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 Posted - June 05 2013 : 5:35:40 PM
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Sorry, not pictures. I found this write-up on someone's eBay page. Is this found anywhere else?
History of Athearn
1938 Musicians Jerry Joice and Perry Bodkin establish a hobby store called Roundhouse at 1301 North Catalina Street in Hollywood, California.
The business is soon taken over by part-time employees C.H. Menteer and C.A. Voelckel.
Shortly after assuming leadership, they are hired to build models for Cecil B. DeMille's film Union Pacific.
Irv Athearn begins building an O-scale model railroad at his mother's home.
1939 Roundhouse Products introduces its HO-scale 0-6-0 steam locomotive as a brass and lead alloy kit.
1942 World War II forces Roundhouse Products to suspend operation in February.
1943 After receiving a large response to an ad about his O-scale model railroad, Irv Athearn establishes Athearn Trains in Miniature and sells model railroad supplies.
1946 Menteer & Voelckel's company is now called Model Die Casting, Inc. and resumes production of the Roundhouse Products line by summer.Irv Athearn becomes a full-time retailer of model railroading supplies.
1948 Model Die Casting relocates to Los Angeles, California. Irv Athearn moves his business from his mother's home to a separate location in Hawthorne, California.
1951 Athearn purchases Globe Models on July 2. The Globe Models name is retained until 1956.
1952 Athearn introduces the 200-Ton Crane in die-cast metal.
1953 Athearn introduces the all-metal RDC-1, RDC-2, RDC-3 and RDC-4.
1954 The Globe Models F7 is introduced as an unpowered kit. A gear drive is added later.
1955 Model Die Casting relocates to Hawthorne, California.
1956 C.H. Menteer becomes sole owner of Model Die Casting.
1957 Athearn introduces the Hi-F Belt Drive for the F7, and the GP9 and Hustler locomotives. A number of plastic car kits are released, including the Cupola Caboose, 40' Box Car, 3-Dome Tank Car, Heavy-Duty Flat Car, 40' Steel Refrigerator Car, and the Streamlined RPO, Coach, Vista Dome and Observation.
1958 Athearn introduces the plastic-bodied RDC-1 and RDC-3, powered by the Hi-F Drive, and a plastic version of the 200-Ton Crane.
1959 Athearn introduces the 4-6-2 steam locomotive with the Hi-F Drive, as well as the 50' Double Door Box Car, Quad Hopper and Pickle Cars.
1961 Athearn introduces a gear-drive version of the 4-6-2 and a gear-driven 0-4-2T and 0-6-0.
1962 Athearn introduces the GP30.
1963 Athearn introduces freight cars with RP-25 wheels.
1964 Athearn introduces the "ring-magnet" motor for diesel locomotives.
1966 Athearn introduces the GP35, SD45, SDP40, DD40 and SW1500 Cow & Calf.
1970 Athearn introduces the Alco PA1/PB1.
1971 Athearn introduces the U28B, U28C, U30B, U30C, U33B and U33C.
1973 Athearn introduces the F45 and FP45 with Athearn's first flywheel drive.
The flywheel drive is also added to most of the other Athearn locomotives.
Notable exceptions include the RDCs and Hustler, which still use the Hi-F drive, and the DD40. The F7s are available with or without flywheels.
The S12 and SD9 are also introduced with the flywheel drive.
1979 Athearn introduces the H24-66 Trainmaster. Model Die Casting introduces an N Scale product line.
1984 Athearn improves the locomotive line with a new drive that has new narrower motors and new handrail stantions.
New plastic EMD Blomberg Truck Sideframes are applied to the F7, GP9 and GP35. Athearn introduces the SD40-2 and SD40T-2 Tunnel Motor.
With the new narrow motors, they are Athearn's first hood units to feature scale-width hoods.
Model Die Casting introduces the Shay steam locomotive kit.
1985 Model Die Casting introduces the Alco RS3 diesel locomotive kit.
1986 Athearn introduces the GP38-2.
1987 Athearn introduces the GP50.
1990 Athearn introduces the GP40-2, SW1000 & SW1500.
The old SW1500 Cow & Calf is now correctly called an SW7.
1991 Irv Athearn passes away. Athearn introduces the Impack Articulated TOFC Spine Car.
1992 Athearn introduces the 50' Modern Double-Door Box Car.
1993 Model Die Casting relocates to Carson City, Nevada.
1994 Athearn is sold to new owners.
Athearn introduces the MAXI-III and Husky-Stack Well Cars.
1995 Athearn introduces the GP60, GP50 Phase II and C44-9W.
The DD40 is released with flywheels.
In September, the non-flywheel version of the F7 is discontinued.
From this point on, the only difference between the Standard and Super-Powered F7s is the large weight.
1996 Athearn introduces the AC4400CW.
Model Die Casting introduces new can motors.
1997 Athearn introduces the AMD-103.
In June, Athearn announces the development of the SD70-series for the Genesis line.
In October, Athearn announces the development of the Bombardier Bi-Level Commuter Cars.
1998 On July 2, Athearn purchases the F-Unit tooling by Paul Lubliner from Highliners to be used in the Genesis line.
Highliners retains the rights to sell the F-Units in undecorated kit form.
1999 Athearn releases the Genesis SD70-series and announces the Genesis 2-8-2 steam locomotive.
In October, Athearn announces an improved version of the SD40-2 that will replace the existing models.
2000 The Athearn RDC-1 and RDC-3 are officially discontinued due to a damaged frame mold.
2001 Athearn introduces the Ready To Roll Line.
Model Die Casting introduces Ready To Run versions of some locomotives and cars rolling stock.
Athearn secures Ford licensing New tooling announcements Ready To Roll F59PHi; Ford C series begins.
2002 Athearn acquires Rail Power Products.
Athearn acquires the tooling for four 50' Box Cars from Details West. They are later released in the Ready To Roll line.
Athearn introduces the N Scale product line.
Athearn secures John Deere licensing New tooling announcements Genesis Auto-Max; Trinity 10-Panel Covered Hopper Ready To Roll Ford C series begins N F59PHi; Ford C series begins Tractor, Box Truck, Stakebed, Fire Trucks
2003 Athearn announces their first locomotive equipped with sound.
Athearn secures USPS licensing.
New tooling announcements Genesis 4-6-6-4 Challenger; TBOX Ready To Roll SD50, CF7; GP60M/GP60B; Coalporter; Ford C Fire Truck program begins including pumper, rescue, and Telesqurt N Auto-Max; Bethgon Coalporter
2004 Athearn is puchased by Horizon Hobby.
On June 14, Model Die Casting is purchased by Horizon Hobby.
The Roundhouse name will be used only for HO-scale Pre-WWII products, with the rest of the Roundhouse line under the Athearn name.
Athearn secures Mack licensing Athearn begins offering 1/50-scale die cast.
New tooling announcements.
Genesis SD45T-2 Ready To Roll GP35 reintroduced with ex-Rail Power Products shell, SD60; FMC 4700 Covered Hopper; Mack B & R series begin Tow Truck, Dump Truck, Cement Mixer, Tractor N SD70 series; SD75 series.
2005 New tooling announcements Genesis MP15AC Switcher; SD45-2 Ready To Roll SD35; SD40 RS-3; HO PS-2 2893 Covered Hopper; 65' 6 Mill Gondola Roundhouse 40' Pfaudler Milk Car N 40' Pfaudler Milk Car; PS-2 2893 Covered Hopper; 65' 6 Mill Gondola
2006 On May 31, McHenry Couplers is purchased by Horizon Hobby.
New tooling announcements Genesis Union Pacific 4-8-8-4 Big Boy Ready To Roll GP40X; 50' Santa Fe Ice Reefer; ACF 2970 Covered Hopper; HO PS2 2003 2-Bay Covered Hopper; 30,000 Gallon Ethanol Tank Car; 16,000 Gallon Clay Slurry Tank Car; Ford F-100 series begins Pickup and Panel Truck N 4-6-6-4 Challenger; 50' Santa Fe Ice Reefer; N 30,000 Gallon Ethanol Tank Car; Mack B & R series begin Tow Truck, Dump Truck, Cement Mixer, Tractor
2007 In July, Athearn acquires the tooling for several trailers from A-Line. They are later released in the Ready To Roll line.
New Tooling Genesis F45/FP45; Union Pacific FEF 4-8-4 Northern Ready To Roll SD40T-2 tooling upgrade; SD45; PS-2 2600 Covered Hopper; Ford Model A series begins Coupe, Sedan, Pickup, Woody, Delivery, Huckster, Telephone Truck, Tow Truck; Ford F-850 series begins Fire Trucks, Stakebed, Box Vans, Tow Truck, Cement Mixer, Grain Truck, Boom Truck N Union Pacific 4-8-8-4 Big Boy.
2008 In September, Athearn acquires the Tower 55 line tooling from Overland Models to be used in the Genesis line. New Tooling Genesis Southern Pacific Mt-4 4-8-2 Mountain; Southern Pacific Chair Car Ready To Roll Slab Side Turbine, SW1000 and SW1500 tooling upgrade; Trinity 57' All Purpose Spine Car; RTC 20,900 Gallon General Service Tank Car; 30' NACC 8,000 Gallon Tank Car; 13,600 Gallon Acid Tank Car; Checker A8 Taxi; Flxible Bus Roundhouse 85' Pullman Palace Passenger Car N F45/FP45; PS-2 2600 Covered Hopper; Flxible Bus.
2009 Athearn establishes a relationship with SoundTraxx to begin offering locomotives with Tsunami sound
McHenry begins offering N scale couplers.
New tooling announcementsGenesis FP7; GP15-1; Ready To Roll Veranda Turbine; GATC 2600 Airslide Covered Hopper; RTC 20,900 Gallon Acid Tank Car; 33,900 Gallon LPG Tank Car Early & Late Versions; 40' Wood Chip Hopper; HO Yard Tractor; Grain Truck N GATC 2600 Airslide Covered Hopper; ACF 2970 Covered Hopper; 40' Wood Chip Hopper; 33,900 Gallon LPG Tank Car Early & Late Versions; Bay Window Caboose.
2010 Athearn releases the Genesis SD70ACe based on former Tower 55 tooling.
Athearn secures UPS Licensing.
New tooling announcements Genesis SD70M-2; 50' GATC 20,000 Gallon SHN Type 40 General Service Tank Car; 50' GATC 20,000 Gallon SHN Type 30 Acid Tank Car; F89F 89' Flat Car; 50' PC&F Boxcar with 8'+6' Landis Doors Ready To Roll U50 N F59PHi available with Tsunami Sound for the first time.
2011 New tooling announcements Genesis GP7 & GP9; DDA40X "Centennial"; GP15T; Southern Pacific Bay Window Caboose; 50' GATC 20,000 Gallon SHN Type 40 Acid Tank Car; 50' PC&F Box Car with 8'+8' Landis Doors Ready To Roll 24' Ore HopperRoundhouse ex-MDC Arch Roof Passenger Car upgrade
How's that suit y'all?
I don't have a one track mind. It depends on the turn-out.
"I love your catenary!"
Is that a power-trip or just another pick-up line?
Edited by - zebrails on June 05 2013 6:03:55 PM
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Posted - June 05 2013 : 6:32:28 PM
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| That I know of no Hi-F drive Pacfic ever reached the market; I've never seen one.
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Posted - June 05 2013 : 7:17:39 PM
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quote:That I know of no Hi-F drive Pacific ever reached the market; I've never seen one.
Originally posted by lvrr325Â -Â June 05 2013Â :Â 6:32:28 PM
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Rumors still abound, but no one has. It's likely that Irv experimented with a Hi-F drive for the Pacific given the large drum axles on the tender and drivers, but it's a safe bet that it didn't get past the research phase, so that part of this history is wrong. Teeth were cut into the large steel axle on the rear driver set and driven by a worm on a Hi-F motor for the first production run.
It's a very comprehensive history, though it also fails to mention Athearn's HO production for Lionel in 1958.
The Tyco Depot
Edited by - NickelPlate759 on June 05 2013 11:55:49 PM
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waw47
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Posted - June 05 2013 : 7:55:42 PM
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A link to Athearn History, www.athearn.com/about/
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Posted - June 05 2013 : 9:41:58 PM
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The Pacific didnt get launched until 1960 because of the powetrain issues. the 0-4-2T "Little Monster" was Athearn's first steamer. Also the DD40 didnt get released until 1967.
Larry
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Posted - June 05 2013 : 10:46:54 PM
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this history also fails to mention freight car production for Atlas in the 1970's along with rolling stock and engines produced for Cox Trains as well.
Larry
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Posted - June 06 2013 : 04:07:07 AM
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quote:The Pacific didnt get launched until 1960 because of the powetrain issues. the 0-4-2T "Little Monster" was Athearn's first steamer. Also the DD40 didnt get released until 1967.
Larry
Originally posted by SOU2645Â -Â June 05 2013Â :Â 9:41:58 PM
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Yeah... sorta jumping the gun as well... there never was a DD40 made. But it sure do look good!
John
p.s. Yes, the guy on eBay told me the site for Athearn...
And my thanks to you who responded!
I don't have a one track mind. It depends on the turn-out.
"I love your catenary!"
Is that a power-trip or just another pick-up line?
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jlong
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Posted - June 30 2013 : 10:13:14 AM
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It's generally in line with the bits of history I've read or seen over the years. It makes a lot of sense but I am not heavily involved with HO either. I never realized Athearn bought Hi Liners. I've seen a number of HO MFG's come and go over the years but Athearn has done nothing but grow. They were not to be outdone either. For some time, people turned to Kato for high end power but that has changed. A powerful name with a quality product. According to the Standard Guide to Athearn, Athearn supplied MDC with shells to some of their kits and supplied Atlas with some cars to RTR sets.
The discontinuation of blue box kits is something I don't quite understand. Horizon claims it had to do with labor costs and decreased demand. Mom and pop shop hobby shops tell a different story. That blue box was the only model RR product that really moved for them. The kits were food for blue box addicts who provided steady income. Some have dropped MR products all together due to the discontinuation.
John Long
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