In this product review video, Model Railroader Senior Editor Cody Grivno examines the Athearn Genesis HO scale (1:87.1) EMD FP45 diesel locomotive. Cody starts with the prototype history of the FP45, which was produced by the Electro-Motive Division from 1967 through 1968, resulting in 14 units built for the Santa Fe and Milwaukee Road.
The review sample is decorated as Milwaukee Road No. 4, a unit built in December 1968. The model features numerous factory-installed details, including a passenger pilot plow, plastic handrails, wire grab irons, and a detailed cab interior. The specific model reviewed represents the unit in its later orange-and-black freight scheme, complete with a winterization hatch and a non-dynamic brake housing.
The review sample, equipped with a SoundTraxx Tsunami2 sound decoder, showcases features like the electronic bell, Leslie three-chime air horn, and rooftop beacon. The Athearn EMD FP45 is available in various paint schemes, including Milwaukee Road (orange-and-black), Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe (Superfleet and pinstripe schemes), and a fictional Chicago, Burlington & Quincy scheme. DC models with a 21-pin NEM connector retail for $219.99 to $229.99, and versions with the Tsunami2 sound decoder sell for $319.99.
Noticed a caboose in the review filming. Since the East Troy is modern era, presume that this is a “transfer” caboose, not the traditional type long discarded. Or was the caboose added to match the era of the reviewed loco?
Cody, My preorder for one these just shipped. Thanks for getting reviews up while they are still available. Great job on that. I am surprised at many pics of these I have found in the Washington and Idaho. Even without dynamics in the mountains. Although I primarily model the BN in the Pacific Northwest in the1970s MILW detours were common toward the end of Coast Extension so I will need a couple of MILW consists.
Congratulations. I believe this is the first loco review using the East Troy as a test location. And such full scenery. One detail missing, though, is a way for the HO brakeman or conductor to throw a turnout. How about some suitable switchstands.