Sunset SD40-2 Re Announcement

@Brad Kowal posted:

New for 2021: Sunset 3rd Rail, or Sunset for us 2-Rail guys is making another attempt at the SD40-2.  Get your orders in asap so this model can be produced.  UNDECORATED is now an option.  My suggestion is to add in the comments that you'll take the Undec if your choice of road isn't produced. www.3rdrail.com

Theres now 24 roads/paint schemes offered plus “undecorated”.  This should help the model get better traction. Time to step up folks !!! Gonna finally happen.

Scott has just added the tunnel motors for the SD40 on the website

i am going for the D&RGW tunnel motors

copied from the 3 rail section

Hi Folks,

I confirmed today that we will be making tooling for both the SD40-2 and SD40T-2. So SP, D&RGW, UP will be Tunnel Motors with longer Chassis, Tank and Rear with accurate details.

Please reserve your "TUNNEL MOTORS" at the link below.

Cor

@moonlicht posted:

Scott has just added the tunnel motors for the SD40 on the website

i am going for the D&RGW tunnel motors

copied from the 3 rail section

Hi Folks,

I confirmed today that we will be making tooling for both the SD40-2 and SD40T-2. So SP, D&RGW, UP will be Tunnel Motors with longer Chassis, Tank and Rear with accurate details.

Please reserve your "TUNNEL MOTORS" at the link below.

Cor

Well these additional - three Popular Roads should and some good numbers to the run. 👍

Will the SP tunnel motors have the SP lighting package on both ends?

@ES44AC posted:

Will the SP tunnel motors have the SP lighting package on both ends?

Did the real ones? I always thought that, depending on the era, many units did NOT have the full "SP Light Package" on the rear end.

@Hot Water posted:

Did the real ones? I always thought that, depending on the era, many units did NOT have the full "SP Light Package" on the rear end.

I'm not too sure to be honest. I do know the SD40T-2's were at least delivered with the full package on the front and rear, and the SP started removing them (at least from the front) in the late 80's. I can't find any pictures but it's entirely possible they took them off of the rear first. I haven't found any pictures of speed lettering and the extra lighting coexisting - pretty sure they were all gone by that point.

Where do you see that the Southern Pacific units are Tunnel Motors ?

Nothing on the reservation pages mention Tunnel .......

Yves

@ES44AC posted:

I'm not too sure to be honest. I do know the SD40T-2's

OK, now that's another new one on me, i.e. I did not know the SP ever ordered "SD40T-2" units. I thought only the D&RGW ordered those, while SP ordered nothing but "SD45T-2" units. I'm into SP steam locomotives, but I don't follow the diesel units much.

were at least delivered with the full package on the front and rear, and the SP started removing them (at least from the front) in the late 80's. I can't find any pictures but it's entirely possible they took them off of the rear first. I haven't found any pictures of speed lettering and the extra lighting coexisting - pretty sure they were all gone by that point.

@Yves posted:

Where do you see that the Southern Pacific units are Tunnel Motors ?

Nothing on the reservation pages mention Tunnel .......

Yves

This post by Scott Mann announced the tunnel motors.

@Yves posted:

Where do you see that the Southern Pacific units are Tunnel Motors ?

Nothing on the reservation pages mention Tunnel .......

Yves

Web page revised/updated. Re-visit and see.

@Hot Water posted:

SP had both the 40 and 45 tunnel motor variants, including the extended hood “snoot” nose on the front of the 40’s which I believe housed equipment to allow them to run as radio controlled helpers.

Does anyone know the minimum radius for 2R SD40-2s?  I'm afraid my 36" curves won't cut it.

EDIT:  I just emailed Scott @ 3rd rail.

@Tim Mc posted:

Does anyone know the minimum radius for 2R SD40-2s?  I'm afraid my 36" curves won't cut it.

EDIT:  I just emailed Scott @ 3rd rail.

3 rail Requires min 072 - 2 rail will definitely need more than that !!!!!

@Tim Mc posted:

Does anyone know the minimum radius for 2R SD40-2s?  I'm afraid my 36" curves won't cut it.

EDIT:  I just emailed Scott @ 3rd rail.

You'll need a minimum 48" radius curve for this model.

Thanks...reservation sent in.  I won't be able to use them on my office shelf layout (only 36"r curves), but planning for the future "real" layout.  Or, maybe add another level to the office.

Glad to see so much interest in this project, very exciting  

I have the CP version in 3 rail reserved. If everything goes well with that model and Scott decides on a second run, I will consider grabbing the SOO line to go with it

@catnap posted:

You'll need a minimum 48" radius curve for this model.

If Modern 6 axle MTH scale wheel diesels will negotiate 36"r as they do, I would be surprised if these SD40-2's won't do the same.  In HO the Scale Trains SD40-2s will negotiate a minimum of 18"r which would translate to 32.6"r scaled up to O scale.  Maybe a medium shank coupler could be required, but I'm willing to bet they will run on 36"r. Scott doesn't usually do min radius testing for each model. Usually he gives a conservative estimate. That's been my experience.

MTH uses China drive.  Sometimes 2-rail has constraints other than wheelbase.

The Horizontal motor, and drive shafts, from the fuel tank, are much different, from the basic, two vertical can motor drive system, most are familiar with.    One of the last 6 axle offerings was the SD9.     A very nice model.  IMO, Mike CT   

Edit/Add:  Also note, that even though this model is three rail, the wheel flanges are not proto-typical three rail (large flanges), that inhibit de-rail, on tight curves.  IMO, Mike CT.