Review: Athearn SD70ACU in NS and CP Military Schemes! Tsunami 2/DCC! HO!

[@littlestar5737]

Simply awesome! That Beige CP is my favorite. Never seen anything like that before.

[@sparky107107]

i can say, for the first time ever. I am happy that I bought 4 of these loco's. They are amazing and speed is matched BANG ON right out of the box

[@stephenrickjr.7519]

Got a ns today it's everything you said it is. I always watch your videos before I buy. I have never been disappointed, thank you!

[@georgiaman8262]

Thanks for persevering and making reviews as you get stronger. Be encouraged

[@iflyrattraps]

I have mixed feelings about Athearn and their questionable quality control, but these are some of the nicest models I've ever seen. Give credit where credit is due. They look amazing in person. My only two little "complaints" is the chain is a little over scale and droopy, and on the lighter painted locomotives like the CP, seeing the thickness of the shell behind the font windows detracts from the model's realism some. I always GENTLY pop out the cab windows and paint either the color of the dash/glareshield, or black to enhance the window gaskets. Makes a world of difference on the light colored models. Great review, thank you. Hope on your way to recovery.

[@jimbaritone6429]

James, thank you so much for reviewing the CP Military Heritage units. I'm just blown away by how good they look. I'm trying to get back into the hobby after a 40+ year break, and I was leaning strongly toward N-scale (that being what I had in the 1970's). But they've done these CP units so well that I might just have to suck it up, find a way to go HO, and visit my bank manager! I gather from other comments that these are/were limited run or pre-order models, which for me is frustrating. I'm out in the boonies in western Canada, not close to model shops or shows, and between shipping and exchange rate, buying from the U.S.A. is a killer. My retirement plans didn't include becoming disabled and living on a fixed pension. I'm guessing that these cost a few dollars (haven't even looked them up online at this point). My dad was an WWII RCAF night fighter pilot, seconded to the RAF for most of WWII. He'd have dearly loved to see 6644, so I've been trying to figure how - if I was to get a plain SD70ACu in N scale - and what would be needed to replicate the Military Heritage units, especially #6644. After that would come #7023 (Air Force) and #7021 in "Arid Pattern." It would probably take the thick end of forever to do these myself in N-scale, and I'm really impressed with these, both looks and operation. (from what I've heard). I don't know how, at this point, I will manage to buy all 5 of these CP units, plus enough track, materials rolling stock and control hardware to build a new layout. But having a goal will at least get things started. So thank you very, very much for showcasing these. It may sound like a looney reason to revise my plans, including switching to HO rather than N, but being an old coot I figure I'd best get on with something while I still can. I've done a lot of research and planning for the area I want to model - useful either way. As for the other things needed to re-start from scratch, well, I'll have to find a way, somehow. . Many thanks once again, and I hope your recovery is uneventful and that you'll be feeling better sooner rather than later. Take care, and go easy on yourself.

[@mamanbear1]

Good video James - love the different paint liveries. Stay well and can't wait for the layout updates.

[@nickjohnson7191]

I pre-ordered 7021 and 7022 when they were announced and ordered 7010 shortly after release and the only complaint I have is that 7022 is missing the light barrier inside the cab over the numberboard so the numberboard lights bleed into the cab and it looks like there's a cab light on. Other than that, I can't wait for the next run. I plan on getting all 5 military units and I'm hoping Athearn does CP 7015 as well since 7010 (Script Lettering) and 7015 (Block Lettering) were the first two heritage SD70ACus unveiled by CP.

[@peterstrains4339]

Hope you feel better, always enjoy your reviews. Great channel .

[@Dennis-vh8tz]

I got the CP tuscan red and grey with script lettering units, and am hoping for a future batch of SD70ACU's that includes at least one of the tuscan red and grey units with block lettering units (7015 - 7019). Mine also arrived without any defects and run well. These locomotives are beautifully detailed beasts and inspired me to get some modern locomotives to supplement my first generation diesels.

[@vermontrail-fan5557]

I think Athearn did an amazing job with these units, especially the horn differences on the decoder and the detail as well. Great review as always James.👍🏻

[@TobiasL1000]

Just got the NS one for 300 as good as new on the German eBay. Very happy and excited to test them.

[@wolfgang548]

These units are magnificent looking. Athearn just announced another run and on this one they will have rotating bearing caps on the trucks.

[@kevinharris1392]

Just got 7022, the Navy unit and 7013 heritage unit delivered today! Last week 7021 came in the mail, really nice units. I had almost given up on Athearn, but these units gave me hope and anew perspective for them again. These sold out quick, especially the DCC version. Unfortunately I could only get the heritage unit in DCC. I'm still old-school and DCC is all new to me. Thought about you the other day Mr James and if you read this sir, wanted to ask if you had any opinions on the MRC prodigy DCC system. Just about everyone one has sold out on the NCE line, but I can find the MRC system available. Glad you're doing better Mr James and kicked the Rona in the butt. God bless sir.

[@roberttrains8696]

Hey James hope you're doing well and getting better sending prayers you're way and a great review. Enjoy watching your video thanks for sharing God bless Robert

[@westonoverland]

Thanks for the video, despite not quite feeling 100 %! 🤘🏻 hang in there

[@carlmiles8655]

James considering the cost of the HO scale models they should at least have separately applied metal handrails etc just my two cents James GOD BLESS THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE HOPE YOUR FEELING BETTER STAY SAFE ;-)

[@geofferywickline4846]

I ordered 7293 my favorite, 7230, 7312 my favorite as well, & 7257 my favorite favorite too too also as well.

[@THE_IRON_HORSE]

These are very nice I gotta pick this up I got to see CP 7020 did even realize I saw it untill I looked back at the video

[@BrandonWagner93]

I currently have CP 7000 in the Golden Beaver and CP 7021 Army Arid Regions. Looking to get NS 7257 next.

[@nc_mtbmedic1399]

I have seen, cp, up and csx in the yard at Durham NC .

[@shed66215]

The detail of the CP models looks stunning...looking forward to a time when the n scale versions are released, have set my eyes on a couple of the CP heritage engines - one each of the different lettering style, and the D-Day liveried 6644. How's the layout progressing James, are we going to see an update in the near future?

[@kcgrailgilbert8466]

James i like both of ur NS sd70ACU locomotives there my favorite

[@robertprice7246]

Mr. Wright I hope you are all well soon

[@prodjustinn]

I saw the CP Heritage 7021 at the club last weekend it’s a crazy nice loco

[@johnhumphrey4216]

I had a dealer at the Atlanta show, tell me that the new Athearn units have the cardboard sleeve to make people store them wheels down. They are over filled with truck lubricants, which leak when units are stored like you were doing. See the sleeve have a store top up printed on it. Is this totally accurate?

[@AGSSouthRailfanner]

Those are some nice rebuilds

[@pinguintrains]

very cool, Bro.. CP 7022 is very very nice.... I like it... !! The Best Product from Genesis in New Printed Box Design... GENESIS, JUARAAA !!

[@TheNorthwestWind]

Father of the year

[@paulfromneohio1596]

When you get a new pull meter, please post a review of it. the version you had from Micro-Mark is no longer available and I've been looking for a new one too.

[@IAIS96]

Have the CP 7022 great detailed locomotive and good weight

[@cpjjp4705]

Each Canadian website there out of stock! Is there another website where I can by these 4 SD70ACUs

[@Kay_jay_999]

Missed the CP 7010 .... thats a good paint scheme

[@cp368productions2]

They are rebuilt from SD90MACs. The 80s are all being scrapped, only 4 remain and 2 are currently being cut up by CP.

[@AGSSouthRailfanner]

We're are the other two

[@nickjohnson7191]

SD9043MACs actually.

[@johnbeavers8236]

James, if you had to pick between Athearn Genesis or Scaletrains Rivet Counter, which one would you suggest? Thank you!

[@SuperFrecciaNera]

Why the CP #7022 not present on Athearn web site?

[@stevewood5993]

@SuperFrecciaNera It is not showing because it is Sold Out. You can see all the Sold Out Units if you tick 'View Retired Models' and then click on 'Search'

[@paulkirkmanMYTRAINS]

Very nice set of locos !!!!

[@dlae73]

I went with the CP 7022.

[@EastDurandRailfan]

all of youre trains and layout are so cool my name is kingston

[@Toddgillilandfan]

are rivet counter n scale gevos from scaletrains good?

[@rtpproductions609]

Yayyyy an upload!

[@sofreak6]

They are awesome 👌

[@mr.shadestrains6033]

Very nice 🚂❤️👍😎

[@saehrfarmsandagrepair]

I was wondering, does anyone make a bigger scale that matches up with like 1/14 scale models

[@beatletrainfan129]

Pull test?

[@railhawkracer1911]

The Sd70acus are all rebuild from sd9043macs not sd80macs

[@Dennis-vh8tz]

A few inches short of 8 feet longer than most SDD70's... (80' 2" versus 72' 4")

[@cheztys4565]

Hope you are doing ok! You sound like you have been through a lot. Assume you were vaccinated and boosted given your spouse Is a doctor as I recall. Just curious and you obviously might not want to comment on the matter or offer your insight given that the issue has been so politicized! Also, in a couple of earlier comments I don't remember if I thanked you for your service (especially at a time like this)! Lastly, you are and always have been a class act and a pleasure to watch. One suggestion about a couple of the videos you have done where you are talking and going over the audio functions of the locomotives (like the current video) we can barely hear what you are saying... take a listen and see what you think). It's a little painful to listen to and my hearing is pretty poor! We value what you do and would like to keep you around as long as possible...all joking aside! Best to the family as well!

[@thomasharroun8068]

Please verify that rear brake chains do not inhibit turning on sharp curves

[@nickjohnson7191]

I think it depends on how sharp the curve is and I don't think every single locomotive has an issue. I currently have CP 7010, CP 7021, and CP 7022 and I haven't had any issue with the chain. I also don't have any curves sharper than 24" radius either though.

[@shamaha-hazar]

Хочу эти модели!!!!

[@kriskozub2419]

Why is >NS selling theirs back to Progress Rail?

[@Dennis-vh8tz]

I can only guess. My first guess is that they're trading in the SD70ACU's for the standard (tier 4 credit) SD70ACe's they're buying. NS already have a fleet of SD70ACe and standardizing on one variant would reduce maintenance expenses. My second guess is that they want more fuel efficient locomotives. The 16-710G engines are the latest version of the venerable EMD 2-stroke diesels, reliable and easy to maintain, but less fuel efficient than 4-stroke engines used in GE locomotives and the new "Tier 4" SD70's. My third guess is that they want more environmentally friendly locomotives for marketing reasons. The SD70ACU is a rebuild so it doesn't have to meet EPA Tier 4 standards and thus may have been bought as a hedge in case the anti-pollution systems (exhaust gas recirculation and/or particulate filters) had reliability and maintenance issues. If NS are satisfied with the reliability of the new Tier 4 compliant GE and EMD engines they may have decided to upgrade to them. My fourth guess is that some other railroad wants them and Progress Rail are acting as a middle man.

[@Toddgillilandfan]

we need n scale cp military units

[@wobblinwheel]

You're looking kinda messed up there...😱

[@7MPhonemicEnglish]

Some people having vaccine damage misinterpreted as COVID-19. Hope that's not you

[@cpjjp4705]

They should try making CP 7023 CP 7020 CP 6644