Midwestern Model Works - Announces High Quality SD40-2!

I saw his model at the show.  Has he said what it will cost?

Yes, he estimates the cost the same as the Key and OMI locomotives. Hope this helps. George/nw2124   "Progress - either you are for it, or get out the way!"

Expect to pay between $2,000 and $2,600 for an SD40-2, painted. Ouch....

Yves

And you will be paying up front for these models [not that there is anything wrong with that] but you are in effect a  partner in the project with no insider knowledge and no control over delivery dates [witness the current situation with the Kohs Challenger]. In fairness this may be what it takes in todays market for a new importer to get the project done.The current active importers have confidence in there customer base and capital to import in advance of payment. Double ouch! if you like your diesels in pairs.

If it takes to be a partner and make a deposit up front, than his drive and lighting package will be will worth it. I don't see Key or OMI offering these extras for the same price! I know that for some the price for brass is out of sight, but Key, Kohs, Midwestern Model Works, and Overland are getting enough orders to produce what is not available in a correct and quality model. Just my thoughts.

George/nw2124   "Progress - either you are for it, or get out the way!"

I have canceled my order from Key and ordered several from Erik. Sounds as he has all his ducks in a row as a business man. He even has a website to place a order.

George/nw2124   "Progress - either you are for it, or get out the way!"

I'm interested in getting a snoot nose Santa Fe sd40-2 and a snoot nose SP tunnel motor. I like some of these classic body styles, however; presently I'm looking for some SP power in the form of c44-9w or sd70m.

Likewise I am curious in regards to the quality of KEYs' drive.  Their Es that were on display at the show this past weekend look nice, but that's just the tip of the iceberg.  The drive reliability is paramount also.   I do see from the website, that a run of SD40-2s with  NS as a roadname are proposed.   I'd be interested to see if these will be the older NS lettering, or the newer NS horsehead repaints?   The KEY website shows no contact information.......

Key's Drive's are very good, Large 9000 Pittman motors, Fly Wheels, Ball Bearings in the PA's, E's, and F units.  The SD40-2's will have Pittman 8000 motors, Fly Wheels, and Ball Bearings.  The drive Key is now using is based on a drive I developed years ago to re-power all my Overland Models.  Erik Stott has one of my E units with my drive in it and he was impressed with it's running quality.  Not in the same class as his drive of course, (Nothing is) but the best he's tested next to his drive.  His words, not mine.

There is no contact information on Keys web site because Dave wants the modelers to work with his Dealers.  

Key's Drive is not the old Samhongsa Drive which Key used for years.  I have lots of those old Key Samhongsa Diesels and in 20 years I've never had a problem with any of them.  They are very quiet and just keep running.  Keys new drive is better then any of the drives Key has used over the years.  Pittman motor, Flywheels, Ball bearings, etc.   

Splitwindow,

Thanks for the info about the Key drives. What brand of motor did Key use in their older units before switching to Pittman motors? It is good to know that the older drives were quiet and reliable, and certainly good to know that the newer drives are better.

Travis

The Key new drives I believe are Overlands as Tom Marsh in helping Key with their Early E and SD40-2 projects. These drives do not run as smooth or can't out pull the MMW's drive, as their is noting close to it. I wish Key and Overland would use the drive and Lighting system. The MMW's headlight lens looks like the real thing! Check this out!

http://midwesternmodelworks.com/lighting/ I understand that Omi and Key were offered the drive and lighting system and refuse to go with a better product. SHAME. I hope I am wrong. 

George/nw2124   "Progress - either you are for it, or get out the way!"

nw2124 again you have demonstrated that you have absolutely no idea what your are talking about. Ed

Mr ED: Maybe you should read or listen before you speak. Back to the barn.

George/nw2124   "Progress - either you are for it, or get out the way!"

Probably a dumb question.  But since I am absolutely new to this company (as per reading this post just now), are these engines conventional only? TMCC? I can't find this answer on their website, although I may just be blind.

Tim

Wake me up when one is produced, Ed

"Wake me up when one is produced"

Succinctly said. And very well said indeed.

No importer to date has chosen to use a US made drive for there products no doubt because of the effect on there price points and what they believe they can sell the product for. As far as I can determine from visiting various dealer listings the Key units are currently about 1800.00 a unit, Overland is at 2200.00 for those who deposited early and this is for models that were started in 2005, I don't believe they have mentioned any upgrades. It appears the MMW units if they are built based on all the features they are including will be considerably higher. My question would be are the drives and lighting sent to the Korean builder for final assy or is MMW bringing in the shells and assembling here, just curious as these products exceed my hobby budget.

Bodies will be done overseas, and final assembly will be done in the usa. They are DC with a DCC plug for your favorite decoder. Yes they will most likely cost more. Do you want a striped car or a top of the top of the line with the full package?

By the way, the man has not had time to produce a model, give him a break. He just started his announcements because the other importers decided not to improve/upgrade/advance their models. I am not knocking Key or OMI as I have models reserved with both of them.  I just would like to see O scale advance/grow like everyone else. Yes, there are those who can not afford a brass model, but don't knock all those who have place an order with Key, Overland, Kohs, MMW, Sunset, etc. For those who are asleep, the world is passing you by. Beside, you can sleep all you want when your dead! 

George/nw2124   "Progress - either you are for it, or get out the way!"

Mike: It seems that some people don't know a good thing if it was in front of them. To me "Brass Is Class" When people realize what Erick does with the SD45, they will wish they had ordered one. This is the level that I have been dreaming of for a long time. O scale has the size and room, so what has taken it so long to get there. It is a shame that some hold this hobby back.

George/nw2124   "Progress - either you are for it, or get out the way!" 

I think it is also a matter of what the market will support.  All these features that will be added are hands down a step forward and will yield a top of the line model.....working fans,correct details, a fantastic looking drive...ect.  I am glad to see he is getting reservations, that is also a big plus for the hard work that is going into these.  It is more than I am willing to pay but there is definetly a market there for those that choose to....I wish him nothing but success and many more great models to follow. 

Key's Drives are not Overland Drives, Tom Marsh had nothing to do with the drives Key is now producing.  Why do you post stuff you have zero knowledge of?  

The same reason a dog barkes all the time for no reason. Ed

Ed & Roger,

Because there's no test required and no experience necessary.

Jay

Quote: I said "I believe are Overlands" - I did not say they ARE Overlands. Splitwindow stated that the NEW Key drives have Large 9000 Pittman motors, Fly Wheels, Ball Bearings, sound like the last OMI drives were using.

Maybe you don't know as much as you think you know - Quote from Tom Marsh " The reason I am involved with the E  and SD40-2 project is because I want a decent drive with my Es ...." The is a quote at the 2011 national with Dave and Tom when I met with them. I have been involved in brass projects from 1/32, O, and HO scale. My hobby budget is more than what most people make in a year. I have been on the development end of the brass process etc. This is not a bark but a bite.  This may not be Overlands drive as I stated I was not sure! But I do know for a fact Tom has some input! If you disagree than you need to talk to Tom and let him know otherwise.

Brasman:You have made three negative comments :

1) March 22 - "nw2124 again you have demonstrated that you have absolutely no idea what your are talking about. Ed" - and Mike prove you wrong - insert foot.

2) March 22 - "Wake me up when one is produced, Ed"  a slam at a new company who hasn't had a chance to produce a model in such a short period of time.

3) - "The same reason a dog barkes all the time for no reason. Ed" Barking all day, no wonder your dog tired at night ED. No now go tell Tom he is not involved, and by the way, you got a dog stuck on the back of your pants!

Bottom line: The MMW drive is the best bar none! Now get your orders in for the SD45s as the reservations will be drawing to a close soon - and the SD40-2s .

George/nw2124   "Progress - either you are for it, or get out the way!"

Oh goodie,  A relieve your bladder contest! 

Sorry Spitwindow: I was just going by what I was told at the convention. If I was told wrong than what big deal is it who or what drive it is. All I do know is that it is not The "BEST drive" or MMW drive and lighting system as so many here have seen in person at the shows. If importers want to improve or upgrade their models to be the Best, they would use or design a drive like MMW. By the way I go by George. At least I sign my name that I am proud of. Why don't you? I am not here to argue. END OF DISCUSSION.

George/nw2124   "Progress - either you are for it, or get out the way!"

George/nw2124,

Just curious, you keep going on and on about how great Erik's drives are and how superior his models will be compared  to anything else on the market.  Can you please share with us how you know this to be a fact.  If I didn't know better I'd think you're working for him.  You sound like you're trying to market them.

Have you actually taken one apart? Serviced one, or had any other involvement other than touting their superiority?  Just looking at them at a show doesn't prove anything for me.

Now before you accuse me of saying something bad about Erick's drives, I've actually examined more than one and done a small amount of work on a couple so I have some experience.  They are, in fact, very nice and quite robust.  I've also worked with Eric on some projects and find him to be an excellent builder.

As a matter of fact I consider him a friend and enjoy talking with him.  I got to speak with him for a little while at O Scale West and enjoyed seeing what he's doing.  I wish I could have spent more time with him but I was really sick and didn't want to spread anything to him.

Getting back to my point, how do know his models are going to be superior and the best ever built if nothing's been done yet?

Jay

Somebody tell me what was wrong with the Bultmann drive, and how this one improves on that?

I cannot justify the cost of thes things, but admire the attempts to build the definitive mechanical setup for our hobby.  I hope the market will sustain this one.

You guys need to stop responding to this goof ball. He obviously has no "insider" information into the custom brass market. He does not care if Lou Cross has a website. If he was as accomplished in model railroading as he boasts, we would have seen pictures. He refuses to admit who he really is. He has claimed that his assistant "George" found the mystery parts he was looking for some time ago, though he would not reveal what those parts were. He does not care about the progress of this hobby or he wouldn't be on here stirring up the people who actively participate in it. He has not once (that I've seen) been the least bit helpful to anyone here. He claims to be new to the scale but also an expert on every drive ever produced for the 2 rail market. He has more money than God but not enough to afford his own digital camera or website. 

He is a troll, on here for no other reason to make insane rants and ridiculous statements with the sole purpose of getting people to argue with him. Please stop feeding the troll.

Bob,

We both believe Henry's model were some of the best ever produced.  As far as his diesels, I'm not really qualified to pass judgement......I've seen them run and they were great but I've never worked on one.  Maybe that's a statement in it's self.

Jay

Can somebody please pass the popcorn?

Tom,  

Very well said!  Thanks!

Roger Lewis

Roger and Tom,

I was thinking more on the lines of a hemorrhoid. Always a pain that never goes away no matter how hard you scratch.

Tom Mapes

Roger: Help me to understand what makes the MMW drive so unique from all the other drives?

Ps: I posted a photo of my layout a while back, I got the GP9 passenger steam generator parts from P&D and Custom finishing has not produced them in a while. Yes I wish Lou had a website. I have high respect for Lou even if he doesn't do business the modern way. I buy Kohs, OMI, Key, Sunset, and now MMW brass models. No I do not buy Lionel or mth unless it is prototypical (which is 90%? never).  I only repeat what I was told.

I am a BIG N&W addict! Yes I did start O Scale last October.  I been in the hobby since I was 12. Photo of my N&W station was published in Mainline Modeler. I have been written up in the NMRA mag. The following info is not intented to impress but to help those to know me better.

George/nw2124   "Progress - either you are for it, or get out the way!"

nw2124

Lets just say you misunderstood what Tom said at Indy.  No problem.

You are correct that the drive from MMW is by far the best ever, it is a very precise drive developed and built by one of the best machinist around.  Erik makes every single part that goes into his drive including the U-joints.  Every part is machined to exact fine specifications and it is 100% built in the good old USA.  The Koreans can not come close to producing a drive like MMW's.  Having said that there is nothing wrong with the Key drive today, it uses Pittman motors, flywheels, ball bearings everywhere and will last a long time.  It's like comparing a Rolls Royce (MMW drive) to a Ford  (Key), or something like that.  Most of us are in this because as it used to say on the top of MR, "Model Railroading is Fun"  

I think reading between the lines of your posts you are trying to improve the 'O' scale market, maybe a different course would produce a different result.

Roger

Roger: I keep going over what Tom had said to me and it is very probable that I mistook what he met. I do like the SD40-2 and I do like the finer things in life, therefore the MMW drive but most important the MMW lighting system. Erik's headlight look like the real thing. I could seatle on the OMI or Key drive but not the lighting. Wish others would take a look and improve their lights.

http://midwesternmodelworks.com/lighting/

Thanks.

George/nw2124   "Progress - either you are for it, or get out the way!"