
( Brand: Athearn ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: 79664 ), ( Assembly Status: Ready To Go/pre-built ), ( Color: Multicolor ), ( Replica Of: Gp38-2 ), ( Wheel Configuration: Bo-bo ), ( Material: Plastic ), ( Scale: 1 ), ( Control System: Analog ), ( Gauge: Ho ), ( Type: Diesel Locomotive ), ( Rail System: Two-rail System ), ( Corporate Roadname: C Nw ), ( Theme: Transportation )
Enter the world of intricate detail and authenticity with the Athearn 79664 HO RTR GP38-2 Diesel Locomotive NW 4625. This masterpiece, crafted with the utmost precision and dedication, is a testament to Athearn's commitment to delivering exceptional model railroading experiences.
The Athearn 79664 HO RTR GP38-2 Diesel Locomotive NW 4625 boasts a sleek and powerful design, capturing the essence of the renowned GP38-2 locomotive. The model features a road number 4625, which is distinctively painted in the Northern Wisconsin Central (NW) railway livery, adding an air of authenticity that will surely captivate any rail enthusiast.
Meticulously engineered, this locomotive showcases an impressive array of details. The scale-accurate paint schemes, lettering, and logos faithfully replicate the original, ensuring a visually striking and historically accurate representation. The locomotive's underbody is equally impressive, with all the necessary mechanical components intricately rendered, complete with brake lines, air hoses, and coupler cut levers.
The Athearn 79664 HO RTR GP38-2 Diesel Locomotive NW 4625 is equipped with a powerful five-pole skewed armature motor, offering smooth and quiet operation. This locomotive also features directional lighting with golden-white LED headlight and marker lights, ensuring a realistic and captivating illumination as it traverses your railroad landscape.
In the cab, you'll find a highly detailed and accurate interior, replete with crew figures, control stands, and various other authentic details. The cab window glass is clear, allowing you to appreciate these details from multiple angles.
With the Athearn 79664 HO RTR GP38-2 Diesel Locomotive NW 4625, you're not just purchasing a model train; you're investing in a piece of railroad history that's been beautifully preserved for your enjoyment. This locomotive is the perfect addition to any HO scale layout, promising countless hours of fascination and enjoyment as it powers its way through your carefully crafted railroad world.
**Pros of Athearn 79664 HO RTR GP38-2 Diesel Locomotive NW 4625:**1. Detailed and accurate model: The Athearn GP38-2 is known for its high level of detail and accuracy, which replicates the real-life GP38-2 locomotive effectively.
2. Road Name Variation: This model is available with Northern Western Railway 4625, which adds to the authenticity and variety for collectors.
3. Ready-to-Run (RTR): The locomotive comes fully assembled, eliminating the need for extensive modeling work, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced modelers.
4. Operating Features: The locomotive features a five-pole skewed armature motor, directional lighting, and Knuckle couplers, making it a functional addition to your HO scale layout.
**Cons of Athearn 79664 HO RTR GP38-2 Diesel Locomotive NW 4625:**1. Price: As with many detailed and high-quality models, the Athearn GP38-2 can be on the pricier side, which might be a consideration for budget-conscious hobbyists.
2. Limited Sound and DCC Decoder: The locomotive does not come with a factory-installed sound decoder or DCC decoder. While these can be added, it may require additional purchases and installation work.
3. Smaller Scale: While the HO scale is the most common among model railroaders, it may not be the best fit for those who prefer larger scales or have limited space for their layout.
**Conclusion:**The Athearn 79664 HO RTR GP38-2 Diesel Locomotive NW 4625 is a detailed, accurate, and functional model that offers a great addition to any HO scale layout. However, its price, the need for additional sound or DCC decoder, and the smaller scale might be considerations for some potential buyers.
If you're looking for a detailed, ready-to-run GP38-2 locomotive and have the budget for it, the Athearn 79664 HO RTR GP38-2 Diesel Locomotive NW 4625 could be an excellent choice for you. If you prefer larger scales, have a limited budget, or require a locomotive with sound or DCC capabilities, you might want to consider other options.
The Train Source, HO Athearn RTR 79664 GP38-2 Diesel Locomotive C NW #4625 w/DCC, Tested and verified runs well. TCS DCC Decoder has been added. Decoder address set to locomotive number, Combine Shipping and Save.