Ugh

[Chulvis]

I'm getting a headache.

[engineshop]

I just think the overall fit and finish quality is on par with the previous ones (which means not good).

I feel like they're selling Aveos here but asking for M3 prices.

Are we talking about a company that used to have engines like this one.

[wm3798]

Man, that thing brings back memories.  The SDP45's used to be a staple of the Cresson helper station.  I bet I saw that very engine back in happier times...

Lee

[Norm P]

[bsoplinger]

Mine isn't bad…

Does this mean they're out?

[jimk]

I got my two Conrail units this past weekend.  The first thing I noticed was the fuel tank was too short between the trucks.  The paint was good and I knew the horn was in the wrong place.

I can live with some cosmetic issues.  But what bothered me was it's lack of pulling power.  I was using three locos to pull 52 cars.  So I put these two and another loco on and it wouldn't pull them.  I had to put a fourth loco on.  I wanted them as helpers anyway, but I wish they had more pulling power.

[GonzoCRFan]

Mine isn't bad.

But that's the problem, Dan. "It isn't bad" should NOT be the best thing one can say about a locomotive with a $120 MSRP.

I'd be interested in seeing better photos, but there's no way I would pick one up without being able to pick through a whole bunch of them and swipe the best ones, if there were any good ones to be had.

[Mark5]

I got my two Conrail units this past weekend.  The first thing I noticed was the fuel tank was too short between the trucks.  The paint was good and I knew the horn was in the wrong place.

I can live with some cosmetic issues.  But what bothered me was it's lack of pulling power.  I was using three locos to pull 52 cars.  So I put these two and another loco on and it wouldn't pull them.  I had to put a fourth loco on.  I wanted them as helpers anyway, but I wish they had more pulling power.

Hmmm, since they ride on Atlas trucks, how does this pulling power compare to say the SD50/SD60?

[jimk]

I have several SD50/60s and it only takes three of them to pull the same cars that I need four of with the IM units.  The Kato engines pull the best followed by the Atlas.   

[bsoplinger]

What is it that makes these such poor pullers? Do they use a metal that's especially light compared to that Atlas and Kato use? Or perhaps the choice of metal for the wheels?

[sd40-blue]

I realize that my rivet counter license has expired but.....

A friend in our N-Trak club just received his locos Saturday. I think they look great! More importantly, so does he!!

I can't comment on the running ability. The locos kept shorting out the DCC address 00. We then put
another analog loco on the track and it worked perfectly on address 00. Is there something about the IM light board that precludes them from running DCC?

Thanks!

[Robbman]

I like how they completely lack the low-profile dustbin hatch, low-profile exhaust hatch, low-profile dynamic fans, low-profile engineroom vent, low-porifle radiator fans, and the plate the middle low-profile radiator fan sits on to clear an internal brace (with the exception of the engineroom vent, all could have been done with a single top die).  I'm also impressed with the completely wrong for any SD45-2 ever built ECAFB, as well as the completely wrong for any SDxx-2 ever built dustbin hatch to exhaust hatch spacing.


Good thing I already have a fix for them... I just have to wait until they go down to a street pice that's acceptable for the quality they are (what do bachmann SD45s go for shipped?))

[Wlal13again]

I`ll wait this one out...

[daniel_leavitt2000]

As i said, I like mine. With Atlas and other engine going for $110 retail, $120 isn't that far off for a few extra etched parts. These will run with and look good against Atlas engines. They do have their flaws, but nothing I would refuse purchase over. Everyone has their flaws and thick handrails are much more noticable then rooftop accessories to me. Besides CR replaced the fans often.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Maybe if it were just the roof details being completely wrong.
Or it were the general lack of fit and finish (ie, GAPING HOLE between the blower duct and the walkway)
Or the giant slot in the cab roof.
Or the reports of poor pulling ability.
Or the wrong horns.
Or any of the other issues Robb pointed out.
Or the higher price.

But it's not, it's a combination of them all.

But even with all those factors, I'm still going to check one out in person, but I'm not holding out too much hope at this point.