Question about RK Scale Dash 8-40BW

You are correct, it is over-sized for a Dash 8-40BW, though not for a CW. The prototype BW is shorter than the CW. Off the top of my head, the prototype lengths are about 67 and 70 feet respectively. MTH just made a shell for the six axle model and puts four axle trucks and a different fuel tank under it and calls it a Railking "Scale" BW. That shell is the correct scale length for the six-axle ("CW") model, however. (The published length in the catalogue may be counting the over sized three rail couplers). Not only is the length off for a BW, but there is a distinct difference in the cab and hood contour on the two prototypes, that isn't reflected in the Railking Scale 8-40BW.

I believe the MTH tooling is the same as the original 1993 models, with maybe some tweaks over the years. It has been replaced in the Premier line with a newly-tooled Dash 8-40CW, which is very nice.

Atlas has accurately modeled the smaller BW variation:




Newer Premier CW:


Atlas BW and MTH Premier CW coupled together (illustrating the differences):


Hope that helps.

RM

Thanks Rich. I figured something wasnt quite right with it because it looked a little strange. The question now I guess is can I live with it... finding an Atlas Amtrak Phase V dash 8 is going to probably be just as hard as finding the walthers genesis, but the RK ones are all over the place. I do know of a shop that still has a phase IV atlas one, but its the original run, non cruise model. Maybe I can pick it up as a project and add cruise or switch it to PS2.