Here's a preview look at the HO scale GE U50 diesel Athearn plans to deliver next fall. Note the detailed blower castings behind the see-through screens and the road-specific details on the nose photo. See page 20 of the November MRH for additional information on Athearn’s U50 project.

These preview photos of Athearn’s F89-F TOFC illustrate some of the details on the new HO scale Genesis series flat car. The side view of the car shows details of the bridge plate, ACF-2 collapsible hitch, formed-metal stirrup steps, the cut levers and trainline hose. Note the clarity of the car data as well as the small data on the hitches. The photo looking down on the car shows the details on the ratchet brake and hitch. Scheduled to arrive in March, the initial run will include TTX (yellow), Trailer Train (oxide) and Trailer Train (yellow).

After two years of trying to bring the old Roundhouse 4-6-2 Pacific up to current standards, Athearn has cancelled all further development work on the project. The company has issued an apology to the dealers and consumers who ordered the HO scale locomotive following the introductory announcement in 2008.