LGB Genesis Amtrak diesel

Gauge 1, 1:29 scale, Amtrak diesel
LGB of America
6444 Nancy Ridge Drive
San Diego CA 92121
Price: $399.99
Web site: www.lgb.com

Mostly plastic model of Amtrak Phase III Genesis diesel (#20490); two motors; eight powered wheels; sound ready; DCC ready; constant-voltage LED directional lighting; swinging pilots for tight curves; two traction tires; sliding windows and opening doors; operating-mode switch in cab; lighting plug at rear. Tractive effort: 2 lb, 11 oz. Current draw: 2 amps at 24V, full slip. Dimensions: Length, 28½”; width, 43/8 “; height, 6¼”. In 1:29 scale, this works out to 68’10” x 10’7″ x 15’1″, respectively. Weight: 12 lb., 9 oz.
Pros: High fidelity to prototype; well detailed; excellent finish and graphics; excellent slow-speed performance
Cons: Shiny wheels and coupler lift bars; too-visible pickup skates; lights don’t come on at slowest speeds; too-slow top speed; over-deep flanges

n the early 1990s, Amtrak’s fleet of F-40PH locomotives was rapidly decaying. Instead of refurbishing them or building new, similar locomotives, Amtrak decided on an entirely new design, a true passenger locomotive, not a modified freight engine, as was the F-40PH. The result was the 4,000 HP Genesis series, first delivered in 1993. Later models were upgraded to 4,200 HP. LGB’s engine represents this later incarnation.

The model is very much LGB in character. It sports the usual pickup skates, which, along with the wheels, provide 12 electrical pickup points for smooth operation. There are two, seven-pole Bühler motors, one in each sealed motor block, and all wheels are powered. Inside the cab is an operation-mode switch that will give you various combinations of power and/or lights. The engine is supplied sound ready (no speaker installed) and DCC ready, should you desire those things. Directional lighting is standard and the cab and console are lighted as well. There’s also a lighting outlet at the rear of the engine.

The locomotive is well detailed and contains all of the important components of the prototype. Graphics are crisp, clean, and accurate for this particular model. LGB will not claim a scale for their models, but this engine scales out well to 1:29, although the wheelbase of each truck is slightly long. Some compromises had to be made to get this long engine around 2′-radius curves. The front and rear pilots swing in an unsightly manner to accomplish this. The engine, frankly, looks silly negotiating these curves. On more realistic curves, though, it looks great.

Performance is excellent. The engine runs smoothly and quietly throughout its speed range. Slow-speed performance is outstanding-the engine will just creep away. Top speed seems a little slow, as the prototype was rated for 103 mph. Tractive effort is 2 lb. 11 oz., or about 21 average freight cars-perhaps half that number of full-length passenger cars.

This is a good looking engine, accurately scaled in 1:29 scale, that performs well. If you are running modern, mainline passenger service, this is definitely an engine to consider.