Key Models Announcement - 6 Axle EMD locos

Thats a pretty broad list there.  Hmmmm SD40-2's.......

Yeah,I suspect based on them starting with SD40-2's it will come in several runs over several years.

Interesting.  It was one year ago [ + two days ] that Midwestern's SD45 models were first mentioned in this forum, and by me of all people.  Now here's Key with a "we'll make whatever SD you order enough of" ad.  Premptive strike, or .....

I can't help but wish Erik the best -- but Korea can be morass, to put it mildly.

Best, SZ [ who has "no skin in this game" -- but has been to Korea....]

Maybe the importers are using the same factory to produce the same models, each one with their own drives.  From what I saw the recent run Key diesels have new revamped drives for durability and smoothness.

Agreed. I find it VERY interesting that importers are looking to run the same models.  Either they are all reading the forums and wanting to produce whatever we are asking for, or they a planning to add their own features as Michael suggests?

Nice! Six axle mania. Love the six axle power, but add some GP40-2's to the mix and some other four axle power.

My sentiments exactly.

As for two importers doing the same stuff at the same time, makes no sense to me.

Simon

Yeah, definitely would be great to have some GP40-2's

GP39s and GP39-2s Phase I, II and IIIs?  Sign me up for way more than I can pay for cause I know they will never happen.

Interesting, Dave added the SDP40F but not F[P]45s.  Erik was kind enough to add the SDP40F to his list of potentials but it didn't get the numbers so while, again, I would sign up for several...

Also, he missed the SDL39s.

I would think so.  Now some Geeps would be great, I would enjoy seeing some BN GP50's

or some N&W GP18's.

Chris, yeah, absolutely some GP50's would be nice with the big cabs to handle the extra crew members.   Fuel tenders the whole ball of wax!

Oh yeah, see thats what I remember seeing a lot of growing up in my area, BN Geeps on the head end of a piggyback running down the racetrack....great memories.  I'd take them with the green BN nose or even the tiger striped. 

http://www.rrpicturearchives.n...ture.aspx?id=1271787

Still room for Kohs to jump in? Ed

two comments on drives:

first, like many of us, I saw the MMW exhibit at the 2012 O National. It is a superlative drive with LOTS of torque.

second, a couple days ago a fellow club member brought out a pristine, unused ABA set of Key E7s from their first run. 18 driven axles with 18 gearboxes and I could not believe how smooth and quiet they were... right out of the box.

which is better? I will not hazard a guess. But both of these drives are probably the best currently available for diesel prototypes.

Yeah, and you do not have to put up with a lower price either.

Throw in some GP40X's, several roads had these. SP and UP had the different trucks though. SP with and without the elephant ears would be sweet.

These would be very nice to have, not many produced and only for a handful of roads.....  The UP and SP units did in fact come with the same HT-B trucks, the units delivered to the AT&SF and the Southern came with Blomberg type M's. Definetly interesting trucks there.....I wouldn't mind a high hood version in Southern colors..

I still want my Rocket-AB6! 

Wow Erik that is niiiiiiice. 

Thanks guys  

Santa Fe GP50's would be fantastic!

Regards, 

Swafford 

GP39-2 and GP40-2's...................

I'd be a buyer for the MKT GP39-2's and the ATSF GP50's

Regards,

Swafford

Yeah Swafford, that would be an pretty impressive lineup. I think all of those would sell. I particularly like the SSW and DRGW 40-2's. One of my projects for this year is to scratchbuild several gp40-2's.

Travis

Better get those reservations in to your favorite Key dealer if you want to see these models made.

So......Here's a well-known quality importer offering to have built just about any EMD first or second generation six axle [ domestic ] unit, and with over 40 -- 40 !! -- variations in the initial model alone, and what's "the buzz" on the forum announcement:  How nice it would be to have some GP's....    Good grief.

Yes, I realize HO-ers do the same thing -- but from a market standpoint that's comparing a carload of apples with a crate of oranges.  I think it would behoove those of you who want quality SD's to talk them up and, as hibar said above, place your orders.   Otherwise, you won't have the SD's, OR your GP's.

As somebody around here sez, "opinion".

SZ

And just to get the juices flowing -- if you have any -- on the SD side of your brain....

Best, SZ

PS  No need for photo credits -- I took these

If Key does well with there SD models they will most likely do GP models also

I wouldn't be surprising, part of me wonders if the manufacturers are playing a little blocking and tackling kind of game?  One to see what we want and two to try and get a leg up on their competition?