I have two of the Athearn Genesis version which were DCC ready and I installed Loksound 5 decoders and speakers. Mine are a bit jerky at the first couple speed steps, but overall very nice and well detailed locomotives. And James, this was a great review! You continue to be a huge gift to the hobby of model trains with your reviews/work. I definitely appreciate it all.
Set CV 54 to 0. Set it on a rolling road or a long section on track and press function 1. It will calibrate the motor controll and get rid of the jerking motion.
The Second run of these will only be 50 year anniversary units. Those are already listed for preorder and preorders are due at the end of August. The third run, which will contain some popular common liveries will be announced sometime in 2023 per someone at Athearn. So we will have a bit of a wait.
Awesome review James. I have made my review on the P42, and I must say they are very great models, sound is very accurate and detail is amazing. I had a Kato P42 not long ago but it was a standard DC and I had so many issues with the couplers breaking off, it was a pain to change them. This is my first Athearn P42 and I say they are the clear winner! My review video will be out soon.
I personally like the Tsunami2 over the old Loksound Select that’s being used on this video. IIRC Kato has a recent run of their P42 with the newer ESU V5 decoder which is IMO leagues ahead of the Select used on the model shown here. I think the TSU2 takes the cake sound wise here
yeah the horn not being accurate was a wake up call for me when my guest told me at the end of the video. I think ESU sounds better to the hear, Tsunami 2 has a lot going for it though.
@@jlwii2000 The horn is however customizable on Loksound V4 and V5 decoders so accurate P42 K5 recordings can be preloaded into those, not the Select as what this older run Kato has.
When I changed the factory address to the desired address that I wanted, the headlight would no longer work on my Genesis 2.0 model. When I reset to factory, the headlight worked again. Must be some program issue on my decoder. Not sure if CV fixes can fix that problem. It is a bit of a let down, but other than that, it works fine perfectly with everything else.
Good review James , Athearn has the detail win but how about price point? What am I getting for my $ and did Kato come with customer installed parts like there SD 90 did?
James a couple of things worth mentioning. First is the price point. I just looked at one online vendor that has both in stock. Kato $143 and Athearn $246. For a hundred more dollars I would certainly hope the ATH Genesis would win. I know you were comparng the respective factory installs from Kato and Athearn. However, on the sound issue I was wondering how the speakers compare. Size, shape, and number of speakers as well as the baffles make a huge difference. I just listened to both on the respective ESU and Soundtraxx web sites. Simply put both sound file sound amazing. Of course that is played on my laptop connected to my surround sound system on my TV. Larry Puckett (The DCC Guy) did a great comparison a while back on his channel where he changed decoders in the locomotive.
The last Tsunami 2 loco I got, causes digital interference with my TV! Crazy i know! I have other Tsunami 2 decoders, no problem. Just this one. I can even hear the TV through the speakers sometimes. Should i just burn this loco as it's clearly possessed?
I’d contact Athearn first. The Tsu2 decoders all follow and pass FCC testing. Worst case, disconnect the motor and try again. Could be motor electronic noise that’s the issue. Contact me at SoundTraxx if you need more information and guidance..
@@goaliegeorge is this THE George Bogatiuk?? My goodness. Legend. Love seeing you show up on Ken's shows. Great decoders Sir. I'm a long way away from Athearn service department. Western Australia. lol I will mess about and see if i can ruin my warranty. I'm not all that fussed. I just don't run that particular loco if I'm watching TV.
I have personally seen Amtrak number 5 leading the Sunset Limited through Missouri city Texas and I think Athearn did a great job on that specific road number
The Athearn has better detail and is more featured. The Kato is better with regards to the sound and how well it's assembled. Athearn needs to improve their cosmetic assembly quality, it's slipped in my personal opinion.
If your modeling the present day p42 (either phase 5 or heritage) WAIT! Wait until the next run. Ahearn dropped the ball on this run same as the triclops, on the Amtrak Modelers facebook there are at least 2 dozen reports of defective models. paint is fuzzy, parts are missing, engine is broken etc... If you model Phase 3 you should be fine as the big issues seem to only have affected the modern p42 schemes. and if you do model the current schemes just wait till next run
A long time ago I had AthearnP 42s and they were pieces of junk. I could forget modeling the Amtrak Crescent with those that was for sure. Zero pulling power.
I can't give a thumbs up on this as I was more interested in the pulling power of the Kato and I couldn't find it in this video (other videos showed the Kato pulling a very impressive weighted train and made note of the rather unique powered trucks that were responsible for the apparently high amount of tractive effort. Again, if I missed it my apologies. It's just that the one thing I was hoping would be covered was missing (or at least not in the usual places in your videos). On the up side, O really like the idea of doing comparisons between the different manufacturers and different models being judged based on how they rank versus other forms of the prototypes (e.g.- steam vs. diesel or electric motive power... starting tractive effort versus being able to pull a train at speed; motor to drawbar efficiency...et al.). Lastly, it would be great if you could give your thoughts on which models and manufacturers offer the longest lifetimes for continuous operations (at clubs and train shows... for example)! I know that this may require a fair amount of additional time and effort, but it might enhance the already very good production record that you have.. You pretty much appear to me at least, to be best in class! I wish you continued success and thanks for your service... especially in these trying times!
Definitely experienced some of those production issues you mentioned on my Genesis. Fuzzy, blotchy paint, body lean, and pilot was mounted on crooked. Had to return with no replacement due to the limited stock as you said.
yep, I am shocked that of the 5 I received from two different hobby retailers that there wasn't any major problems. Still it was important to mention the issues going on. Thanks for watching!
Thanks you so much for this review! It was very insightful for someone like me who is not an expert on Amtrak equipment: It’s too bad that Athearn’s run was gone before it was here, but on the positive side, they have the best rtr detail so their likely to have a rerun. Hopefully it will include a phase 1 heritage and via rail scheme which will make a lot of people happy! The question is when.
![Review: Athearn Genesis Amtrak P42 [HO Scale]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/1T0U6KcDb4A/mqdefault.jpg)
I have two of the Athearn Genesis version which were DCC ready and I installed Loksound 5 decoders and speakers. Mine are a bit jerky at the first couple speed steps, but overall very nice and well detailed locomotives. And James, this was a great review! You continue to be a huge gift to the hobby of model trains with your reviews/work. I definitely appreciate it all.
Set CV 54 to 0. Set it on a rolling road or a long section on track and press function 1. It will calibrate the motor controll and get rid of the jerking motion.
@@jacobs1491 I may have to try that! Thank you for the advice!
The Second run of these will only be 50 year anniversary units. Those are already listed for preorder and preorders are due at the end of August. The third run, which will contain some popular common liveries will be announced sometime in 2023 per someone at Athearn. So we will have a bit of a wait.
Thanks for having me! Great models.
indeed!
For the real Amtrak P42 diesels I wish the railroad could donate one to a museum since they are an iconic locomotive
Emergency fuel trip is right above the air dryer, that big red circle is the fuel filler cap.
oh ok, got that one mistaken.
@@jlwii2000 no worries. The prototype has the EFT painted red, and is included on the model on each side, but is all gray.
Waiting for this video! Great content yet again
thank you! Thanks for watching!
I got a Kato one with dcc sound and I really like it
yeah its pretty nice! Thanks for watching!
Amazing Product.
thanks!
Awesome review James. I have made my review on the P42, and I must say they are very great models, sound is very accurate and detail is amazing.
I had a Kato P42 not long ago but it was a standard DC and I had so many issues with the couplers breaking off, it was a pain to change them.
This is my first Athearn P42 and I say they are the clear winner! My review video will be out soon.
I personally like the Tsunami2 over the old Loksound Select that’s being used on this video. IIRC Kato has a recent run of their P42 with the newer ESU V5 decoder which is IMO leagues ahead of the Select used on the model shown here. I think the TSU2 takes the cake sound wise here
I agree.. Tsu2 is better.. 😉
Even compared to an older Select, I've found the Tsunami files even on PC to be lacking in audio quality compared to those of ESU
yeah the horn not being accurate was a wake up call for me when my guest told me at the end of the video. I think ESU sounds better to the hear, Tsunami 2 has a lot going for it though.
@@jlwii2000 The horn is however customizable on Loksound V4 and V5 decoders so accurate P42 K5 recordings can be preloaded into those, not the Select as what this older run Kato has.
Just wait for Tsunami 3.
When I changed the factory address to the desired address that I wanted, the headlight would no longer work on my Genesis 2.0 model. When I reset to factory, the headlight worked again. Must be some program issue on my decoder. Not sure if CV fixes can fix that problem. It is a bit of a let down, but other than that, it works fine perfectly with everything else.
Love seeing "Mission BBQ" cup, are you a veteran???
yes, great bbq place too! Thanks for watching!
@@jlwii2000 thanks for your service glad your home and safe with your family
Hi James, nice review as usual. I'm late to the game, I couldn't find the Genesis P42 anywhere online. I will need to wait for the second run.
Good review James , Athearn has the detail win but how about price point? What am I getting for my $ and did Kato come with customer installed parts like there SD 90 did?
I have the Athearn P42 #99 with sound. I love it. Hope Athearn do another run because it was a successful release.
Yeah my guess is they will.
Why no moving fan?
James a couple of things worth mentioning. First is the price point. I just looked at one online vendor that has both in stock. Kato $143 and Athearn $246. For a hundred more dollars I would certainly hope the ATH Genesis would win. I know you were comparng the respective factory installs from Kato and Athearn. However, on the sound issue I was wondering how the speakers compare. Size, shape, and number of speakers as well as the baffles make a huge difference. I just listened to both on the respective ESU and Soundtraxx web sites. Simply put both sound file sound amazing. Of course that is played on my laptop connected to my surround sound system on my TV. Larry Puckett (The DCC Guy) did a great comparison a while back on his channel where he changed decoders in the locomotive.
What website was the athearn in stock
@@exquisitememes7341 It was Midwest Model Railroad but I checked just now and they show all the Athearn are now sold out
I wish I could find them in dcc sound it’s really hard it’s always dc
And I’ve been obsessed with the grey genesis since the there goes a train on vcr when I was a toddler, 20+ years ago
Can plug in the Tsu2 21p version to get all the great features and sound in the factory installed version.
yeah they are scarce! Thanks for watching!
The last Tsunami 2 loco I got, causes digital interference with my TV! Crazy i know! I have other Tsunami 2 decoders, no problem. Just this one. I can even hear the TV through the speakers sometimes.
Should i just burn this loco as it's clearly possessed?
It's an Athearn Genesis HO G2 SD90MAC-H Phase II Union Pacific 8559. Just for clarification
I’d contact Athearn first. The Tsu2 decoders all follow and pass FCC testing. Worst case, disconnect the motor and try again. Could be motor electronic noise that’s the issue. Contact me at SoundTraxx if you need more information and guidance..
@@goaliegeorge is this THE George Bogatiuk?? My goodness. Legend. Love seeing you show up on Ken's shows. Great decoders Sir.
I'm a long way away from Athearn service department. Western Australia. lol I will mess about and see if i can ruin my warranty. I'm not all that fussed. I just don't run that particular loco if I'm watching TV.
Ooo snap! Good review and input. I have both and i still love the katos
Yep me too, it's ok to love both! Thanks for watching!
I have personally seen Amtrak number 5 leading the Sunset Limited through Missouri city Texas and I think Athearn did a great job on that specific road number
I would love to have my train set hanging from the ceiling I think that would be so cool and I would like to have that kind of train set 🖖🖖🖖
Does Kato come DCC ready ?
What do they weigh?
Yes, I would take the Athearn everyday, Tsunami2 sound is excellent!
Yeah easily Athearn for now. Thanks for watching!
The Athearn has better detail and is more featured. The Kato is better with regards to the sound and how well it's assembled. Athearn needs to improve their cosmetic assembly quality, it's slipped in my personal opinion.
Agreed, there have been several issues with Athearn quality as of late.
If your modeling the present day p42 (either phase 5 or heritage) WAIT! Wait until the next run. Ahearn dropped the ball on this run same as the triclops, on the Amtrak Modelers facebook there are at least 2 dozen reports of defective models. paint is fuzzy, parts are missing, engine is broken etc... If you model Phase 3 you should be fine as the big issues seem to only have affected the modern p42 schemes. and if you do model the current schemes just wait till next run
yeah I was thinking that as well, but wanted to get the review out to you guys so I got quite a few of these.
Stop the hate.
@@kyleftw1679 let me guess. Your a die hard athesn fanboy who dosent want to belive that they could have actually put out a defective product
@@IsaacAmadeo Oh yeah 😎
add to cart..
if you can find them, they are scarce! Thanks for watching!
Which one is heavier?
Athearn is heavier.
The Athearn one is like a BRICK. I was shocked when I unpacked mine.
Good video James thanks for Sharing i enjoy your review R Guzman
no problem Robert, Thanks for watching!
HELLO JAME ITS IS RANDY AND I LIKE U VIDEO IS COOL THANKS JAMES FRIENDS RANDY
All cool P42's :D
Yep, they look good! Thanks for watching!
@@jlwii2000 :)
A long time ago I had AthearnP 42s and they were pieces of junk. I could forget modeling the Amtrak Crescent with those that was for sure. Zero pulling power.
yeah those were ready to roll, not good pulling power on those versions. Thanks for watching!
I can't give a thumbs up on this as I was more interested in the pulling power of the Kato and I couldn't find it in this video (other videos showed the Kato pulling a very impressive weighted train and made note of the rather unique powered trucks that were responsible for the apparently high amount of tractive effort. Again, if I missed it my apologies. It's just that the one thing I was hoping would be covered was missing (or at least not in the usual places in your videos). On the up side, O really like the idea of doing comparisons between the different manufacturers and different models being judged based on how they rank versus other forms of the prototypes (e.g.- steam vs. diesel or electric motive power... starting tractive effort versus being able to pull a train at speed; motor to drawbar efficiency...et al.). Lastly, it would be great if you could give your thoughts on which models and manufacturers offer the longest lifetimes for continuous operations (at clubs and train shows... for example)! I know that this may require a fair amount of additional time and effort, but it might enhance the already very good production record that you have.. You pretty much appear to me at least, to be best in class! I wish you continued success and thanks for your service... especially in these trying times!
James: F Y I: Kato is pronounced kah tow.
Definitely experienced some of those production issues you mentioned on my Genesis. Fuzzy, blotchy paint, body lean, and pilot was mounted on crooked. Had to return with no replacement due to the limited stock as you said.
yep, I am shocked that of the 5 I received from two different hobby retailers that there wasn't any major problems. Still it was important to mention the issues going on. Thanks for watching!
Hai >w>
Thanks for watching!
Thanks you so much for this review! It was very insightful for someone like me who is not an expert on Amtrak equipment: It’s too bad that Athearn’s run was gone before it was here, but on the positive side, they have the best rtr detail so their likely to have a rerun. Hopefully it will include a phase 1 heritage and via rail scheme which will make a lot of people happy! The question is when.
No prob. Thanks for watching!