Scaletrains Operator SD40-2s

[jpwisc]

I just got an email with a whole slew of @scaletrains products. I'm excited to see what these guys come up with in the future.

One thing that popped to me was the Operator Series SD40-2s. I understand these are geared for those who "are less concerned about factory applied details". Even so, maybe you'd want to pick a prototype that more closely resembled the shell you are decorating.

I haven't looked beyond the engine used for the promotional shot yet, as I know this engine well. The model has high headlights versus nose headlights on the Proto. The model has class lights, which would have been extra work to paint, when the Proto has none. I get the modeler can add many of the other details themselves, which is something I like. This unit would have been better painted as a BN model, then the variant chosen would have looked more appropriate.

[jagged ben]

I think to most 'operators', the biggest bugaboo would be the lack of ditchlights.

I have to admit it took me a second to realize that the first photo was a model.  But then I'm used to looking at N scale.

[learmoia]

I just got an email with a whole slew of @scaletrains products. I'm excited to see what these guys come up with in the future.

One thing that popped to me was the Operator Series SD40-2s. I understand these are geared for those who "are less concerned about factory applied details". Even so, maybe you'd want to pick a prototype that more closely resembled the shell you are decorating.

I think that's kinda the point of marketing a locomotive at an $80 MSRP.. Kinda like the Foobalitous Tropacana car from BLMA.....

I can tell you that for those in the $80 locomotive market these days don't care where the horn, ditchlights, bell, headlight are located.. And if you do.. we have a $180 version for you..  (I don't think the rivet counter version is actually $180.. but closer to 180 than 80

~Ian

[cjm413]

Compare to Kato SD40-2 at discounted price of $120:

http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/Kato-HO-EMD-SD40-2-Mid-BNSF-Swoosh-p/kat-376614.htm

[jpwisc]

I think to most 'operators', the biggest bugaboo would be the lack of ditchlights.

I have to admit it took me a second to realize that the first photo was a model.  But then I'm used to looking at N scale.

I can see leaving the ditch lights off, they can be added after the fact for those that want them. That's pretty easy in HO.

[tom mann]

I like the concept.  Sure, it doesn't match the prototype, but it does pass the memory test*. In 2016, an $80 MRSP is amazing.  Modelers can add detail parts over time as their desires and skills allow for it.

*i.e., If I'm not overly familiar with the model, does it look like the image my memory produces?

[jagged ben]

I think the 'memory' test is exactly what the ditchlight issue speaks to.    One doesn't need to compare to a photo to know that there was never a lead unit with the BNSF  'swoosh' that didn't have ditchlights.  It just shows how basic the line is, absolute minimal prototype fidelity, that's all. If that's worth the price to some folks, more power to them: if they're not judging the market correctly they'll find out.

[learmoia]

I like the concept.  Sure, it doesn't match the prototype, but it does pass the memory test*. In 2016, an $80 MRSP is amazing.  Modelers can add detail parts over time as their desires and skills allow for it.

*i.e., If I'm not overly familiar with the model, does it look like the image my memory produces?

This model more closely represents an SD40-2 than another recent release represents a stock car.. 

~Ian

[Mark5]

I can't see the entire model, but it appears to be light years ahead of any currently available N scale SD40-2.

Looks to be a great basic model - easily upgraded.

Mark

[daniel_leavitt2000]

I'm just wondering what this brings to the table that the Athearn ready to roll model doesn't.

[cjm413]

I can't see the entire model, but it appears to be light years ahead of any currently available N scale SD40-2.

Looks to be a great basic model - easily upgraded.

Mark

The locomotive in the picture is a HO model.

[peteski]

This entire thread is about an H0 scale model. There is such a strong N scale bias on TRW that it also caught me by surprise (even if it is tagged with the H0 icon). But I caught myself in time before posting any comments.

[Mark5]

The locomotive in the picture is a HO model.

I know this. To expand on this and put my comment in context, I think it is pathetic that we are here in 2016 and there is still not a good SD40-2 model in N scale.

But if I was in HO scale, looking for a loco to upgrade and detail for a specific unit, I would definitely consider this mode.

(if this was an N scale model, this thread would have over 300 replies by now  )

Mark