Athearn Genesis CN SD75i Modeler's Review

[@sor_cnhagersvillesubdivisi7803]

Good review! I had a pair of the 1st gen of those units and I got rid of them; I now have the newest release of the CN SD75I and i must say that they are WAY better now. It has the latest release of Tsunami Sound, dual speakers, & LED lights; AND all the issues that you've pointed out appear to have been resolved. I like the new ones so much, I've been tempted to get a 2nd unit. The sound is AWESOME on it! I wish i kept one of my 1st gen units to compare, but after seeing your review it, there's definitely a massive improvement on the new units. the only thing on the new unit that i do not like, is the large fan at the front; its now moulded on, where the old one i remember had a metal et5ched fan cover. the new one is still detailed nicely; it just doesn't have that nice metal etched part.

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks for pointing all that out. I'm not familiar with the later runs. Good to know. Thanks again! Cheers. ~ Boomer.

[@michaelcudby787]

I have been buying a few of these,off ebay,over the last couple years.(SD70M).They were first introduced in the early 90s,by Ath,earn,in the genesis range,& were in kit form.Like most Athearn of the day.They were Not DCC ready,& getting those ditch lights goin,was a nightmare.Although the BULBS & grab irons,were supplied,they were definately kits.As were the Kato Dash 9s.I have pretty much mastered getting those old kits,together,& upgrading the lighting,at the same time.These models are still selling new,which means theyve been around,close to thirty years,including upgrades,along the way.I bought my last one bout 6 weeks ago,with the factory LEDS (DC),put in a 21 pin decoder,& I bought it for $ 88US off ebay ,brand new.They are good value,even for the older ones,if you dont mind the modelling required to put them together.Cheers,Michael

[@boomerdiorama]

They are diamonds in the rough for sure. Cheers.

[@losi5ivet29cc]

I have an SD70i and 2 SD75Is the non led and an led version I am very happy with them.

[@boomerdiorama]

Despite the issues I pointed out, I like this locomotive as well. Cheers ~ Boomer.

[@losi5ivet29cc]

@@boomerdiorama I believe Athearn is doing an LED version of the SD70i with the cn.ca scheme as well? The SD75I has always been one of my favorite locomotives.

[@michaelcudby787]

I have now,6 ,I think.Originally,they were produced as a kit,back early 90s& oh,they were a mision & they werent DCC ready.Probably the biggest hangup,was getting the dithch lightsup & working,with bulbs,of course.I managed to get a few of their later releases,off ebay,& theyre great.The latest one I bought,just the other day,I paid $88 plus freight,to NZ.DCC ready, of course.I have gone down the ESU sound,road,but I think the Tsunami 2,is prob damn near the ESU,as far as motor control,goes.I think Athearn were trying to compete with Katos running ability,which they are close,but nothing beats a Kato.Specially on DC.The type of decoder,makes or breaks a good running loco.Liking your chanel. Mike

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank You. I think your analysis is correct. Kato will always be king for running. All one has to do is take an Athearn (made in China) and a Kato (made in Japan), apart and they will see the difference. Furthermore, any competent modeler will tout a "Kato-Drive" over anything else. I know Kato lacks some details where Athearn does not, Kato's assembly and design is still superior to any Athearn Genesis. Having said this, I would still buy an Athearn Genesis if the situation is right. In fact, I may choose an Atlas over the former as well. Cheers.

[@michaelcudby787]

@@boomerdiorama Just wondering,if this model you bought,did you buy it new?ie have a bright blue box.cheers michael

[@boomerdiorama]

@@michaelcudby787 I was new. But it is the first release version most likely.

[@PostmoderneModelWorks]

I picked one of these brand new and undec’d for $80 and am gathering all the extra bits and will be assembling and painting in the next couple of weeks. This review made me laugh

[@boomerdiorama]

Nice locomotive but I never run it . . . lol.

[@rp5619toy]

Just bought one last week great buy, great review

[@boomerdiorama]

Enjoy it!

[@JoeyBPhotography]

Great candid review. I own several locomotives with Tsunami2 and they operate and sound great. I'm not as experienced in the hobby as some, but I can sense basic quality issues instinctively as well as anyone else, and they haven't given me any troubles. I know there's some flack out there where people are complaining that the manufacturers are gearing towards ready to run and not towards "modelers". I may not be the best "modeler", but I'm still learning and growing my skills as one, and for me I appreciate the fact I can purchase great looking model trains with lots of details and run them on my layout without spending the time and making all the modeling mistakes. One day I might get to the point I can detail up a basic model, but for now I want to have great looking equipment, too, since right now I enjoy the layout-building process more than the detailing. Anyway that's not meant as a jab to anyone, but I feel there's a lot of people like me who love great detail right away while behind the scenes we quietly work towards making it ourselves. Cheers!

[@boomerdiorama]

Quality control coupled to excessive retail prices is more the issue than details. As a modeler, I don't really care if it's a Bachman, Walthers or Ahearn Genesis if I want to "kit-bash" a particular version. Feeling the unjustified high price (while lacking basic quality control - as demonstrated), is instinctive with most capable modelers as well. The problem with the industry is when a collector pays a high price for their model, they gush about it without critiquing it fairly. The reason why we can even have the quality we have is because of the "push-back" from groups like the NMRA, and Advanced Modelers, who are not afraid to call out deficiencies as demonstrated with this particular model. At the end of the day, I'll make it better than most because I am a modeler, and modelers should set the industry standard in my opinion. Cheers. ~ Boomer.

[@JoeyBPhotography]

@@boomerdiorama Sure, and I can see where you're coming from. Like I said I'm a fairly new "modeler" so I don't have the skills yet to "make it better", so I don't critique as heavily. Right now I'm just happy I have models that look pretty close to the real thing moving around my layout. Also, I wanted to mention, that my mention of quality issues was actually regarding the performance of the Tsumani2, not the other "visual" issues you pointed out.

[@mikewhite767]

I’m a Scaletrains fan , but I still love athearn genesis line of Ho locomotives thank you for showing your video review totally awesome!

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks for watching! I have yet to acquire a "Scale Trains" model. I still think Athearn makes a good model! Cheers. ~ Boomer.

[@lynncreekrailroad9690]

I just purchased a brand new DCC ready Atlas Silver series GP-38. I have a ESU loksound board and speaker ordered. Not sure about performance just yet but the details are stunning!

[@boomerdiorama]

I love the Atlas Silver Series. Best locomotive on the market for the money. You did well Obiwan . . . lol. I'll be picking up another Atlas Silver Locomotive next month for another review. Cheers.

[@lynncreekrailroad9690]

@@boomerdiorama Excellent! Looking forward to it 👍

[@boomerdiorama]

@@lynncreekrailroad9690 Cheers

[@michaelcudby787]

Yep.you cannot go wrong with any Atlas loco,as long as it is not pre 1990.Some of the earlier DCC equipped locos,were not as smooth as the Silver series,but it was only the dual mode decoder,that prevented it from running smoothly..Cheers mike

[@georgiasunbelt]

Good review...love the subtitles...only own a couple Genesis models SD70ACe’s...really like the

[@boomerdiorama]

I don't mind purchasing the odd genesis, if I can get one cheap, or non-DCC. I won't pay for their sound versions because I think they "short-change" the consumer with "lesser" quality components than what are available. If they are going to charge the money why not give the customer the best? Having said this, I also understand why people like them as well. Not everyone has the ability to "kit-bash," or install their own components, so I get the reasoning behind paying the higher cost. I just wish they would push the sound quality and "quality control" more for those who do pay for the loaded versions. Cheers. ~ Boomer.

[@michaelcudby787]

@@boomerdiorama Quality control has become one of the main issues,these days.Their aint any!! I am thinking that the retailer should be reponsible for checking each model, prior to being sold.All too often,you purchase a "top of the line" model, & the first thing we check,is to see if any parts have fallen off,or worse,missing altogether. Never ever had a problem with Kato stuff,even second hand,but granted, there aint that much detail,anyways.Just thought I could mentio,though, MTHs Dash 9s.couldnt have been better.DCC ready ones are my choice.Sound equipped....NAA.They are hard to find,now.Cheers Mike

[@rednoir8508]

In all honesty, we all have our favorites, personally Overland models locomotives are my favorite. They arnt as detailed as a scale trains locomotive but they are built so well. I never have worries about breaking hand rails. and they are so easy to retrofit to DCC. they really are a dream to work on. just my 2 cents.

[@boomerdiorama]

I can remember a few older Overland Models passing through my hands in the day, along with some really nice brass "O" scale as well. I agree, every locomotive has it's strength and caveats. It is still good to protest though in order to keep the quality control up in the end. Cheers.

[@tedkowalik2934]

Great review. Your comment "unless you are a modeler" I find accurate given that today's offerings in models are primarily ready to run. No "modeling" required. It seems to be that a lot of the modeling/skill has left the hobby over recent years. Instant gratification now being the norm. Pre-built buildings etc. Sad to see. I've custom painted locomotives for others who called themselves "modelers" after encouraging them to give it a go themselves, without trying, the skills will eventually disappear. Purchase an inexpensive model and give it a go. Install a decoder, put the ditch lights in, detail it to death and weather it like crazy. It might be a bit more costly, but the fun you'll have and the "PRIDE" having done it yourself will far outweigh the value in any RTE model. Hours of modeling for the dollar!!

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank You Ted. You raise a very important, and significant point, concerning the word, "Model," in today's postmodern idea of Model Railroading. I has become somewhat of a consumeristic euphemism, which incorrectly defines the original and fundamental meaning of the term. Cheers. ~ Boomer.

[@ontario.northland.railfan]

Great review, I have 2 of these SD75I they run really well and I would recommend getting one if you model CN or ONR

[@boomerdiorama]

I'm glad I picked one up. Should look good coupled up to a BCR C44-9W with a Dash 8 as well. Cheers.

[@Madonsteamrailways]

As far as I’m concerned, I’m a relative novice at American railroading. I’m an English train fanatic, modelling British outline steam on the heritage line at which I volunteer.

[@boomerdiorama]

I used to model "OO" (Equivalent to "HO"). Hornby and [Graham] Farrish come to mind. I really enjoyed it as well. ~ Boomer

[@Madonsteamrailways]

@@boomerdiorama Brian Farish? Are you not sure if you mean GRAHAM Farish? He was taken over by Bachmann in approximately 1990. I very much enjoy watching your American railroads on You Tube, and will continue to do so when I’m back at the Epping Ongar Railway.

[@boomerdiorama]

@@Madonsteamrailways Yes, Sorry. I meant "Graham Farrish."

[@mimodelrailroading]

I have the Tsunami 2's in most of my locomotives and they do indeed sound really good. I have bought a LokSound 5 out of curiosity based on your videos, will be interesting to compare. I use iPhone 8 speakers in most locomotives, they are really low profile and sound amazing.

[@boomerdiorama]

Pretty much all the "sugar cube" speakers sound good when installed in a good "airtight" enclosure. On the other hand, the mega bass speakers (Soundtraxx) sound even better if you can fit one in. You might find ESU LokSound different in it's function orthodoxy. They are different this way from all the rest. In my opinion they sound as good as the former. Furthermore, you can program them easily with the ESU programmer as well. Cheers.

[@Griphook3D]

I also have the Athearn Genesis G2 SD60M Tri-Clops Diesel Locomotive, BN Very nice looking train...

[@boomerdiorama]

Yes, despite the roller bearing issues (reported) I think it is. In fact, I'm teetering on getting one as well. Cheers. ~ Boomer.

[@PeterTillman3]

I have a bunch of Scale Trains Rivet Counter locomotives (DCC sound) which I run on a 6’ long test track lol. They really other beautiful units. I am getting up the courage to weather one.

[@boomerdiorama]

I'll pick one up eventually . . . maybe. They sound like a great model. Cheers.

[@tas7997]

Agree with you! Thanks!

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank You. Just trying to be fair as well. ~ Boomer.

[@tas7997]

I buy a lot of Athearn engines and rolling stock. Not as much Genesis stuff. Mostly ready to roll and primed for grime. 👍

[@boomerdiorama]

@@tas7997 Me too! Cheers.

[@t.s.railfanning]

I prefer running athearn locomotives. I will tolerate bachmann locomotives if they actually run. I have noticed though that Bachmann quality seems to have improved though i am not totally convinced on it

[@boomerdiorama]

At the end of the day I prefer to run Atlas locomotives. Overall they are the most reliable after 40 years of running trains.

[@t.s.railfanning]

Like someone else said in comments, it is all about what you like to run

[@needs2quit1atgmail87]

Ok true about headlights. True about the windows. Yours are on backwards btw... and also true about dcc vs. Dc. EXCELLENT VIDEO!!! thanks and cheers!!

[@boomerdiorama]

It's an out-of-box review. Thanks for the observation. Can't see how they can be backwards though (if that is what you literally mean)? They can only go in one way.

[@Death_From_Below]

Thanks for the review

[@boomerdiorama]

No problem 👍 Every review is subjective anyway. Cheers.

[@Vman7757]

Thanks for sharing.

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank You! Nice to hear from you Vincent ~ Boomer.

[@epacm50]

At this case, Kato and Scaletrains are better than Athrean Genesis on this trim line.

[@boomerdiorama]

I agree.

[@CentralJerseyRailfan]

Where would you rank Atlas? In my experience these three are the best runners in the industry now although idk where to rank Bowser or Rapido as I own none of their engines

[@ScottDowneywoundedbear]

All I ever heard is how great Kato is, I finally bought one and it was the worst running loco. I finally got it to run good by buying new brushes. I also find the detail parts are over sized and some of them are not accurate to the prototype. I am not a rivet counter but they should at least have the main details correct, such as ditch lights. I would have to agree Athearn's quality is not great and they are a bit over priced. I find most manufactures these days have quality control issues in some manner.

[@boomerdiorama]

As a modeler (preface to the critique), Kato's methodology in model construction (regardless of prototype fidelity), is superior to everything out there . . . including their paint. I can pull them apart and reassemble them with my eye's closed. They don't break or fall apart like most when you disassemble them. The fit and design is second to none as well. No argument there. Cheers.

[@jamesbradford1815]

I can’t understand why Athearn continues to use incandescent lights. It can’t be cost as LEDSs are dirt cheap. It’s frustrating to change the lights and re-wire and re-solder to a dcc board. For the money you spend on a locomotive these days....LEDs are a must....and yes the windshield install on this Genesis is amateurish. Otherwise great looking unit.

[@boomerdiorama]

I agree on the LED point. Even Kato is years ahead in this department, even though they used LED light bars. Cheers.

[@dynamicloco2186]

@@boomerdiorama if bachmann can use leds in there headlights and ditch lights there is no excuse for Athearn not changing over.

[@boomerdiorama]

@@dynamicloco2186 I agree. I think they do now though with their version 2 offerings.

[@michaelcudby787]

I totally agree with you & Athearns lifelong marriage to those bulbs.Athearn have always been backwards,when it comes to lighting.Those tethered lights,although LEDs,is still WAY behind the competition.Yet,theyre prices are up with the rest of them.Mike

[@jantheman9999]

@@michaelcudby787 some of the newer designs, such as the SDP40F and upcoming dash 9, are using contact strips with no wires from the body to shell. This particular model was tooled in 2012, before that feature had become commonplace. Athearn has also been using LEDs in all new products since about 2018, after getting feedback on the bulbs

[@gsigs]

Tsunami 2s are great. Sound quality is as good as Loksound (but that is subjective and can vary with the installation and speaker). I prefer the Tsu2 because it has more useful functions (for me) and is much easier to program. The manual is much easier to understand as well. As an aside, digitrax customer service is terrible and for that reason alone I will not buy another digitrax decoder.

[@boomerdiorama]

I can't live without the "Throttle Hold" feature with Loksound v5. Plus I can program the decoder any way I want with hoards of sound files. Furthermore, the ESU "motor-control" is second to none. I'm not opposed to Tsunami 2, but I have no reason to switch from ESU Loksound. You are definitely right about the speaker installation though. It is critical to sound fidelity in terms of application for sure. Cheers.

[@Griphook3D]

Hey, Scaletrains has nice locomotives, I have 7 of them including the Dash 9, nice detail, but what I have come to know is the sound quality is not good... I have other brand locomotives like Athearn and the sound is so much better.

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank for commenting. I would love to review (a non-sound) version. Maybe down the road. I like to install my own sound, but I get why many prefer to buy with sound. The future looks brighter for factory sound anyway. I hope the manufacture sees the light soon. Cheers. ~ Boomer.

[@variavnath624]

This loco has set up to run and operate in long hood forward also both In real world and in model

[@boomerdiorama]

I see them run in all sorts of configs here on the west coast. Cheers and thanks for sharing!

[@variavnath624]

Yes this model runs on long hood operation mainly with 30K gallon crude tankers in single unit also 4,300 Hp with sound proof vibration free isolated cab ATHEARN genesis for this EMDSD75I is far better than scale trains

[@variavnath624]

Long hood radiator are flat type to make clear vision for the engineer in long hood operating rather than sticking out like GEVO or Ace to Ditch lights are too in LHF

[@variavnath624]

The windscreen in short hood is not the same in all loco varying in numbers

[@boomerdiorama]

I guess so . . . ;-)