Sorry guys, but I think a lot of you are missing the big picture. I predict this will be modular tooling. I think this model is just the start. This locomotive along with models Athearn already has could result in models of; SD90MAC SD80MAC SD70ACU SD80ACU SD70ACC I'm very excited! Great job Athearn!
The thing that is interesting about the number boards on the real Mac-H2’s is that they were fiber optic boards attached to the back of the board. I was involved in the scrapping of a couple of these in Chicago and pulled the boards off and was rather surprised to see the fiber optics.
Very well done review on the SD90MAC H2 James! I just got my 2 Union Pacific's and I love them! Super Detailed, Smooth Running, and Pull like no one elses Business! Thanks again James and Very well done Athearn!
Hello James. Even though I model in N scale always a pleasure to watch your enthusiastic reviews and today there was a little run-by. Next week pull back with the cam so we can get a nice overall vid of the loco in motion and your layout. You provide a great service for the model rr community and myself being new I especially appreciate your channel
Very nice model, good to see Athearn improving their products. Will probably pass on this one as I model eastern roads, but now that they have this an SD70ACU shouldn’t be to much of a stretch. And that, I find exciting.
Following Scaletrains lead I see. Deeper 3D details, see through grills, at last lighted number boards, track lights... ST still leads but this is a very nice engine! Despite the various moans from people about it being a failed and obsolete loco etc etc etc... (YAWN). Good detailed review James. Thank you!
Nice review James and your video is clear and a pleasure to view. I love the upgrades in etched steps, snowplow grab and the underframe details as well as the details above the walkway. I find this choice of locomotive to manufacture curious, but it won't stop me from picking up a UP and CP model when they come out.
Blue box is greatness. Also a kit for real modelers. These are built up ready to run high line Athearn that should be great for the price. They are really a challenge to brass. Better then some already.
@@seaboardspastic Leave what? They have no modern EMD engines, so.....and nothing of that sort announced as far as i know. So its up to athearn yet again to do modern EMD units.
I suspect that we'll probably see those T4 units come on board either towards the end of this year or sometime in early or mid 2021, just prediction, not facts of course.
Finally! I've been waiting for somebody other than kato to do these!!! Very slick!!! If people don't buy these they're stupid. These look remarkably clean and I can't wait for Canadian Pacific versions
This makes the 35th EMD locomotive in the Genesis line , Against only 4 G.E.'s . A good quality U33C would be nice . Should make a Dummy version so it could be dragged around dead like the real ones were.
Thank you James, Excellent. Very nice, but one would wonder in this day and age with all the advanced Tech-no-logy in the modern world these days, why Ahearn or others do not have the motors built so there is absolutely no lurching in forward or reverse ? They should provide a setting for super slow take off just as how the Engines begin to roll, just how they do in real-world without sacrificing any of the power these Ingines are capable of generating. Thank You ! As always.. looking forward to your next Y-T Demonstration !!
I am just getting into the hobby your videos help me out alot. I believe my set is DC if I wanted to replace my locomotive with a dcc do I have to anything with my track?
Nice Sd90. Maybe correct D9's are coming as well as Tier 3 & 4 Gevo's. New freight cars like tankers are need and metal McHenry couplers especially the upper/lower shank ones would sell out.
ModelRR3102 absolutely… I just got my Norfolk Southern ET44AC, my layout is at eye level and the rotating bearing caps really catch your eye. I think I'm going to help scale trains into the fortune 500 club… LOL. I also heard they are going to produce an SD70ace.
@@3006USMC yes indeed. I really like the rotating bearings on my Scaletrains UP turbine.You can see them well on the silver painted trucks. Strange to me that Athearn would not have them on this model.
@@edeptula2992 really because they came out with the gp 9 and the f7, f3 etc Series and steam engines and what not... You just have to bother them more everyday
james, have you ever had any electrical pickup/stalling problems with athearn genesis locos, especially the SD60Es? i have one, and it will just randomly stall and hesitate repeatedly on the track
Im sure NS SD70ACU rebuilds and CP rail rebuilds are in the works plus you can get athearn to do a few of the demonstrator paint schemes and maybe a few EMDX/ PRLX lease schemes. The real loco was a failure but im sure these will do well.
SUPER BEAUTIFUL MODEL,BUT ONLY THE YELLOW DEFROSTERS ON THE FRONT WINDOWS ARE MISSING,AND THE CHAIN THAT CONNECTS THE LEVER OF THE MANUAL RELEASE TO THE FRONT HOOK
Well they did. I've seen them in person when I was younger. They didn't last very long as they were plagued with problems unfortunately. Now the newer SD70ACe-T4's sound like this but a little different as it's a 12 cylinder 1010J engine very similar to the 16 cylinder 265H engine in these beasts in the video. They are both 4 stroke engines. Look up SD90MAC H2 to listen to what they sound like.
Hmmm... I want it heavier. And for whoever does the ho scale SD70ACe-T4 first, I am expecting that of a whole KILOGRAM! hahaha Postscript: Keep the good content up!
While this is a limited service model (prototypes did not last long) I do think it's great that companies are making things that perhaps did not have long periods of service. This model seems to showcase upcoming features on upcoming models as well. And for those of you that say why is my period of X that lasted for only a few years produced by anyone the comments in this might explain why. See: Why is my locomotive with traded in trucks not offered by everyone even though one or two railroads used it ever? Why are things that were not highly used by railroads from any period offered? Everyone complains when it's not their time frame or niche is announced it seems like.
This is the locomotive that I am after!I want at least five of these attractive locomotives. I only wish that I could get some in nonpowered versions.oif only athearn would be nice enough to make these. In dummy versions,I would order at least five of them per month.until I have a fleet of these unique diesels. Please athearn,please make us some of these in nonpowered versions.
Great looking model. Too bad they didn't make this in the modern paint scheme of the locomotive with the yellow sill and flag. I love the SD90's great to see this.
Nice model but Soundtraxx Tsunami just doesn't do the trick for me anymore.... If I grab one it will be a DCC ready model with ESU going in it! Thanks James, hope all is cool bro!
Nice video. I model n scale, but I follow you since I watched you 12 part how to build a layout series. I live in North Puget Sound Washington, so I am in BNSF country.
Is it the same Chinese factory pumping out all this plastic? They really are starting to all look alike in details. Not complaining, just an observation. Those trucks and sand pipes look a lot like my Scale Trains trucks. :-)
I’m not a big fan of the 90. I thought Athearn would blast back with a Dash 9 like the guys at Scaletrains. MAYBE if they put an 80 out, I’d get the NS version. It’s a nice locomotive. Last one Kato made. Thanks for the videos Bro.
So I've kevetched about the cost of these engines but I have to admit on looks alone presents great value for the price. Do the various manufactures lend them for review or do you have a pot of gold hidden in the pumpkin patch?
I'm finding it funny how all the comments that are saying how this is a bad announcement are probably the same ones who wanted more modern power when in turn the 90MAC-H is modern power they just were a flop but obviously they arent looking at the possibilities these open up
You know what would be cool? If the radiator fans actually served a function besides just additional detail. All of my Athearn engines run on the warm side and all the tech that they now stuff in it is very sensitive to heat. Why not just have functional fans that not only look cool, but also help keep the engine cool? I will refute the first argument over price. We have really advanced and affordable technology to make that work. Yeah, have a three to five speed radiator fan that adds some realism and also helps disperse the heat that can build up in the shell.
I wish athearn would switch too lok sound. Tsunami just doesn't do it for me anymore. The prime mover is alright but the bell and horn just isn't there.
Tsumani 2 is a ESU but kicker by far except ESU can reload new sound files,but they still do not have all the mixers ,or the amplifier to get the good rumble that Tsumani 2 has when it is all adjusted out. Now they need to catch up.
Nice review of a nice looking model, pity it's been an overhyped release. Athearn could of picked so many better prototypes to release. The SD90 was a failure as a prototype, and limited in number. Athearn return on investment will be limited, compared to other models they could of released. Thanks for another good review though James.
These engines should perform prototypically with an ultra smooth "creep" start (no subtle jerk) and never stop on a dime... No matter how detailed or realistic the sound, immersion goes away if it performs like a toy!
Great review as usual! I was wondering if you would please procure another sd90mac h2 for me. I have the funds to compensate you as well! Thank you for your time sir.
Sorry guys, but I think a lot of you are missing the big picture. I predict this will be modular tooling. I think this model is just the start. This locomotive along with models Athearn already has could result in models of;
SD90MAC
SD80MAC
SD70ACU
SD80ACU
SD70ACC
I'm very excited! Great job Athearn!
They've hinted at that fact in the comments of FB posts.
you are correct.
@@ExplodedwarlockD2 that sounds like Lionel qc and customer service.
I can't wait to see models of the new CP sd70acus that are being rebuilt.
The thing that is interesting about the number boards on the real Mac-H2’s is that they were fiber optic boards attached to the back of the board. I was involved in the scrapping of a couple of these in Chicago and pulled the boards off and was rather surprised to see the fiber optics.
Nice to see you actually get this excited over a locomotive !!!
Very well done review on the SD90MAC H2 James! I just got my 2 Union Pacific's and I love them! Super Detailed, Smooth Running, and Pull like no one elses Business! Thanks again James and Very well done Athearn!
Hello James. Even though I model in N scale always a pleasure to watch your enthusiastic reviews and today there was a little run-by. Next week pull back with the cam so we can get a nice overall vid of the loco in motion and your layout. You provide a great service for the model rr community and myself being new I especially appreciate your channel
I love the amount of detail on this h2
Great video and review! Athearn looks to have done a good job on this model! Finally lighted numberboards.
Very nice model, good to see Athearn improving their products. Will probably pass on this one as I model eastern roads, but now that they have this an SD70ACU shouldn’t be to much of a stretch. And that, I find exciting.
was hoping for SD90macs along with NS SD70ACUs
This might lead to that
Keep in mind CP is still a developing SD70ACU version. We want to be able to include that if there was an opportunity to do them.
@@AthearnModelTrains The SD70ACe-T4 would be great as well.
Following Scaletrains lead I see. Deeper 3D details, see through grills, at last lighted number boards, track lights... ST still leads but this is a very nice engine! Despite the various moans from people about it being a failed and obsolete loco etc etc etc... (YAWN). Good detailed review James. Thank you!
Nice job James. Athearn has stepped it up for sure
Nice review James and your video is clear and a pleasure to view. I love the upgrades in etched steps, snowplow grab and the underframe details as well as the details above the walkway.
I find this choice of locomotive to manufacture curious, but it won't stop me from picking up a UP and CP model when they come out.
Hats off to ya Great stuff from Athearn we’ve come a long way since Blue Box!🎩🎩
Blue box is greatness. Also a kit for real modelers. These are built up ready to run high line Athearn that should be great for the price. They are really a challenge to brass. Better then some already.
Cool! Athearn moving forward. Tempted for the club model railroad.
What a BEAST!! I must have one! Great review, James! Thanks!
Was all excited and then I changed my mind
Awesome looking loco how did you get the River to look so realistic
This is practical, with minimal modification you could get the NS- SD70ACu' s or they should have made the recent SD70ACe-T4 aswell
Leave it to ScaleTrains.
@@seaboardspastic Leave what? They have no modern EMD engines, so.....and nothing of that sort announced as far as i know. So its up to athearn yet again to do modern EMD units.
I suspect that we'll probably see those T4 units come on board either towards the end of this year or sometime in early or mid 2021, just prediction, not facts of course.
Great preview Will! This is a definite must have for our collection.
Finally! I've been waiting for somebody other than kato to do these!!! Very slick!!! If people don't buy these they're stupid. These look remarkably clean and I can't wait for Canadian Pacific versions
Omg i was waiting for this so long !! 😍😍
Greta model they have my money on this one!!! I shot 8523 brand new and have dreamed of a commercially available model for nearly 20 years!
Glad to see the game being stepped up a bit so maybe now the Dash 9s will be “purchasable” we will see....
now that is a thing of beauty
Will you be doing a review of 4141 when athearn releases it?
Great stuff! The model looks absolutely stunning. Brilliant. Cheers, from Dean Park Station
DaveClass47 Will be buying one as some of the class 66 locomotives were built by the same company that produced the 90MACH.
Hi James, I do not care what anyone says, Good Job! Great Review!
Need about 5 of these, when the come out next year!
Sweet model fo real!!!
James where did you get the micro mark pull meter? Thanks for your help
This makes the 35th EMD locomotive in the Genesis line , Against only 4 G.E.'s . A good quality U33C would be nice . Should make a Dummy version so it could be dragged around dead like the real ones were.
I remeber seeing quite a few of these locomotive in 2008 when they were sold to EMLX and later scrapped (I have seen the cab of 8544 many years later)
Scale Trains also uses the same packaging as AG... So what does that tell yea??
Really nice ! This loco is on my purchase list 👍🏼
Supper i can't wait have this unit my layout
How does the crew chat on the radio function? Do you push something on the control to make it go or does it go by itself?
Are they going to do it in Norfolk Southern?
Thank you James, Excellent. Very nice, but one would wonder in this day and age with all the advanced Tech-no-logy in the modern world these days, why Ahearn or others do not have the motors built so there is absolutely no lurching in forward or reverse ? They should provide a setting for super slow take off just as how the Engines begin to roll, just how they do in real-world without sacrificing any of the power these Ingines are capable of generating.
Thank You ! As always.. looking forward to your next Y-T Demonstration !!
I am just getting into the hobby your videos help me out alot. I believe my set is DC if I wanted to replace my locomotive with a dcc do I have to anything with my track?
Nice Sd90. Maybe correct D9's are coming as well as Tier 3 & 4 Gevo's. New freight cars like tankers are need and metal McHenry couplers especially the upper/lower shank ones would sell out.
Wow this is sweet. I dont have any 90 Macs. Cant wait to buy one.
Does it have rotating roller bearings?
Do not look like it.
Athearn doesn’t have rotating bearing caps on any locomotives. One thing I really like ScaleTrains about
ModelRR3102 absolutely… I just got my Norfolk Southern ET44AC, my layout is at eye level and the rotating bearing caps really catch your eye. I think I'm going to help scale trains into the fortune 500 club… LOL. I also heard they are going to produce an SD70ace.
@@3006USMC yes indeed. I really like the rotating bearings on my Scaletrains UP turbine.You can see them well on the silver painted trucks. Strange to me that Athearn would not have them on this model.
Athearn had the First Three digits correct.....SD9
It's been long overdue for the sd9 and SD 7!!
Problem is Athearn is only geared towards the millennial generation not the old school modelers
@@edeptula2992 really because they came out with the gp 9 and the f7, f3 etc Series and steam engines and what not... You just have to bother them more everyday
Needs2quit1 sorry I was clarifying now. Those locos you mention came out 40 to 50 years ago.
Sp sd45x
Great video! I’m excited about the FMG model.
Thanks James. Excellent review
Jlwii2000 is a Model RR’s heaven!
Yeah!
james, have you ever had any electrical pickup/stalling problems with athearn genesis locos, especially the SD60Es? i have one, and it will just randomly stall and hesitate repeatedly on the track
Why is there a Union Pacific train on the CP main track???
I was wondering how it compared with Kato's SD90.
Athearn’s SD90MACs are more prototypically accurate, Kato’s SD90MACs are stock bodies
Some nice improvements.
I love it definitely getting it when they release it next year
Really nice sound and the body.
Im sure NS SD70ACU rebuilds and CP rail rebuilds are in the works plus you can get athearn to do a few of the demonstrator paint schemes and maybe a few EMDX/ PRLX lease schemes. The real loco was a failure but im sure these will do well.
I like the looks of this locomotive
When is the release date for this?
SUPER BEAUTIFUL MODEL,BUT ONLY THE YELLOW DEFROSTERS ON THE FRONT WINDOWS ARE MISSING,AND THE CHAIN THAT CONNECTS THE LEVER OF THE MANUAL RELEASE TO THE FRONT HOOK
thank you James
No diesel locomotive I've ever heard has sounded like that.
Well they did. I've seen them in person when I was younger. They didn't last very long as they were plagued with problems unfortunately. Now the newer SD70ACe-T4's sound like this but a little different as it's a 12 cylinder 1010J engine very similar to the 16 cylinder 265H engine in these beasts in the video. They are both 4 stroke engines. Look up SD90MAC H2 to listen to what they sound like.
Which part exactly?
@@mlansf The Engine block inside the locomotive.
Sounds perfect to me, with thousands of miles of seat time in one as my guide.
When will it go on sale in Russia?
Not quite my era, but that is one fine looking model
awesome engine! thanks for sharing my compliments sir
Hmmm... I want it heavier. And for whoever does the ho scale SD70ACe-T4 first, I am expecting that of a whole KILOGRAM! hahaha
Postscript: Keep the good content up!
While this is a limited service model (prototypes did not last long) I do think it's great that companies are making things that perhaps did not have long periods of service. This model seems to showcase upcoming features on upcoming models as well. And for those of you that say why is my period of X that lasted for only a few years produced by anyone the comments in this might explain why. See: Why is my locomotive with traded in trucks not offered by everyone even though one or two railroads used it ever? Why are things that were not highly used by railroads from any period offered? Everyone complains when it's not their time frame or niche is announced it seems like.
It has dual mode(DCC & DC)or only on DCC ,Greetings from México
@ 1:58... a sleeping engr and condr with their feet up on the control stand and desk would complete that picture lol
I like the cab with number boards on the nose
Wow looks fantastic, carnt wait to get a pair of these,
Does it run better than a Kato?
This is the locomotive that I am after!I want at least five of these attractive locomotives. I only wish that I could get some in nonpowered versions.oif only athearn would be nice enough to make these. In dummy versions,I would order at least five of them per month.until I have a fleet of these unique diesels. Please athearn,please make us some of these in nonpowered versions.
Great looking model. Too bad they didn't make this in the modern paint scheme of the locomotive with the yellow sill and flag. I love the SD90's great to see this.
Big beast of a locomotive
wonder where Athearn recorded the engine sound for these locomotiveis, given they are long extinct. Hope they are the correct H engine sound.
Wow, that is detailed.
Nice model but Soundtraxx Tsunami just doesn't do the trick for me anymore.... If I grab one it will be a DCC ready model with ESU going in it! Thanks James, hope all is cool bro!
Nice video. I model n scale, but I follow you since I watched you 12 part how to build a layout series. I live in North Puget Sound Washington, so I am in BNSF country.
It’s spring time to change the fall backdrop out
I like it, have two on pre order.
Beautiful motor
Man I can't wait for those FMG iron ore sd90mac-h
It really reminds me of a NS SD70ACU it’s a rebuild and other than a few things it’s basically the same!!!!!!!!!!!!
Is it the same Chinese factory pumping out all this plastic? They really are starting to all look alike in details. Not complaining, just an observation. Those trucks and sand pipes look a lot like my Scale Trains trucks. :-)
I’m not a big fan of the 90. I thought Athearn would blast back with a Dash 9 like the guys at Scaletrains. MAYBE if they put an 80 out, I’d get the NS version. It’s a nice locomotive. Last one Kato made. Thanks for the videos Bro.
So I've kevetched about the cost of these engines but I have to admit on looks alone presents great value for the price. Do the various manufactures lend them for review or do you have a pot of gold hidden in the pumpkin patch?
When will they show up? Price point guesses?
WVS 8505 all posted on their website. Hopefully you’re rich.
Awesome! How new is this?
Its literally a SD70ACU
Edit: Mostly
SD70ACu's are rebuilds of SD90MAC's
Yes
I love Athearn
That will be a nice loco when released
Most of these were scrapped after a failed short career. Kind of funny they will model these, but won’t model a Rio Grande/SP Krauss Maffei
I heard that they have major interest in the cross ma fees because of the one in Niles Canyon
I'm finding it funny how all the comments that are saying how this is a bad announcement are probably the same ones who wanted more modern power when in turn the 90MAC-H is modern power they just were a flop but obviously they arent looking at the possibilities these open up
SD80-MAC's are doper than even GE's
You know what would be cool? If the radiator fans actually served a function besides just additional detail. All of my Athearn engines run on the warm side and all the tech that they now stuff in it is very sensitive to heat. Why not just have functional fans that not only look cool, but also help keep the engine cool? I will refute the first argument over price. We have really advanced and affordable technology to make that work. Yeah, have a three to five speed radiator fan that adds some realism and also helps disperse the heat that can build up in the shell.
6:30 it sounds like my CSX ES44AC by intermountain
Griffin Wood Because it is 😂. ESU>Soundtraxx
@@ModelRR3102 o
Was this the big Announcement? Sort of reminds me of when intermountain released it's SD90......😛
LOL, still waiting on their HO SD40T-2, I think it's been Ten Years! Scaletrains Scooped them.😛
@@Denniss7420 my guess that new big boy engine is next week 🤣
Fabulous.
Looks cute, but this one is NOT going to separate me from my money.
I wish athearn would switch too lok sound. Tsunami just doesn't do it for me anymore. The prime mover is alright but the bell and horn just isn't there.
That horn sounds better than Loksound's anemic horns.
Tsumani 2 is a ESU but kicker by far except ESU can reload new sound files,but they still do not have all the mixers ,or the amplifier to get the good rumble that Tsumani 2 has when it is all adjusted out. Now they need to catch up.
Nice review of a nice looking model, pity it's been an overhyped release. Athearn could of picked so many better prototypes to release. The SD90 was a failure as a prototype, and limited in number. Athearn return on investment will be limited, compared to other models they could of released. Thanks for another good review though James.
Some of them were later sold to EMLX
Which were then leased to KCS
These engines should perform prototypically with an ultra smooth "creep" start (no subtle jerk) and never stop on a dime...
No matter how detailed or realistic the sound, immersion goes away if it performs like a toy!
Great review as usual! I was wondering if you would please procure another sd90mac h2 for me. I have the funds to compensate you as well! Thank you for your time sir.