@rplst8 posted:Agree! If we can't get enough orders for this, how can anything get made?
Maybe we just have to educate everyone on just how bad the other SD40-2 offerings are!
Well I’ve 2 MTH MP units - one powered one dummy. They are decent though sit Way to high which I hate. The dummy is a steal though. If the SS SD40-2s take off, these old ones hit eBay to help fund my reservations. 😬
cheers
@rplst8 posted:Agree! If we can't get enough orders for this, how can anything get made?
Maybe we just have to educate everyone on just how bad the other SD40-2 offerings are!
2R models have more reservations from what I understand. Makes sense as Lionel has done SD40 and SD40-2, Atlas has done SD40, and MTH has done SD40-2 in 3R. I doubt that the majority of 3Rers care or even know the difference between a 40 and a 40-2. The only RTR 2R SD40-2 that I'm aware of is the MTH which is Proto 3/2 capable, but requires you to fix the pilots and extend the handrails yourself. The 3rd Rail model is much more in line with what 2R modelers are looking for. The reality is that the MOQ requirements seem to be going up and without good orders from 3R and 2R these projects don't get done. My guess is that it is too modern. Seem like the transition era still sells the best. And yes, I know the Dash 9 was announced but I'll believe that when I see them arrive.
@jonnyspeed posted:2R models have more reservations from what I understand. Makes sense as Lionel has done SD40 and SD40-2, Atlas has done SD40, and MTH has done SD40-2 in 3R. I doubt that the majority of 3Rers care or even know the difference between a 40 and a 40-2. The only RTR 2R SD40-2 that I'm aware of is the MTH which is Proto 3/2 capable, but requires you to fix the pilots and extend the handrails yourself. The 3rd Rail model is much more in line with what 2R modelers are looking for. The reality is that the MOQ requirements seem to be going up and without good orders from 3R and 2R these projects don't get done. My guess is that it is too modern. Seem like the transition era still sells the best. And yes, I know the Dash 9 was announced but I'll believe that when I see them arrive.
I have the MTH SD40-2s. They are ok but to tall and couplers are monsters. To bad MTH never upgraded the model. They did a nice job on their U30C. I have - with scale wheels and fixed Pilot. Sweet. Swapped wheels to “hi-rail” wheels to best navigate Ross turnouts.
It would be great to get the SS model off the ground. We need a top quality model of the SD40-2.
I have right now 5 units in order, but the following withe Face BN SD40-2 would be my favorit.
So hopefully we are getting enough orders that Scott would produce the SD40-2 .
I'm a little surprised that the modern stuff / models goes such an hard way to get enough orders.
am i missing something, but where is the listing on the 3rd rail site besides the reservation page. any color drawings of the roads offered ?
@tangoman posted:am i missing something, but where is the listing on the 3rd rail site besides the reservation page. any color drawings of the roads offered ?
thanks found the site. also would buy one if i could get a mopac one in union pacific yellow. with mopac name.
@tangoman posted:thanks found the site. also would buy one if i could get a mopac one in union pacific yellow. with mopac name.
You can choose the WRITE IN option.
Andrew
falconservice wrote You can choose the WRITE IN option.
thanks andrew signed up for 1.
Has anyone heard any updates if Scott is still considering this project?
There was a small group Missouri Pacific SD40-2 that were painted in the Union Pacific scheme with the MISSOURI PACIFIC name.
They were sent to the Grand Trunk Western with the name patched out, then had the GT logo in red applied.
There are several paint scheme variations of MP and GTW to produce.
Andrew
Unless other orders come in, we can pretty much consider this project dead. Everyone says they want modern or modernish locomotives, but the orders haven't yet seem to support that notion with 3rd Rail at least. If Scott could get the orders it would go for sure. Granted the SD40-2 is not exactly modern. I was 2 when it was first catalogued. However, it has had such a long life span like all the -40 series EMDs, I am surprised it has not seen much tractive effort so to speak.
Of course, Amfleet was something I pitched to Scott over 5 years and once the Viewliners were added, it took off and will be delivered by April. Perhaps there is hope? I have preorders in for ATSF in 3r and Conrail in 2r. Might have to add another 3 Rail ATSF one just to get the orders up by at least a little.
@GG1 4877 posted:Unless other orders come in, we can pretty much consider this project dead. Everyone says they want modern or modernish locomotives, but the orders haven't yet seem to support that notion with 3rd Rail at least. If Scott could get the orders it would go for sure. Granted the SD40-2 is not exactly modern. I was 2 when it was first catalogued. However, it has had such a long life span like all the -40 series EMDs, I am surprised it has not seen much tractive effort so to speak.
Of course, Amfleet was something I pitched to Scott over 5 years and once the Viewliners were added, it took off and will be delivered by April. Perhaps there is hope? I have preorders in for ATSF in 3r and Conrail in 2r. Might have to add another 3 Rail ATSF one just to get the orders up by at least a little.
Well it over four years since this offering was posted on the 3rd Rail web page. I’ve upped my order from two to four to Try to help but that’s small in the greater scheme of things if we are hundreds of reservations short of commerciality. I’d love to see this offering happen but it just doesn’t excite the customer base. I also think other offerings are competing for the same $s. The Alco FA hasn’t reached the numbers needed either. Even if this SD40-2 project appears “dead”, I think it’s time to officially Declare it Dead and Remove it from the web page. Release those Reservation $s. My $s will get Redirected to other projects - hopefully helping them reach an “it’s a go” moment and moving them to design and production !!!!!!! Hopefully other clients will redirect their released reservation $s to other projects too.
Scott. Time cancel it !!! Try to see if other projects get a bit of a boost from that. Boy we still have Lots of cool projects out there to buy into !!!!!
What does everyone else think ??????? 🤔
Cheers 🙂
I have 2 2-rail SD40-2's reserved and this is the only model that interests me from 3rd Rail at the moment so if this project is declared dead and buried I will not redirect my money towards any other 3rd Rail projects.
@catnap posted:I have 2 2-rail SD40-2's reserved and this is the only model that interests me from 3rd Rail at the moment so if this project is declared dead and buried I will not redirect my money towards any other 3rd Rail projects.
I agree. It's time. Too many do overs of RS3, F3, F7, E8. Second Generation Diesels are lacking.
Wait just a minute...
I'm not ready to give up just yet. In 2021 we'll make the Krauss Maffei, the EA /EB, E1A/B, F3 rerun, then there's a gap. I suspect that is when I will do a short run of SD40-2 and later FA/FBs. It's foolish for me to throw away reservations. That's like throwing away your customers. People start to get upset if their orders are cancelled on them. Not gonna do that.
Just wait, it will happen I think. Scott Mann
@sdmann posted:Wait just a minute...
I'm not ready to give up just yet. In 2021 we'll make the Krauss Maffei, the EA /EB, E1A/B, F3 rerun, then there's a gap. I suspect that is when I will do a short run of SD40-2 and later FA/FBs. It's foolish for me to throw away reservations. That's like throwing away your customers. People start to get upset if their orders are cancelled on them. Not gonna do that.
Just wait, it will happen I think. Scott Mann
YAY !!!!
Thanks for a FAST Positive response Scott. Your quick positioning of a SD40-2 run in 2021 (now just around the corner) is important for those that have gotten Weary with the Wait - Myself included. Not that long ago you asked you ask if we’d be upset if it was canceled and replaced with another model. I Really want my MP and Frisco SD40-2s but till now, that happening looked pretty Dismal !!! So moving on became an option.
Hopefully SD and FA runs won’t have to be run together as I have large (for me) orders in both - run together the budget is blown.
And I appreciate your sharing the production “pecking order” too. Been awhile since we’ve seen one of your “update “ emails. It would be good to get all this info out to your base. Says Choir member to the preacher - Just sayin......
@TrainBub posted:Well it over four years since this offering was posted on the 3rd Rail web page. I’ve upped my order from two to four to Try to help but that’s small in the greater scheme of things if we are hundreds of reservations short of commerciality. I’d love to see this offering happen but it just doesn’t excite the customer base. I also think other offerings are competing for the same $s. The Alco FA hasn’t reached the numbers needed either. Even if this SD40-2 project appears “dead”, I think it’s time to officially Declare it Dead and Remove it from the web page. Release those Reservation $s. My $s will get Redirected to other projects - hopefully helping them reach an “it’s a go” moment and moving them to design and production !!!!!!! Hopefully other clients will redirect their released reservation $s to other projects too.
Scott. Time cancel it !!! Try to see if other projects get a bit of a boost from that. Boy we still have Lots of cool projects out there to buy into !!!!!
What does everyone else think ??????? 🤔
Cheers 🙂
"Cancel It !!!" That can be a tough call. Dollars are always coming available as other projects get delivered or people discover 3rd Rail offerings. I know I was willing to wait for the recent Challenger and so are many of the SD40-2 buyers for theirs. But, I FEEL young, not my age. For its' business model, a more precise BTO, 3rd Rail needs to keep projects in the pipeline. Maybe, as someone on the forum suggested, Scott could show a count down of orders needed to push a project over the line. That might help focus dollars. Ultimately, there has to be interest. Who knows why once started a project gets stalled.
Scott,
That’s like an early Christmas present! I’m also glad to see the reservation thing put to rest.
RM
That's certainly encouraging news. If this happens then I may just add a third SD40-2 if it meant a certain road name being done. So far I have 3 in mind.
Even if 2021 is a no-go for the SD40-2 what harm is there in keeping the model on the website? Either you want the model or you don't and I want it so if that means waiting another year or two then I'm OK with that.
In interested in UP/Mopac, I’d be all in for Illinois Central Death Stars!!!
Well it’s nice seeing this pot stirred a bit.
To get it to “bubble up” a bit might attract a few new reservations and maybe get some that placed previous reservations to place another order or two. Anything to make the offering more viable.
Scott, Many thanks for the positive news!
Happy Holidays to all
Glad the boss told me I was wrong! 
I want to see this project go forward as much as anyone!
@GG1 4877 posted:Glad the boss told me I was wrong!
Well Scott’s comment 10-28-20 indicated he was having doubts ..... BUT the Boss decided to give it a go after all. Perhaps stirring the pot a bit has brought in some more reservations. I’d like that to be true. It’s a business after all.
Scott,
Just to stir the pot a Wee Bit More. We’ve 17 models to choose from and that’s really Great. I’m sure the GP Monster offering has been very trying to execute and QC ...... But..... There might be a few Roads that could be Added to the SD 40-2 offering - say bring up to 20. I know that’s a lot but it Might help get some precious numbers. What pops to the top that are missing from the offering are SP, DRG (if not Tunnel motor variant), and CNW. There are others but I grabbed only what quickly Hit me with reservation potential in original buyers category.
Any takers for at least these three ??? If so - EMAIL Scott !!! If we are maxed out with options - so be it.
My two bits worth.
@sdmann posted:Wait just a minute...
I'm not ready to give up just yet. In 2021 we'll make the Krauss Maffei, the EA /EB, E1A/B, F3 rerun, then there's a gap. I suspect that is when I will do a short run of SD40-2 and later FA/FBs. It's foolish for me to throw away reservations. That's like throwing away your customers. People start to get upset if their orders are cancelled on them. Not gonna do that.
Just wait, it will happen I think. Scott Mann
Scott how about h10? When will we see it?
Well found out SP and DRG were ALL Tunnel variants. So much for that idea. 😖☹️☹️☹️
gotta try.....
The railroads to add would be
MISSOURI PACIFIC original scheme, no dynamic brakes
MISSOURI PACIFIC no dynamic brakes, repainted in UNION PACIFIC colors
GTW logo on ex-MP without dynamic brakes, in UP scheme
GRAND TRUNK WESTERN GTW full blue and orange repaint
SOO LINE original 1969 paint scheme
Chicago & North Western 1970's scheme variations
After an examination of the roster list I checked on the history of the CN painted GTW 5938 that is shown as a choice.
CN 5171 became KCS 6620 then became GTW 5938
Perhaps it could be offered in the original CN scheme and number, plus the KCS scheme and number, to get the most out of the distinct variation.
GTW 5937 or GTW 5936 should have been a choice as well.
Andrew
@sdmann posted:Wait just a minute...
I'm not ready to give up just yet. In 2021 we'll make the Krauss Maffei, the EA /EB, E1A/B, F3 rerun, then there's a gap. I suspect that is when I will do a short run of SD40-2 and later FA/FBs. It's foolish for me to throw away reservations. That's like throwing away your customers. People start to get upset if their orders are cancelled on them. Not gonna do that.
Just wait, it will happen I think. Scott Mann
Scott, Super excited to hear this might be a go later in 2021. :-) As mentioned to you earlier, I am in for CN and IC variants.
@Mike DeBerg posted:Scott, Super excited to hear this might be a go later in 2021. :-) As mentioned to you earlier, I am in for CN and IC variants.
Sounds great to me Mike! Gives me hope the IC may be a possible write-in. I put in for 3 of them.
@vash44 posted:Sounds great to me Mike! Gives me hope the IC may be a possible write-in. I put in for 3 of them.
Good luck getting a road to a needed minimum number required via “write-ins”. This forum gets Some exposure but may not be enough. You need to get Scott to add your specific wants on to his webpage with a real reservation option. To do that will require a lot of emails and write-in reservations. Yah I know it’s complicated. Total numbers, numbers for each road, diff details.......... etc. You need some more exposure !!!! Just saying........Good luck. You have a bit of time.
Scott: Don't guess that there's a chance you'll end up with MTH's former S Helper Service models?
Through the grapevine: American Models is starting to look for a buyer too.
Now just where is that gigantic lottery win when I need it the most?
Joe
@TrainBub posted:Yah I know it’s complicated. Total numbers, numbers for each road, diff details.......... etc. You need some more exposure !!!! Just saying........Good luck. You have a bit of time.
I wonder if something like instant runoff voting would help getting production numbers up. Everyone who submits an order would rank the road names they want. Then, whichever ones get the most votes based on ranking, would get made if they meet the thresholds.
Offering just updated. Check out website.
more offerings, scheduled for 2021, Very Modest price bump.
Time to step up people!!!! It’s starting to roll !!!
Bravo Scott !!!!
http://www.3rdrail.com/reservation.html#SD402
On Santa Fe version, Please include a Painted (to match) A/C unit in box for customer to install if it is not going to be factory installed. Yellow is impossible to match. Life Like did this with their Proto 2000 GP60 locomotives.
@TrainBub posted:Offering just updated. Check out website.
more offerings, scheduled for 2021, Very Modest price bump.
Time to step up people!!!! It’s starting to roll !!!
Bravo Scott !!!!
A HUGE thank you to Scott! Illinois Central is coming! Hope it can hit the required reservations! Very excited for a chance to have nicely done and updated Death Stars!
Glad to see this is back from the brink.
There are some interesting variations not shown. If you google around enough, you can find several other high-nose variations of of the SD40-2, including 2 N&W paint schemes, 2 CPRail schemes. As for other paint schemes, I'm surprised not to see the EMD Demo unit and the Rock Island. The RI scheme is a very eye catching red and Demo units always seem to sell well for Scott in the 1st Generation units.
I'm willing to help proof the CAD and the SOU artwork if/when it all comes to fruition. Scott - you know how to reach me.
The Canadian National number series to make should have been the CN 5300 number series.
That is the Grand Trunk Western GTW 5900 number series.
Andrew
Access to this requires an OGR Forum Supporting Membership
