Athearn Delivers With Awesome New Model Train Engines | Genesis GP38-2 Run & Review

[@kd5gsp]

I have Missouri Pacific 2088, GP 38-2, Athearn Genesis. Extremely happy with. I'm a little biased as my very first MoPac locomotive was a GP-50, and I still have it, Athearn blue box model that I purchased at the Oklahoma City Train Show back in December of 1989. There were a few small flashing/burr issues on the hand rails for my model, but in a matter of seconds that issue was resolved with an Exacto knife.

[@MainTrack]

Hi! I’ve seen some of their Mo-Pac units and have been tempted to get one. I always enjoyed seeing the blue. And (don’t tell anyone), I kind of like the “canary” scheme! I suppose I just have soft spot for any railroad with my home state in its name. -Mike

[@robertsiebenrock3997]

How about a layout tour?

[@tim_c618]

I grabbed a pair of the CSX GP38-2’s from this run. They sound great and run smooth. In fact, quite a few Athearn’s of various models have joined my roster recently and overall I’m pretty impressed!

[@MainTrack]

Hi, Timothy! That’s great to hear! I have seen the CSX ones and they’re just as sharp! I also love my SP version. These certainly aren’t the old Blue Box engines of days gone by! Of course, we are paying a lot more for them…but, that’s a topic for another time. Ha. -Mike

[@tim_c618]

@@MainTrack Yes, they're a bit of an investment, that's for sure. Worth it in my opinion though! I found an SP 38-2 DCC ready on Ebay as well. Kinda tempting! Keep up the great content! I really like your layout, as it's got great detail and not a spaghetti bowl of track.

[@michaelfeldman-budarick9295]

Have you thought of doing a operations video, showing the locos working trains id love to see all your locos and freight cars running

[@MainTrack]

Hello there! Yes, I do have some ops videos planned. I've been waiting to get a couple more industries set in place first- just to have enough to activity to make it a long enough video. I will be sure to start posting those once I film those. Stay tuned! :)

[@LoneRanger5150]

I got a pair of hlcx units and love them! Lombard hobbies have fantastic prices!!

[@MainTrack]

Hi! That’s great! I’ve been pleased with mine. I’ve purchased from Lombard before and had a great experience with them. -Mike

[@taylorbaggarleyunionpacifi3409]

I love mkt units I love everything om your layout I also been getting lot done Mike your so awesome

[@MainTrack]

Hey there! I’m certainly liking the new engines. I appreciate you tuning and watching! -Mike

[@taylorbaggarleyunionpacifi3409]

@@MainTrack your welcome Mike

[@jasonjanise]

I have all 3 of the new MKT Athearn Genesis GP38-2s. Great models. I slapped keep alives in them and they are ready to go

[@AbelG8781]

Smart man. Those keep alives are a must!!!

[@jasonjanise]

@@AbelG8781 absolutely. Makes things nice and smooth and uninterrupted

[@AbelG8781]

@@jasonjanise just wish we had something like it for N scale 😅

[@jasonjanise]

@Abel G they don't make keep alives for N scale?

[@AbelG8781]

@jasonjanise no. Smallest is for HO unfortunately

[@RailserveJohn]

The MTK units look really sharp. Some great road names from this latest run. The road number specific detail adds some fun variation to your roster. Thanks for sharing. -John

[@MainTrack]

Thanks, John! I agree…they did a great job on these units. These probably tie with the Genesis MKT GP39-2s as my favorites. By the way- I love your layout videos and look forward to seeing more! -Mike

[@maquetedoalto]

Wonderfull locomotive...

[@MainTrack]

Thank you for watching! These GP38-2s have been great engines on the roster. They’re earning their keep for sure! -Mike

[@andrewhayek6573]

Hi Mike, you need to add one extra detail part to the gp38-2's and other mkt engines the detail part is the blue flag holder box that goes in front of the battery boxes on the engineer's side of the unit you'll be able to tell witch units have the boxes in front of battery boxes are green with no yellow stripes from what I've in photos and videos, parts are made by circus city decals out of Baraboo, wi. Andy

[@MainTrack]

Hi, Andy! Yes…I have they on my to-do list for my GP40s and these new units. I’m sure glad Circus City came out with that detail part! -Mike

[@AbelG8781]

Although I model (2022) modern Union Pacific, if there is one fallen flag scheme that has always stood out its the John Deere MKT colors......best one out there!

[@MainTrack]

Hi! Yes, it is a very striking paint scheme. Very complex but eye catching. I’m glad manufacturers are coming out with more MKT units…and taking care of the stripes application for us! Ha. -Mike

[@houseofrandomness]

Those engines do look great! I have a handful of genesis engines in a mix of the older and newer stuff. No issues with any of them. I have collected some of the rtr and roundhouse engines too. A little more basic then the genesis, but still run good for me.

[@MainTrack]

Hello! Thank you for watching! Glad to hear you’ve had great luck with your Genesis units. I haven’t had any major operational issues with the ones I’ve had over the years…so far, so good! -Mike

[@hammer1togo]

Hey Mike, I just bought a Athearn Genesis GP38-2 engine number 320 (like yours). I 'm having trouble trying to find the right decoder that works in dcc. Do you remember which one that you used to your 320? Keep the videos coming. I really enjoy them!

[@MainTrack]

Hello! I am using the Tsunami 2 decoders that came installed by Athearn. I've had pretty good luck with them. I really like the new Loksound 5 by ESU and may install those in some units down the line. They came in my new Walthers SW1200s and I love them! -Mike

[@Trainsbigandsmall]

Mike Thank you for the video damn good question where can I find an MKT green EMD unit?

[@MainTrack]

Hi there! Thanks so much for watching! There are several online retailers that’s still have the Katy units in stock. The last I checked, Midwest Model Railroad, Overland Hobbies, Lombard Hobby, and Spring Creek Model Trains all have them in stock. There are probably others, but those are ones I know of as I typically buy a lot of supplies through those shops. I hope that helps! They’re going fast and a know a lot of places have already sold out. -Mike

[@jamesbrown9761]

Great video, thanks Mike. I just got an L&N version #4056 from Trainworld and I love it. One thing that has annoyed me is the jerky starts and stops. I have played a little with some settings in DecoderPro to try and alleviate and I can't seem to fix the problem. Has anyone out there done any fine tuning on these with CVs/DecoderPro to make it run smoother and more prototypical?

[@MainTrack]

Hi, James! I sure appreciate that. Funny you mention the L&N version. I was just looking at one online a couple days ago. While I don't model that road, I've always through the gray and yellow scheme was pretty sharp! As you mentioned, the jerky starts/strops are one drawback. I haven't had any luck yet figuring out how to tweak that. I will keep asking around and do a video when I figure out the trick. Thanks for watching! -Mike

[@stude2896]

You need at least a couple red MKT rngines

[@MainTrack]

Hello! I have several red covered hoppers and boxcars- even a caboose. But, no red engines yet. I may have to get a couple for the days I feel like running some backdated operations! -Mike

[@DarkTerritory71]

Love this channel! Question for you, how many locomotives do you "think" you'll purchase for the layout, and will the use of them be dictated by the job, or train size? Will you just leave them out on the line,l/layout, or put them back in the box. I know, that was a couple of questions.

[@MainTrack]

Hi, Mark! I appreciate you watching. Great question! I’m not sure how many engines I’ll need. My collection keeps growing. Right now I have far more units than my layout can use at once, but I switch them out. As I plan on expanding the layout going forward, I’ll probably always need more engines. I’m always finding new stuff that I like! -Mike

[@jackal119]

I had two Athearn Genesis, an SD70 (NS 2548) which is clearly an older run discontinued now and Dash 9-44CW (SP #8192) I like them a lot more then my Rapido B36-7 which are falling apart with every run but Rapido Customer support has been great but at $300+ dollars it not really worth it and they are crazy slow next to the athearns which are like race cars and yet better slow speed performance too. Also I like Soundtraxx Decoders more then ESU decoders and the audio sound better from Soundtraxx.

[@MainTrack]

Hello! It’s good to hear you’ve had great luck with your Athearn units. They’ve really upped their game in recent years. I haven’t had any Rapido units on my roster. I have operated some on others’ layouts, though. I have been eyeing their SP B36-7 for a while now and would still like to try it. But, Athearn keeps coming out with great Katy units- and eating my train budget. Ha! -Mike

[@cp368productions2]

I just had an Athearn Genesis GP18 delivered on the 3rd. My only complaint so far is the handrails that fell off, the same thing happened to my Athearn RTR SD40T-2. The dynamic brake hatch of the GP18 also wasn't secured well, it falls off if you bump it, and a couple mirrors are loose. It seems Athearn isn't great at securing details to the body.

[@MainTrack]

Hello! Yes, there seem to be some quality control issues with certain releases. Thankfully, most of them are minor. I have had great experiences with Athearn/Horizon Hobby’s customer service and they’ll exchange something that’s not up to par. But, I usually don’t want to box it up, ship it off, and wait several weeks if it’s something I can fix.

[@cp368productions2]

@@MainTrack yeah I have to get some Canopy glue at some point, for now I just have to use my Atlas units which don't have that issue. But the hobby shops that would carry canopy glue are 45 miles away or more so haven't had the chance to get there since I bought my Athearns.

[@HolyMoley2u]

I have the #20 MKT G71825 also and trying to remove the shell. In other Athearn GP38-2 the shell comes off easily after removing the couplers but not this one. It almost seem like the shell is glued onto the frame. No other screws to remove so would you have any info on the removal method? Rob

[@MainTrack]

Hi! That sounds really frustrating. Honestly, I haven’t taken the shells of of my units just yet. I planned on doing that at some point if I upgrade the speakers as I did with some of my GP39-2s. Hopefully someone on here has an answer! I’ll keep my ears out to see what others are saying. -Mike

[@HolyMoley2u]

@@MainTrack Thanks for the reply Mike. I was able to remove the shell by pry open with a small screwdriver. It turned out to be paint that had not dried on the frame. Now my GP 38-2 has front truck ground lights. Next is going to be step lights. Rob

[@Laithshtieh22]

So our strobe light, the beacon was set to 6, but every time I would click six, they would never work. Is that like a thing, I have to take the cover off and see what’s going on inside the engine or is that just like you need a new beacon take your time you can reply anytime

[@MainTrack]

Hello! Did you have any luck figuring that issue out? On some of mine, I found out the strobe was programmed to #5 for some reason. I need to go back and reprogram them to be the same since it’s not easy remembering which unit is set to what. -Mike

[@jasonjanise]

What CV did you use to change from rotary to strobe on 313

[@MainTrack]

Hi! I just whipped up this video. Hopefully it helps! BONUS: Great Engines, Wrong Beacon | Fast And Easy Fix For Athearn Locomotive Light kzbin.info/www/bejne/gHvdpoaIm8xpjqM

[@jasonjanise]

@Main Track Trains absolutely and thanks a lot. Did you ever do a complete overview of your track plan of your layout and the overall dimensions? I'm new to the channel and would love to see it

[@mirkomiskov477]

What exact strobe ligt model name, did MKT use?

[@MainTrack]

Hello! The strobes that match the ones used on the MKT in the 80s are the Athearn’s Saturn 6552 Xenon Strobe. These had a white color to them. The Katy originally had some yellow/orange rotary beacon flashers on some units, but those eventually gave way to the strobes. -Mike

[@AllenCNW441]

The only drawback I find with Athearn products are McHenry couplers.

[@cp368productions2]

I have no issues with the couplers, the only problems I have is the handrails that fall off.

[@AbelG8781]

True. McHenry is utter garbage

[@MainTrack]

Yes, I’ll will be replacing those pretty quickly. I like all of my couplers to be the same-Kadees- just for the sake of everything “playing well” together. -Mike

[@MainTrack]

That’s true…I’ve had the same issues with the handrails on my GP39-2s. They look great, but I feel like I’m constantly having to put them back on. With that, I try to handle them as little as possible. -Mike

[@d.a.dawson3090]

They look and sound great, only need the occasional smoke! You seem to favor Athearn products. Have you better luck with them over Atlas? I remember you reviewed their GP7 awhile back.

[@AbelG8781]

To be honest Athearn has far better details than Atlas.

[@MainTrack]

Hi, Dan! The Athearn units have great details and run well. The Atlas are less detailed, but are built and seem a little better on the mechanical side- especially when it comes to slower speed operations. So, they both have pros and cons. I am lookout forward to seeing the new Atlas GP40s this summer.

[@dalegraham1207]

How do you get two powered loco's to run one frontwards and one backwards

[@MainTrack]

Hello! The locomotive consists can be set up through a DCC controller. There is a basic menu and the program takes care of the rest. It makes it easy to run several engines together like that. -Mike

[@dalegraham1207]

@@MainTrack so I guess the locomotives need to be programmed on different addresses?

[@tim_c618]

@@dalegraham1207 you’ll set up a consist. While doing that you select the addresses of the locomotives you want to use and select which direction each one will run. So yes, they will need different addresses.

[@brock50pullingvideos]

I bought these also, but had issues with the 318 and returned it to FDH and they sent me another one, and the 2nd one has issues also. Not very happy. No quality control at Athearn.

[@MainTrack]

Hello! Sorry to hear about your issues as well. Thankfully, my 318 and 320 were alright. From what I’m hearing, the 313 has the problem across the board. I plan to buy some duplicates to renumber, so it’s possible I’ll run into some hiccups with another 318 before it’s said and done. Was it the same CV strobe issues you had? -Mike

[@iantha_branch]

Athearn did good on these units. The issues with the rotary beacon are "normal". None of my Frisco units have ever come programmed correctly from the factory. I'm gonna have to go check out your patreon now

[@MainTrack]

Hello! Yes, it’s just a slight “uggh” that’s easily fixable. As long as they run well and look great, I can take care of any little programming hiccups. As I mentioned, I’ve heard from several other guys about their #313 units having the same thing, but the 320 and 318 are good to go. I sure appreciate it! -Mike

[@dennisarmes3473]

hi mike !!! again an excellent video !! yes, i had the same issue with my handrails and the exacto knife worked fine.... trouble was i had other issues with my new athgen geep ( cv response and broken fan) and it was not easy to get a response from horizon/athearn much let alone it took so long to get a response i wasn't even sure they received my initial request. !! their engines are good but as a company not so much. anyway, i stick with bowser ( you can actually call and talk to lee, the owner, down in pennsylvania) scale trains ( ALWAYS friendly and readily available) and rapido ( very good customer relations department) for my trains now. just a nice video,mike !!! anyway, as we previously discussed, my bills have cinci sunday and the chiefs have the jags. i am pretty sure your chiefs will advance but my bills not so much so !!! our "o" line is swiss cheese and since we lost von miller and micah hyde on the defense things just are not the same. i figure cinci and kc for the afc belt.... cinci has beaten kc 3 times in a row now( reg season last year/afc belt last year/ reg season this year) so i think the odds of beating such a good team like kc 4 times in a row is mathematically on thin ice and kc gets the afc belt this year 38-35 in a real battle BUT.... either philly or 49er's will get the lombardi !!! blessings to you, mike my friend !!! denny

[@MainTrack]

Hi, Denny…my apologies for just now seeing this comment. It showed up with the one you sent earlier today. Have those Athearn units still been doing good for you? Mine are still working well for me with no problems! -Mike

[@dennisarmes3473]

@@MainTrack yes, mike, they are doing well but i think their "pulling power" is a bit less than scale trains and even my older p2k sd 50-60 engines. well, thats how it goes !!! as i am retired now, mike, i believe you put together a nice program of topics and videos.... top-notch quality !!! blessings to you, my friend !! ps... boy, was i wrong with my prediction back then, huh ??? kc is just too tough and coach reid is really good... bills opened camp yesterday up in rochester, ny but i am reserving my hopes this year.... our hobby is much more regular and predictable !!! i have hoarded 14 older p2k engines and they are real chuggers, but athearn has much more detail as i am sure you know well... denny

[@SFCRambo60]

I bought 4 Athena Big Boys 4-8-8-4 finally decided to run them and all the road wheels blew off of them. Than have had trouble with the DCC and its remote. Wish they never did the remote. Also a lot of parts fell off with out ever touching the locomotives. Hoping the new Kato Big Boy will be as awesome as the rest of their products.

[@MainTrack]

Hi there! That really stinks to hear. Being that I model the 80s, I don’t have any steam engines on the layout to compare with my diesels. But, it seems some batches have more hiccups than others. Thankfully, the issues with these engines are easy fixes. Let us know how you like the Kato unit when you get that! I know a lot of fellow modelers are very excited about those! -Mike

[@new_comment]

Manufacturers could literally shrink down the prototype and box it up. Rivet counters would still find everything wrong. If not for rivet counters, I can't imagine what kind of disasters mfgs would put on the model market.

[@MainTrack]

Hello! Yes, it is easy for some to get caught up in nitpicking about details. I understand the desire to be as prototypical as possible- and sometimes there are random little details on my own models I get fixated with. It’s great if someone wants to be a rivet counter with their own layouts and models. It’s just frustrating when someone starts calling out and criticizing someone else’s trains.

[@AlanFricker-u8l]

I don't see why I need these grossly expensive models. I have no need for dcc or sound on my small layout. No one has ever been able to answer this question, either: Why buy a super detailed loco when you can't see the added detailing from 3 feet away anyway? Or answer this question: What does these new units do that my two blue box units can't?

[@MainTrack]

Hello! That's a great question. That's gives me an idea for a great episode. I'm sure a lot of modelers have the same question. I don't know it its an issue of one being better than the other. Different stokes for different folks as they say. The DCC issue is personal preference. Personally, I like sound and lighting effects and being able to control everything with a handheld remote. Being able to walk side-by-side with my train around the layout is nice. A stationary DC powerpack worked well years ago for my smaller layout where my train was never too far from the power pack. But, it might be a challenge on larger layouts where your train could be far from the pack. Perhaps there are remote systems for DC layout? I'm not sure as I've been using DCC for a while now. As for the super detailed units...I buy them because that's what manufacturers are putting out. Athearn is no longer producing blue box units (the days of detailing those were fun!). The tooling on the shells of a lot of the old Athearn blue box units is also basic, and incorrect in some instances. While it's indeed hard to see minor details from three feet away, incorrect shells are something that can't be un-seen. None of this is a slam against Athearn. Most of my current roster is made up of it's detailed Genesis line. I think that's what's great about the hobby...there is plenty of room for everyone- regardless of how basic or detailed, or how inexpensive/expensive someone wants to go. -Mike

[@MarkRenn]

I love these locos, too. Especially since there's an MKT version. But GEEZ. Prices are STUPID expensive. WTF?

[@MainTrack]

Hi, Mark! Yes, Athearn did a great job on them. It is a catch-22 for sure. We now have access to some of the most detailed models ever available. But, we are going to pay a lot more for them. Sometimes you can get luck and find hobby shops having sales on them. I picked up a couple extras that way. Either way, the days of Athearn Blue Box prices are long gone it seems! -Mike

[@paulflak2823]

Another reason why the hobby is dying out with kids. The locomotives cost too much and the cheaper DC units are only a little better....

[@HeavenerHighIron]

Yes I’m a kid but I still love the models and real life but do agree very $$

[@MainTrack]

Times are certainly different. I remember when I was a kid back in the 90s, saving my nickels and dimes for an Athearn switcher. It couldn’t have been more than $25 brand new! I still see a lot of lower priced stuff on eBay and train shows, and hope the younger generation is able to use those avenues to acquire stuff. -Mike

[@robertsiebenrock3997]

How about a layout tour?

[@MainTrack]

Hello! I do post layout update videos every few weeks. I do have plans to make an all-encompassing overview soon! I appreciate you watching! -Mike