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Post by fishbelly on May 3, 2022 10:54:24 GMT -8
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gevohogger posted: from the thread "What has Tangent chosen for their next caboose"
Maybe Scale Trains treats the SD40-2 like it is a china doll or something.... Too much handling and it's liable to break. So instead they release new runs very sporadically.
We've seen a lot of "niche" locomotives in recent years - the C430, SDL39, UP Turbine, etc.... The SD40-2 is the polar opposite. They could release a new group of SD40-2s four or five times a year and the market will never get over-saturated. Heck, if they start running out of road names and paint schemes to do, just fill out the order with more BNs and UPs. Those two roads had so many of them and people will buy them.
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As far as I can remember (I do not keep track of what ST is doing anymore), ST has yet to tool a non-dynamic brake hatch for the SD40-2. So they still have more that can be offered maybe.
These are all that come to mind. Maybe others as well.
Mopac
UP ex-Mopac
GT ex-UP, ex-Mopac
Soo Line
IC
ICG
Rock Island
BTW, has ST offered their SD40-2 in L&N yet?
I still have gobs of Kato SD40-2's that I can pull from to create a model so I do not need any ST models. But it does appear from what I am reading that ST has a BUNCH of road names that can still be offered that they have not done yet.
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Post by TBird1958 on May 3, 2022 11:30:20 GMT -8
They haven't done any early units like the UP had either, probably similar BN units as well - They were majority owners for years. ST leaves a lot of $$$ on the table, not just with Dash 2s either.
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Post by Mr. Trainiac on May 3, 2022 11:31:29 GMT -8
I'd like to see IC and Mopac too. I don't model those roads, and they are a bit out of my era, but Mopac blue has always been classy. My club has an old Broadway Limited SD40-2 in IC that we always make fun of; a Scaletrains replacement would be a major upgrade.
I'm not much of an SD40-2 spotter, so what else would they need to tool to make non-dynamic models? Were there any other hood or frame differences for the non-dynamic brake locomotives? If not, it would be a pretty easy conversion. They already have both of the main radiator grill types, so I'm assuming most hood variations should be covered.
Maybe someone could come up with a 3D printed hood conversion kit. If I had a scaletrains sd40-2 to inspect, I could probably do it. That would be a relatively simple solution for those who want to custom-paint a model.
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Post by csxt8400 on May 3, 2022 11:52:42 GMT -8
I'd like to see IC and Mopac too. I don't model those roads, and they are a bit out of my era, but Mopac blue has always been classy. My club has an old Broadway Limited SD40-2 in IC that we always make fun of; a Scaletrains replacement would be a major upgrade. I'm not much of an SD40-2 spotter, so what else would they need to tool to make non-dynamic models? Were there any other hood or frame differences for the non-dynamic brake locomotives? If not, it would be a pretty easy conversion. They already have both of the main radiator grill types, so I'm assuming most hood variations should be covered. Maybe someone could come up with a 3D printed hood conversion kit. If I had a scaletrains sd40-2 to inspect, I could probably do it. That would be a relatively simple solution for those who want to custom-paint a model. There are small differences in pilot variations, noses, and cabs that prevent at least some of those listed above. The tooling is well on the way though, as they teased over a year and a half ago what looked like IC or MP non-dynamics in computer renderings. Simply speaking, I don't think they are missing many parts at this point. The variations of later versions and upgrades is another matter. I hope they got all the tooling variations for ditchlights and other modifications out of the way in one swoop. They could rerun blue EMD lease units with the CRIP tooling, using the nose they tool up for L&N, because who doesn't love the mix-n-match. |
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Post by SOMECALLMETIM on May 3, 2022 11:53:17 GMT -8
In February 2020 Scale Trains did a video series discussing upcoming projects and how the CAD development occurs for their models. In one of the specific videos it mentioned hearing LOUD requests for a Mopac SD40-2 locomotive with no dynamic brakes. I emailed material for the Mopac SD40-2 to them and asked if/when we'll see the Mopac non-dynamic model and received a reply "MP will be part of the next batch of tooling for the SD40-2". It's possibly that COVID, demand, or economic downturn, etc. etc. could have delayed it until...?
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Post by packer on May 3, 2022 12:25:43 GMT -8
I’d be down for at least 1 each MKT, MP, and a KCS with DBs for pool service if they ever do them. Otherwise more BN
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Post by nstophat on May 3, 2022 14:00:45 GMT -8
********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************** BTW, has ST offered their SD40-2 in L&N yet? I still have gobs of Kato SD40-2's that I can pull from to create a model so I do not need any ST models. But it does appear from what I am reading that ST has a BUNCH of road names that can still be offered that they have not done yet. Unfortunately, or fortunately, depending on how you look at this, ST has not released any of the L&N SD40-2's, nor the O&W units, or the Family Lines & SBD Sys L&N, Clinchfield or SCL units, plus all of the patched and repainted versions that lived thru early CSX. The CSX units that ST (non-Sponge Bobs) are patched and re-paints of the original 10 B&O/Chessie units, which were the only SD40-2's that came from that side of the merger. |
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mpi
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Post by mpi on May 3, 2022 14:10:09 GMT -8
Shane has stated several times, he is waiting for the Family lines version. So you know it should be soon along with SOO Line, which was asked at Springfield this year. Should be on the next release
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Post by cera2254 on May 3, 2022 17:27:45 GMT -8
I would definitely be in for a Family lines unit, as well as more as-delivered Conrail units. Seems like there are so many variations that this should be a model that has a couple batches always in the pipeline.
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Post by Deleted on May 3, 2022 21:32:43 GMT -8
Hello folks--
Some ST SD40-2's maybe didn't sell as well as one might expect, and Lombard still had plenty of some the last time I checked. They have done several SD40-2 variants, but not everybody needs an NdeM, for instance.
Prior to returning to my childhood and choosing Santa Fe 1970-72 as my railroad and era, I bought several ST engines, including the SD40-2's. They are not delicate, not any more so than the Bowser SD40-2 is. The sand lines that hang down and float next to the trucks require a little care when handling. I had one sand line out of 8 total ST units that fell off, but they aren't a problem and they look really cool. The see through metal grills on GEVOs are typically glued on very well and do not just fall off.
The ST handrails are a little bit finer than the Bowser and are flexible when mishaps occur. Neither Bowser nor ST SD40-2 handrails are easily broken (I never once broke a handrail on either SD40-2 model). I owned several of each (Bowser and ST) and they are both fine engines, each with their pros and cons. Specifically, I owned 3 of the ST gorgeous NdeM SD40-2's.
My one and only complaint about ST engines is that the coupler mounting screw goes into a plastic boss on the body. I think it will be easy to strip the threads in said plastic boss. I prefer the coupler screw into metal frame method of attaching the body.
There are multiple versions of SD40-2 prime movers in real life such that the model sound files are different but I am told are correct. Some have much more pronounced turbo whine than others. ST has more turbo whine out of the box than the 2021 Bowser versions. I do not know if the turbo whine is adjustable in the Bowsers, but would think it should be somewhere...
With ANY of these recent high detail engines, they are not designed to be dragged around to club layouts and abused. I am pretty sure the instructions, at least in Rapido's case, specifically state not to drag these things to clubs. I would not take models like this to a club, but older less expensive models instead. I treat all my engines with respect and have had very little damage to any of them despite lots of handling to and from shelves to layout.
YMMV.
John
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Post by surlyknuckle on May 3, 2022 22:52:14 GMT -8
I agree with the sentiment stated earlier....just keep bangin' out BN SD40-2s, you'll be good! It's a nice model in many ways, and it comes straight from the factory at a level that I am pleased with; I "model" out of necessity, so the ST model only requires changes on par with how I prefer to spend my hobby time. I like working on models, but if I had to start with a blank canvas Kato SD40-2 every time, nothing would get done.
I have all the ST SD40-2s I need (four Chessies) and will never need to buy another one. But I feel it would be for the good of the hobby to crank out a few more of them once the new detail parts are tooled... everyone "needs" SD40-2s like they need Railboxes and Amfleets (generalizing here, but yes).
I'll also state that I am still pleasantly surprised ST did tunnel motors. Not something I expected or really asked for, but very much thrilled they did. I love mine.
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Post by Colin 't Hart on May 3, 2022 23:40:10 GMT -8
A non-dynamic "hatch" and the early cab with the extra side windows. Those are needed for early Soo Line SD40-2s and GN SD45s.
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Post by csxt8400 on May 4, 2022 5:56:52 GMT -8
A non-dynamic "hatch" and the early cab with the extra side windows. Those are needed for early Soo Line SD40-2s and GN SD45s. Two birds, one stone. NP you meant, I take it. |
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Post by middledivision on May 4, 2022 7:18:06 GMT -8
When Shane visited my club several years ago, he said they had twenty years worth of releases for the SD40-2.
ST has spent a large amount of $'s on tooling for the SD40-2 that should allow them to offer just about every version. I'm patiently waiting for Conrail and ex-CR NS SD40's with ditchlights.
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Post by riogrande on May 4, 2022 7:38:12 GMT -8
That's good to know. It does seem like ScaleTrains has slowed down. Someone even mentioned on another forum that the SDL39's may have come from the MTH acquisition (allegedly MTH was doing work toward releasing the SDL39 but then sold assets to ST.)
I've been interested in a 70's UP SD40-2 as they occasionally ran across the D&RGW system to equalize miles.
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Post by es80ac on May 4, 2022 7:55:50 GMT -8
On the SDL39 thread a couple of months ago someone mentioned he feels Scaletrains SD40-2 is also sitting too high off the trucks. Does anyone have any definitive answer to that assertion? I parked a ST sd40-2 to an IM and Bowser, and find the ST version is just tiny bit taller deck wise. So not sure if that is an actual issue or not.
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Post by cemr5396 on May 4, 2022 9:00:13 GMT -8
from what I've seen, the Bowser GMDD SD40-2/SD40-2F is probably the closest thing we have seen to a 'scale' 40-2 yet. When you have the model sitting on the track and compare it to photos, it looks spot on in nearly every way. And they run like it too, a Bowser 40-2 is much pickier about track than say, an Athearn or a KATO
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Post by SOMECALLMETIM on May 4, 2022 9:05:29 GMT -8
I know you're talking deck height, but If you go Scale Trains website, the image of the MILW SD40-2 makes it look like it's wearing high waters. I'm starting to wonder if it's a common model 6-axle issue as I only have 4-axle locomotives and don't notice the air gap with them. I don't see an air gap with the Scale Train GP30s. On second thought, I look at the Scale Trains SD45s and don't notice the gap. It appears the frame is lower on the SD45 model as compared to their SD40-2 model. I thought the GP30 and SD45 had deeper frames in reality also. Maybe it's the lack of truck detail or frame detail/depth that I'm not seeing. It could be the angle of the model images that show it where prototype images aren't photographed in such a way to make it as obvious. Limitations of models due to curve radius or decision not to tool/include something might play a factor too. www.scaletrains.com/rivet-counter-ho-scale-emd-sd40-2-milwaukee-road-hiawatha-r7.htmlprototype gap www.rr-fallenflags.org/milw/milw0152a07.jpgwww.rr-fallenflags.org/milw/milw0131a07.jpgI don't have images of an Athearn, Bowser, or Intermountain SD40-2 to comparable it to. |
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Post by grabirons on May 4, 2022 11:08:30 GMT -8
It would help ST if they also did more than 5 roads per freight car and locomotive release. Look how many roads and numbers bowser does with their GMD versions and freight cars, up to 14 or so roads per release. ST would still have ample roads, repaints, and patches to do for years to come.
I wish micro trains would do some of their N models in HO, their printed "weathered " freight cars look fantastic for those of us who simply don't have the time, or patience to learn.
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Post by grabirons on May 4, 2022 11:15:19 GMT -8
I know you're talking deck height, but If you go Scale Trains website, the image of the MILW SD40-2 makes it look like it's wearing high waters. I'm starting to wonder if it's a common model 6-axle issue as I only have 4-axle locomotives and don't notice the air gap with them. I don't see an air gap with the Scale Train GP30s. On second thought, I look at the Scale Trains SD45s and don't notice the gap. It appears the frame is lower on the SD45 model as compared to their SD40-2 model. I thought the GP30 and SD45 had deeper frames in reality also. Maybe it's the lack of truck detail or frame detail/depth that I'm not seeing. It could be the angle of the model images that show it where prototype images aren't photographed in such a way to make it as obvious. Limitations of models due to curve radius or decision not to tool/include something might play a factor too. www.scaletrains.com/rivet-counter-ho-scale-emd-sd40-2-milwaukee-road-hiawatha-r7.htmlprototype gap www.rr-fallenflags.org/milw/milw0152a07.jpgwww.rr-fallenflags.org/milw/milw0131a07.jpgI don't have images of an Athearn, Bowser, or Intermountain SD40-2 to comparable it to. Check out the front jacking pad ratio to the top of the truck profile. Yup the body does ride somewhat higher, the plow is also up slightly higher, so how would they fix that? It might be so insignificant that it's for better, more practical operation. |
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Post by TBird1958 on May 4, 2022 12:41:41 GMT -8
Unless I've missed them, I don't see any scheduled - So, like a year or more before any new road names show up. Wow.
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Post by Deleted on May 5, 2022 5:37:21 GMT -8
I would love to see the ICG orange and white version, though I think it was only 4 units...Intermountain did them but most of that run have QA/QC issues.
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Post by ICG1411 on May 5, 2022 6:58:53 GMT -8
Correct, the ICG only had 4 original SD40-2's #'s 6030-6033, all built in Dec. 1975. The 6033 was wrecked & scrapped in Feb. 1994. These all had D/B's The "fifth", #6034 was rebuilt to 40-2 specs sometime in the early/mid 80's from wrecked GM&O SD40 #920. This included a Paducah style cab and nose, as found on the GP11's and SD20's. They picked up 8 former Rock Island units which became #'s 6040-49, these did not have D/B's.
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Post by middledivision on May 5, 2022 7:23:15 GMT -8
from what I've seen, the Bowser GMDD SD40-2/SD40-2F is probably the closest thing we have seen to a 'scale' 40-2 yet. When you have the model sitting on the track and compare it to photos, it looks spot on in nearly every way. And they run like it too, a Bowser 40-2 is much pickier about track than say, an Athearn or a KATO I like everything about the Bowser SD40-2 and I own six of them, except the handrails are a bit thick compared to ST and Athearn and the lack of see-through grills. |
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Post by riogrande on May 5, 2022 7:49:53 GMT -8
I wish I had an excuse to buy a Bowser but I don't think they make any versions of interest to me.
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Post by Deleted on May 5, 2022 11:05:02 GMT -8
Jim--
They smartly opted to make an SD40-2 variant that nobody had done, the GMD version. The only issue there is I have searched the entire BNSF roster, and I cannot find one single GMD unit that ever went to BNSF even secondhand and many years later. At least a few did go to UP.
However, for folks like you and me modeling our preferred western road during the 1970's, they did not own any GMD SD40-2's. There would of course have been leased or run-through power, particularly on ATSF, who even leased brand spanking new Chessie System GP40-2 units in full Chessie paint. I think one of Joe McMillan's books does show a CN SD40-2 unit running on the east end of the Santa Fe in an otherwise ATSF and PC loco consist...but anyway not so common.
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Post by gevohogger on May 5, 2022 11:13:53 GMT -8
Jim-- They smartly opted to make an SD40-2 variant that nobody had done, the GMD version. The only issue there is I have searched the entire BNSF roster, and I cannot find one single GMD unit that ever went to BNSF even secondhand and many years later. At least a few did go to UP. Didn't BN get one order of GMD-built SD40-2s, delivered at a time when La Grange was overbooked with orders? Late-70s timeframe of course. Trouble was, they lacked nearly all the "usual" GMD spotting characteristics. |
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Post by packer on May 5, 2022 11:18:30 GMT -8
I wish I had an excuse to buy a Bowser but I don't think they make any versions of interest to me. There’s is a GMD. BN (7167-7205, 7206-7235, & 8074-8089) and I think some UP were GMD; but I’m not sure what the spotting features would be. |
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Post by cemr5396 on May 5, 2022 11:30:42 GMT -8
I wish I had an excuse to buy a Bowser but I don't think they make any versions of interest to me. There’s is a GMD. BN (7167-7205, 7206-7235, & 8074-8089) and I think some UP were GMD; but I’m not sure what the spotting features would be. for all intents and purposes the same as EMD ones. They did not get the Canadian features that all of ours up here did. So the Bowser model will not work. |
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Post by riogrande on May 5, 2022 11:45:07 GMT -8
Jim-- They smartly opted to make an SD40-2 variant that nobody had done, the GMD version. The only issue there is I have searched the entire BNSF roster, and I cannot find one single GMD unit that ever went to BNSF even secondhand and many years later. At least a few did go to UP. However, for folks like you and me modeling our preferred western road during the 1970's, they did not own any GMD SD40-2's. There would of course have been leased or run-through power, particularly on ATSF, who even leased brand spanking new Chessie System GP40-2 units in full Chessie paint. I think one of Joe McMillan's books does show a CN SD40-2 unit running on the east end of the Santa Fe in an otherwise ATSF and PC loco consist...but anyway not so common. It's ok, I've got too many loco's as it is. And BTW, I've seen Chessie GP40-2's running through D&RGW on Carr Tracks photo's. |
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