For all you modern Commuter Train Geeks, and just plain Passenger Train Fanzees,Athern has released their revised F59 PH II diesel,in DC and DCC Sound versions. First of all let me say that my local transit agency "Utah Transit Authority" does not use these locomotives for their "Front Runner" Salt Lake to Ogden commuter service. They use the much new MPI (Motive Power International) locomotives now used by many commuter agencies like New Mexico Rail Runner. However, the Athearn model makes a fairly good stand in .I did not order DCC locomotives so I will not comment on these execpt to say they are probablly like the DCC FP-45/F-45 locos,and when run on DC the horn will blow a grade crossing signal every half a minute. My two DC UTA "Front Runner" locomitives are very nicely painted in the complex red,white & blue scheme which has a stylized bow wave effect,and black seperatior lines. White handrails and platform railings add a nice touch. The vents on the roof near the ends have a good seethru effect. The olld version of the Athearn F59 PH II ran like old Kato and Atlas Kato fast motor models. The drive train has been greatly improved, performance is now like the current Atlas slow speed China motored locomotives. Why Athern waited so long to revise this model is beyond me. Also why they they waited so long to do the "Front Runner" paint scheme on these as they they released the double deck Logenze Bomb Cars over a year ago,right after New Mexico cars and locos. Now of course New Mexico purchasers will have to buy the new revised version of the locomotive. Oh well. Good thing I wasn't interested in them. Should I replace my LA Metrolink and Amtrak California locos from the earlier run? Nate Goodman (Nato). Salt Lake, Utah.
