MTH NS SD60E Question

[ I had to wait for the building to stop swaying before typing this.]

1)  Do you ( or anyone ) know if these models are [ reasonably ] accurate in their basic bodyshell dimensions ?   I've wondered this about other recent MTH 'big and new' diesels too.

2)  Wouldn't you be repowering these anyway, and if so, wouldn't a new frame be needed, at which time the handrails would be applied in the usual fashion ?  Of course some could just be unpowered dummies....

SZ

1) so you want to know the size of the wheel flange? they come out with six screws.

2) You don't like the handrails? You don't know how to fix them? see P&D for parts.

3) you finally admit that there might be some good in having a company produce a model you desire? and now you want to know who's the cheapest or has the best service to U? There are many dealers and I was told it's not fair to name one. So any dealer you'd have preference in supporting.

Why don't you scratch build to your higher standards? Or pay someone to build it for you? I built my own SD70ACe in G and believe that someone could build you a modern diesel. I see you support high end custom builders so I'm sure you can find someone if you don't wish to attempt it yourself. Maybe even talk with overseas builders and create your own high end importing business, if Key or MW or Scott won't do it. Then we could buy from U. I'm interested in seeing your products.

Since the re-introduction of scale-wheeled locomotives (-2 suffix) MTH has tried to move closer to prototype accuracy. This is in part due to the 3RS movement. I would look to recent releases over the past six catalogs (three years) to see if there's a trend. Usually, in each successive catalog there are small improvements. Keep in mind that diesel offerings are based on the 3-rail versions, so there are going to be issues like truck side frames sitting too far out (which can be corrected with precise drilling and some filing so the brake shoes don't touch the wheels). Some details, such as windshield wipers are plastic and a bit thick, but these could be replaced. It all comes down to what you're willing to modify on an out-of-the-box model to bring it closer to prototype. I have a couple of GP30's that I'm working on right now.

Also note that Proto-3, the command/sound system in current MTH production supports DCC operation. Low speed operation is good at 3 scale miles per hour out of the box and improves a bit after break-in.

For contrast compare the U25B (2009) with the GP38-2 (2015) below:

The U25B was a bit generic in its configuration, but they still got pretty close to prototype. In this case, I re-numbered the locomotive from 6608 to 6609.

Compare to the prototype:

The newly-released GP38-2 (ATSF had 11 from TP&W) has road-specific details, including the roof-top A/C unit and proper placement of the warning beacon and horn array. I can't find the photo I had of #2376 and #2380 which did have the horns off to the engineer side of the cab. 2373 shows where they installed the warning beacon.

I would love to have a GP30, ugly, stubby/husky engines that they are.

Matt, I haven't paid attention but I assume the MTH offerings were never with a fixed pilot (yes, I'm a bit of a metal grinding/tapping/shimming wimp). Were they an easy wheel set swap?

I see GP-30s from Overland show up on ebay and used brass dealers list.  The N&W/SRR high nose are seen less often.  I love the bullish look of the GP-30 and have my Overland GP-30 painted black with the original lettering.

The GP30's aren't available with fixed pilots, but my understanding is that they are 3/2 compatible, so a wheel-swap is pretty easy to convert it to 2-rail. I ordered two in CNW and plan to fix the pilots myself and will change out the wheels for scale at some point.

You mean this model isnt on the MMW list of models to build for $10,000 each

Matt:

No this is not a $10,000 model listed on the MMW list that would sell normally for a reasonable price of $2,700. I was interested in the NS SD60E units as a kitbash starting point. Even though the mth model is on the low end of manufactures with all the toy like features, only the shell would be a good starting point. You are probably used to working with products at this level. This would be an easy up grade for a model contest. I have won several Division and National Modeling Awards over the years. I will post my recent projects that I have just finished in a due time if you wish. Stephen

PS: If the NS SD60E were done in !/32 Scale in highend brass, I might go $10,000. Budget allowing of course.

nw,

   Since you are going to use the shell only, you might want to consider the Lionel version also.  I know MTH doesn't sell shells -- maybe Lionel will.

I would suggest you not preorder anything [ based on my experiences with MTH ] but wait until the product is on the shelves, and then you can decide with the benefit of your eyes and a scale rule.  Preordering might get you a better price, but a good price on something unusable isn't.  It's also my experience that the better buys are after something comes out, but obviously that depends on the item.

SZ

Thank you SZ, that is very good advice.

Stephen