New Athearn 2-6-0 Mogul Locomotive Features.

ModelRailroadForums.com is a free Model Railroad Discussion Forum and photo gallery. We cover all scales and sizes of model railroads. Online since 2002, it's one of the oldest and largest model railroad forums on the web. Whether you're a master model railroader or just getting started, you'll find something of interest here.


J

JR&L Lines

New Member
Has anyone purchased this Athearn Mogul locomotive and what are the thoughts on this item?

I am a new member here, but I’m not new to model railroading, been doing it off and on for over 70 years (there were no age recommendations when I started). I was O scale up until 5 years ago when we moved to a smaller house, about half the previous size. Therefore, I am now into HO and loving it.

I’m into my second layout and have been looking at a lot of different locomotives, and the above Athearn Mogul caught my eye. It’s a RTR so I’m a bit concerned. Does anyone have any first hand experience? Thanks in advance.
 
Last edited:
Yes, half house and HO. I’m glad it’s not N scale. My fingers have a hard enough time changing couplers on HO.

I asked the question about the Athearn Mogul because I have the Bachmann Mogul that came out over 10 years ago, and the reviews say this Athearn Mogul is much more detailed. However, when I look at the pictures there doesn’t seem to be much detailing, especially on the boiler and the valve gear. So I’m asking for first hand info on this unit.
 


JR&L Lines said:
Yes, half house and HO. I’m glad it’s not N scale. My fingers have a hard enough time changing couplers on HO.

I asked the question about the Athearn Mogul because I have the Bachmann Mogul that came out over 10 years ago, and the reviews say this Athearn Mogul is much more detailed. However, when I look at the pictures there doesn’t seem to be much detailing, especially on the boiler and the valve gear. So I’m asking for first hand info on this unit.
Click to expand...
Since you're relatively new to the world of HO scale, you may not be aware that many companies have tiered products. The one you're asking about is their mid-level line, and will not have nearly as much detail. Most of these are intended to be basic, reliable models lacking finer details. The current Mogul is one of those RTR, or Roundhouse models. If you want Uber detail, Genesis is the line for that.
 
Thanks for the info. Yes, I am somewhat familiar with the tiered product lines, but by no means well qualified. I have a couple Genesis locomotives, and they are good, but don’t have it all, no one does. So, I am looking around. With the tiered approach, the question is, how much latitude is allowed in each tier, and what is the comparison between brands. Bachmann is often criticized as low end stuff, but I have found it to be quite good in many respects. BLI appears to be a cut above the rest, and the units I have support that. All that being said, I still look for the best running/looking locomotive at a fair price.

So, back to the thread, has anyone seen one of these and what is thought of them? Take care and have fun.
 
bnsf971 said:
The current Mogul is one of those RTR, or Roundhouse models.
Click to expand...
That is what I was going to say. The "Athearn" model is "Round House" tooling they got when they purchased MDC. Generally the Round House were fairly well running mid-grade locomotives. When Round House sold them, they were always kits. They got a lot better with the introduction of higher quality (not open frame) motors in the 1990s. So if you want a not RTR version, there should be many left over kits on ebay, just watch for which motor the kit has. I don't remember if they had a "detailing" kit for them or not.

I assume the current ones have carried the batter motor through, and probably a lot of other improvements as well. One can always add more detail if desired. Many companies make/made steam loco detail parts.

No, I do not own one, other than in kit form which I may never get around to building. Life is short and # of kits is long.
 
Hope someone chimes in soon as they are selling quickly.

If this is anything similar to their 2-8-0, it'll be a solidly built, good runner without a lot of added, breakable detailing (which is good for me). I downloaded the exploded diagram and it looks like the 2-8-0. But it costs more for some reason...
 
Surely, someone on YouTube will post a review. Might want to find more than one review as some reviews are done by folks who are NOT so experienced modelers.
You can still find NEW Bachmann Spectrum, 2-8-0 locos for sale at a decent price at train shows, hobby shops and e-bay. These have great detail and are good runners. I know the 2-8-0 is not a Mogul but is still a nice loco.
I have 2, IHC Moguls I purchase on e-bay, both brand new (old stock) for around $50 each. They run smooth as glass and are good pullers with a good bit of add on details (not cast on). They both could use some upgrades, such as number boards but they both are better pullers than the Bachmann Spectrum 2-6-0. The Bachmann Mogul runs well but needs more weight added.

John
 
Thank’s folks for your input. I like forums the best for a review, and a number of them, as you noted. I worry about video reviews and the agenda behind them. I can’t really remember an overall negative product video. Maybe a point here or there, but not overall. In a forum I feel folks will say it’s bad, if it is. So that’s why I posted my question here. Please take care and have fun.
 


JR&L Lines said:
Thank’s folks for your input. I like forums the best for a review, and a number of them, as you noted. I worry about video reviews and the agenda behind them. I can’t really remember an overall negative product video. Maybe a point here or there, but not overall. In a forum I feel folks will say it’s bad, if it is. So that’s why I posted my question here. Please take care and have fun.
Click to expand...
Yup, same here. But, try watching Sam's Trains. Although he's in the UK and reviews mostly that stuff, he'll get on his pedestal and start blasting. He goes on a tirade sometimes and is very biased. Very clear that he hates a couple of brands.

I watch for the disassembly process as he inspects the mechanism and the entertainment value. He got into it recently with one of the manufacturers and they had to put up an apology. So dramatic!! haha
 
I’ve seen Sam’s Trains, but I haven’t watched it with full attention. My hearing aids don’t translate british too well, so I’ve kind of tuned it out. I will go back and listen closely (and probably more than once). Thanks so much for the tip.

Still looking for the hands on report. Take care and have fun.
 
I've had an Athearn 2-8-0 for a few months and been very happy with it. It's not fancy, just a solid, reasonably priced loco. I just got a 2-6-0 Mogul and although I haven't run it a lot it seems very comparable in appearance and performance. My only criticism which may be premature is that is seems a bit finicky on turnouts compared to the 2-8-0. That may simply be due to the wheel configuration or some other factor. Not a deal killer by any means. I'm a beginner and find they both meet my current needs.
 
Any power drop outs? Wobbling? Yeah, I imagine going over switches would cause more disruption with the shorter wheelbase.

Awesome!
 
Thanks to CoachBob for his note on the Athearn 2-8-0 Consolidation. I looked it up and the detail on it is the same as shown for the Mogul. In fact, the whole locomotive looks the same except for the wheel arrangement. The Mogul and the Consolidation are very close to the same length. Anyway, I now see that the Bachmann Mogul loco that I have has good detailing even though it is over 10 years old. So I have my answer, and I’ll stay with what I have. Thanks again to all you folks for your input, and Kusojiji, I’ll have to watch Sam when I see his reviews. All of you, please take care and have fun.
 
Oh wow, they are the same length! Never would have thought that. I just compared both Mogul and Consolidation parts lists and they have the same boiler part number. (unless the list is incorrect).
 
You must log in or register to reply here.




Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a commision from some of the links and ads shown on this website (Learn More Here)

Back
Top