csxns Doughless I would start with the best running loco, which would be the KATO SD40,
Doughless I would start with the best running loco, which would be the KATO SD40,
Just be careful to destingush between the KATO SD40 and the KATO SD40-2. The latter was produced with electrical pick-up issues and the early runs need to be rewired to fix it. That issue was fixed in later runs but you need to be sure you get the updated electrical system version if you are going for a KATO SD40-2.
If you are going for a KATO SD40, then those should be fine, very good runners. They are also probably harder to find since they have been OOP for a long time - you may find them at train shows - road name choices will be limited.
Rio Grande. The Action Road - Focus 1977-1983
Yup! His earlier thread about Mr. Athearn, bashing his business practices, was quickly removed, while I was reading it. Never had that happen before! but I'm glad it went away.
Mike.
My You Tube
mbinsewi I think Run Eight shows up every couple of years, starts a few fires, and runs. Mike.
I think Run Eight shows up every couple of years, starts a few fires, and runs.
BMMECNYCIt might also be pointed out, unless something has changed, that KATO locomotives come with many details not installed (handrails, horns, etc). They are on parts sprues under the foam in the box. No experience with customer service because I have not purchased any of their locomotives other than the SD9043MACs.
Correct, and they are the hard shiny plastic type, and it they JUST fit in the predilled holes, if you can find them . Quite a tedious chore, but worth it in the end.
Customer service isn't bad, they are blunt and to the point. I've ordered a few things.
I like the Scale Trains. I'm not real famiiar with lots of brands, except Kato, and Athearn, and some Spectrum. I don't buy much new stuff, but Scale Trains has me looking.
Run Eight Too many as usual and all junk.
Too many as usual and all junk.
Wow...
I don't think there are too many, as now there are various price and detail points available.
And, I don't think any of my models are junk. They all seem to run just fine for me.
Seems to me, choices as far as model manufacturer, price point, and detail levels are a good thing.
I look at it this way, the SD-40 series was, at one time, the most popular diesel model in 1:1 scale, so there should also be a wide selection in 1:87 scale.
Ricky W.
HO scale Proto-freelancer.
My Railroad rules:
1: It's my railroad, my rules.
2: It's for having fun and enjoyment.
3: Any objections, consult above rules.
It might also be pointed out, unless something has changed, that KATO locomotives come with many details not installed (handrails, horns, etc). They are on parts sprues under the foam in the box. No experience with customer service because I have not purchased any of their locomotives other than the SD9043MACs.
Intermountain also makes SD40-2s. They have a decent level of detail and have details installed. They also have excellent customers service (one out of 3 of mine had an issue with the trucks, and they were replaced free of charge).
Scale Trains Rivet Counter Models come with excellently detailed with prototype specific details. Mine run well. Early runs do have an issue with the sand lines clicking on the wheels. The manufacturer stated that this is the prototypical location. It does not affect the operation. This occurs on somewhat sharp curves and #6 and smaller turnouts from what I have seen. Other than that they run well. I have had an issue with one locomotive with a fan screen that came detached in the box. The Scale Trains SD40s weigh quite a bit, and consequently have excellent pulling power.
My Athearn RTR SD40-2 runs a little on the warm side, but with no other issues. Detail is nice, but not extensive.
BLI also makes an SD40-2. Mine are undecorated, and came without detail parts installed so that they can be custom painted to whatever road is desired.
I have not run a test to see which brand will pull the most, but my money is on Scale Trains.
riogrande5761Yes you get what you pay for but not everyone has the funds to go top shelve but Athearns are very decent if you are on a tight budget.
Jim,I have far more Atlas,Atlas/Kato,P2K and Athearn RTR then I do any other brand. These make up my SCL roster..I still have BB SW7s,GP38-2 and GP40-2s letter for my C&HV and of course SW1500s and in today's mail my second Atlas/Kato RS1 arrived..These two RS-1s will be repainted into Summerset Ry in 77/78. I just can't get away from those sharp looking IPD boxcars.
I still have my OC,SSRy,SCR,CR,CSX and NS units for my 94/95 ISL.
Thankfully I build generic ISL.
Larry
Conductor.
Summerset Ry.
"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt Safety First!"
Russell
Eastrail11 Question, would you rather have a highly detailed model or a great motor. I know some companies make both but they can be pretty pricey! Also determine how much you want to spend, because that could determine what model you get.
Question, would you rather have a highly detailed model or a great motor. I know some companies make both but they can be pretty pricey! Also determine how much you want to spend, because that could determine what model you get.
Regards
Walid
Athearns SD40 has a newly tooled shell and is very nicely detailed for their RTR line - nearly Genesis in detail level. Athearn also offers details seen on specific prototype on those RTR models, such as UP and SP details etc.
While many consider ScaleTrains to be the top SD40-2 since they were offered, keep in mind ST offers a three version, Operator $79.99, Rivet Counter $149.99 and DCC/Sound $219.99. If money is no object, then go Scale Trains of course.
If you are on a limited budget, you may want to consider Athearn's SD40-2. You can get more for your money in some ways. On MBK you can get an Athearn SD40-2 with nice detail and DCC/Sound for $139.99 - not bad! Is it as good as ScaleTrains. No, but they are pretty good and thats $80 cheaper and if you don't have a lot of cash, it's a good compromise. The nicely detailed Athearn SD40-2 without DCC Sound is $99.99. Compare that with $149.99 for the Rivit Counter Scale Trains version.
Yes you get what you pay for but not everyone has the funds to go top shelve but Athearns are very decent if you are on a tight budget.
If you want a SD40-2 then look no farther then Scale Trains "Rivet Counter" since it out classes all others by a country mile or two..ST's "Operator" class is equal to either a Athearn RTR or Kato SD40-2.
Athearn has the SD40.
khier My next question is how to decide which SD40 (and also SD40-2) to buy? They have been made by almost every manufacturer. I have been watching reviews pf SD40-2 on YouTube, and the variety is enough to keep the entire population of China busy with the analysis.RegardsWalid
It depends on what railroad you want to model. Some railroads never bought an SD40 and others never bought an SD40-2
For example if you model Southern Pacific, SP only bought SD40's and didn't buy what modelers call an SD40-2; SP did buy the tunnel motor variant, the SD40T-2 and right now, Athearn is the only game in town. They are very nicely detailed. IMRC has been threatening to produce an SD40T-2 for 3 years; we'll see if they see the light of day this year or not.
If you model the D&RGW, they never owned any SD40's, or SD40-2's. They only owned tunnel motors, SD40T-2's - FYI, some railroads didn't use the same names as modelers or railfans - and D&RGW may have simply referred to their's as SD40's. But visually they are very different in appearance.
UP owned both SD40 and SD40-2's and got second hand SD40T-2's in the late 1990's from SP and D&RGW which UP absorbed.
FYI, you can simply google SD40 wiki or SD40-2 wiki and you will find who all owned what and then decide - way too much to repeat here.
If you don't care what RR and just want an SD40-2, ScaleTrains probably makes the best one. Athearn RTR makes a pretty decent SD40-2. Bowser makes them as well and the latter runs are better than the early runs. KATO makes fine running SD40-2's but some feel they aren't up to the detail level of the others mentioned. Plus some were manufactured with a pick up system that needs modified to be reliable. The more reccent runs are very good but choice or road name is very limited from KATO.
You decide.
I would recomend getting a ScaleTrains SD40-2 because of the level of detail. Someone I know has a CSX version, and it looks beautiful, runs great, sounds good, and works really well. Kato SD40s are also a good place to start, though I could only find ASTF and BN versions on their website (For HO). I could be looking in all the wrong places, maybe they have older paint schemes on Ebay. Also depends what railroad you want to moddel, because certain railroads might not be offered by a certain comapy, if you can't find the railroad your looking for through Kato or ScaleTrains, try Intermountain, because they make repaints for EVERYTHING!!! Intermountain is the only company as for as I am aware that makes ES44C4 in FEC Champion livery. They also make the SD40-2 in Champion but I think Athearn and Broadway Limited Imports also have them in Champion. I am not sure if anyone mentioned, but BLI does make SD40s. Whatever you choose, it will be up to you if you like it. Question, would you rather have a highly detailed model or a great motor. I know some companies make both but they can be pretty pricey! Also determine how much you want to spend, because that could determine what model you get.
Regards, Eastrail.
Please excuse all typos...
~Eastrail
My next question is how to decide which SD40 (and also SD40-2) to buy? They have been made by almost every manufacturer. I have been watching reviews pf SD40-2 on YouTube, and the variety is enough to keep the entire population of China busy with the analysis.RegardsWalid
That depends upon your priorities. Myself, I'll always choose operations over shell detail so my choice would be KATO's SD40s, and they have different varieties.
I can't list the pros and cons of each model. I believe the Athearn SD40-2 has a more finely detailed shell, but its not a Genesis product so its motor may not be as nice as some other brands.
Scale Trains SD40-2 has gotten nice reviews, again primarily because of its shell, but new releases of locomotives all tend to have less motor quality than the older KATOs.
If you're looking to model a specific loco supported by a specific picture on the internet, you'll probably have to learn to apply details and fade the paint unless the manufacturer has taken that into consideration. Because of the work involved to represent a specific loco on a specific date in time other than its as-built date (like the picture), I would start with the best running loco, which would be the KATO SD40, IMO. I would also suggest KATO if the distinction between an SD40 and SD40-2 and accurate as-built details are not important, which might be the case if you freelance.
Others may see it differently or have different priorities.
- Douglas
SeeYou190
SeeYou190Can someone confirm if the GSB model is brass?
SeeYou190 dti406 You all forgot Bowser for the GMD versions! . Thanks Rick. I edited my previous list to include this addition. . Can someone confirm if the GSB model is brass? . -Kevin .
dti406 You all forgot Bowser for the GMD versions!
.
Thanks Rick. I edited my previous list to include this addition.
Can someone confirm if the GSB model is brass?
-Kevin
GSB Model was plastic, including its frame, which was it's major shortcoming and led to the brands demise.
Rick Jesionowski
Rule 1: This is my railroad.
Rule 2: I make the rules.
Rule 3: Illuminating discussion of prototype history, equipment and operating practices is always welcome, but in the event of visitor-perceived anacronisms, detail descrepancies or operating errors, consult RULE 1!
dti406You all forgot Bowser for the GMD versions!
Living the dream.
khierThanks anyway for the time taken to read and comment.
No thanks necessary. It was a great question.
To answer the second part of your question, it looks like Atlas, Mantua, Model Power, Stewart, and Tyco did not make SD40s. Can anyone think of any other manufacturers of note that did not make an SD40?
You all forgot Bowser for the GMD versions!
I, the OP, am aware of the differences between the SD40 and dash two. I meant BOTH engines. I do not know why it is that difficult for some to say BLI-dash 2, for example.
Thanks anyway for the time taken to read and comment.
The only shooting going on seems to be pointed towards the OP and others over a level of precision that doesn't matter. We're just trying to answer the OPs question as best we can about models of SD dash 40s (all kinds), which has been provided correctly in listed form twice.
And its nice that manufacturers are starting to recognize that modeling as-built locos is becoming less of a concern, considering it represents only a small circling eddy of time relative to a locos entire lifespan, especially SD40s and GP40/38s.
Doughless OP said SD-40, not SD40, so my natural thought would be to assume its everything SD40, including the dash.
OP said SD-40, not SD40, so my natural thought would be to assume its everything SD40, including the dash.
Sure but no 2 after the dash. As already pointed out SD40-2 is a different diesel.
If the OP wants an SD-40 I'll refer him to Athearns webpage where they are referring to them as SD40's.
http://www.athearn.com/Search/Default.aspx?SearchTerm=sd40loco+RTR&CatID=THLD
Don't shoot the messenger.
I think this is what we have already listed:
AHM/IHC (Mehano)
Alco (brass)
Athearn BB kit
Athearn Genesis
Bachmann (2 versions)
Bowser (EDIT, added thanks to Rick)
Broadway Limited
GSB
Intermountain
Kato
Overland (brass)
Scale Trains
Please edit the list for more detail or to correct errors.
But I think all have been listed. ScaleTrains and Athearn have versions that are not factory as-built only models, so capturing a broader time frame is a nice thing.
ricktrains4824 Well, the OP did ask how many variations of the SD40 model have been produced in HO scale, so.....
Well, the OP did ask how many variations of the SD40 model have been produced in HO scale, so.....
It depends on how broad you want to be. In my experience over the past 40 years an SD40 is different than an SD40-2 and in the modeling world it's an important distinction and is misleading to many to throw them all in the same basket. Heck if you be want to speak of SD40 so broad as what you are suggesting, better include tunnel motors too, which are very different looking than their cousins. No, I think we need to keep them in distinct groupings, it really does matter.
SD40 and Variants, would include the -2, the rebuild -3, the Tunnel motor variants, snoot nosed, passenger versions, Canadian wide cab versions, plus any rebuilds I forgot, etc...
I can't wait until someone now says how many different models of the series were made, including the 45 line.
I'll bet the OP is considering the SD40 and the SD40-2 to be the same for the point of this thread.
I never owned one in HO, but I had several Kato N Scale SD40s on my last N scale layout. Probably too many since they started production in 1966 and my layout was set in 1968.
The SD40 was always one of my favorite locomotives. It, the GP-30 and GP-35 made up most of my fleet.
I had a lot more N scale locomotives than I will ever have in HO.