Model Railroading > Athearn monthly

I always look forward to the end of the month to see new Athearn announcements. I know Athearn has had some unfavorable discussions of late. 

I was thinking they should only announce 1 or 2 things, to get caught up on delivery times. However, 10 were dropped today, including a new line of 'CarKnocker' models, which is a distressed model. I like the thought and clearly Athearn is creating new items and clearly new molds, with high sides added to the bathtub gondolas in their line. Including many 'data only' models. Clearly Athearn is listening to customers, which is a good thing. Sadly, I fear some or many of these models may not be in our hands until 2027 or even later. 

So good they keep improving offerings, just wish they could get their delivery schedule tightened up. 

Mike ONeill
Parker, CO

mcdeo Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I always look forward to the end of the month to
> see new Athearn announcements. I know Athearn has
> had some unfavorable discussions of late. 
>
> So good they keep improving offerings, just wish
> they could get their delivery schedule tightened
> up. 

Agree, delivery is, around 18 months out from announcements which is pretty bad.  I think only Intermountain has them beat for lag time. 

Cheers,
Jim

SPDRGWfan Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> mcdeo Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > I always look forward to the end of the month
> to
> > see new Athearn announcements. I know Athearn
> has
> > had some unfavorable discussions of late. 
> >
> > So good they keep improving offerings, just
> wish
> > they could get their delivery schedule
> tightened
> > up. 
>
> Agree, delivery is, around 18 months out from
> announcements which is pretty bad.  I think only
> Intermountain has them beat for lag time. 

Why I do agree nobody will beat Intermountain in lag time, Athearn is by no means alone in taking 18+ months for delivery.

I have a GP40 that his been on order from Bowser since 2019, a Rapido baby Trainmaster since 2021 and an Atlas GP38s since 2020.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/01/25 03:46 by DutchDragon.

DutchDragon Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------

> I have a GP40 that his been on order from Bowser
> since 2019, a Rapido baby Trainmaster since 2021
> and an Atlas GP38s since 2020.

Sooo...
Athearn isn't that bad when you put it in perspective.

In other Athearn news, I just ordered two tunnelmotors on sale at Trainworld for 89,98 each. Plus SW1500, RS3, and GE's on blowout sale. Both Sound and DCC ready available.

I thunk you are in for a VERY long wait for a Bowser GP40.

DutchDragon Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> SPDRGWfan Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > mcdeo Wrote:
> >
> --------------------------------------------------
>
> > -----
> > > I always look forward to the end of the month
> > to
> > > see new Athearn announcements. I know Athearn
> > has
> > > had some unfavorable discussions of late. 
> > >
> > > So good they keep improving offerings, just
> > wish
> > > they could get their delivery schedule
> > tightened
> > > up. 
> >
> > Agree, delivery is, around 18 months out from
> > announcements which is pretty bad.  I think
> only
> > Intermountain has them beat for lag time. 
>
> Why I do agree nobody will beat Intermountain in
> lag time, Athearn is by no means alone in taking
> 18+ months for delivery.
>
> I have a GP40 that his been on order from Bowser
> since 2019, a Rapido baby Trainmaster since 2021
> and an Atlas GP38s since 2020.

What about the GP40 from classonemodelworks. Aneone heard anything about there's ? ? ?

I have not heard of any updates from Class one, but with both ST and Rapido doing them, I'd think they may not pursue the model. I know lots of planning and money goes into a model before an announcement, but I guess it depends on how much money vs. market share would be an internal discussion with any company. 

For example, I assume ST will be doing GP38's and GP39's, but with Rapido GP39's and leaning that very few GP39's were actually purchased, I'd guess at this point that ST won't do the GP39's. GP38's however, I'm sure there are plenty of options still available for 2 companies with that model. 

Mike ONeill
Parker, CO

mcdeo Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I have not heard of any updates from Class one,
> but with both ST and Rapido doing them, I'd think
> they may not pursue the model. I know lots of
> planning and money goes into a model before an
> announcement, but I guess it depends on how much
> money vs. market share would be an internal
> discussion with any company. 

Yes Rapido and Scale trains are doing GP40's but ClassOne is offering an earlier phase and for Rio Grand fans, the GP40 from the 3051-3080 which were delivered with the small herald.  I would like to add a few of those for variety to my fleet - so hopefully ClassOne will get those out in my lifetime.

I did reach out to ClassOne about the GP40's a couple months ago and they responded with: "The GP40s are in production. We have test samples in hand and are working hard for delivery soon."

For what it's worth.

Thank you for the update. Always glad to have more competition. 

Mike ONeill
Parker, CO

SPDRGWfan Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> mcdeo Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > I have not heard of any updates from Class one,
> > but with both ST and Rapido doing them, I'd
> think
> > they may not pursue the model. I know lots of
> > planning and money goes into a model before an
> > announcement, but I guess it depends on how
> much
> > money vs. market share would be an internal
> > discussion with any company. 
>
> Yes Rapido and Scale trains are doing GP40's but
> ClassOne is offering an earlier phase and for Rio
> Grand fans, the GP40 from the 3051-3080 which were
> delivered with the small herald.  I would like to
> add a few of those for variety to my fleet - so
> hopefully ClassOne will get those out in my
> lifetime.
>
> I did reach out to ClassOne about the GP40's a
> couple months ago and they responded with: "The
> GP40s are in production. We have test samples in
> hand and are working hard for delivery soon."
>
> For what it's worth.

Rapido is doing the early phase, just not Rio Grande in the first run. D&RG 3051 was buillt just before WPs 3501.

Anyway, I am waiting for the first run small herald Rio Grande.

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