Review of DDA40X from Athearn is here in HO scale!

Here is my review of the Athearn DDA40X. For great prices and customer service, check out www.trainworld....

[@CrazyFuelDrinks]

Stop at 0:28 LOL THE FACE XD =) Sorry that but it to funny!!!!!!

[@RailBrothersProductions]

I know I thought the same thing

[@muhammadrashaalfath2008]

Stopped in😂

[@jlwii2000]

The reason Athearn puts McHenry couplers on their locomotives is because they own the company that manufacturers those couplers. So they would not pay some other company for their couplers, when they essentially own their own couplers. It wouldn't make much business sense.

[@kswift672000]

That locomotive is a hard sell, just about every layout I’ve seen on KZbin ..., it’s never used ..... I always see it sitting on the side on the layout doing nothing but optics.

[@aliensporebomb]

When I had the Bachmann version I used it to death. Loved it.

[@alcopower5710]

aliensporebomb .....was the Bachmann a good reliable unit? Trying to decide which to go for

[@michaelnaisbitt1639]

What radius curve will it go round???

[@echohunter4199]

James, I just noticed this video is over 11 years old now? This around the same time I returned to the hobby after retiring from the Army. I picked up one of these (DDA-40X w/ sound) at a local train store here in San Antonio, TX and I remember watching this video to help me with the features on this model. I recently picked up another Athearn DDA-40X from their latest production run that I found on eBay for $275 (with sound also) so I’m pretty happy, I’m amazed at how well this model has held its value over the years, almost like investing in precious metals, lol. Hope life is treating you well and thanks again for these videos.

[@jlwii2000]

It is very hard to determine what factor makes the locomotive largest: It could be the heaviest, longest, most cylinders, most horse power, or most wheels. It is often defined as the longest in absolute length, however there is even a debate on whether or not to include the tender in the measurement. To establish the "largest" category, several base factors simply take precedence: overall weight, which gives traction over driving axles; actual size (length & height of engine itself);

[@michaelshannon7199]

Q: How does it do on 18 Radius curves? Does it do good on 22 radius?

[@Peterbilt3794Life]

Gotta love Big Jack!!!

[@ferdysukaryo5334]

This is a modern big boy locomotive, diesel engine big boy locomotive.

[@Jed844]

Books and magazines will often state that the Big Boy was the largest steam locomotive ever built. When steam locomotives are compared, many different quantities can be considered. For example, weight, length, horsepower, and tractive effort are all characteristics of how "large" a steam locomotive is. In each of the above categories, a locomotive "larger" than a Big Boy can be found.

[@johnnywalker6980]

Bachmanns version is better with all 4 sounds and the same lighting effects. Just A JOKE...Not even close. Plus they are wrong in dimensions.They used the old tooling from the 1990's Spectrum. Called Bachmann right when they came out and asked them if it was all new drive and tooling and was told it was. Not! Bachmann are not only crooks ,but Liars. Save your money and buy the Athearn. They are honest!

[@HunterR909]

I think it's a bit too loud for an HO Scale Diesel, Don't you think?

[@sparky107107]

just can't find these at a good price any where.. super nice diesel my man.

[@jeffstrains4014]

After seeing that one on the trainworld add I went looking

[@shanegroth566]

I have a DDA40X HO 6922 FOR SELL !!

[@Conrail-iu2hn]

I touched the DDA40X at the Illinois railway museum it was number 6930

[@john-lenin]

Move the camera more. I almost saw something.

[@HARPO1ME]

Great model gives Brass a run for there money.Thanks for your reviews. Just realized this thing has around 200 dollars worth of sound decoders in it.Do you know if they are pluged into the board or just integrated in 1 single board?

[@iLoVeSD70Ace35]

cool locomotive

[@Kieran101446]

Does that locomotive fit on your new turn table? and please keep more videos coming!!!

[@paulmishler402]

I think it is dd40ax not dda40x

[@jlwii2000]

My eyelids are taking their sweet time at 0:28

[@harlantillman7947]

Ok. I need to add one of them to my collection. I have two DD35's. At least that's what it said on the box. One is completely done and the other needs work. Can you still by the Helix Humper motors? that was a very good motor. Thank you for sharing. SP DD-35 Athearn. I'm not sure I like the becon on the new engine. Mine looks & operates like a real one.

[@shanegroth566]

I have Dda40x ho 6922

[@BobEHildenbrandJr]

Excellent review,"I have the U.P. 6936 DDA40X ,"I love the engine and all the detail,"Job well done Athearn and jlwii2000

[@AlainHubert]

Start, stop motion is way too jerky. You need to adjust the startup voltage and your speed curve on that DCC decoder...

[@step2191]

Was hoping this unit would have killer tractive effort...but sadly it did not!

[@jlwii2000]

Yea it lights up. Its in the video if you watch the whole thing.

[@TheOilman747]

Is running one of those HO locomotives hard on sharp turns or pretty easy o and awesome video oil man out

[@littleevan99]

There's great HO stuff out there. I'm using 3 rail O scale trains but I still like the HO trains for the size and price!

[@NickValdezRRPhotography]

my Bachman DDA40X is quite rough to operate and doesn't have an empty walkway in the middle. Great video! Thanks for friending me on Facebook!

[@RailFanRick]

Every time I watch one of your reviews I wind up broker, now ya got me buying this one! lol... Great review, definitely going to grab this thing ...... Thanks for the time you put in, really helps in making a decision.......... Ricky'

[@wobblinwheel]

You do know how to turn down the loco volume ...right?

[@joshmoore48]

Love the video, but I have one question I noticed that you had the DCS system were you using that on the Athearn Thanks

[@TheShadeTreeFixitMan]

Very nice locomotive. Maybe I can re-mortgage my house for one of those...ha, ha, ha

[@jlwii2000]

Athearn will announce the 6936 version next month and will deliver mid to late 2013. I'll get that one.

[@muhammadrashaalfath2008]

0:28

[@snoops702]

I'll get one next year when they drop in price lol.but all in all its a awesome engine and great review

[@trainz675]

I love your reviews, but after you review a "cheap" loco, like how you reviewed a DD40 from bochmann, but now you have this nice DD40, what do you do with those older, cheaper engines??? i never see you run them any more in your videos!!!

[@jlwii2000]

I keep them until I get a good replacement, then I sell them to people I know or sometimes ebay.

[@christianpetterson1784]

Well, it has two SD locomotives combined to make it, so two SD engines.

[@Tcostello105]

Great intro! Looks like a great locomotive, really liking the beacon light to!

[@retrainrun]

Great review to a great engine! Send me one!

[@choochoo3985]

You seem to be a student of HO and UP in particular. So I wonder if you know why MTH and Bachmann call the DDA40X, DD40XA? I can't find that DD40XA designation ever existed. Even looked on the UP web site. Keep up the good work,

[@B1ENTERTAINMENT30]

i almost picked one up at an event recently, it was $600, luckily i found a bachmann one for $110 and I love it

[@jlwii2000]

Yep sure does. Everything fits on that turntable...even a big boy

[@ns2664philly]

Very nice review. The duel decoders sound amazing. Thanks!

[@MegaChallanger]

thats not breaking news. what would be breaking news is if walthers or athearn would produce a product longer than a month so everyone would have an opertunity to get it. i wish they would be like kato

[@BNSFfan2373]

what i have noticed about pulling power in any ho scale locomotives is that most have a max pull of 20-25 cars only Katos top them ho ac4400 80 cars. i think the intermountain ho gevos can do 30 ish

[@jlwii2000]

6ft wide by 22 ft long

[@seaboardspastic]

They should've added a standard plow on the front, would have looked better.

[@jlwii2000]

Yep the new SIII

[@RoylandLara]

Great video thanks , QQ if I’m using Kato, which track from Kato should it get?

[@jlwii2000]

yep everything fits on that turntable..even a bigboy

[@theronerd]

Should do a pull test on this bad boy. what how many grams it can pull

[@northwestrailfanofficial]

If you wanted 6936 and just take the 9 and flip it upside down

[@sexynowon123]

जय हनुमान aकोई जा कर उन्हे बताये, भारत माता घायल है ..! जो चेहरे से तो नर दिखते हैं, लेकिन पैरों मे पायल है .!!जय हनुमान जय हो बज्ररग बली मेरा आपकी कृपा से सब काम हो रहा है जय हनुमान जय बजरंग बली*श्री राम जय राम श्री गुरु चरण सरोज रज, निज मन मुकुर सुधार |बरनौ रघुवर बिमल जसु , जो दायक फल चारि |बुद्धिहीन तनु जानि के , सुमिरौ पवन कुमार |बल बुद्धि विद्या देहु मोहि हरहु कलेश विकार ||जय हनुमान ज्ञान गुन सागर, जय कपीस तिंहु लोक उजागर |रामदूत अतुलित बल धामा अंजनि पुत्र पवन सुत नामा||2||महाबीर बिक्रम बजरंगी कुमति निवार सुमति के संगी|कंचन बरन बिराज सुबेसा, कान्हन कुण्डल कुंचित केसा ||4|हाथ ब्रज औ ध्वजा विराजे कान्धे मूंज जनेऊ साजे |शंकर सुवन केसरी नन्दन तेज प्रताप महा जग बन्दन||6|विद्यावान गुनी अति चातुर राम काज करिबे को आतुर|प्रभु चरित्र सुनिबे को रसिया रामलखन सीता मन बसिया ||8||सूक्ष्म रूप धरि सियंहि दिखावा बिकट रूप धरि लंक जरावा |भीम रूप धरि असुर संहारे रामचन्द्र के काज सवारे||10||लाये सजीवन लखन जियाये श्री रघुबीर हरषि उर लाये|रघुपति कीन्हि बहुत बड़ाई तुम मम प्रिय भरत सम भाई||12||सहस बदन तुम्हरो जस गावें अस कहि श्रीपति कण्ठ लगावें |सनकादिक ब्रह्मादि मुनीसा नारद सारद सहित अहीसा||14||जम कुबेर दिगपाल कहाँ ते कबि कोबिद कहि सके कहाँ ते |तुम उपकार सुग्रीवहिं कीन्हा राम मिलाय राज पद दीन्हा ||16||तुम्हरो मन्त्र विभीषन माना लंकेश्वर भये सब जग जाना |जुग सहस्र जोजन पर भानु लील्यो ताहि मधुर फल जानु||18|प्रभु मुद्रिका मेलि मुख मांहि जलधि लाँघ गये अचरज नाहिं |दुर्गम काज जगत के जेते सुगम अनुग्रह तुम्हरे तेते ||20||राम दुवारे तुम रखवारे होत न आज्ञा बिनु पैसारे |सब सुख लहे तुम्हारी सरना तुम रक्षक काहें को डरना ||22||आपन तेज सम्हारो आपे तीनों लोक हाँक ते काँपे |भूत पिशाच निकट नहीं आवें महाबीर जब नाम सुनावें||24||नासे रोग हरे सब पीरा जपत निरंतर हनुमत बीरा |संकट ते हनुमान छुड़ावें मन क्रम बचन ध्यान जो लावें ||26||सब पर राम तपस्वी राजा तिनके काज सकल तुम साजा |और मनोरथ जो कोई लावे सोई अमित जीवन फल पावे||28||चारों जुग परताप तुम्हारा है परसिद्ध जगत उजियारा|साधु संत के तुम रखवारे। असुर निकंदन राम दुलारे||30||अष्ट सिद्धि नौ निधि के दाता। अस बर दीन्ह जानकी माता राम रसायन तुम्हरे पासा सदा रहो रघुपति के दासा||32||तुम्हरे भजन राम को पावें जनम जनम के दुख बिसरावें |अन्त काल रघुबर पुर जाई जहाँ जन्म हरि भक्त कहाई||34||और देवता चित्त न धरई हनुमत सेई सर्व सुख करई |संकट कटे मिटे सब पीरा जपत निरन्तर हनुमत बलबीरा||36||जय जय जय हनुमान गोसाईं कृपा करो गुरुदेव की नाईं|जो सत बार पाठ कर कोई छूटई बन्दि महासुख होई||38||जो यह पाठ पढे हनुमान चालीसा होय सिद्धि साखी गौरीसा |तुलसीदास सदा हरि चेरा कीजै नाथ हृदय मँह डेरा||40||।।दोहा।।पवन तनय संकट हरन मंगल मूरति रूप |राम लखन सीता सहित हृदय बसहु सुर भूप ||मुझे गर्व है अपने धर्म पर मेरा धर्म दूध बहाने की सीख देता है... खून बहाने की नही। बड़ी हो तो चुपचाप हमारे पाँकेट मे पैसे रखने वाली, छोटी हो तो चुपचाप पैसे निकाल लेने वाली.........॥ . छोटी हो या बड़ी, छोटी- छोटी बातों पे लड़ने वाली,एक बहन होनी चाहिये.......॥ . बड़ी हो तो ,गलती पे हमारे कान खींचने वाली, छोटी हो तो अपनी गलती पर,साँरी भईया कहने वाली... खुद से ज्यादा हमे प्यार करने वाली एक बहन होनी चाहिये.... ....॥ " 27/10/14, 9:32 pm reeta इस समय Hangouts में नहीं है. वह आपके संदेश बाद में देखेगी सोचूँ तुम्हें तो बहके मन =================== सोचूँ तुम्हें तो बहके मन देख के तुमको चहके मन बात करने पे महके मन चुप भी रहे कुछ कहके मन मन में तुम्हारी चाह खेले सपने सा मुझे तुम्हारी निगाह लेले याद तुम्हारी मुझे कहीं भी आ घेरे मेरी मुस्कराहटों के तुम ही हो मेले सोचूँ तुम्हें तो बहके मन देख के तुमको चहके मन जय हनुमान जय हो बज्ररग बली मेरा आपकी कृपा से सब काम हो रहा है जय हनुमान जय बजरंग बली*श्री राम जय राम

[@sexynowon123]

Pinky Rosy I like all vedios concerning railways irrespective of any country on the world atlas and appreciatae best one in photography film and matter it consists and the way it is filmed Thanks to all concerned for their achievement and interest

[@Jed844]

However if you were to ignore all of the unsuccessful and experimental locomotives, then look at the overall ratings of the remaining steam locomotives in the above categories, it would become clear that the Big Boys hold more distinctions of the biggest than others. The big boys (along with the N&W Y6 and A, DM&IR M, and perhaps the C&O H-8 locomotives) were the "largest" among all successful steam locomotives.

[@Jed844]

cab forwards were 4-8-8-2, not the same as big boy. the challengers did not have more pulling power than the big boys, TE (tractive effort) challenger 97,352 lbs, TE Big boy 135,375 lbs. y6b is a class designation for a N&W 2-8-8-2, not a triplex, the actual triplexs were an unsuccessful experiment, their high TE 166,000 could only be sustained for a few seconds due to lack of steaming ability, each big boy, which weighed more, and was longer, ran into the 60's and logged a million miles each

[@Bqrufz1]

i agree with jlwii2000, but i believe myself that the largest in my opinion is the y6b triplex also the challenger had even more pulling power than the big boy because it also had steam powered [pusher] axles under the cab which also helped with tractive effort also keep in mind that southern pacific had a cab forward loco with the same wheel arrangement as the big boy... as you can see there is much to debate but it all depends how you compare them.. it very subjective hope this helps

[@MT-Leung]

Hello all, The USA cargoes box is too plastics and too longer,these locomotive cannot run in small layout, i like the China DF4,DF11 and all DF4DK. the engine is very well,and long term playing is no problem.China locomotive is really train is no traction tyre, Marklin train has 4 traction tyre,the track is easily dirty and expenses now.13/12/2012

[@trainbuff3959]

Neither function works out of the box. What change did you make when you took a break in the video to figure yours out ? I imagine you imputed a CV but which one ? My user manual says to look at page 20 for the answers but it only has 18 pages !

[@rhergy]

The DDA40x's did not have ditch lights. None of the locomotives of that era did because the FRA did not pass that regulation till years later. The one remaining DD40 is the only one so equipped because current regulations require ditch lights now.

[@sort187]

OK.....how about the beacon light on top of the cab....does that light up too? I know I'm thinking of Bachmann's not-so-hot effort on the DD, but then Bachmann doesn't hold a candle to Athearn.

[@JMcolts95]

Could you do an athearn vs bachmann dd40ax? Like what you did with mth & athearn aces?

[@Bqrufz1]

sorry i just read your comment and wikipedia and really was misinformed (understatement) i will educate myself b4 making further comments thank you for correcting and informing me

[@larryrwendelljr4465]

Fantastic detail, Great video review!

[@Bqrufz1]

it is but the athearn is more detailed , has sound , will not run on 18 in curves does not have a huge slit in the front and costs 3x as much thanks

[@streetskate2045]

i model o scale but my uncle gave me a bunch of old and new accesories for ho and some rolling stock and some engines could u make for begginers?

[@TheTrainman888]

I find it intesting that the in the EMD E unit Tsunami decoders they dont start up the same way because the E units have two prime movers also.

[@upturbine]

Very nice loco. Mine just came in so I have to make a run to the hobby store to pick it up. Can't wait. That would be nice to have number 6936.

[@sort187]

Yeah, I caught that almost as soon as I posted the first time.....silly me..... :-D

[@bradleyogden5688]

And just re released with 2 . 0 Version ! With l.e.d.s, rubber hoses, two sugar cubed speakers and yellow side sills for 6936.

[@Wolfe351]

Dammit... just bought a vers1 DDA40X last week!! Oh well I guess more 1.0 genesis dda's will start appearing on ebay!

[@WIStarcraft]

Nice review! Just received the latest Athearn news update and the next release of this model includes the 6936.

[@harlantillman7947]

How much are they today? I'll go to there web and find out.

[@04harlow]

Very nice Engine, love thw detail on it.

[@robertswickard3700]

In my book ,athearn is still just in front of bachmann in products but bachmann has stepped up their game with their GG1 ,I model the Pennsy, have 12 bachmann GG1 s ,and a 3unit set of f-3 by MTH ,1 alone can out pull anything athearn has done, my horseshoe curve has 54 inch radius curve ( inside rail) up a 1.85 % climb ,80 hoppers get pulled up by these loco's Broadway limited --- one J1 texas --- one I1 decapod with an extra traction axle added ,one M1a , one L1 mike ,one set of centapedes , 3 sharks as a set, two Atlas H-24-66 trainmaster, and it takes 4 of my buds athearns DDa40x to pull ,once I get farther a long I will do some horseshoe curve videos , with a J1 on the point followed by 2 F2 ab set, followed by a centapedes snapper ( pusher) on the rear moving 100 + loaded hoppers, just like the Pennsy did ,

[@jlwii2000]

@BEGRS147 you're kidding right? I'm not a theatre major and I'm not concerned about making each video a beautiful masterpiece. I just turn on the video camera and record. If you dont like it move on or create your own.

[@douglasskaalrud6865]

In addition to my comments to one of the author’s posts, if you want to decide the facts about Big Boy vs. other simple articulated stream locomotives, check out Robert A LeMessena’s, “Articulated Steam Locomotives of North America.” The description and statistics for every articulated steam locomotive of every railroad that used them in the U.S. and Mexico is compiled with an outline of their service expectations. The book was published by Sundance Books in 1979 and is similar to a “Jane’s Fighting Ships” format. There are LOTS of photos of excellent quality. The pages are smooth so the images are crisp. I can’t recommend this book highly enough. A simple search will direct you to a source. It

[@markstengel7680]

What did that loco cost about ? Nice but a large curve is needed to run, I have same with the Budd Santa Fe Passenger Coaches my lay out is small nothing like yours. I belonged to a RR Club in Hawthorne, Ca with a 5,000 SQ FT Layout wore headphones to technical. for my likes i just like to run them not into dispatch radio communication dispatch. Been out of hobby since 2004 as digital was taking off. Had in 1969 Atlas Southern Pacific N Guage trains came off tracks often maybe i was too young 9 yrs anyway Good Job Well Done !!!

[@Rebecca_The_Dragon]

@jlwii2000 how are u running dcs and dcc at the same time? (I saw your dcs commander plugged in as well)

[@k4kfh]

How did you ballast that track and what kind of track is it?

[@jlwii2000]

Yeah handrails are so bent and twisted. Apparently you're blind because they are fine on this model. As for the title this is KZbin not English class so go "provoke" on an English composition class forum.

[@EspeeGoldenState]

It must be a Bachmann 6936 or custom numbering as Athearn has not done a 6936 number yet.

[@jameslleary]

James-just enjoying this review and not sure if anyone mentioned yet, but that roof beacon is LED, and is spot on with a rotator. They are using the same circuit as for model aircraft...low light, then a sudden burst for the reflector sweep passed effect.

[@harlint1233]

Okay I realize you did this in 2012. So I have a couple questions. How much were they back then? And what do you think of its performance today?

[@trainlover467]

are you going to do a video now on both DDA40x and see the differents on both of then?

[@garman1966]

Everything looks great to me until it lurches forward at maybe 3 mph or more instantly. I used to have many N-scale modern kato locos with a simple DC transformer with an acceleration feature that started my locos extremely slowly, even with many cars behind. Why is HO scale so bad at slow starts, or is it the DCC?

[@edirocktrucks9886]

parabéns bela locomotiva

[@johndirks8255]

Beautiful unit but it still starts with a JERK!!!

[@vwgolfer1873]

I agree with Shrinehillrail when your paying 400 bucks their should be no corners cut at all. I couldnt imagine if i paid 400 and then when i received it the railing came off or a horn was off. I would be very upset

[@trainzaholic]

And is the the M5R24 horn that was used on 6936 for a while or the giant S3LR?

[@jlwii2000]

F5 or F6. I would try both. If it doesn't come on call Athearn because it may not be hooked up right.

[@utubewatcher806]

isn't it rather ironic to unwrap DDA40X in front of BNSF model sign?

[@Greatdome99]

Doesn't run very slowly. I have a band-drive F7 that will go slower.

[@michaelbujaki2462]

12:58 "20 autoracks is a little too much for it." Give the DDX to a German model train company, and the capacity will be a far sight more than 36 cars.

[@TERF59PHIFAN]

how much horsepower does that monster have?

[@detroit8v715]

I have 6904 and love it. I wish they would do a 2nd run and do the class unit 6900 as delivered from EMD.

[@7MPhonemicEnglish]

How many motors and driven wheels?

[@1989CJL]

Very nice review man that's is a very nice dd40ax locomotive

[@jlwii2000]

and power, which may be given in terms of raw horsepower, tractive effort, available power at axles (shaft horsepower) or in the case of steam locomotives, available steam on a sustained basis So the question itself is bogus because the largest steam locomotive can be determined many different ways. Most books call the big boy the largest though.

[@douglasskaalrud6865]

jlwii2000 Big Boy was a nice balance of power and speed but not really the best of either. Physically, the Allegheny wins; boiler horsepower, the ALCO boilers employed under late model NP articulated win and in raw tractive effort the Great Northern R-2 easily wins. I always say though that you can cherry-pick the statistics like you can the Bible to prove whatever belief you have. And every steamer was designed to perform in specific service so it’s difficult to effectively compare them. If you want to go by tractive effort, which is indicative of how much useful work the locomotive can perform, Big Boy’s 135,000 lbs. comes in at fourth place behind Great Northern’s R-2 (153,000 later bushed down to 143,000 lbs.); Duluth, Missabe and Iron Range’s M3 Yellowstone (140,000 lbs.) and Western Pacific’s M151 (137,000 lbs.). So, no, Big Boy wasn’t the most muscular thing but, like all the other steamers, it did what it was designed to do and it made tons of money for the UP which in the end is the largest measure of success. At least UP had the good sense to save an example when people so obviously wanted them to. Tiny DM&IR left us three Yellowstones but thanks to J.J. Hill’s spendthrift policy, the GN greedily melted down every last R-2 for scrap.

[@averyphillap58]

I have a sante fe 3500 and 3560 deseil Dcc67 locomotives

[@shawnpatrick5843]

Now I know what I want for my birthday.

[@shanegroth566]

I have the dda40x HO scale 6922

[@jlwii2000]

The only one with ditch lights is 6936, which I hope Athearn releases soon.