NEW! Athearn Genesis SD70ACU - Norfolk Southern & CP Rail! Tsunami 2 SOUND!

[@dynamicloco2186]

Awesome review. Athearn has done it again. Superior modelling. Thanks for sharing.

[@parts323]

Just got my Athearn Genesis SD70ACU #7257 with factory sound a few days ago. Really impressed with the quality for the price.

[@DGModelworks]

They are beautiful!! Glad to hear you like them too

[@sugarcubeaudio152]

Derick Derick those are beautiful man thank you for doing the review and showing us what they look like I really appreciate it Michael

[@DGModelworks]

My pleasure!!

[@matthewmaynard1031]

I just got 7010 in the script CP heritage the other day and it's my first brand new locomotive. All my other ones are hand me downs from family. So far, I'm really impressed with the details and it runs really well on my loop now that I've given more slack on the chain. Definitely will need to consider more Athearns once the student debt has been paid off and I have my own space to build up a proper layout.

[@DGModelworks]

Very nice! Glad it's nice and works on your loop. That's a very beautiful loco you got , I didn't get that one but it sure looks nice!

[@jaybird111207]

Beautiful locomotives and great review!! Thanks for sharing and stay safe. Happy modeling!! -Jason

[@DGModelworks]

Thanks! Love these locomotives! Take care!

[@kyleftw1679]

Holy freaking crap man, beautiful model again from Athearn. Great review and presentation.

[@DGModelworks]

Thanks a ton! Couldn't agree more!

[@ZAPLTD]

Yes beautiful CP 7021 & 7022; I can live without the rotating bearing caps but I would liked to have gotten an MU hose chain connection to the grab iron but that can be added. Plus a better scale size chain can replace the supplied one as well. Excellent job Athearn Genesis 2.0 model. And KZbin interrupting adds are obnoxious.

[@DGModelworks]

These are great models for sure. I can also live without rotating bearing caps. Also I just changed the ad placement. I apologize, usually I have the mid roll ads turned off. I agree they can be annoying.

[@ZAPLTD]

@@DGModelworks Appreciate the reply, and glad we agree on a couple of things. Good quality video and audio you have with your reviews.

[@bellaxxi4116]

I just got a Norfolk Southern model. Hopefully Athearn Genesis will release the SD70ACC at some point.

[@drubarlow]

Love the CP 7022 "Navy" unit!

[@CraftyFoxe]

The CP Navy military unit looks sharp, I love the color scheme and the design

[@DGModelworks]

I like it too!

[@INKDRAILS]

Great video DG! I love my Military CP units, can't wait to get the other three. Athearn has really brought their A game with these models! Plus I need to add more locomotives to my NS and BNSF. Cheers Brian

[@DGModelworks]

These are beautiful!

[@MTG_Squad]

Great locomotives, I used to see them when I went up to horseshoe curve.

[@DGModelworks]

They are used in helper service now, for the Horseshoe Curve.

[@MTG_Squad]

Yep

[@BCY]

That CP Navy unit is awesome looking. I have always enjoyed the cabs on these units as they remind me a lot of a real life version of the old Athearn BB mold lines you would see from time to time.

[@DGModelworks]

I love the Navy version. Very cool!

[@lionellance]

Wow..awesome Derek...nice engines.. thanks for sharing and keep up the great work.. Lance

[@Form44208]

Great review! Athearns do run a bit loud for my taste. When you showed at 20:40 with the sound off, it had a fair amount of gear/motor noise. Maybe after some break in it will quiet down a bit like my SD90MAC. Athearns have fantastic detail so I do have some in my collection. I just wish they ran as quiet as my Atlas Master or ScaleTrains locomotives. regards, NS.

[@DGModelworks]

The Athearns do have a slight motor hum. Although it's not overly loud, its not silent either. I understand. Like you said, after some run time they do quiet down. Awesome details though.

[@derekalexander4030]

Wow Derek, those are beautiful. Not my era but it sure is tempting anyway. Great review.

[@DGModelworks]

They are! Thank you

[@outlawrailroad3702]

Wow there nice looking loco and lot detail to them ,and happy new year to you DG...

[@DGModelworks]

Happy new year Ron!

[@conrailmow]

I'm very excited to get mine from UPS sometime this week I have two NS ones coming. The video was great thanks for taking the time to make it. Lookingforward to see how the SD70M-2's are from Athearn this spring.

[@DGModelworks]

Hope you enjoy them. They are pretty sweet!

[@Harveycartoonlvr11]

I have the Canadian Pacific in the CP "Action Red" SD70ACU, it is quite a Locomotive! It's just my observation, until Athearn can MASTER the art of having "Roller Bearing" Caps on the Trucks, they will always remain a STEP behind Scaletrains; however, they hit this one out of the Ballpark! Kind of makes up for that awful SD60M tracking tooling mess! Thank You, and as I said, IT IS INDEED A GREAT Model! I don't like the idea that Scaletrains didn't offer the SD40-3 with working Ditchlights for DC Modellers, so there are things Athearn does (or will do) and Scaletrains will do differently! 😊😊

[@thetaxman5302]

I’m still waiting for some metal handrails AND stanchions

[@DGModelworks]

This is a beautiful model for sure, and glad to hear you like yours! The rotating bearing caps are a nice touch, but as I've said before, they are not a deal breaker for me. Unless you have your eyes at track level and close to the loco, you can't really see them. That's just my opinion though. Either way, they are a very cool feature! That's what's nice about this hobby, there's a little bit of something for everybody. Cheers!

[@Harveycartoonlvr11]

@@DGModelworks Very true! :)

[@dzgtnbz3680]

Most definitely picking up a few of these. 😁👍

[@bbrockRailFan]

Great Review!!! You sold me I just went on MB Klien and bought the Norfolk Southern DCC version.

[@DGModelworks]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@Crookedriverandeasternrr]

Happy new year buddy. Very beautiful locos

[@DGModelworks]

Same to you buddy!

[@dkmodels6923]

😍😍 super jealous man! Those are gorgeous locomotives. The soundtrax decoder doesn't sound half bad either. Absolutely love those locomotives.

[@DGModelworks]

These are beautiful locomotives! No doubt about it! The CP units are amazing looking.

[@cossie118bmk]

happy new year and all the best for 2022 👍👍

[@brian102256]

Nice review as always, Deryk! Those are some great looking locos! - Brian

[@DGModelworks]

They are! Thanks Brian!

[@mikedurhan9941]

What a great locomotive model! Even more so, what a great review. I really appreciate the way you point out the bad as well as the good without being cruel or unfair. You do good reviews.

[@DGModelworks]

Thank you very much! I appreciate the positive feedback. Definitely a good model!

[@BrandonWagner93]

These are beautiful models. Unfortunately they, aswell as the BNSF Dash 9s, couldn't have come out at a worse time for me personally with me not having the spare funds. Trying to get CP 7000 in action red aswell as both of these military units from this run and a pair of BNSF H2 Dash 9s. Gonna try to see what magic I can pull off. Athearn is really hitting it out of the park right now. Very very happy with them. I just got a BC Rail and a CN Dash 9-44CWL after watching your review of the Dash 9-40C from Genesis 2.0

[@DGModelworks]

I know exactly how you feel. So many things arrived at the same time! My wallet is still smoking! Good luck, I hope you can get what you want.

[@BrandonWagner93]

I am praying for it. Really tempted to clear out a lot of older models for these newer releases.

[@cloverdalerail1093]

The CP units look so good

[@DGModelworks]

They are beautiful Marcel!

[@mgr_video_productions]

Great review. I'm tempted to get one of these in NS and add an aftermarket Soundtraxx tsunami 2 EMD-2 sound decoder in it as I prefer the EMD 16 cylinder prime mover sound file in it compared to the same EMD 710 file soundtraxx has used for years.

[@DGModelworks]

You should be able to change the prime mover in the factory installed Tsunami 2 if its not to your liking.

[@kcgrailgilbert8466]

NS SD70ACU is my favorite locomotive so epic

[@trapdriver7006]

Excellent informative review video.👍😁😁😁🚂

[@HumancityJunction]

ooh, those are some nice looking power units.

[@herbertw.jr.carrier6122]

Thanks for the awesome review job, DG Modelworks! The paint job & details of the CP 7021 show up better than the NS version. I'm somewhat disappointed that Athearn Genesis 2.0 didn't have the spinning bearing caps & power booster already built in. Beyond that, well done.

[@CentralJerseyRailfan]

some genesis 2.0 releases have the spinning caps like the dash 9s and sd60ms, this doesnt appear to have them

[@DGModelworks]

I'm a little surprised these do not have the spinning bearing caps, but it's not a deal breaker for me. In all honesty, unless you get your face down to track level and close to the locomotive, you never notice it anyways.

[@CentralJerseyRailfan]

@@DGModelworks The SD90MAC-H and SD80MAC are the first 2 Genesis 2.0 releases and those didn’t have spinning bearing caps. Chances are that the EMD HTCR truck tooling were reused from those previous releases so a new truck design didn’t have to be made

[@matthewarentzen7465]

Great review as always, buddy!

[@bluesforreal]

Nice video review, thanks Mate

[@jolliemark6294]

Good review. Great unites👍👍👍👍👍😀

[@randallellison6421]

Awesome looking locomotives Derek! Athearn has bounced back in a big way with these recent releases, especially compared to the "dark ages" of the mid and late 2000s and early 2010s. Happy New Year!

[@thetaxman5302]

Yes the last genesis engine I bought was an ns sd70 in 2007 and it fell apart on me. Actually broke on its own..

[@DGModelworks]

Athearn has come a long way! Happy New Year to you as well!

[@paulkirkmanMYTRAINS]

Awesome locomotive details. Those lighter colored units really show off the details alot. Very nice !!!!! Happy New Years !!!!!🍾🍾🍾😷🤠

[@DGModelworks]

Yes those lighter ones really show the details. Happy new year!

[@RFMCabooseNP1713]

Really look great. Nice review.

[@DGModelworks]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@InsaneC-4]

Nice video Sir!!👊😎💯🚂

[@DGModelworks]

Thank you!👊

[@gopalan77]

Phenomenal review as usual. I could be wrong, but it appears like SD70ACUs did not turn out like the Genesis 2.0 Dash 9-40Cs.

[@DGModelworks]

Thanks! These are pretty amazing locos.

[@gopalan77]

@@DGModelworks Deryk, I can only afford one of these locomotives. Which one do you recommend - NS or CP Army or CP Navy? Please advise. Thank you.

[@DGModelworks]

I mean that's up to you, but I'm a fan of the CP Navy

[@gopalan77]

@@DGModelworks Perfect. Thanks a lot, Deryk. I was a little concerned about the chain issue in the Navy model. I will try it out. Thanks again.

[@sparky107107]

well there is defiantly some excitement in your voice when it comes to this release. These don't show up on my door step ( dealer ) until January 15.

[@DGModelworks]

Those CP units are beautiful!

[@CentralJerseyRailfan]

17:10 most NS SD70ACUs have K5LAs, although the version you have selected best represents an Amtrak K5 although there are other variations of said horn that might sound closer to what's on the SD70ACU (see SD60E TSU2 default K5LA). Great review!

[@DGModelworks]

Thanks! Yeah you are correct. I was so busy trying to get everything set up.

[@CentralJerseyRailfan]

@@DGModelworks ESU just dropped their official SD70ACU soundfile, might not be a bad idea to swap the TSU to an LS5 (you have the dcc ready versions) once 58429s become back in stock

[@EmPtySworld1]

Derek you shouldn't have brother.. Can't wait to receive these in the mail. Haha. Great review. Athearns has stepped up their game

[@DGModelworks]

Hope you enjoy them!

[@tonywaldon7801]

Dam they look good, what a beautiful job by athearns, 👍👍

[@DGModelworks]

They are!

[@tonywaldon7801]

I'm gonna get a couple from Midwest, bought stuff there before, do you install the decoders professionally, or just for your personal use, I like get a couple of these locomotive's then have the decoder installed

[@LRSX]

Those are absolutely gorgeous models! Hey atheran what about n scale ones lol!!! Great review and back history in the sd70acu. I just love them because of the sd90 chasis. Take care!

[@DGModelworks]

That would be cool! Hopefully they do a run in N scale for you guys.

[@randydobson1863]

Hi Derick & it's is Randy and i like yours video is Cool & Thanks Derick & Friends Randy & Derick You OK My Friends Randy

[@KingTrump2024]

I went with DC and installed ESU in the CWL's I got, but after that adventure (sourcing decoders, etc) I ended up getting the factory Tsunami 2 in my ACu's . Haven't purchased a Tsunami in over a decade, so this should be interesting !

[@DGModelworks]

Sometimes it certainly is a lot of work.

[@Pkilznah]

Awesome 🚂🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@johngeddes3595]

Did you add a LokSound decoder? If so, any issues? Tricky bits?

[@DGModelworks]

No I have not yet installed Loksound in these.

[@taylorbaggarleyunionpacifi3409]

Can't get these deryk I am so happy they made them happy year see cp ones a lot si and aryer sub so fit properly to my layout

[@JoeG-firehousewhiskey]

Is 7021 a light gray color? I like they way those look!

[@DGModelworks]

Hey Joe! No it's a desert tan color.

[@JoeG-firehousewhiskey]

@@DGModelworks I like it!

[@ronaldrondeau7870]

Hi just saw your review. did you check with problem Athearn about the chain problem, Last night Athearn was on facebook for a presentation of new stuff and Jim mention your review , but no explanations about that

[@DGModelworks]

No I did not. It was only 1 loco and most likely an isolated incident.

[@ronaldrondeau7870]

@@DGModelworks Thanks, by the you have a great show.and great layout

[@ronaldrondeau7870]

doing a great job

[@coquitlam_railfan5686]

Does it have the electrical pins on the inside like the sash 9s?

[@DGModelworks]

No it does not, its traditional wiring.

[@coquitlam_railfan5686]

@@DGModelworks ah man, that’s too bad.

[@nikerailfanningttm9046]

as much as I hate CP cause they're mostly a GE road....I'm ordering two of the ACU's the 7021 and 7022. I hope that Athearn will release the other three units in the veterans liveries....I only am using the CP ACU's on my layout for foreign power on my NS Manifests.

[@dzgtnbz3680]

Just ordered me the 7022 I think that thing's awesome also. Got it at Midwest model so thank you for that little code. Just a quick question do they all have the chain issue or just 7022 ?

[@DGModelworks]

That is sweet! I love the CP Military Heritage schemes, they are beautiful! I think that chain thing was just a one time issue. I just happened to be the unlucky one. I'm sure yours will be fine.

[@dzgtnbz3680]

@@DGModelworks Even the girls loves The invasion stripe one. can't wait for that to become available. Question for you again do you have any scale train operators with DCC and sound ?

[@joeraderblackrockcentralrr]

very nice looking model. way to modern for my layout but great detail. nice review

[@DGModelworks]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it

[@zhaoyun3153]

I am not going to lie, I am disappointed that these units don't come with rolling bearing caps. I hope the SD70ACes that Athearn plans on releasing later this year do come with rolling bearing caps.

[@scottwalters6031]

These are some great looking units. I am sure glad I pre-ordered my CP units as all of these are sold out at athearn. They will mix with KCS very well. Do these have removeble cab roof ? Forgot to check. My NS units are not showing bleedthru like yours.

[@DGModelworks]

Yes they do have removeable cab roofs. Sorry I forgot to cover that in the video. As it turns out my cab roof is not sitting flush at the front, and that was the cause of the bleed through. I think the headlight lens is mounted a little to high on this unit. I will make the needed adjustments and it should be fine. Thanks for watching! Glad you preordered these too!

[@bhproductions1061]

Awesome now if someone has done an Ho scale of the horseshoe curve they can be more realistic with these as helpers

[@afracer40m]

Great video as always, new subscriber here. Question on the new athearn gen 2.0, do they come with a keep alive installed from factory or is that still a separate purchase and install we need to make ourselves.

[@DGModelworks]

Thanks for subscribing! As of now, Athearn does not have any locomotives with keep alives. You would have to install your own.

[@afracer40m]

Wasn't there talks about adding them to certain gen 2.0 models going forward? Could of swore I heard that from a vendor.

[@DGModelworks]

I have not heard that.

[@sotrrailroad8821]

OK Derek. What's going man? It's been a long, long time for any updates on your layout. Has anything been done to it? Or did you take it all down? I hope not my friend. Keep us updated pls.

[@DGModelworks]

I'm still around....just now getting back to the season of modeling. The layout is still the same right now. Glad to hear from you!

[@waynenephew4515]

Um trying to c how long the train is stop going to the next page

[@tbateman9902]

Do you ever think about having some realistic grades to your layout?

[@DGModelworks]

I probably won't on this layout. Maybe the next one.

[@BrandonWagner93]

So in your opinion Derek, both model and prototype, who has the best looking SD70ACu's, CP or NS?

[@DGModelworks]

Those CP military tributes take the cake! Hands down!

[@bhv1960]

Great work buddy! Seems you have been really impressed lately with Athearn products. I haven’t purchased one in a while. Sound is great too. Deeper tones. Are you liking the Tsunami more than ESU? Tsunami seems to have stepped up their game also.

[@DGModelworks]

They've been pumping out some good stuff lately for sure! I'm still a fan of ESU, but there are some cool things about Tsunami 2, like the DDE. You have to do it manually to get the same effect in ESU.

[@SuperFrecciaNera]

When will be available the new #6644 military?

[@DGModelworks]

I believe early 2025

[@PeterCPRail8748]

Athearn did another great job with these. I passed on the first run due to budget because I am waiting for the CP rail Airforce and WWII Spitfire livery. Although I can justify having all the CP rail Military Heratige units. Convincing the wife would be a moot point. You know what they say happy wife happy life.

[@DGModelworks]

HAHAHA. I know what they say about happy life... The military units are REALLY sweet! With you being a CP modeler, it would be shame to not get them.

[@PeterCPRail8748]

@@DGModelworks the minute they are announced for Pre order I am placing the order sure.

[@danwashington7147]

What decoder for the SD70MACu for nonsound

[@DGModelworks]

You can install whatever brand of decoder you like. It accepts a 21 pin decoder and it the decoder needs to have at least 8 AUX outputs to control all of the lighting.

[@danwashington7147]

@@DGModelworks Any recommend from Soundtrax or ESU thanks

[@frankhellman6879]

Very nice details. And in this day and age, a couple imperfections that can be easily fixed is about as good as it gets. It's almost a shame that N&S paints everything black. You need one of those pharma lab sealed gloves boxes so any 'fly boys' don't end up somewhere you'll find them in 5 years! lol!

[@DGModelworks]

Ain't that the truth!!!

[@grandriverrailfan6088]

When will we get this in n scale 😭😭

[@DGModelworks]

I hope you do!

[@johnkolbjr8375]

Great review. Those CP units look sharp. Navy one is my favorite. Definitely not the old Athearn blue box models. To bad can’t afford them. Are you running Dititrax?

[@DGModelworks]

That's my favorite one too! Definitely a step up from blue box, but so is the price unfortunately. I use NCE. Thanks for watching!

[@johnkolbjr8375]

@@DGModelworks unfortunately but so is everything else. Thanks

[@raybrown3971]

Good reviews, Dan. But it appears that the locomotive surges some at the beginning and until it gains some speed. Did they all do that?

[@DGModelworks]

This was not a factory installed decoder. Yours should not have any problems at all.

[@williamgreeter1855]

I may want the CP ones now that they merged with KCS I’ve Athearn is lighter than the Walthers SD70ACes I got in UP

[@sofreak6]

Sweet 😋

[@InsaneC-4]

Grew up on Ho scale!!!

[@nigelgartshore5210]

No CP running? ☹️

[@DGModelworks]

Sorry, yeah they didn't have decoders yet, and my layout isn't connected to DC power. They are beautiful though!

[@RacerRich78]

The locos do look impressive. However, the closeups of 7022's cab area were not. Conductor side windshield was falling out, and the engineer side number board also falling out. And I couldn't tell for sure, but the conductor front window had a crack in it under the wiper blade. Oh, and the conductor side sun-shade has a huge paint defect. I realize you paid a lot for these, I hope Athearn makes it right for you.

[@DGModelworks]

Hi Mr. Moon. Thank you for your observation and the concern...I went back and looked at my model. All of those items were a very easy fix. Both windows just needed pushed in a little so they were fully seated. That wasn't a crack, it was a little hair. All I had to do with the sun shade was pull it off and flip it around, problem solved! While I agree certain things shouldn't happen, but if they are an easy fix, I'm ok. Somethings do come lose in transit too. If you see how packages are treated, it's a wonder more stuff doesn't happen. LOL

[@RacerRich78]

@@DGModelworks shipping companies can definitely hold some responsibility for careless handling. I have 3 Athearn Genesis GP30’s and all were delivered without issues. So I can attest to their quality.

[@RacerRich78]

@@DGModelworks Glad they were easy fixes for you!

[@anb740]

Some of the worst performing locomotives in my arsenal are all Athearns. The prices of their junk now is beyond ridiculous. And the fact that they’re charging for the SD60M repair kit is hilarious! Glad I didn’t get any of those faulty things.

[@DGModelworks]

They were not charging for the repair kits, it stated in the listing to enter coupon code SD60M at in the cart to get it for free. Not sure if it's still that way? If it's not, then I'd contact Athearn.

[@KingTrump2024]

The small paint and detail imperfections are the main reason I usually avoid Athearn. The CWL's also had typical Athearn quality issues . Disappointing for the money they want for these @AthearnModelTrains

[@DGModelworks]

I can tell you in all honesty, I've run into issues and disappointment with every single manufacturer, before.

[@ArantiusVulpes]

these ride like absolute shit irl at least the CP ones above 45 mph they bounce alot becuase CP skimped on suspension and crew comfort

[@DGModelworks]

Interesting