
( Brand: Athearn ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: 78870 ), ( Power Type: Dc ), ( Type: Locomotive ), ( Assembly Status: Ready To Go/pre-built ), ( Corporate Roadname: Iowa Interstate ), ( Color: Black ), ( Features: Dcc Fitted, Light Function ), ( Scale: 1 ), ( Gauge: Ho )
The Athearn Genesis Series 78870 RTR Iowa Interstate 708 GP38-2 HO Locomotive is an exquisite and highly detailed model that will captivate any railfan or model railroad enthusiast. This locomotive is a replica of the Iowa Interstate Railroad's GP38-2, specifically the 708 unit, which was a common sight on the IAIS roster in the late 20th century.
The Athearn Genesis Series GP38-2 is meticulously crafted to provide an authentic and realistic representation of the original locomotive. The model features a die-cast metal chassis for superior strength and stability, as well as a five-pole skew-wound motor for smooth and quiet operation. The electrical pick-up is located on all wheels, ensuring optimal performance on a variety of track surfaces.
The locomotive boasts a highly detailed and accurate paint scheme, complete with weathered and faded finishes to give it an authentic, worn-in appearance. The rich, vibrant colors and sharp, crisp graphics of the Iowa Interstate livery are faithfully reproduced, and the unit numbers and other decals are applied with precision and care.
The exterior of the locomotive is adorned with numerous details that bring it to life, including realistic handrails, steps, and grab irons, as well as working coupler hooks and a detailed roof walkway with handholds and ladders. The headlight and marker lights are also highly detailed, with clear lenses and working functions.
The cab interior is equally impressive, featuring a detailed and accurate control panel, working dashboard, and comfortable seating for the crew. The windows and windshield are also clear and scratch-resistant, allowing for unobstructed views of the scenery from the cab.
The Athearn Genesis Series 78870 RTR Iowa Interstate 708 GP38-2 HO Locomotive is equipped with DCC ready features, making it easy to upgrade to digital operation at a later date. The model also features operating headlights, directional lighting, and realistic engine sounds.
In conclusion, the Athearn Genesis Series 78870 RTR Iowa Interstate 708 GP38-2 HO Locomotive is a masterpiece of model railroading, offering unmatched detail, accuracy, and performance. This locomotive is sure to become the centerpiece of any HO scale model railroad layout and is a must-have for any collector or enthusiast.
Pros of buying Athearn 78870 RTR Iowa Interstate 708 GP38-2 HO Locomotive:1. Detailed and accurate model: The Athearn 78870 is a highly detailed and accurate model of the GP38-2 locomotive, featuring realistic paint schemes, decals, and prototypical features.
2. Powerful and smooth operation: This locomotive is equipped with a powerful five-pole motor that provides smooth and quiet operation, making it easy to control and operate on your layout.
3. DCC ready: The Athearn 78870 is DCC ready, allowing you to easily upgrade it to digital command control for more advanced features and functions.
4. High-quality construction: The locomotive is built with high-quality materials and craftsmanship, ensuring that it will last for many years of use.
Cons of buying Athearn 78870 RTR Iowa Interstate 708 GP38-2 HO Locomotive:1. Price: The Athearn 78870 is a premium locomotive, and its price may be prohibitive for some hobbyists.
2. Size: As a HO scale locomotive, the Athearn 78870 may be too large for some layouts, especially those with limited space.
3. Weight: The locomotive is heavy, which may require additional support or track reinforcement to prevent derailments.
Conclusion:The Athearn 78870 RTR Iowa Interstate 708 GP38-2 HO Locomotive is a high-quality and detailed model of the GP38-2 locomotive. Its powerful and smooth operation, DCC readiness, and high-quality construction make it an excellent choice for serious hobbyists who are looking for a premium locomotive for their HO layout. However, its price and size may be prohibitive for some hobbyists, and its weight may require additional support or track reinforcement.
Recommendation:If you are a serious hobbyist with a spacious HO layout and a budget for a premium locomotive, the Athearn 78870 RTR Iowa Interstate 708 GP38-2 HO Locomotive is an excellent choice. Its detailed and accurate model, powerful operation, DCC readiness, and high-quality construction make it a worthy investment for any HO scale layout. However, if you have a limited budget or a smaller layout, you may want to consider a less expensive or smaller locomotive that better fits your needs.
The locomotive is fully furnished with light function capabilities, enhancing your layouts realism its authentic operation.Crafted to a 1:87 scale and compatible HO gauge tracks, this Athearn model boasts precision engineering ready go right out of the box. Most items are processed in 24-48 hours. DCC equipped and featuring a sleek black color scheme, this model is designed for the discerning model er who values detail quality. The dynamic DC power type assures smooth performance on your model railway, making it a versatile addition to fleet, regardless of the size layout or complexity operations.