Agreed. The SDP40F did play a minor role in pulling of Superliners mainly on the Southwest Limited when mated with an F40PH for HEP. Several got painted into the Phase III paint scheme even.
However, to get back on topic good sales on the FP45 and potentially an F45 to go with it would be the gateway to possibly getting a SDP40F to move forward. I don't see that happening any other way. The SDP40F is a locomotive I would like to see someday, just give it time.
I don't see 3rd Rail doing an F40PH as there have been so many done by MTH, K-Line and Lionel. Granted none are completely correct and running qualities vary, but when I can find a mostly accurate K-line Phase II F40PH (not paint scheme but later spec version) for around $200 it is hard to justify tooling a new one at this time as it would mostly come down to the 2 rail side to carry the lion's share of the orders. Maybe down the road? Not that I wouldn't want several.
