Model Railroader was among a handful of outlets to receive a review sample of the Athearn HO scale GE AC4400CW diesel locomotive. Join Senior Editor Cody Grivno as he shares a brief history of Chicago & North Western No. 8801, points out the many prototype-specific details on the six-axle road locomotive, and demonstrates some of the sound and light functions on the Genesis-series model. Then enjoy seeing the General Electric AC4400CW lead a coal train on our Milwaukee, Racine & Troy staff layout.
In addition to Chicago & North Western (green and yellow), the Athearn HO scale GE AC4400CW is decorated for The CIT Group (blue and white), CSX (YN2), Kansas City Southern (Southern Belle scheme), Southern Pacific (gray and scarlet), and Union Pacific (Primed for Grime SP patchout). The model is offered in two to three numbers per paint scheme.
The newly tooled model, scaled from prototype drawings, field measurements, and photographs, features a Genesis driveline with a five-pole skew-wound motor, machined flywheels, and a multi-link drivetrain; all-wheel drive and electrical pickup; and a heavy, die-cast metal chassis. The injection-molded plastic body is fitted with flexible rubber m.u. and train line hoses; cast-brass, etched-metal, and formed wire detail parts; and Celcon handrails and stanchions. In addition, the locomotive has light-emitting-diode lighting; illuminated number boxes, ground lights above the front trucks, front and rear walkway lights, and (as applicable) marker lights; and a detailed fuel tank. The model is equipped with McHenry scale knuckle couplers.
Direct-current models with a 21-pin NEM connector sell for $264.99. Versions with a dual-mode SoundTraxx Tsunami 2 sound decoder retail for $364.99. Add $10 for Primed for Grime models.
Click here to read a full review of the Athearn Genesis HO scale General Electric AC4400CW.
Trains.com Product Review videos showcase the latest new items from manufacturers of products in Z, N, HO, S, O, and large scales. In the videos, you can watch locomotives in action, take a close-up look at details on freight cars, see kit components, and much more.
If you are a manufacturer and have products you would like to have reviewed, please email Senior Editor Cody Grivno at cgrivno@kalmbach.com for more information.
Whenever MR test a loco on the M R & T, it always moves left to right, exposing the engineer side. Ever thought of moving in the other direction? Or maybe moving two different trains in opposite directions? Just a thought.