ScaleTrains N C44-9W - Next Run (October 2025 Announcement) - NEW Canadian 4 Cab

[peteski]

Not just the mass. The material wheels are made of makes a difference in the model's pulling abilities.

[lock4244]

I've got one on the way. I was surprised that they did this model, seeing as only 25 were built. They look ugly, the teardrop window version looks much better. When I was in Calgary I asked the Scaletrains Rep if a SD40-2W was in the works (why not? they only had 122 of them) The answer was no.

I think the existence of the IM n scale SD40-2W is enough to keep that model off ST's radar.

I've suggested the GP40-2L to ST, but I wouldn't hold my breath... even though I suspect you'll never see Atlas do one in n scale.

[lock4244]

Not just the mass. The material wheels are made of makes a difference in the model's pulling abilities.

Well, those traction tire equipped 1st run C40-8M's sure are phenomenal pullers 

I do hear a lot of what I believe to be wheelslip on my ST locomotives (SD40-2, SD40T-2, and these -9's)... if it's the material used I wonder if there's a drop in replacement for them like how Kato wheels replace IM SD wheels?

[peteski]

Well, those traction tire equipped 1st run C40-8M's sure are phenomenal pullers 

I do hear a lot of what I believe to be wheelslip on my ST locomotives (SD40-2, SD40T-2, and these -9's)... if it's the material used I wonder if there's a drop in replacement for them like how Kato wheels replace IM SD wheels?

Unlike Kato/Atlas replacemnt I don't know of any similar swap for ST locos.  Besides I think that Kato uses some super secret alloy for their wheels. 
BTW, this Kato/Atlas swap will not longer work in the latest (new and improved) Atlas truck design because they no longer use pointy axles or offset axle gear.

[dandopinski]

Those cabs on the IM SD40-2Ws are all wrong. Sloped noses and stretched out to fit the chassis, windows too small. Meh.

[jagged ben]

I kind of appreciate the slippery-ness of the Scale Trains wheels sometimes.  Makes it easier to use them in helper service.

[lock4244]

Those cabs on the IM SD40-2Ws are all wrong. Sloped noses and stretched out to fit the chassis, windows too small. Meh.

And that's the most positive thing one can say about them. I feel IM SD's are a great example of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.

[dandopinski]

One of my future projects will be to remove the cab of the IM SD40-2w with a Briggs cab and try to fit it on a Kato chassis.

[robertjohndavis]

Got to test run my CN Dash9 yesterday. It is beautiful. Runs smooth, sounds great. Wish I ordered 2.

Unfortunately the headlights are set up incorrectly (front on in reverse, rear on in forward) and the ditch lights are not working at all. I have a note into ST to see if my own attempts to fix it wound void the warranty.

Rob

[lock4244]

One of my future projects will be to remove the cab of the IM SD40-2w with a Briggs cab and try to fit it on a Kato chassis.

I imagine transplanting the Atlas GP40-2W cab would also work. Kato or Scale Trains SD40-2 chassis require milling/grinding to get the IM SD40-2W shell to fit. I've looked into both, but a big part of me isn't interested in polishing that turd... so many defects need fix that once you're done there's nothing left of the original Intermountain locomotive.