Intermountain SD40-2

[sundowner]

So any side by side pictures with Kato's?

[jagged ben]

If Atlas makes the correct version you should be able to swap the proper side frames right on, or the whole truck if you're inclined, unless IM decided to make their own trucks.

Atlas doesn't make the correct version.

[mu26aeh]

So any side by side pictures with Kato's?

The Kato model should look familiar to you 
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[wcfn100]

I was told last year that IM would need a partner (Atlas) to go in on Flexicoil trucks to get them made.  I was also told not to count them out just because these releases don't have them.  It's an item that could still be made and sold as parts to convert other models.

Hopefully I'll see IM in early March.  I'll try and ask where they are at on the trucks.

Jason

[wazzou]

In the previous pictures I'd seen, I thought to myself that the sill on the Intermountain unit looked unusually thin compared to what I had seen in other models but after looking at the side by side pictures Adam posted, I had to Google Image search prototypes because it is pretty apparent that the two models differ in the sill thickness.
I'd say Intermountain looks to have gotten closer to the prototype than KATO in this regard.
With that said, it does seem to draw attention to the lack of any frame detail and make the gap between sill and trucks look more pronounced. 
I wonder if this is something that can be remedied much like the LifeLike C-424/5 through the use of Plastruct or Evergreen channel.

[AKNscale]

Atlas doesn't make the correct version.

Ok, good to know

[davefoxx]

With that said, it does seem to draw attention to the lack of any frame detail and make the gap between sill and trucks look more pronounced. 
I wonder if this is something that can be remedied much like the LifeLike C-424/5 through the use of Plastruct or Evergreen channel.

This is exactly what I'm planning to do, if it bothers me once I receive my SD40-2.  I'll also take a black Sharpie to the brass contact strips over the trucks.  Easy fixes.

DFF

[tom mann]

With that said, it does seem to draw attention to the lack of any frame detail and make the gap between sill and trucks look more pronounced. 

But it's not just the gap - it's the shape of the trucks and apparently large wheel size that together with the gap, make the proportions look a little wonky.

[sundowner]

The Kato model should look familiar to you 

Yeah it does  , thanks.

[sundowner]

In the previous pictures I'd seen, I thought to myself that the sill on the Intermountain unit looked unusually thin compared to what I had seen in other models but after looking at the side by side pictures Adam posted, I had to Google Image search prototypes because it is pretty apparent that the two models differ in the sill thickness.
I'd say Intermountain looks to have gotten closer to the prototype than KATO in this regard.
With that said, it does seem to draw attention to the lack of any frame detail and make the gap between sill and trucks look more pronounced. 
I wonder if this is something that can be remedied much like the LifeLike C-424/5 through the use of Plastruct or Evergreen channel.

Its hard to compare the sill because on the Kato unit the sill are fully painted and on the IM the bottom is painted black. It would be easier to see if they were UP units. I would say the only thing that bothers me is the wheels and lack of frame on IM unit, makes them look like they are lifted.

[davefoxx]

But it's not just the gap - it's the shape of the trucks and apparently large wheel size that together with the gap, make the proportions look a little wonky.

,

If the wheels bother you, change 'em.  As I pointed out earlier in this thread, here's a before and after on an IM SD45-2, which use the same Atlas trucks:

Before: IM wheelsets. "Ew!":



After: Kato wheelsets:



I also replaced the wheels on two Atlas SD50s.  To me, that solves one problem of the new IM SD40-2.

DFF

[nkalanaga]

DFF:  Will the Atlas SD50 trucks fit the IM units?  I have a pair of SD50s, currently powering kitbashed SDP40Fs, that have been replaced by Kato's new models.  In turn, the SD50 is too modern for my era, so swapping the trucks would solve my deep-flange complaint.

I know, I could always take all eight trucks apart and swap wheels, but swapping the entire truck would be a lot easier...

[davefoxx]

DFF:  Will the Atlas SD50 trucks fit the IM units?  I have a pair of SD50s, currently powering kitbashed SDP40Fs, that have been replaced by Kato's new models.  In turn, the SD50 is too modern for my era, so swapping the trucks would solve my deep-flange complaint.

I know, I could always take all eight trucks apart and swap wheels, but swapping the entire truck would be a lot easier...

I don't have an SD40-2 in hand, but my understanding is that the IM units, including the SD45-2, the SD40T-2, and the SD40-2 all use Atlas trucks.

Hope this helps,
DFF

[jagged ben]

DFF:  Will the Atlas SD50 trucks fit the IM units?...  ....

Yes.

[sizemore]

,

<image removed>

Before: IM wheelsets. "Ew!":

<image removed>

After: Kato wheelsets:



I also replaced the wheels on two Atlas SD50s.  To me, that solves one problem of the new IM SD40-2.

DFF

Thats a flipping HUGE improvement!

The S.