Athearn Genesis SD70ACU Review & Testing

Full review and standardized testing of the 2022 run HO scale EMD/Progress Rail SD70ACU by Athearn Genesis.
Locomotive weight: 678 grams / 23.9 oz
Drawbar Pull: 120 grams / 4.23 oz
Drawbar Push: 113.3 grams / 3.99 oz
MSRP:
DC/Silent - $249.98 USD
DCC/Soundtraxx Tsunami II - $339.98 USD
This model was announced in October 2020 and delivered in January 2022 in 5 different paint schemes, 10 unique road numbers with Soundtraxx Tsunami II DCC/sound or DC/DCC ready:
Canadian Pacific "Navy" Military Tribute - 7022
Canadian Pacific "Army Arid" Military Tribute - 7021
Canadian Pacific "Heritage Script" - 7010, 7013
Canadian Pacific Red/Golden Beaver - 7000, 7006
NS "Black/Thoroughbred" - 7230, 7257, 7293, 7312
Prototype Information:
Starting in 2018, Canadian Pacific announced a plan to acquire 30 SD70ACU units from EMD/Progress Rail using their laid up fleet of SD90MAC locomotives as core units. That number was later increased from 30 to 60. They also acquired 2 ex-Union Pacific units, in 2019.
In November of 2019, CP painted 5 SD70ACU’s into 5 separate military inspired paint schemes. These units commemorate the Army, Navy, Air Force and a special tribute locomotive for D-Day wearing camo and the Allied invasion stripes used on June 6, 1944.
Canadian Pacific Features
Rebuilt units have added rear ditch lights per prototype
Raised walkways for snow management
Dual trainlines per CP prototype
Air line bracket on front truck
Nathan K3 horn
Nose mounted headlight per CP practice
CP style front plow
CP style PTC antenna array
Military unit cab details - no blue flag brackets and center mounted nose door lock
The most authentic art possible; all artwork created in cooperation with Canadian Pacific and all colors matched to official color chips
7021 Specific Features
Army Arid Regions - This Canadian Pacific locomotive is Desert Sand with black markings
painted in a simplified design inspired by modern fighting vehicles used in recent conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq. The road numbers and lettering are applied using a modernized “Army” stencil font for authenticity.
Detail - Very good. Superb artwork and paint job. Athearn did an excellent job recreating this one of a kind paint scheme right down to the smallest detail such as the separation lines on the road number stencil. Fine scale handrails which are nice and straight. Comparable to the recently released Dash 9 but the ACU's do not have roller bearing trucks. 9/10
Operation/Drive train - Nice slow crawl speed, smooth, quiet operation out of the box. There was a bit of oil on the underside of the trucks probably from factory lubrication and testing. 8.5/10
Weight - Weighing in at 678 grams / 23.9 oz, a full 136 grams heavier than the ES44AC, 56 grams heavier than the Dash 9's, these things are brutes. Very impressive that they were able to get another 56 grams into it compared to the Dash 9. For context, this thing outweighs the old Kato SD90/43MAC which weighed in at 611 grams and is second to only the recently released Athearn Genesis SD90/43MACH at a whopping 722 grams / 25.4 oz 9.75/10
Sound - The horn and prime mover are too loud out of the box. You will have to go into the EQ and turn down the horn and bell. There are a couple options for K3 horns which can be changed to closer match the CP prototype. I also like the alternative EQ in the function 9 spot where it immediately cuts the volume in half. 8.0/10
Lighting - Headlights, ditch lights, ground lights and number boards are all LED. I found the ditch lights to be quite a bit brighter than the headlights but I think this can be adjusted within the decoder. No step lighting when comparing to the Dash 9. 8.75/10
OVERALL SCORE: 8.8 / 10
The art work and paint job on this locomotive is stunning, even more so in person than on the video. I am probably a bit bias when it comes to these as I am a huge fan of these military tribute engines that CP painted. I think these paint schemes look fantastic on the EMD units and Athearn has done a phenomenal job recreating them in 1:87. This unit is incredibly heavy and will be an absolute tank on the layout, watch out for broken drawbars/knuckles! Once the volume levels were adjusted and EQ tweaked to favour the low end, they are nice sounding units. The LED lighting is nice and bright. It doesn't have all the extra bells and whistles that the recent dash 9 has, such as rolling bearing caps, step/ground lighting but I feel it more than makes up for that with its flawless, one of a kind paint job and extremely heavy chassis.
For comparison, all of my other review and tests of HO scale locomotives can be found at this link:
kzbin.info?list...
Look for the companion review in Model Railroad News:
modelrailroadnews.com/
Horizon Hobby:
www.horizonhobby.com/trains/

[@cmac9029]

Saying Athearn hit these out of the park is an understatement IMO, absolute grand slam

[@MLWQC]

I agree

[@scottk9806]

Other than the prime mover is the wrong one.

[@BArailsystem]

Aren't they 16-710's too?

[@PeterCPRail8748]

Athearn and CP rail did a fantastic job on these. I can only purchase two so waiting on the Airforce and WWII units to be released by Athearn.

[@mgr_video_productions]

Great review! I have an NS SD70ACU I got from a fellow friend and model train club member. It's one of my favorite models.

[@phillipgrey]

I install a Lok Sound in my 7022 just to keep it constant with my other locos.

[@cheryltysver4819]

To me, you have the best reviews of anyone. The photography speaks for itself and you don't spend most of the review pointing out details that are already clearly visible. You also show all the vantage points of the locomotives, including the bottom... which is one of the most important viewpoints (e. g.: driven axles, gearing, drive train, the presence, number and location of any traction tires...et al.)! Keep up the excellent work. You are also very polite with regard to suggestions from viewers in these comments, by the way. In other words, you are a class act! Thanks for your attention to the details...

[@BArailsystem]

Thank you very much for the kind words!

[@stevenikitas8170]

These models today are amazing. I remember my Tyco GP20 from 1965. All the details looked like they were melted on...

[@DavesTrainsAndAutomobiles]

Wow Awesome detail and sound.. I would love that in G scale... Great video thanks for the review 👍😎

[@asquithmainlines699]

I pre ordered both 7021 and 7022 from OVR. I was so impressed when I unboxed them myself. Now I am having trouble deciding if I like them better than Rapido’s 2860. I guess I will now have to have a favourite Steam category as well as diesel. Hopefully it won’t be long before they announce the other three military units as I want to duplicate the picture of them all sitting in the Calgary yard. Thanks for another great review.

[@cheistopherback5002]

Wow detail is great

[@Crookedriverandeasternrr]

Absolutely spectacular. Great review

[@cheztys4565]

Excellent reviews as always!

[@dobs78]

Thats very sweet, tried to grab a few from my hobby shop. They were quickly sold out, i ended up with two new monochrome and two heritage which i really liked as well. They are very well built, up to par with my rivet counters! Its a toss up which one i like better! Thanks

[@DowneastProductions211]

love that CP engine great details great sound

[@MichaelSaraka1980]

Awesome video man I got both the red beaver schemed version and the heritage colour version of this locomotive

[@BriansModelTrains]

Very Impressed by that paint scheme. Thank you for the review Ben.

[@BArailsystem]

It is a very sharp looking unit. Welcome!

[@stevewood5993]

Very nice video Ben. That Arid Region paint job really catches the eye. Here in the UK, I was very lucky to grab the last Tsunami 2 Navy #7022 from a UK dealer - and then also managed to get their last Tsunami 2 Red Beaver (and Class Leader) #7000 a week later. I think they are fantastic locos - but they do have ground lighting, although on yours the brightness appears to be set below the norm. I've made mine a little brighter via CV61 and can now also turn them on and off via F21. Another 0.5 or 1.0 to be added to the lighting score please 🙂 Personally, I'm hoping Athearn do another run of these to include the other Military units - I'd love to have Air Force #7023 and D-Day #6644

[@BArailsystem]

Thanks Steve. They are very nice indeed! Thanks for catching that error too, I didn't even notice! That's a good tip on how to turn them up if desired. Score adjusted. Air Force, Army Temperate & D-Day are all on my list too. ~Ben

[@railhawkracer1911]

Great models I have 7010 and 7022 and they are pretty good

[@martijnderu9115]

Nice video

[@MLWQC]

Tons of details! Looks very nice. There is no light leak either (that i could see) Can't go wrong with Athearn... you won't have to send it back repeatedly to get it fix... Great video. Well done

[@BArailsystem]

Yeah it's really minor, easily touched up with a tiny bit of flat black paint.

[@jmwlkins]

I was paddling on the Fraser River, Fort Langley, BC 2:30pm today 3/13/22. Although it was some distance away, we believe we saw CN 7021 pulling coal towards Roberts Bank, Vancouver. How can we find out if it was 7021? Why would we want to know? Because for a little over a year, we have been enthralled to see the development of your amazing modelling, your attention to realism and even your persistence (the crossing gates !!) and your introduction to these wonderful tribute engines. Allie & Jonathan

[@BArailsystem]

High chance it was at least one of the CP Military Tribute units, there's only a couple grey/tan painted locomotives in the entire fleet. Thank you for the comment Allie & Jonathan!

[@JJOACO-rr7ce]

Great locomotive, unfortunatly here where i live is way too expensive, i hope to get it one day

[@RFMCabooseNP1713]

Nice model.

[@kcgrailgilbert8466]

Like ur SD70ACU sharp looking

[@click4mrh]

Of course I have the two that are yet to be out on the street, but your review showed one similarity with most most Athearn SD units, the starting voltage needs to be ramped up. Otherwise gorgeous equipment. Wish I had bought all 4!

[@BArailsystem]

Yep, I would like to see them have the same movement delay that ESU has so you can hear the brakes release before it starts moving. Yeah I'm looking longingly at that modern red one too.

[@schmidtw900]

Love these engines for sure .. Did some tweaking on the functions tho . I think the Cab Chatter on the Dimmer Function F7 is understated for sure.. I disable the alt mixer and run cab chatter on F9 now .. Started doing this on all my engines now !!! Great Review !!!

[@BArailsystem]

Good tips John, thank you! I may have to try that, I do like the cab chatter and the 6 axle clickety clack.

[@KokaneePacificRailway]

West Coast rails and I have 6 total all run at different speeds Mu ing is gonna be a pain in the but. But man are the Gorgeous!!

[@BArailsystem]

Nice! These three run very well together, maybe I've lucked out. Quite a few miles on them already : )

[@josephmurrill3644]

I hope Athearn Genesis do a second batch of these engines because I want one of them.

[@gerdeguelle1967]

Very very nice

[@grahamkathy]

Nice model. The only thing that disappoints is the locomotive starts moving then the prime mover ramps up, whereas in the real world it is the reverse. Maybe this can be fixed by configuring CV's. Thank you for the detailed review.

[@BArailsystem]

Thanks, I agree. It can be fixed by adding momentum, I think. It's on my list to speed match these so I will report my findings when I get into that.

[@ck5644]

Actually, the Tsunami T2 has the effect you are looking for and it seems pretty realistic. To achieve the effect: Set the brakes by using function 11 (you will hear the air let off) then select function 12. This will rev up the prime mover and turn on the air compressor for approximately 30 seconds to simulate charging the trainline air. When the prime mover winds down, you can go to speed step 1. The prime mover will start to ramp up and when you release the brakes with F11, the train will start moving. To stop the train using the F11 brake, reduce the speed steps, and when you are near your stopping point, activate F11 and the train will squeal to a stop while letting off the air, then set the speed steps to 0.

[@pa7bloP]

Wow!

[@TobiasL1000]

Ordered the Navy and Airforce one that will be released with the next run 01/2025

[@russellebnet6715]

👍👍

[@neillooker6077]

WOW, nothing more needs to be said!

[@chrisperry1151]

Wow! Nothing like that available when I was a kid!! Amazing!! What the cost of something like that (if you don’t mind me asking)?

[@hondachopper6978]

In his comments: MSRP; DC ... $249.98 USD DCC .... $339.98 USD

[@chrisperry1151]

@@hondachopper6978 Cool. Thanks.

[@zhaoyun3153]

The Rivet Counter ET44ACs weigh more than this model does.

[@BArailsystem]

True

[@poochie49]

Are these still available to purchase? If so where can I order one? Thanks

[@richardnelson-ux1zz]

Is this locomotive on the market.yet in DC version

[@peterstrains4339]

Hey just so you know there is somebody in Ontario selling this locomotive for $750 and is using your Google review as their front page photo just to let you know. On Kijiji Toronto.

[@peterstrains4339]

I apologize if it is you but I doubt it. I know you live in western Canada.

[@BArailsystem]

Hi Peter, no it isn't me .Thanks for the heads up. It's not the first time someone has used one of my photos. Must be a good photo! : )

[@SuperFrecciaNera]

Min. 6:30. Excuse me but the specific function key for motor startup and shutdown ?

[@stevewood5993]

@SuperFrecciaNera - F26 is RPM+/Startup and F27 is RPM-/Shutdown - but Autostart on track power is on by factory default; I always turn Autostart off

[@BArailsystem]

Thanks for clarifying Steve. I leave auto start on because my staging tracks all have power switches. Tomato tomahto but nice to have the option to choose either.

[@SuperFrecciaNera]

@@stevewood5993 I tried and it works ... but not all Athearn have F26 (RPM + / Startup) and F27 (RPM- / Shutdown) :( :(

[@stevewood5993]

@@SuperFrecciaNera Only Athearn Factory Fitted Tsunami 2 have these settings. If someone has installed the Retail version into an Athearn DCC Ready unit, then the Soundtraxx defaults are F5 & F6 for RPM+/- and FX5 is F26 and FX6 is F27

[@SuperFrecciaNera]

@@stevewood5993 and old Factory Fitted Tsunami 1 ?

[@proactiveomnipresentvessel6569]

What happened to EMD?

[@BArailsystem]

Bought out by CAT?

[@TheEMD710]

Looks amazing, sounds like its in a coffee can and motor control cant come close to LOK

[@BArailsystem]

Haha yeah, to be fair the Loksound is like a slightly better coffee can. Agree on the motor control.

[@jimflagg4009]

I like Athearn Trains. Don't like the plastic coupler though. Also not a big fan of plastic chains.

[@tylerkinloch1263]

The chains on the new ACu’s are metal…….you might want to do some research before ya go about doing as you do lmao

[@jimflagg4009]

You need to tear down the gear boxes so we can see the type of gears and if it uses bearings or not. Also a run and crawl test would be nice. In addition you never show it pulling a load. Also no gauging test.

[@BArailsystem]

Bearings in the gear boxes? I highly doubt it but I am not curious enough to completely disassemble it to find out. The side detail shots is actually speed step 1, so is that what you mean by crawl? Run test = top speed? I personally don't worry too much about factory speeds out of the box because they haven't been broken in yet. I also will adjust the speed tables to speed match them after break in if they are out of sync with my fleet. The pull and push test goes right until the wheels slip. Trust me, weighing 678 grams with 120 grams of pulling capability, this thing will out pull just about anything on the market right now. It's going right into revenue service on my layout after this so we will see what it is made of : ) I can include a gauge test. That is a possible build. Thanks for the feedback Jim!

[@TrainsbyFred]

Just pray that you don't need to get hold of customer service. You'll be sent to the website, and LOL on getting a reply. I won't buy another Athearn.

[@TrainBrain2000]

Soundtraxx Tsunami sound is garbage

[@BArailsystem]

I disagree, I have many of both. I'm with you that the ESU files are better and there is more variety, but you can only get so much sound out of a tiny speaker. At the end of the day they both sound like tin cans compared to the actual prototypes. Not even close. For me personally, the Soundtraxx decoders run better on my large layout (aren't as affected by voltage drop as much as ESU) and I can make all the CV changes I want with the free software JMRI decoder pro rather than ESU's proprietary programmer that only works on those decoders specifically.