Im SD40-2 Widecab quality

[Ian MacMillan]

I am looking at picking up some additional CN power for some run through power that comes off the CN on the layout . I was looking at picking up 2 of the IM SD40-2W's in CN but after the whole tunnel motor cluster F with IM I am balking.

Are they worth even dropping $90 on, or should I pass?

[Scottl]

I really looked forward to those, but when they came out, I was not happy with the cab lines and clunky looking wheels, so I passed.  I have not heard anything negative about the operational qualities.

[Ian MacMillan]

I really looked forward to those, but when they came out, I was not happy with the cab lines and clunky looking wheels, so I passed.  I have not heard anything negative about the operational qualities.

Thats what I was looking for. Thanks Scott.

[lock4244]

They run well and are a step up from the tunnel motors. I agree that the cab doesn't look right, but visual comparison to the prototype makes me think they actually got it right. I thought the windshields were too small, but they actually compare favourably when you look at them side by side. I'm still convinced that the cabside windows are too small, but lack measurements or a prototype SD40-2W handy to measure.

The trucks and wheels are the biggest letdown from my perspective, with too much daylight between them and the frame and the wheels are butt ugly. I've considered using Kato mid-pro chassis to replace the IM (Atlas?) chassis, but hope the "paint some plastic black and glue it above the trucks" LL C424 method will make this expense moot as they do run very nicely.

Overall, I'm pleased with the seven I bought, and will be getting an additional pair when the second run comes out. Still jones'in for a GP40-2L though...

[Scottl]

I'm going to part with my pair of CN GP40W- let me know if you want them.

[lock4244]

Scott, check your PM.

[daniel_leavitt2000]

I like my widecab, but I liked the SD45-2 too so maybe I just don't have good taste.

[kiwi_bnsf]

I quite like my SD40-2W. It is nice to see a Canadian cab option available for general release, and I don't think we'll see the SD40-2W made by any other manufacturer in the next decade.

The detail on the cab roof with the bell / horn air pipe work is very good. The wire grabs on the cab and rear of the hood are not bad either.

I agree that there are running quality issues out-of-the-box. The mechanisms are better than my tunnel motors, but still suffer from the dreaded Atlas trucks.

Thankfully Ron Beardon discovered the fix for the trucks - simply replace the wheelsets with Kato 932090. They are a drop-in replacement, look much better, and the longer axle points remove all of the slop and other issues with these trucks.

I've performed this fix on all my Atlas SD50, SD60, IMRC Tunnel Motors, SD45-2 and they run so much better.

Ideally we shouldn't need to shell out $9 on replacement wheels for a brand new loco, but if that's what it takes to have all these types in my fleet, I can live with it.

Hope this helps.

Cheers Tim

[Wardie]

I like the one that I got, and it MU's favorably with my Atlas C630. Given the amount of CN specific detail on it I found it quite worth the money I spent on it. Granted with the lack of permanent layout at the moment I haven't done much more then send it around a loop of unitrak with the C630 and a dozen cars but I am pleased with it.

[Scottl]

Tim, thanks for that hint about the Kato wheelsets.  I'm going to try that with some of mine.