Question Lionel SD-70M vs. MTH SD-70M

[Anonymous]

Hi, i've got a question. I'm looking for some modern Canadian National diesel loco's, anyways lionel doesnt have any planned for the SD-70's in 2005 v1/2 catalog, but MTH does have an SD-70MAC in Canadian National colors and everything. But why does the Lionel SD-70 have a min curve of O-31 and MTH's min curve of O-42. They're only a 1/2" difference apart, can anyone explain to me why, or if it will operate on O-31 curves. Im asking this because my layout is being built in O-31 curves and i'd like to have a CN SD70 on my layout but I don't want to have to wait tell lionel releases another CN product. I saw that Lionel did release a CN Dash 9 in 2001, but i cant find that anywhere.
Also, if anyones knows where I can get Duluth Missabe & Iron Range rolling frieght cars please link :) lionel and MTH don't come out with that many.

[Big_Boy_4005]

I'm not sure why the turning radius is different between Lionel and MTH. Maybe it was done just to prove that they weren't copying each other.

Lionel likes it's equipment to go around 031 curves whenever possible. MTH is more into scale accuracy. If you look closely at the pictures of the two, does the MTH have it's steps attached to the trucks or they attached to the body? A difference there would explain a lot. The MTH may also have something to limit how far the trucks turn on the inside, perhaps the motor mounting.

I love the DM&IR, but let's face it, it isn't anywhere as popular as Pennsy, Santa Fe, UP, etc. That said, there have been a handfull of DM&IR enngines and cars (ore cars) produced. For the cars, check K-line. They made some 4 packs a number of years ago. You may not find them in stores, but they are out there.

[tmcc man]

the main reason is probably the motor mounts. the lionel mounts let the trucks go on a sharper curve. the MTH model has motor mounts that require a gentler curve and cannot make a sharper curve because of spacing in the body.

[Anonymous]

So i take it that there is no way to retrofit the MTH SD70 to work on O31 curves?

[Big_Boy_4005]

I suppose anything is possible, but is it worth the trouble. It may be easier to repaint a Lionel, than to modify an MTH. Of course the other option would be to get more space for your layout and widen the curves. Those SD-70's are pretty "snakey".

[lionelsoni]

I have modified a lot of stuff to run on O27 that was never meant to. Whether the model you're considering can be converted from O42 to O31, I don't know. However, if your layout is not too far along, you might consider using Marx O34 as a compromise between O42 and O31. That will improve your chances of a successful modification, and give you a more realistic rail profile as a bonus.

[Anonymous]

I'am not to far along with my layout, in fact I started over again and went with a layout that hugs the wall. I designed using Atlas O-36 curves instead of lionel O-31. The problem though is that there are two loop sections at the end, so i am unsure if a MTH SD70 will operate on those two sections.
I have the feeling that i'll end up waiting for lionel to do a CN SD70 or Dash 9 again that or if MTH puts out another CN SD70 or Dash 9 that can handle the O36 curves.

[Big_Boy_4005]

Please don't hold your breath while waiting for Lionel, we hate to lose fellow hobbyists.[swg]

[tgovebaker]

I suggest that you find a nice Lionel at a show or online and then have it custom painted. I recently picked up a Lionel SD-70 on eBay for very little money. I had to upgrade it to TMCC, but even after that it was still well below market. With those savings you could have it nicely painted and detailed.

[Anonymous]

I don't have the experience to kit-bash locos. I live in Mid-Michigan, if anyone lives in the area of Saginaw-Midland-Bay City, and could recommend a place to have something custom built with accuracy please post.
That or if anyone sees a CN Dash 9 or something on the web feel free to drop a message to me.