New Athearn products scheduled for release in April 2014
include General Electric C44-9W diesel locomotives decorated
for BNSF (wedge scheme), Canadian National, Norfolk Southern
(horse head scheme), Union Pacific (flag scheme), and CSX as
seen here in the boxcar logo scheme. With an MSRP of $119.98,
the HO scale standard DC non-sound model will be DCC-ready
using Athearn’s Quick Plug™ technology that will accept 8- or
9-pin after-market DCC decoders.
Classic EMD F7A and F7B diesel locomotives are also due to
arrive in April. Road names of the HO scale Ready-to-Roll series
model will be Amtrak (Phase III, shown), Santa Fe (Warbonnet),
Norfolk Southern (Executive scheme), and Southern Pacific
(Daylight scheme). F7A units will have an MSRP of $84.98.
Matching F7A/F7B units will list at $124.98. B units are
non-powered.
New ready-to-roll series passenger equipment coming in April
includes lightweight RPO, baggage, coach, diner, dome car, and
an observation car. The cars will be decorated for Amtrak (Phases
III and IV), Santa Fe, and Southern Pacific in the Daylight scheme
shown. Where correct for prototype practice, the round-end
observation car will come with an appropriate drumhead. The
News column - 5
cars are non-lighted and are equipped with 4-wheel passenger
trucks with machined metal wheels.
The next release of Athearn’s Ready-to-Roll EMD GP38-2 standard
DC locomotives will be fitted with a QuickPlug™ that will accept
8- or 9-pin after-market DCC decoders. In addition, micro bulbs
will be installed in the appropriate location. There is no increase in
price for these needed improvements. New road names for
GP38-2s scheduled to arrive next April will be BNSF (wedge
scheme), and Canadian National. Both will have 3600 gallon fuel
tanks. GP38-2 models with 2600 gallon tanks in the run include
UP, CSX, Ferromex, and Norfolk Southern. All versions of the HO
scale standard DC model will have an MSRP of $99.98.
Athearn’s April release includes a group of HO scale Ready-to-
Roll series 34’ twin-bay open-top hopper cars with removable
MRH-Oct 2013
