I was in my LHS today and I took a look at some Tower 55 ES44 models.
At first glance they looked quite nice. But then I started noticing some things that just didn't look right. The main problem was the stanchions. They're way heavier than they should be and have oversized loops at the top for the railings. The MU cable also look too big, but they're probably easy to replace with something finer. I went on the Internet and checked a few picture of BNSF ES44s. The side window arrangement is incorrect on the models.
I was also told that NCE systems have a problem with the decoder used and will shut down the sound if the engine sits idleing. We had one do that on the test track while we running it. I was told there is a CV that can be set to get around this problem.
I'd probably ignore the window problem, but the stanchions are way too much. There was a label on the display case that said the models are pre-production and weren't for sale. The regular stock is coming in next week.
What I'd like to know is - have these problems been corrected in regular production or are they still there? It's a lot of money for a model with some of these issues.
I compare photos and the models and don't see that the Window arrangement is wrong.
I also think that you're exagerating regarding the stanchions...
I don't have a problem with my 5 GEVOs and actually wish Tower 55 would start shipping the next batches of these wonderful models.
Glen1 wrote: I was in my LHS today and I took a look at some Tower 55 ES44 models.At first glance they looked quite nice. But then I started noticing some things that just didn't look right. The main problem was the stanchions. They're way heavier than they should be and have oversized loops at the top for the railings. The MU cable also look too big, but they're probably easy to replace with something finer. I went on the Internet and checked a few picture of BNSF ES44s. The side window arrangement is incorrect on the models.I was also told that NCE systems have a problem with the decoder used and will shut down the sound if the engine sits idleing. We had one do that on the test track while we running it. I was told there is a CV that can be set to get around this problem.I'd probably ignore the window problem, but the stanchions are way too much. There was a label on the display case that said the models are pre-production and weren't for sale. The regular stock is coming in next week.What I'd like to know is - have these problems been corrected in regular production or are they still there? It's a lot of money for a model with some of these issues.
I can agree on the stanchions being too large. They decided to use plastic and they don't look scale at all. They do us brass wire for the pipe which is about right in size. The ditch lights are too thick also.
Can you elaborate on the so called window problem?? The BNSF went to the large four piece window some time ago like the EMD units and they might have some of both types but the UP and some of the other railroads stayed with the older type.
I looked at many pictures of the BNSF ES44DC and ES44AC BNSF units and they seem to match the Tower 55 windows. Sorry if I don't see it but I wanted to know what you are talking about.
The pictures below show the newer units with the side windows that are like the EMD later units. Are these the type you are talking about?? They seem to look like the Tower 55 modles use.
http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=169423
http://www.tower55products.com/showroom.php
http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=180396
http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=180399
What I'm going by for the side windows is a picture in a Tower 55 catalog. It's dated Fall 2006 and is catalog #2. On page 6 there is a picture of the left side of BNSF ES44DC #7789.
There are the two smaller sized windows in the center. On the outside of those are two other windows. The picture in the catalog clearly shows a space between the center windows and the outside windows of about 3 or 4 scale inches.
On the link I'm including, there is a prototype picture of the left side of BNSF #7782. In that picture you can see the the gap between the rear window and center window closest to it is about 2 inches. The window at the front is almost touching the other center window.
Whether this bothers you or not is a personal matter, but the fact remains that the model in the picture is incorrect and it's a very obvious difference once you notice it.
This wouldn't stop me from buying the model if everything else was OK, but there are other issues. I did notice the size of the ditch lights but I didn't bother mentioning that.
To be honest, I wish Atlas would stop re-releasing various paint schemes for their Dash 8-40s and do the ES44s and maybe an SD70ACE. In my opinion, they produce beautifully detailed models that run as well as they look.
Here's the link for you. I haven't included a link in a post before, so I'll just drop it in and hope it works.
http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=164280
Glen1 wrote: What I'm going by for the side windows is a picture in a Tower 55 catalog. It's dated Fall 2006 and is catalog #2. On page 6 there is a picture of the left side of BNSF ES44DC #7789.There are the two smaller sized windows in the center. On the outside of those are two other windows. The picture in the catalog clearly shows a space between the center windows and the outside windows of about 3 or 4 scale inches.On the link I'm including, there is a prototype picture of the left side of BNSF #7782. In that picture you can see the the gap between the rear window and center window closest to it is about 2 inches. The window at the front is almost touching the other center window.Whether this bothers you or not is a personal matter, but the fact remains that the model in the picture is incorrect and it's a very obvious difference once you notice it.This wouldn't stop me from buying the model if everything else was OK, but there are other issues. I did notice the size of the ditch lights but I didn't bother mentioning that.To be honest, I wish Atlas would stop re-releasing various paint schemes for their Dash 8-40s and do the ES44s and maybe an SD70ACE. In my opinion, they produce beautifully detailed models that run as well as they look.Here's the link for you. I haven't included a link in a post before, so I'll just drop it in and hope it works.http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=164280
The spacing looks to be too thick between the windows. I was under the impression they were using the old type front window on the model. When we really start looking at any of the models compared to the prototypes, most do not fair to well. Tower 55 hold up fairly well but the handrail stands probably turn me off the most.
The thick ditch lights really do look out of place for sure, but even in O scale, I notice many liberties are taken so lights can be inserted into ditch lights or other small details that are out of scale. The wheel flange width and depth are the worst compared to a prototype.
I pre-ordered 3 of the BNSF ES44DC's. I was disappointed that T55 decided to put only partial air tanks on the locomotives and also that they felt it acceptable to have giant cast on air lines on the truck sideframes. That's in addition to the earlier comments here. It's beyond me how T55 thought this was acceptable. The "T", after all, is not for "Tyco".
Also, I might note, ALL the couplers on my locomotives came with knuckles that would not open--they were locked by what appears to be over-enthusiastic riveting at the factory.
Ed