me to start?
If you aren't looking for super detailed locos, You can check out Walthers Mainline which come with limited function ESU and can be detailed later with one of their detail kits if you want, or Athearn RTR which come with Soundtraxx Econami. Both good choices.
The headlights and rear light will work, but you will most likely have to do some programming to get all the other lighting to function properly. Especially if you want flashing ditch lights. Also need to make sure the decoder has enough lighting outputs for all of the lights.
While I don't model N scale. it's my understanding that most decoders in N scale are designed for that specific locomotive. The decoders that are used in HO are not specific to any locomotive. The only functions that are standard are head light and rear light. Every locomotive manufacturer sets up their lighting differently and on various different function outputs. Hell sometime different style locomotives from the same manufacturer are different.
In another review I said I do not care for the paint scheme on the 6920 loco, meaning the bright red roof, a little too strong, also the bright yellow fans look toy like of the fireman loco
You make a very valid point. I actually have some Amtrak stuff. I took an old Walthers Trainline F40PH and super detailed it, and added ESU Loksound. One of my favorite locos.
Timely video. I don't focus on NS, have been interested in the veterans and 911 units lately and will be looking soon. Only just got back into the hobby last year and most of my purchases have been NOS dcc ready, so I'm interested in the dcc conversion videos. Also interested in videos detailing out earlier generations like the Amtrak you mentioned. There are a few other pages I subscribe to that do all that, but everybody has their own techniques and mistakes to be worked out and we learn from each other, so don't concern yourself about repeating what another channel may have covered. Keep the videos coming. Oh, and I liked the veterans unit leading long nose forward. A little old school.
Good review Buddy! I just ran a couple of SD60E units this evening. 6978 and the 6989. When these units first came out the engineer’s hated them because of the cheaply made cabs were extremely noisy. We complained so much about them they had to address the issue. While they aren’t as quiet as an ACe or a GE, they are better. One more thing about the homemade wide cab on these, that side mirror/wind deflector that you were missing is useless on the prototype. They placed it so far away from the window opening you can’t reach it to adjust it. Looking forward to your decoder install. Take care!
Thanks Tim! Yeah I heard the engineers didn't like these things very much. Glad they upgraded the cab for you guys! I personally thought they were ugly when they first made them. But now they have grown on me a little. Still not my favorite though. I have a little fun fact for you....The cabs are made less than I mile from my house. Thanks for stopping by, it's always a pleasure to hear from you!
Just bought an athearn genesis sd60e DC locomotive. Nice detail and quiet running. Really like it.
Very nice!
Thanks for the review of these great looking engines. Still new to the MR hobby, so I'm absorbing all the information I can get. Look forward to your video on DCC installation w/sound!
One thing I like about NS as a rail fan (unfortunately gave up on being an employee after many failed attempts) is the variety of locomotives. Thankfully they've replaced the operating road's designation under the cab numbers (SOU or NW when NS was just a holding company) with locomotive model number. "Hmm, that looks different... it's a what? I gotta look that up." It's always an in house rebuild. Seems NS has taken a cue from its predecessors and said, "yeah, we think we can make it better."
Nice video Deryk! DC is how we all started out and there is still a market for it and lots of guys who run it. Thanks for sharing this. Those are really nice looking locos, by the way. Merry Christmas, my friend!! - Brian
Thanks Brian! Sometimes I miss the old and more simple days. I still think back to my childhood with just a simple 4x8 layout. Fun times! I will never forget. Merry Christmas to you and your family!
so that would be easy enough, to add dcc and sound. I like that there is a spot for the speaker already to go.
I have the veterans unit and first responders unit both with dcc and sound. I agree they are nice units. Thinking about getting the go rail one. I would really like the GP38 first responders unit made as well, the correct way. I would also by the NS F units if someone made them the way they are in real life. I do agree as well the things we want do come at a price. I'm not a total NS guy, I collect all roads, but I do enjoy ur reviews. When u did the scaletrains C44-9W review it gave me a idea of what the Santa Fe version I ordered from them was going to sound like and be like while I was waiting to pick it up.
Great review and fantastic looking locomotives. Thanks for sharing. Dave
The Athearn Genesis GP9 Iowa Interstate #306 I bought has a loud motor noise. The locomotive sound cannot overcome it even at full loudness setting. I’ve been running it back and forth but it doesn't seems to get better. I’m going to have it remotored with a Kato motor. Also pulling the Tsunami 2 and putting in LokSound 5 which I feel is superior. Spent $250 on this thing and I have to put in another $250 now. Also there was a part missing on the locomotive (arm rest). I sent several e-mails to Athearn over the last 4 months. Not one has been answered. It's a shame. They make beautifully modeled locomotives (Genesis line), but I can't buy again from a company with such poor customer support. I'm sticking with Walthers and Atlas who reply to my e-mails right away.. Giving ScaleTrains a try, just ordered one.
Thank you sir for the great review. Hope all is well my friend.
I saw the 9-1-1 unit at Taylor yard Pennsylvania
Great overview, smart move on purchasing non sound and DCC units to build up your display and overall collection. Like you said you can always convert the ones you want to run. Saving money in the process.
Thanks! Yeah, I agree, don't need sound in every loco and if they are going to displayed, no sense in spending the extra for dcc till it's needed.
I'm sold. Thanks for the review.
Thank You For Running DC Im Oldschool
Great review, you kept it real 👍
Thank you! That is one thing I like to do with all my reviews.
very nice sir. I will be giving one of these away on Christmas day. dcc and sound thou.
Awesome review video! Cool idea doing it in DC.
I think the one I like the most is the veterans unit go rail ok But the veteran one looks really good
Nice review of the Athearn Genesis SD60E(s)! I model NS and know that any one would look great paired up with a couple of their ES40DC units. By the way, how's the pulling weight?! It'd be nice if Athearn would've had rotating bearing caps but the ground lights are a sweet addition. Thanks for the review.
These are pretty nice. As far as pulling weight....this locomotive weighs 20.45 ounces. To put that into perspective, an Intermountain ES40DC weights 18.00 ounces(which has terrible pulling power), and the MTH SD70ACE weighs 23.15 ounces (one of the best pulling locos). So this locomotive is somewhere in the middle and should pull a decent amount of cars. Keep in mind, if you install sound, you will lose a little weight because of removal of the weight where the speaker goes.
@@DGModelworks Thanks for replying back. Have you tried to pair up the Athearn Genesis SD60E with a Scale Trains Dash 9? I'm curious to see if they pair up well without having to be speed matched. Also, I'm guessing that you'll have to program that SD60E to get the ditchlights to alternate flash.
@@herbertw.jr.carrier6122 I have not tried pairing it with a scaletrains dash 9. My dash 9 already has dcc and this loco is still DC. I will be installing DCC in this loco though and then it will need to be programmed to make the ditch lights flash.
I dont see anything wrong with this review. It seems pretty freaking great!
Thanks Joe!
Those all look nice thanks for showing them
Nice review of these locos. I’m really liking that go rail one. It is so unique. And I’m not even an NS guy. 😱 lol. And unfortunately you are right about the new norm being broken off parts 🤨 it’s sad but true. Thanks for sharing. Glad to see back into it. I’m looking forward to watching you install dcc and sound. 😃 David
Thanks David! Yeah, the new norm sucks. Not sure what we can do about that.
DG Modelworks probably nothing we can do. I like how scale trains has the less expensive operator series. Less details to break in shipping. And you can add the detail kits to it if you choose. But by the time you do that and upgrade the decoder you may as well buy the rivet counter version. I know some companies used to give the detailed parts in a separate bag and you applied them yourself. Maybe go back to that?
DG I LOVE YOUR VIDEOS I want to get 2 the locos out of the 3 first responders and support our troops are my favorite but I want to get them in DCC I have the MTH Training for our first responders but I I haven't ran it yet because I need the DCC controller I can't wait to run it thank you for the videos
Thank you very much George, I appreciate it! The First Responders and Veterans unit are my favorites too! There was no way I wasn't going to buy them. They both deserve our love and support!
Where did you get the hat? I like it.
It was given to me as a gift.
this is what happens when factory locomotives are detailed....there is no constantly detailing on these like what you would use by detailing your own....that's why I support details associates, details west, minatures by erics, and cannon....
I would even be alright with installing the detail parts myself. Bring back a little of the "modeling" part of the hobby.
@@DGModelworks I have notice a lot of difference in the RTR SD40T-2s from athearn….but I do have to strip them down so normally all parts fall of, and I redetail and paint....but then again im also a SouthAmerican modeler
Nice video! Dang sucks 6963 didn’t get a Special Packaging like 911 and 6920 do
Thanks! I agree, I wish it had special packaging too!
I routed the MU hoses on my NS GoRail through the openings on the plow. Just looks better to me that way
I agree, it looks better through the plow.
An interesting locomotive review, Athearn Genesis does produce impressive locomotives however- most of their locos are lightweights as concerned in the weight department category.
Thanks! Yeah they aren't the heaviest locos available.
Good review 👍 god bless and Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Thank you! Merry Christmas to you too!
@@DGModelworks Thank you
Thanks for the review. I want to get NS engines once I can started on my layout and am looking for all the information I can get on them. I do not need a rivet counter, but am looking for engines with DCC and sound. What do you feel would be a good place for me to start?
If you aren't looking for super detailed locos, You can check out Walthers Mainline which come with limited function ESU and can be detailed later with one of their detail kits if you want, or Athearn RTR which come with Soundtraxx Econami. Both good choices.
Very nice and I’m new to your channel and overall I am going to love it
Thank you so much! I appreciate you stopping by and checking out my channel. Glad you like it!
With a basic DCC 21 pin decoder will all the lights function right out the box or would you have the program it?
The headlights and rear light will work, but you will most likely have to do some programming to get all the other lighting to function properly. Especially if you want flashing ditch lights. Also need to make sure the decoder has enough lighting outputs for all of the lights.
While I don't model N scale. it's my understanding that most decoders in N scale are designed for that specific locomotive. The decoders that are used in HO are not specific to any locomotive. The only functions that are standard are head light and rear light. Every locomotive manufacturer sets up their lighting differently and on various different function outputs. Hell sometime different style locomotives from the same manufacturer are different.
Athearn has always had bulletproof drives IMHO
I thought You were going to run these engines DC Thats why i Thank You
Did you finish the whole layout if you did can I watch a video again
No I didn't, My last update video addressed that topic. Thanks for watching!
Great video, check out my sd60e gorail that I built and painted, I have tcs in mine
In another review I said I do not care for the paint scheme on the 6920 loco, meaning the bright red roof, a little too strong, also the bright yellow fans look toy like of the fireman loco
I can understand that. These definitely aren't for everybody. Sometimes companies make some crazy paint schemes.
Everybody has freight but no passenger stuff
You make a very valid point. I actually have some Amtrak stuff. I took an old Walthers Trainline F40PH and super detailed it, and added ESU Loksound. One of my favorite locos.
Timely video. I don't focus on NS, have been interested in the veterans and 911 units lately and will be looking soon. Only just got back into the hobby last year and most of my purchases have been NOS dcc ready, so I'm interested in the dcc conversion videos. Also interested in videos detailing out earlier generations like the Amtrak you mentioned. There are a few other pages I subscribe to that do all that, but everybody has their own techniques and mistakes to be worked out and we learn from each other, so don't concern yourself about repeating what another channel may have covered. Keep the videos coming. Oh, and I liked the veterans unit leading long nose forward. A little old school.
I am not a girl
Ok
Tf are you then