Spectrum SD-45

[3railguy]

I'm getting back into HO after 25 years and saw a Spectrum SD-45 I really like for around $50 in a hobby shop. I'd really like to get it. I recall hearing good things about Spectrum and I'm wondering how it compares to Athearn.

[Anonymous]

John...make sure you test run it first!! I have two and one runs well and pulls well......details and paint are above average (if you're not a rivet counter). The other one had a bad motor/ chassis vibration...I had to tune the chassis to get it running as well as the other one. But all in all it is a decent engine......but not for 50 dollars. You can find em for a lot less online.

Hope this helps.

Jim

[3railguy]

Jim, thanks. I see Trainworld has them for $25. I'll shop around. Maybe the one I saw was $40. I can't remember exactly. I'm not too deeply obsessed with rivets. It's the NP scheme and I love the way they did it. If I do get one at a shop, I'll be sure to test run it.

[SteelMonsters]

I've heard good things about Spectrum Steam locos. I don't model steam though. I've tried one Spectrum diesel a couple years ago. Right now it's a permanet part of my diesel shop. If you are looking for cheap, Athearn is the better choice.

I personally would rather have 1 Proto 2000 or a Kato than serveral cheap locos.

[Anonymous]

John...do not order from hobby circle. Bad reputation. Search atlas forum.

Jim

[wp8thsub]

The Spectrum unit has poor detail by today's standards, but compared to Athearn's old SD45 at least has scale width hoods (both the Spectrum GP35 and SD45 appear to be based on much of the same tooling as Athearn and have most of the same detail problems).

The bigger problem is with the mechanism. Spectrum diesels are notorious for motor and gear vibration. Some units are initially smooth, but a rough one is usually impossible to smooth out without replacing the motor - and there's no guarantee the replacement motor will be any better. The trucks lack metal axle bearings like better quality models such as Athearn, Kato or Proto 2000, so wear on the bearing surfaces can eventually destroy the trucks. On a local layout where I operate regularly, all of the Spectrum diesels eventually crapped out and were replaced with Athearn, Kato, etc. Even when they were running, the crews (myself included) tried to avoid trains with Spectrum power due to the rough operation.

Spectrum steamers have a good reputation, but I'd avoid their diesels.

[3railguy]

Thanks again for the advice. I had to check the Trainworld ad again ($25) because Internet Trains lists them for $71. Man what a variation in price!! LOL. Does anyone know if Kato or Athearn ever did them in NP? They don't show up on their websites.

[Don Gibson]

The Athearn SD-45 has Old old tooling and originally sold for $15 The Bachmann SD-45 got a very poor review in MR; as for Northern Specific, or any particular paint scheme,
you grab it when you find it - because manufacturer's pick roads on the basis of unit's that SELL, and a professional paint job will cost you $100 - $150.

There is a shop in Reno NV. that will supply you with a custom NP KATO
for $200, if you truly want it . They do nice work. for you.

You might peruse EBay for SD-45's and write in "Northern Pacifi"c. You might get lucky.

For the record, the ONLY SD-45 worth spending $100 + for painting would be a KATO, or finding a NP pre-painted brass one.

[Anonymous]

Doesn't p2k make a SD45?

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by dkelly

Doesn't p2k make a SD45?

YES! Be careful here. There are two releases. The 2003 introduction for $60.00 and the 2nd release for $90.00 through Trainworld. I own the cheaper version, a heavy 23 oz, UP that flies. I believe the higher priced model has a more realistic speed.
You will not find a NP name on the below site.
www.lifelikeproducts.com Click on Proto Series, then HO loco archive.

The P2K series out performs any spectrum diesel and I don't see a NP name on the www.bachmanntrains.com site.

[3railguy]

Thanks again guys. The wheel bearing/ motor issue scares me with the Spectrum engine. It's probably best to be looking at Kato, Atlas, etc. engines. I love SP bloody nose snoots too.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by 3railguy

It's probably best to be looking at Kato, Atlas, etc. engines. I love SP bloody nose snoots too.

Be cautious about the Kato SD-2. There are some electrical concerns with this model.

[Anonymous]

How about an Atlas U33C on ebay. Check this one out:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=19131&item=5927532230&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW

Or a Stewart F unit:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=38277&item=5927067693&rd=1

or a Athearn Genesis:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=19130&item=5927514630&rd=1

or a Proto 2K GP-18

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=19135&item=5927278851&rd=1

[3railguy]

dgoodlander, thanks for the links. Especially the U33C. I really like that. And thanks for the cautions, locomotive3. I've been buying Athearn monster hy cubes and loooong trailer cars so the U33C looks fitting.

[Anonymous]

Greetings,

I have this unit in Northern Pacific.

It is a beautiful unit and runs very well.

I bought it on EBay for about 40 dollars.

I also have the Bachmann Plus in Burlington Northern.

It also runs very well and I am very pleased with it also.

Regards,

Mark In Texas

[3railguy]

Thanks Mark!