the MRH Forum

Genesis HO SD75i Derails Locos and rolling stock
Reply
Regular poster 189 posts CN6401 Regular poster 189 posts
CN6401

I recently purchased and weathered a Genesis HO SD75i engine. I didn't even test it, the first thing I did was to install a Digitrax decoder. I tested it then but only on a straight test track and whenthat was done it went back on the workbench for weathering. When it was finished it went directly onto my layout.

I guess I should have tested it sooner, it derails on every corner. Has anyone else experienced this problem?

Athearn tells me the truck or trucks are warped and all it will take to correct the problem is to twist it with my hands.

Doesn't the delrin or whatever that plastic is have a memory? Won't it return to warped condition fairly quickly.

Can anyone help.

Thanks

Ralph (CN6401)
Ralph Renzetti (CN6401)
Weathering - A Touch of Yesterday (FB)
Reply 0
Kirk W kirkifer Super User 1,071 posts
Kirk W kirkifer

Just about everyone has the same issue !!!

I think all of the 70 series locomotives produced by Athearn are kinda crummy, especially considering these are Genesis line locomotives. There are a lot of Youtube videos out there with various strategies for fixing these issues. While my two 70 series engines have not been reworked, most people agree that putting a little "slop" in the trucks fixes the problem. I have heard about people filing the journals on the center axle which is supposed to work well.

One of the Youtube videos covers cleaning up the trucks. Apparently, Athearn used some super heavy duty grease on the trucks instead of a light oil. It hit me like a ton of bricks... My Atlas, Kato, helix humper and mashima powered engines will move at just a few speed steps while the Athearn just sits. When it decides to move, it sounds more like an old BlueBox than a fine Genesis engine, pretty disappointing.

Of course, the super heavy grease and the truck binding issues can be fixed. There is a Youtube video, which of course I can not find, that shows how once removed and fixed the trucks can roll very smooth and free with a little work, putting the Genesis SD70s back in the category of very nice.
Kirk Wakefield
Avon, Indiana
 

 
Reply 0
Kirk W kirkifer Super User 1,071 posts
Kirk W kirkifer

There is something else...

Apparently, Kato big SD trucks will fit on these engines as direct replacements. A pair of trucks is like $35, so it is not a cheap fix, but it supposedly works. Look on the diesel detailer website for more information. I think you can use the Kato SD70MAC trucks as a direct replacement. If Horizon Hobby was interested in doing the right thing, they would just send out a set of Kato trucks to any dissatisfied customers... 
Kirk Wakefield
Avon, Indiana
 

 
Reply 1
duckdogger Super User 808 posts
duckdogger

I quit beating the horse.

After too much time trying to plead with, yell at, and invoke various voodoo curses, I sold my 2 SD75Is for $20 to a guy who wanted only the motors. I said I"ll sell them for a song but you have to take the complete locomotive. Like an exorcism. I immediately began sleeping at night and the nightmares ceased.
Reply 0
CN6401 Regular poster 189 posts
CN6401

Truck Replacement

Well it looks like I'm finally getting the trucks replaced. I went back to my LHS and ased if the supplier could talk to Atearn on my behalf and it worked. Ralph
Ralph Renzetti (CN6401)
Weathering - A Touch of Yesterday (FB)
Reply 0
duckdogger Super User 808 posts
duckdogger

It is a good thing when

It is a good thing when justice is served and a consumer made whole. The mental problems linger as I have yet to purchase an Athearn -70Ace as it has the same trucks as the SD70s. Hopefully improved but still the same style .
Reply 0
mikeruby Regular poster 236 posts
mikeruby

Well laid track

The SD70's are touchy on track. MY SD70's cause problems on our local group's modular layout, but run well on my home layout. I've had no trouble with my two SD70Ace's.

The main problem with the SD70 is it's lack of traction, that may contribute to derailing, lack of weight, so they spend a lot of time slipping. With BEMF decoders their speed control is very good.
Reply 0
railandsail Prolific poster 8,854 posts
railandsail
Kirk W  kirkifer wrote:

Just about everyone has the same issue !!!

I think all of the 70 series locomotives produced by Athearn are kinda crummy, especially considering these are Genesis line locomotives. There are a lot of Youtube videos out there with various strategies for fixing these issues.




I guess I just never did any reading about the numerous problems Athearn had with these derailing engines.My experiences began a few days ago, and I posted some research over on this other subject thread,..
https://forum.mrhmag.com/post/athearn-genesis-sd70-truck-problem-12189565?pid=1333935664

Brian

1) First Ideas: Help Designing Dbl-Deck Plan in Dedicated Shed
2) Next Idea: Another Interesting Trackplan to Consider
3) Final Plan: Trans-Continental Connector
Reply 0
elite194 New member 13 posts
elite194
this is the same problem that the ancient SDP40 had (strangley the SD45 & F45/FP45 weren't as bad) where you get a lever effect when the middle axle lacks side to sided mobility and rigid axles.  the fix is to ream the power pickup bar at the center axle just a bit - don't go overboard, it only takes a little and then you're back in business!
Reply 0
railandsail Prolific poster 8,854 posts
railandsail
Kirk W  kirkifer wrote:

There is something else...

Apparently, Kato big SD trucks will fit on these engines as direct replacements. A pair of trucks is like $35, so it is not a cheap fix, but it supposedly works. Look on the diesel detailer website for more information. I think you can use the Kato SD70MAC trucks as a direct replacement. If Horizon Hobby was interested in doing the right thing, they would just send out a set of Kato trucks to any dissatisfied customers... 




Wonder if these Kato trucks are still available??

Brian

1) First Ideas: Help Designing Dbl-Deck Plan in Dedicated Shed
2) Next Idea: Another Interesting Trackplan to Consider
3) Final Plan: Trans-Continental Connector
Reply 0
railandsail Prolific poster 8,854 posts
railandsail
elite194 wrote:
this is the same problem that the ancient SDP40 had (strangley the SD45 & F45/FP45 weren't as bad) where you get a lever effect when the middle axle lacks side to sided mobility and rigid axles.  the fix is to ream the power pickup bar at the center axle just a bit - don't go overboard, it only takes a little and then you're back in business!


Hi Elite

I've read quite a number of 'fixes' for my SD70, but I'm beginning to think they may be all for nothing, considering a few other problems mine have,...as recorded in this posting...
https://forum.mrhmag.com/post/athearn-genesis-sd70-truck-problem-12189565?pid=1333970683
[DSCF8661]


So as has been suggested perhaps just find some compatible Kato trucks?....are they still available??

I don't seem to be getting ANY responses from Athearn ??

Brian

1) First Ideas: Help Designing Dbl-Deck Plan in Dedicated Shed
2) Next Idea: Another Interesting Trackplan to Consider
3) Final Plan: Trans-Continental Connector
Reply 0
elite194 New member 13 posts
elite194
that would be a waste of money when the fix is so easy.  the socket on the pickup at the middle axle is just too small, ream it and all will be well!  I think I have a video about doing this recently... yes on the U36C that I did a couple weeks ago  that modification is in there!
Reply 0
railandsail Prolific poster 8,854 posts
railandsail
I'm trying to get SOME satisfaction out of Athearn for a defective truck frame that is missing a post,...maybe at least such a part??

or how might I repair that missing post, since most adhesives don't work on the plastics these frames are made of??

reference link for that video you spoke of??

Brian

1) First Ideas: Help Designing Dbl-Deck Plan in Dedicated Shed
2) Next Idea: Another Interesting Trackplan to Consider
3) Final Plan: Trans-Continental Connector
Reply 0
elite194 New member 13 posts
elite194
railandsail wrote:
I'm trying to get SOME satisfaction out of Athearn for a defective truck frame that is missing a post,...maybe at least such a part??

or how might I repair that missing post, since most adhesives don't work on the plastics these frames are made of??


be more specific on what post you mean... if it's a sideframe post where the sideframe attaches to the gear tower, there are actually many options - customer service is not one them because they don't have any!  you are correct that glue will not do the job.  my personal favorite is to drill a hole from the back side and insert a piece of brass rod.  I use Amazing GOOP, doesn't matter what kind cuz they all work - goop the rod and the hole you made, and if you made mistake, peel it off and start over!
Reply 0
railandsail Prolific poster 8,854 posts
railandsail
I'm going to have a quick look at that today, to see if i think i can tackle that repair successfully.

I thank you for your help and encouragement !!

Brian

1) First Ideas: Help Designing Dbl-Deck Plan in Dedicated Shed
2) Next Idea: Another Interesting Trackplan to Consider
3) Final Plan: Trans-Continental Connector
Reply 1
Reply