Key Model Imports FT's have ARRIVED!

Exquisite! Out of curiosity, are Key models designed for collectors or operators? The detail is incredible, but I'm curious as to how they handle being on a layout.

       
       


They generally operate better than they look. You have seen my PA's Early E's run in my videos. Ball bearings Everwhere. IMHO and I along with other owners of These fine models can attest a Heck of good argument to a fact on that they are far far superior to any of the out of box plastic on the market.

They are not designed to operate on unrealistic radius such as O-72 or 54"... beyond their 1:1 counterparts. These are miniatures more toward the most authentic appearance and operating characteristics of prototypes .

The detail is incredible, but I'm curious as to how they handle being on a layout.

 

My Key E units are the smoothest running engines I have.

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I really wanted a set of passenger units.  Those are sweet!

They look fabulous!  Thanks for taking the time to post the photos and crediting the copyright holder.

 

Off-topic for Erik or anyone:  I need the length and width of the Atlas vista domes from the CZ cars to determine if they will work in NOS Clark Benson extruded aluminum scale length dome cars that I have.  I made a request in Santiago23's thread, as well.

I emailed Atlas a couple of days ago for the information, but no response yet.

gosh Erik i wanted to run them on my 027 track do they come with G scale sized couplers and pick up rollers??? just kidding they look fantastic and you are so correct that Key models run better than they look.

thanks for posting!!!!

I recieved the Email from Key and all I can say is Wow! They are amazing.

I should have mentioned that I always enjoy Gray Schrader's comments.  He is aware of details most would miss if it wasn't for him pointing them out.

 

The Key FT's are the best of any diesels to date. Now can Erik of Midwestern models top the Key models? Stephen

While in a different market from the perspective of price, it would be interesting to see comparative photos of the Key and the Sunset Third Rail  FT's.

 

Ed Rappe

Thanks. I figure if I get lucky enough to be able to add one to my stable I'd build a layout with 72" radius or better (O-144 in 3-rail speak) to support it. If I build outdoors, the minimum is going to be 96".

       
       


I disagree Stephen; the PA's forward have all been on the same level including the FT. These are the models to surpass in our field. Modern is an entirely different story. The amount of work I put into the E5's and the extended effort put into the detailing of the nose of that model as of yet has not been passed. Truly the E5 nose was as exact as any model could be of that prototype. The PA's are in my opinion the most detailed diesel project to date. The early E's and FT's lack in several areas where the PA's are out of this world! The trucks on the PA's are simply amazing; Wasatch quality all the way. Everything is present and they run like silk; and pull anything I throw at them.

I love them all but all the Key Model Imports projects especially since FMT have been world standard and the benchmark of today's standard.

       
       


Have I not before?

       
       


I support both importers equally when it comes to their products. I would not begin to compare something like this. They are both exceptional; in a way it's like comparing a Cadillac CTS-V with the go fast engine with a regular CTS coupe. Both really cool but there is no comparison at all. There is also a HUGE price difference; a clear market is defined for both and I love them both for many different ways.

I thank my best friend Dave Devita and the hobby's friend Scott Mann for what we they have brought us.

The very best models their respective market pricing can buy.

That said let's celebrate both of these wonderful importers they do so much for us!!

Thanks Key Model Imports and 3rd Rail! 
We love you both!

very nice!

Just two images? A tease for sure! Beautiful models. I love how the grills and the body  look seamless! And the fuel tank detailing.... amazing!

Really nice models! I like the mu hose feature that allows them to be connected. Sweet!

I am rather partial to DRGW; these are the late single stripe version never before produced in O scale. I had a 4 stripe set built as they were modified in the early 50's for Prospector/Royal Gorge/Mountaineer service.

(C) 2015 Gary Schrader for Key Model Imports
ALL RIGHTS ARE RESERVED

It looks like that DRGW FT has the early 7 bulb headlight is still in the door with that paint scheme.  How long did those FT's retain that feature.  

 

There was a DRGW FT with that headlight that can be seen in Otto Perry's "First Generation Diesels" video.

       
       


No it's a typical 2 sealed beam unit in there Howard.

No it's a typical 2 sealed beam unit in there Howard.

Thanks Erik.  I couldn't tell from the photo angle and I would have been surprised if the 7 bulb had been retained that long.  

 

       
       

That's a sweet one Erik, amazing work!

Ed, I agree.  just would like someone to compare both models.  I have the 3 rail Train of Tomorrow with the E-7 diesel.  Would like to know how it stacks up against the Key model.  I expect the key to be superior (no problem with that) just would like to know where the differences are so that I can be better informed.

Left is the first run E7 from Sunset and the right is the 2001 run Key Imports E7 in your ToT Union Pacific #988 scheme. The first E7 on UP's roster. This E7 was in my opinion the best drive Key ever offered. Falhauber motor, ball bearings, incredible. This A unit weighs 16 lbs. I pulled my 11 Wasatch UP passenger cars with ease with this A/B set. And the lighting was spectacular.



       
       




86TA355SR posted these nice photos of the Sunset ToT UP

My 2 cents... For what I've seen, they are both spectacular products on their own right (and arenas) . Appearance wise, it seems to me that a Key engine has a crisper finish. Notice the rivets on the Sunset engine, they lack definition. The only way I can picture that relationship is with the following diagram:

 

 

Many other features to consider. (drive, performance, level of road specific details, lighting, value, cost, etc.) Little by little it's becoming clear that I'm more interested in correctness and quality, so I will add a sunset engine to my fleet soon (f7's) and after that I'll add a Key engine to my collection. This will help me realize what is it that I want from model trains in general, and to form my own opinions about them. For now this is how I feel.