In the box, the instruction manual also has the history of the SD70ACe as well. I am a DCer not a DCCer, so that and the price tag for MTH SD70ACe put it in the not to do box. The DC version of Athearn’s SD70ACe is well below $200. This SD70ACe and it’s DC traction motored SD70M-2 sticks out on many of the DVDs showing Cajon Pass, Tehachipapi and Horseshoe Curve, just about every Class I railroad in North America has these units on its power roster. The SD70M-2 is less expensive than the ACe so Norfolk Southern, Florida East Coast and CN prefer the M2s a little over 300 of these models have been purchase. The mountain railroads like UP, BNSF and KCS go with the SD70ACe over 800 locomotives have been built that was as off 2008. So I caught the bug because of the DVDs and I pre-ordered 3 of these locomotives in Union Pacific DC version.
Truth be known, it is always a blast to open a Genesis box, not only is Athearn’s packaging tops, once you pull off the foam rubber you get your first peak at the model. Again, Wow! The paint and crispness of the decals is simply outstanding, every detail is on this model. It sort of just takes your breath away. With your flip down modeler glasses you can even read the warning signs located by each steps to climb aboard, Unbelievable! It also comes with one ad-on part, which I believe is the video camera for the crew station, no way am I pulling apart this model to put that in, but maybe later.
I put Kadee no. 5 or no .58 couplers on all my rolling stock so once I scan the schematic, which is my first order of business. There is a trick on the front coupler and that is to make sure you clear the loop on the decoupler bar or you will not get the coupler box to seat properly. Once I figured that out, things went very quick.
This Genesis model comes with functioning ditch lights, and other extras that they missed on their SD70M model complete cab GPS antennae, MU hoses, air brake hoses, and did I mention the awesome paint scheme? It also looks like Athearn has quality control under “control” no flopping around parts and for my first time the wheels were in decent shape out of the box, I could tell it had been tested but the wheels were not filthy as they have been in the past. The UP wings on the front and the stunning American Flag on the hood just grab your attention. What a beautiful model!
Okay, looks are great but this engine can pull and run. I went through my break-in routine and, at my normal setting on the transformer of 35mph, this locomotive was still chomping at the bit effortless, smooth, and quiet right out of the box! Most MR reviews for draw bar pull end up converted into number of cars the unit can pull.
One SD70ACe on level track pulled 45 5-bay hoppers with no wheel slip and a realistic scale speed, not stumbling along. I used to think that the Athearn Genesis FP45 was the best puller on my layout, we have a new King of Pull, the SD70ACe, Genesis.
I recommend this SD70ACe or its twin SD70M-2 to my fellow model railroaders. It’s an outstanding addition to your power roster that not only looks sharp but will quickly become your workhorse.
