OMI Overland DDA40X photo review

There is one of these in Chamberlain, SD that is being parted out. It is a shame.

Dick

Beautiful piece. Out of my league, but I can dream.

Very nice model indeed!

Stephen

What a big, lovable oaf!       Union Pacific explored the extremes of motive power, to the great entertainment of railfans!

They sure did, even back in the steam days.

By the way, the correct model designation is DDA40X.

From when?

Not only was the Union Pacific at the successful leading edge of steam locomotive development, they then moved on to an experimental coal fired turbine, then high horsepower gas turbines, and then this, one of a kind, diesel locomotive. No other railroad pursued these post steam avenues. Well, N&W did have a coal fired turbine, but went conventional thereafter.

Yes....also curious when the last run of these was done? Seems like a while back, but I wouldn't bet any serious money on when it was!

Simon

PS: Can I get 'er around 0-27?????

Hi Erik

    Very cool locomotive & photography

Gary • Cheers from The............

From when?

March 1999.

butch

Thanks.

So, this model was kept in the usual place - in a box in a dark closet/basement for a few years,

Great pics Eric as always. This one isn't Overland but the poorer cousin from MTH, someone fixed the pilots and added some paint enhancements.  cTr.....(choose the right)

So, this model was kept in the usual place - in a box in a dark closet/basement for a few years,

No wonder it looks so sharp. Nothing beats a closed, dry and dark place to keep these precious locomotives pristine. The yellow and red colors have not faded a single bit.

Yves

In your second photo I swear I see two rail wheel profiles? Has it been converted to 2 rail?

 Very nice also.

I'm going to use the photos from Eric to help build one in G scale if no one makes one soon.

They are so nice and had to have a couple but bought the Precision scale model of the DDs. Bought and never run as still working with an old HO DC transformer and so a mantle piece. I have been thinking of selling the 2 and the 2 Overland U-50Cs I have horded now for more than a decade. To me they are  like jewelry for the hobbyist. I'd put both above my desk but my dust display isn't long enough. Just nice being able to enjoy looking at them while working with  the computer. 

Joe  I actually bought this model on the bay, but the seller didnt wont to send it to Australia,and as I remember it was three rail. The fixed pilots where done thou and that was less work to do. I have to say one in Gauge One would be impressive.     cTr....(Choose the Right)

Beautiful model....

I had the HO OMI model of it and I had it custom painted years ago. I only sold it recently. The gearbox had a wonderful "whine" to it that HO OMI was known for...Now I have the MTH PS2 and it is just as nice for my eyes...

My all time favorite diesel.

The OMI model is awesome.  I remember seeing one at a local train store back in the day, it was stunning.  Always wanted this model.  And, I'm a 3R guy.  It may have converted me to 2R looking back.  Wish I could go back in time...

Anybody know how many OMI models were made? 

I seem to recall seeing a bare brass one at the same LHS about 87-89 time frame.  Not sure if that was OMI or not, but it was impressive to say the least.

86T, i would think that the 80's model would be produced by Prec. scale M. as they did come unpainted if I recall correctly.I was lucky to find my 2 from mr. Snow near Beaumont calif. He was a buyer and seller of models. 

That locomotive makes me want to do outdoor garden railroading so I can run one or two of them!

What a beautiful piece of machinery.

AND it makes me pine for my late teen years.. if cars and girls would't have intervened I was looking to try and hire on with Uncle Pete.  Might have have been livn the dream and running one of them. 

In my opinion, you have had so much more fun with cars and girls, that there is nothing to regret for not having a DDA-40X.

Yves

Yes Rob, might have been stuck somewhere out there away from the party and not even close to  a DD. Glad your direction was true to you and not UP. 

NS painted a UP DDA40X for I think the St Louis Museum.  Someone said it was in trade for the N&W Y-3 to be loaned to the Virginia Transportation Museum.  The cosmetic restoration was completed in May 2015.

Thanks Phill,

It made quite the impression on a young man who had never saw that much brass in a locomotive!  I still vividly remember it.  

The shop owner, Jack, used to let me clean the track after school.  I loved it.  In exchange, he let me stay for 15 mins after he closed to run trains.  It was a win situation for us both. I never got to run the DD though.