
( Brand: Athearn ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: 72347 ), ( Power Type: Dc ), ( Assembly Status: Ready To Go/pre-built ), ( Color: Multicolor ), ( Material: Plastic ), ( Year Manufactured: 2005 ), ( Grade: C-10 Mint-brand New ), ( Age Level: 8 Years And Older ), ( Vintage: No ), ( Gauge: Ho ), ( Type: Covered Hopper ), ( Rail System: Two-rail System ), ( Corporate Roadname: Great Northern ), ( Theme: Transportation ), ( Features: Mchenry Knuckle Couplers ), ( Country/region Of Manufacture: China ), ( UPC: 797534723474 )
Introducing the Athearn Genesis HO Scale 72347 Great Northern 54ft Covered Hopper, a must-have addition to any model railroad layout representing the Western United States during the late 1960s and 1970s. This intricately detailed model accurately represents the prototype freight car that was a common sight on the rails during this era.
The Athearn Genesis 72347 hopper boasts several impressive features. It is crafted from precision-molded plastic with a painted and printed body, ensuring an authentic and lifelike appearance. The hopper's sides are adorned with realistic ladders, handholds, and operating hatches.
The car's underframe is meticulously detailed, featuring separately applied brake components, draft gear, and a five-pole trucks with directional lighting. The trucks are equipped with RP-25 metal wheels and axles, ensuring smooth and reliable operation.
The 54ft covered hopper design features a center sill and a roll-on cover that can be easily operated simply tilt the car forward and slide the cover off, revealing the interior hopper compartments. The interior is accurately detailed with ribbed hopper bottoms and realistic load textures.
Adding to the overall realism, this model includes adjustable coupling height, allowing for more consistent and accurate coupler heights when operating multiple cars. The cars are also designed to operate with a wide range of decoders, making it an excellent choice for modelers interested in adding sound and light functions to their layout.
The Athearn Genesis HO Scale 72347 Great Northern 54ft Covered Hopper is a high-quality, detailed model that captures the essence of the prototype freight car. Whether you're looking to add authenticity to your Western US layout or expand your freight car collection, this model is an excellent choice.
The Athearn 72347 Great Northern HO Scale Rolling 54ft Covered Hopper is a popular model among railroad hobbyists. This model offers several advantages and disadvantages for collectors and modelers.
Pros:1. Authentic Detailing: The Athearn 72347 features intricately detailed body sides, accurate lettering, and authentic Great Northern paint schemes. This ensures a realistic representation of the prototype.
2. Rolling Trucks: The model comes with rolling trucks, which provides an enhanced level of realism and functionality. Hobbyists can operate their trains smoothly while maintaining the authenticity of the model.
3. Multiple Paint Schemes: Athearn offers this model in several different paint schemes, making it a versatile choice for collectors and modelers.
4. Affordability: Compared to other HO scale models from various manufacturers, the Athearn 72347 is relatively affordable, making it accessible to a broader audience.
Cons:1. Quality Control Issues: Some buyers have reported receiving models with poor paint jobs, missing or misaligned parts, or incorrect truck assemblies. This can be frustrating for hobbyists looking for a high-quality model.
2. Limited Interior Details: While the exterior of the model is well-detailed, the interior lacks the level of detail found in more expensive models. This may not be a concern for all hobbyists, but those who prioritize interior detailing may be disappointed.
3. Inconsistent Truck Performance: Some users have reported issues with the trucks not rolling smoothly or consistently. This can impact the overall performance and enjoyment of the model.
Conclusion:The Athearn 72347 Great Northern HO Scale Rolling 54ft Covered Hopper offers a realistic representation of the prototype with intricately detailed body sides and accurate lettering. Its affordability makes it an attractive choice for many hobbyists. However, the model may have quality control issues, inconsistent truck performance, and limited interior detailing.
Recommendation:If you are a beginner hobbyist or collector looking for an affordable and realistic HO scale model, the Athearn 72347 can be an excellent choice. However, if you prioritize high-quality detailing, interior detailing, or consistent performance, you may want to consider more expensive models from other manufacturers. Inspect the model carefully before purchasing to minimize the risk of receiving a poorly constructed unit.
Ready To Roll. Great Northern. NIB New In Box.