I have the SF versions from this release and one NS high-hood that roamed around on the SP back in the early 90s. You are correct that these are great values, especially with the Tsunami 2 decorders. 😎 These RTR locomotives are also good starters for those who wish to add more details. I always give them lift rings on the roof and weathering.
Since 1985 UP assigned hundreds of SD40-2s for local service close to where I live. How could I not buy a DCC & sound equiipped SD40-2 and equiipped with Tsunami sound. So I went out and bought one for now. I lost track on how many nights I would sit down there and wait for trains and off in the distance I could hear a unit idiling away and sometimes catch a whiff of diesel exhaust... This lasted until 2001 and then finally quil leaving power out in late 2019. So everytime that the model starts up it definitely will bring back great memories of good times long gone. Thanks for sharing with us Derek.
Im very happy to have found your review on this locomotive since I am waiting for mine to arrive from across the country. Good to see the details up close! Interesting to see that Athearn chose to put Tsunami 2 into these rather than the usual Econami, but it is a nice upgrade. I run mostly 80s - 90s Santa Fe and this model seems like it will make a great addition as a foreign unit, especially with the high hood!
Very cool locomotive Derek! I'm waiting for the Legendary Liveries Burlington Northern SD40T-2 to come out! Even though BN mever owned any in real life, those tunnel motors sure look good in Cascade green!
Very cool Randall! I like the Legendary Liveries that Athearn does. Most people complain about them, but the fact is....they sell very well, so obviously they are desired.
Thank you! I agree...this is a great deal! I love the new RTR stuff. Great combination of details and price! I think the RTR locos are the best "all around" locos right now.
DG Modelworks Hello Derek This Athearn SD40-2 High Hood With tsunami 2 Sound is amazing and realistic I really love this locomotive And The pulling power it has is Unbelievable for the price you can't beat it.I have to get one.Each and everyone of your Reviews and The way you go into detail on The sound functions are Professional, You are the Best..This is why I keep watching your video's and your layout is coming along too perfection.Thanks for your Dedication to the Hobby and sharing another Fantastic video review Stay Safe and have a Pleasant week..👍👍👍👍👍
I know a lot of people like esu lok sound but I will take a tsunami2 any day over those. They are way more JMRI friendly and I just love the features that they have especially the dynamic digital exhaust ! You don’t lose control of the throttle to rev up the locomotive like you do with esu. Not really trying to bash ESU at the end of the day both decoders really sound good I just like the features and easy programming of tsunami2.
Only this release....Soundtraxx was having decoder shortage, so Athearn put the Tsunami 2 in this release. and this release only... Went back to the Econami now.
@DGModelworks so I got 2 SD40-2 in the Santa Fe paint. I was these were Tsunami 2 decoders with keep alive plugs, but apparently not. These are like 21 pin decoders it would appear
Awesome video as always brother, I like them so much I bought all three lol I plan on doing ditch lights and above walkway lights, and of course step lights to in the future. Thanks again for the review.
According to an official booklet from NS dated 1-1-92, the 3300's had dual control stands, so either direction could be the front in practice, if not by the F on the side sill. Love your videos, BTW!
@@DGModelworks OOPS! ---I misread the legend - 3300's were "B", bi-directional and it actually means normal running with long hood forward! "D" means dual control - a stand on either side, which is what I thought "B" meant. I do know that the 1600 series SD40-2's were rebuilt as "S", single control stand, short hood forward, but still retained high short hoods, and they were in the same color scheme as the Athearn models. I don't know if the 3300's got the same rebuild. Total geek stuff that I really don't worry about, but I'm sure some rivet counter will call me out on it at some point - LOL!
I got a DC only one of these via pre-order which I plan to put a LokSound decoder in, as well as maybe do some more detailing work to like adding a cab interior. You can never go wrong with a Southern high hood SD40.
Kinda on the fence on getting one of these. If I ever do I’ll probably install front and rear ditch lights as well as walkway and ground lights so it fits 1990s-2000s era
While the locomotive is really nice, It would be even more perfect,if it were brought up to GENESIS Standards. A little more detail,and LED Lighting with lit number boards,and lighted walk way lights. Also correct drop steps would also enhance the look of a former Southern unit.
"Best value" maybe if you're buying new. Buying used is the best of you know what to look for. Got a 2012 manufactured BNSF es44ac from athern genesis for 200 dollars vs the 300+ it would be new. And it's wad in very good shape!
I wasn't aware that brushless technology had made it to the model train industry. That was a surprise. Which manufacturers are using it? Does anyone notice any difference in running? Lower amp draw maybe? Thanks.
What I mean is it's still the old style with replaceable brushes. Athearn has been using them for quite awhile. In the RTR locos and clear back to the blue box ere.
I wish Athearn would have just stayed with Tsunami2 in the Athearn/Athearn RTR line as opposed to only using it for this run. Would have been so much nicer and I would personally pay more to have Tsunami2 over the Econami.
Scaletrains version will most certainly be sweet, but the point of this video and locomotive is the "bang for your buck" value. The balance of detail vs price ratio. While the Scaletrains is a very detailed loco with nice sound, they are also $100 more than this loco. Some people are willing to sacrifice some of the details for a more affordable option. Each option has it's place within the hobby. I appreciate both.
I have the SF versions from this release and one NS high-hood that roamed around on the SP back in the early 90s. You are correct that these are great values, especially with the Tsunami 2 decorders. 😎 These RTR locomotives are also good starters for those who wish to add more details. I always give them lift rings on the roof and weathering.
Very cool! I agree with you!
Since 1985 UP assigned hundreds of SD40-2s for local service close to where I live. How could I not buy a DCC & sound equiipped SD40-2 and equiipped with Tsunami sound. So I went out and bought one for now. I lost track on how many nights I would sit down there and wait for trains and off in the distance I could hear a unit idiling away and sometimes catch a whiff of diesel exhaust... This lasted until 2001 and then finally quil leaving power out in late 2019. So everytime that the model starts up it definitely will bring back great memories of good times long gone. Thanks for sharing with us Derek.
Im very happy to have found your review on this locomotive since I am waiting for mine to arrive from across the country. Good to see the details up close! Interesting to see that Athearn chose to put Tsunami 2 into these rather than the usual Econami, but it is a nice upgrade. I run mostly 80s - 90s Santa Fe and this model seems like it will make a great addition as a foreign unit, especially with the high hood!
Very cool locomotive Derek! I'm waiting for the Legendary Liveries Burlington Northern SD40T-2 to come out! Even though BN mever owned any in real life, those tunnel motors sure look good in Cascade green!
Very cool Randall! I like the Legendary Liveries that Athearn does. Most people complain about them, but the fact is....they sell very well, so obviously they are desired.
Nice engine and review! Not a bad deal for an Athearn RTR loco with those details and the Tsunami 2 sound in it. Glad to see you making videos again.
Thank you! I agree...this is a great deal! I love the new RTR stuff. Great combination of details and price! I think the RTR locos are the best "all around" locos right now.
Finaly my favorite! SD40-2 high hood!
Everyone loves a good high hood! Thanks for stopping by!
Great review Derek, thanks!
DG Modelworks Hello Derek This Athearn SD40-2 High Hood With tsunami 2 Sound is amazing and realistic I really love this locomotive And The pulling power it has is Unbelievable for the price you can't beat it.I have to get one.Each and everyone of your Reviews and The way you go into detail on The sound functions are Professional, You are the Best..This is why I keep watching your video's and your layout is coming along too perfection.Thanks for your Dedication to the Hobby and sharing another Fantastic video review Stay Safe and have a Pleasant week..👍👍👍👍👍
Thank you so much!!! I appreciate your support and kind words!
Great purchase, great runner!!
Great review! Always good to see your videos! Athearn RTR and Roundhouse are always a great bang for your buck.
Thank you! I agree with you on the value.
Hi DG. Great review. I was debating whether to get the UP SD40-2, but you gave me more reasons to pick 1 up, Thanks.
I don't think you could go wrong with either one. The new RTR stuff is such a great value!
I know a lot of people like esu lok sound but I will take a tsunami2 any day over those. They are way more JMRI friendly and I just love the features that they have especially the dynamic digital exhaust ! You don’t lose control of the throttle to rev up the locomotive like you do with esu. Not really trying to bash ESU at the end of the day both decoders really sound good I just like the features and easy programming of tsunami2.
I actually like them both. I understand all your points. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Extremely quiet runner...wow!
So these new RTR SD40-2s actually have Tsunami 2 decoders and not the cheaper Econami decoders?
Only this release....Soundtraxx was having decoder shortage, so Athearn put the Tsunami 2 in this release. and this release only... Went back to the Econami now.
@DGModelworks so I got 2 SD40-2 in the Santa Fe paint. I was these were Tsunami 2 decoders with keep alive plugs, but apparently not. These are like 21 pin decoders it would appear
Definitely will pick this one up thanks deryk
I think you will be happy with it.
Thank you turning me on to Midwest model rr
No problem! They are an excellent place to shop!
Excellent deal !!!!! Really nice locomotive. They should have updated the inside paperwork !!!!
Very sweet loco! I agree, the literature does need some upgrading along with the upgrades they did to the loco.
Awesome video as always brother, I like them so much I bought all three lol I plan on doing ditch lights and above walkway lights, and of course step lights to in the future. Thanks again for the review.
That's awesome!!!
Great review.
According to an official booklet from NS dated 1-1-92, the 3300's had dual control stands, so either direction could be the front in practice, if not by the F on the side sill. Love your videos, BTW!
Very good info! Thanks for the continued support!
@@DGModelworks OOPS! ---I misread the legend - 3300's were "B", bi-directional and it actually means normal running with long hood forward! "D" means dual control - a stand on either side, which is what I thought "B" meant. I do know that the 1600 series SD40-2's were rebuilt as "S", single control stand, short hood forward, but still retained high short hoods, and they were in the same color scheme as the Athearn models. I don't know if the 3300's got the same rebuild. Total geek stuff that I really don't worry about, but I'm sure some rivet counter will call me out on it at some point - LOL!
@@carwilef7not all the 1600's, theres one that I see every now and then around where I film that still has 2 control stands
This is a Wonderful loco from Athearns
I agree!
I got a DC only one of these via pre-order which I plan to put a LokSound decoder in, as well as maybe do some more detailing work to like adding a cab interior. You can never go wrong with a Southern high hood SD40.
Very nice! Great model to upgrade.
hello dg modelworks it's is randy and i like yours video is cool thanks and wolcome dg modelworks and super cool video thanks friends randy
Kinda on the fence on getting one of these. If I ever do I’ll probably install front and rear ditch lights as well as walkway and ground lights so it fits 1990s-2000s era
I can understand that! Great model to upgrade for sure!
Well good review. Its ben a long time you put something, any update on your layout soon
Thanks! I know I am slacking on the layout.
Nice but what’s up with the layout any videos coming out about it?
I know, I'm way behind in that regard.
While the locomotive is really nice, It would be even more perfect,if it were brought up to GENESIS Standards. A little more detail,and LED Lighting with lit number boards,and lighted walk way lights. Also correct drop steps would also enhance the look of a former Southern unit.
"Best value" maybe if you're buying new.
Buying used is the best of you know what to look for.
Got a 2012 manufactured BNSF es44ac from athern genesis for 200 dollars vs the 300+ it would be new. And it's wad in very good shape!
Are you going to review the Athearn SD40T-2?
I'll see what I can do about that.
I wasn't aware that brushless technology had made it to the model train industry. That was a surprise. Which manufacturers are using it? Does anyone notice any difference in running? Lower amp draw maybe? Thanks.
What I mean is it's still the old style with replaceable brushes. Athearn has been using them for quite awhile. In the RTR locos and clear back to the blue box ere.
I wish Athearn would have just stayed with Tsunami2 in the Athearn/Athearn RTR line as opposed to only using it for this run. Would have been so much nicer and I would personally pay more to have Tsunami2 over the Econami.
WOAH, that thing is LOUD!! I would hope it can be turned down!!
I actually turned it down for the video. My camera mic is pretty sensitive. Yes you can adjust the volume to your desire.
Wait for the scale trains version
Scaletrains version will most certainly be sweet, but the point of this video and locomotive is the "bang for your buck" value. The balance of detail vs price ratio. While the Scaletrains is a very detailed loco with nice sound, they are also $100 more than this loco. Some people are willing to sacrifice some of the details for a more affordable option. Each option has it's place within the hobby. I appreciate both.