Intermountain SD40-2

[reinhardtjh]

I then checked on the decoder and how everything was mapped out. I don't get why ESU set the decoder up like they did, but I'm sure there's an explanation.

If you are talking about function mapping and default CV settings, either ESU or IM could have provided the settings.  ESU will make suggestions, but the final details are up to the OEM customer (i.e. IM).

It cut out on me constantly. I decided that I'd have to take it apart. Upon doing this, I noticed it was extremely over lubed which is typical for IM. After fixing my contacts it ran good, except that it needs the BEMF set up.

Others have noted the cutting out/pickup problems but also said it got better with run time.

[jdcolombo]

I don't get why ESU set the decoder up like they did, but I'm sure there's an explanation.

Every sound decoder manufacturer has a standard template for how things are assigned to function buttons (and I've found that the template for European locomotives often differs from that for US locomotives).  Some of the common things that everyone seems to have agreed on (besides F0 for the headlight/backup light) is F1 for the bell and F2 for the horn/whistle.  After that, it's pretty much a free-for-all.  For example, the BLI Paragon 2 decoder in my PA-1's mapped the Mars light to F7, except that you had to press F7 to turn it OFF, rather than on, a very weird behavior that I never got used to (and finally, I just replaced the Paragons with LokSounds).  And while F8 generally controls the sound, on some decoders the default power-up is sound-off and you press F8 to turn the sound on (e.g., LokSound,  except for the Atlas S-2, which was set the opposite way) while on others the default is sound-on and you press it to turn the sound off (e.g., Soundtraxx).

Fortunately, all this is pretty easy to change with either a LokProgrammer or even JMRI (harder).  Hardest with just CV programming and the function mapping table, but it can be done with some patience.  I've developed my own personal template that works for me, and just set everything up to that template when I first do an installation or when I get a locomotive (like the S-2).

I haven't gotten my SD40-2 yet; did Intermountain at least include a list of the function button assignments?  How about a list of CV's and what they do?

John C.

[AKNscale]

So, as stated in the other thread about these, I now have one in hand and figured I'd do a review on it.

Right out of the box, I think it's fantastic with lots of nice detail. Mine happens to be missing a windshield wiper but I won't worry too much about it, this model will mainly run at the annual train show up here during Fur Rondy. It will get handled and things will happen. I then checked on the decoder and how everything was mapped out. I don't get why ESU set the decoder up like they did, but I'm sure there's an explanation.

After messing with the decoder I decided to check the sound, and unsurprisingly I think it is very good. I changed the sound file to their V2 version but I'm quite pleased with the sound quality. Then I went to run it and this is where it went downhill. It cut out on me constantly. I decided that I'd have to take it apart. Upon doing this, I noticed it was extremely over lubed which is typical for IM. After fixing my contacts it ran good, except that it needs the BEMF set up.

I would give this loco a 9 or 10 when it comes to looks but a 6 when it comes to mechanical. A little work and I'll give it an 8 so far. I'll bet it can get even better as IM mechanisms are usually quite good and quiet.

JD: yes actually, it's pretty in depth. I also talked to ESU this morning and will update y'all with the convo and info I've received.

[Kev1340]

Good to hear these look as good as the photos suggested, concerning there are out of the box running issues.

A key factor for me that I've not noticed anyone mention, is pulling power. I stopped buying IM tunnel motors because they were so weak compared to a Kato SD40-2, only managing to haul about 60% of the cars. Are the IM SD40-2s improved in this respect? If so I'll buy a bunch.

Cheers,

Kev

[jdcolombo]

I changed the sound file to their V2 version but I'm quite pleased with the sound quality.

Is the V2 file a non-turbo?  That seems to be what the ESU web site says . . .

Of course, that would be one way to keep the turbo sound from driving you nuts 

John C.

[mu26aeh]

I broke my two in at @R L Smith layout the other week.  They pulled a 26-28 car freight train with no issues around his level layout.  At one point, only one was pulling as we did not have them consisted correctly and it still did not have issues.  I have a 2% grade in 2 locations on my home layout and, while only pulling 10 cars, they had no issues there either.

[AKNscale]

Kev1340: One thing I definitely want to point out though when it comes to IM is that of all the IM locos I've bought I can't remember one that ran great right out of the box. I attribute that to the ridiculous amount of lube that they put in at the factory. After I strip them and relube them though, they're some of the best running locos I've got. I'm also not completely done with this review as I want to do a few things to it to see what the results will be.

I brought it with me to Jerry's so they could poke and prod it and Pete used it to pull a 15 car train. It choked at the grade on Jerry's layout, but it wasn't surprising as it's not a very light grade. So pulling power I don't think will be a problem for you. The overall consensus was positive.

JD: No, it's just a recording of another motor, turbo is definitely still there, lol. FYI, file #75410 is the one I used. But the LOKprogrammer converted it. Also, quick note for you, if the LOKprogrammer says that the decoder isn't supported, just retry whatever it is that you were doing. I had to deal with this a couple times.

[AKNscale]

If you are talking about function mapping and default CV settings, either ESU or IM could have provided the settings.  ESU will make suggestions, but the final details are up to the OEM customer (i.e. IM).

Others have noted the cutting out/pickup problems but also said it got better with run time.

I'm sorry, I missed this comment. Ok, we'll see how it does with the break in.
And not really, I was mainly referring to the random placement of the LEDs on the board and how they're wired.

[peteski]

I was mainly referring to the random placement of the LEDs on the board and how they're wired.

There is probably nothing random about the LED placement. They will most likely be utilized in future models.  I just don't think that German engineers would be that thoughtless.

[jdcolombo]

There is probably nothing random about the LED placement. They will most likely be utilized in future models.  I just don't think that German engineers would be that thoughtless.

Agree - they're not random.  Intermountain must have stuff on the drawing board that will use them.  Someone speculated earlier that the second run of SD40-2's will include NS Horsehead units that had rear ditchlights, so that one is easily explainable.  Beacons were common on these units for the SP and SF and I think some UP units in yard service have them, too - have to look at my photos of Bailey Yard again.  So that explains the hidden front beacon LED.  Not sure about the rear one, but the fact it is set up as a dimmable headlight indicates that it might be for eventual class lighting or some such.  But they aren't there because the folks in Germany bought too many LEDs

John C.

[Kev1340]

Kev1340: One thing I definitely want to point out though when it comes to IM is that of all the IM locos I've bought I can't remember one that ran great right out of the box. I attribute that to the ridiculous amount of lube that they put in at the factory. After I strip them and relube them though, they're some of the best running locos I've got. I'm also not completely done with this review as I want to do a few things to it to see what the results will be.

I agree totally, AKNscale, the IM tunnel motors I have run well and smoothly. My layout however is a nolix, the main being on a constant gradient. With Kato SDs etc locos, I can haul 20 to 25 car trains, with the IM Tunnel motors, only ten or so before experiencing wheel slip.

I look forward to hearing further reports on the IM SD40-2s, but so far,I'm willing to live with Kato's wider and less detailed SD40-2  rather than lose the performance.

Cheers,

Kev

[jagged ben]

Agree - they're not random.  Intermountain must have stuff on the drawing board that will use them.  Someone speculated earlier that the second run of SD40-2's will include NS Horsehead units that had rear ditchlights, so that one is easily explainable.  Beacons were common on these units for the SP and SF and I think some UP units in yard service have them, too - have to look at my photos of Bailey Yard again.  So that explains the hidden front beacon LED.  Not sure about the rear one, but the fact it is set up as a dimmable headlight indicates that it might be for eventual class lighting or some such.  But they aren't there because the folks in Germany bought too many LEDs

John C.

And yet the SF units that were produced with a dummy beacon don't utilize the LED that is there on the board preset to a beacon effect.  Maybe we should put it down to something that IM intends to do but wasn't able to get around to this production run?   I'm considering doing mine with a fiber optic instead of replacing the LED like the guy in the Youtube video.  Don't need a bright lighting effect for a beacon.  Will probably replace the stock IM beacon though. 

[jdcolombo]

And yet the SF units that were produced with a dummy beacon don't utilize the LED that is there on the board preset to a beacon effect.  Maybe we should put it down to something that IM intends to do but wasn't able to get around to this production run?   I'm considering doing mine with a fiber optic instead of replacing the LED like the guy in the Youtube video.  Don't need a bright lighting effect for a beacon.  Will probably replace the stock IM beacon though.

Yeah, agree this is strange.  Maybe there was a plan for a light pipe to the beacon, but that didn't get done by the Chinese factory, and Intermountain didn't want to go through yet another delay to get them re-done.  I could see that as a possible explanation.

John C.

[AKNscale]

I do understand that they didn't throw the LEDs at the board and hook them up wherever they landed, lol. The one I really don't understand is the one covered up in the back. ESU also did state that they designed the board with the AUX3 light where it is so a light pipe could be installed for the beacon.

[CPR9009]

Did anyone notice Intermountain has updated some more of the pictures on their website to actual N scale production sample pictures?  They also pushed the next releases to February.  After seeing the pics of the actual samples, I am really looking forward to getting Chessie units.  I am now torn deciding which other units I want to order...  L&N, SCL, Conrail, maybe even a Southern??  I want at least one of each, but Mr Wallet would kill me 

My Kato repaints are now on hold.


Scott