BLI SD40-2

[Ike the BN Freak]

BN number is an early version.

I need someone to make a mid production unit with a ratchet handbrake, BN had hundreds of those

[squirrelhunter]

I wish the photos were from a better angle, it makes the hoods look wide, and we know from the other pretty production photos they aren't...

[daniel_leavitt2000]

They do look pretty good, but BLI seems to have completely ignored the differences in radiator grill types (corrugated vs chicken wire). This is one of the major spotting features between early/late versions and is a big pain to fix on decorated models (much worse than HTC => Flexicoil trucks).

It looks like it might be the same way with the frame\anticlimbers. These ALL look like they're early phase SD40-2s but they've chosen paint schemes and road numbers for later phase units (I checked the CSX and UP versions).

I've said something on the Facebook post and plan on emailing them, but if you care about avoiding the F3 grill thing all over again, please do the same. Hopefully if enough people indicate that it's an issue early enough they can fix it (or at least choose road numbers that they're accurate for until they do).

They did some really strange things with their HO model:

6386 did have the frame stripe, but was a mid-phase unit like all Conrail SD40-2s.

[Mark5]

From what can be seen so far, I think they potentially look better than the Intermountain -2's

Though I am happy with the shell on the IM, I am not happy with the height over trucks (why is this hard in 2018? ).

I am considering picking up an undec as N&W had multiple phases - I am hoping that N scale will finally have a decent SD40-2 (after decades of hope).

Don't like be forced to buy their sound, but beggars can't be choosers I guess (thankfully I don't need many in 1975).

Mark

[unittrain]

The Chessie looks good, I'm hoping they get this locomotive correct as it is possible we won't see the SD40-2 from ScaleTrains now due to IM and BLI doing it, but who knows ST may still do this locomotive and if they do judging by their Gevos they would put IM and BLI in a tough spot, they would definitely have to lower the price. Only time will tell if ST is doing the SD40-2 I would imagine it would be the next announcement. BLI could do an excellent model if they treat the project as a true scale model rather than a model/novelty.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

They did some really strange things with their HO model:

6386 did have the frame stripe, but was a mid-phase unit like all Conrail SD40-2s.

Yikes.

[C855B]

The HO picture prompted another look at the UP version. Ditch lights. Well, crap. Like conspicuity stripes, easier to add than to remove cleanly.

Yet another instance of a model manufacturer giving pre-modern-era modelers the finger.

[Philip H]

The HO picture prompted another look at the UP version. Ditch lights. Well, crap. Like conspicuity stripes, easier to add than to remove cleanly.

Yet another instance of a model manufacturer giving pre-modern-era modelers the finger.

And why the HE!L can't any of these folks paint a white one with big red letters on the side for KCS?   

[squirrelhunter]

I talked with the Scale trains reps at the WGH show in Houston about their future models in N. They wouldn't give anything away, but I got the impression that they will be generally following their HO plan in N. Bottom line, I don't think they are afraid of other manufacturers and would put their product up against anyone.

Also, there is enough pent up demand for IM and Scale Trains to sell a ton of SD40-2s.

[Philip H]

I talked with the Scale trains reps at the WGH show in Houston about their future models in N. They wouldn't give anything away, but I got the impression that they will be generally following their HO plan in N. Bottom line, I don't think they are afraid of other manufacturers and would put their product up against anyone.

Also, there is enough pent up demand for IM and Scale Trains to sell a ton of SD40-2s.

I'm sure there  is.  If none of them are going to do the WHITE KCS scheme then they need to sell more undecs.

[lashedup]

I talked with the Scale trains reps at the WGH show in Houston about their future models in N. They wouldn't give anything away, but I got the impression that they will be generally following their HO plan in N. Bottom line, I don't think they are afraid of other manufacturers and would put their product up against anyone.

Also, there is enough pent up demand for IM and Scale Trains to sell a ton of SD40-2s.

Maybe down the road, but they are hinting at all new for N scale never been done loco to introduce this week at the N scale convention.

[C855B]

Maybe down the road, but they are hinting at all new for N scale never been done loco to introduce this week at the N scale convention.

I'll reprise the rumor from the UP Historical Society convention last year regarding ScaleTrains' interest in producing a DD35. Yeah, and Kato will be announcing a U50C at the NTS in KC this August.

[CPR9009]

It looks like the only units in this run that are correct for the early version are BN, UP, CN 5937, and NS 6107.  Every other paint scheme is a foobie for the early body style.

Aaaand still no Flexicoils...

Scott

[ljudice]

Happy with my IMRC units....

[squirrelhunter]

I'd be willing to bet the new Scale Trains loco is a C39-8.