Atlas SD45 height

[Mark5]

I overcame my extreme annoyance with Atlas about what Atlas did with the N&W versions and picked up #1757.

Background hi level view of the three units Atlas released:
#1730 wrong phase, wrong trucks, no bell, (#1730 was an odd choice - this unit was in a bad wreck at Farm VA in September 1980 and was subsequently retired and scrapped)
#1757 "correct" phase, wrong trucks, no bell
#1776 "correct" phase, wrong trucks, no bell, paint error

So I finally test ran it (runs great so far), but when I put it next to a GP38 (AC), something jumped out at me:



The SD45 should be a few scale inches taller ... now I gotta dig up my scale rule (they both can't be the right height).

Mark

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Oh man, welcome to one of my favorite rabbit holes.


So I'm going to start with this: when it comes to enjoyment of models, perception IS reality.

That said, let me start with that perception.

We're used to Atlas Geep height being "normal". Back when Sekisui Kinzoku Co., Ltd (aka, Kato) tooled up their GP30 and GP35 (the engines from which all latter Atlas/Kato EMD products have been dervived) they largely got ride height right.

And that established what our modeler brains see as "normal" for EMDs.

So then when they came out with their SD40s and SD45s they matched these ride heights and everything looked "right".

Except... they weren't.

SDs "frame" (actually just the cosmetic end of their walkways) are higher off the ground than their GP counterparts. At least the earlier GPs. I think they caught up with the SD frames somewhere during GP40-2 production.

So that being said, the Atlas SD45 is likely right. Or at least, closer to right than the SD models that we've come to consider "right". Putting mine next to a Kato unit definitely shows the difference (I'll grab a photo for you later today).

This really threw me for a LONG time and is the reason I never really liked the Atlas SD35s. They never looked "right" to me because they actually get this correct.

After learning way too much about this while sorting out my Intermountain SD40-2s, I have now changed my mind on those SD35s and actually plan to grab one at some point when a good deal presents itself.

 

[Mark5]

Ed, I've been down this rabbit hole since 1970. 

The key thing I'm looking at is the top of the hood. I measure every new model that I get and compare with proto dimensions. I'm that kinda nut. 

(it might be a while before I can locate my scale rule, but I should prpbably do it soon cuz I was considering getting a second SD45 to correct as well)

[sizemore]

Judging by the height of the pilot and footboards on the SD it looks like it would take someone out at the knees.

The S.

[tehachapifan]

I never noticed a ride height discrepancy with my N scale Atlas SP SD45, so I just went out to take a closer look. The walkways and the bottom stepwell steps are lining up perfectly with a ST SD40T-2 and neither strike me as riding too high at all.  Curious if the GP38 in your pic is an original Atlas release or from the old LL tooling. I seem to recall some LL locos riding exceptionally low compared to other brands.

[Mark5]

Curious if the GP38 in your pic is an original Atlas release.

Atlas tooling. Still haven't found either one of my scale rules (slowly unpacking from a move  ).

I broke down and ordered a 2nd "silver" N&W SD45 for me to correct and renumber, which reminds me I need to place an order for some Atlas parts.

Luckily I have ample nose bells and more correct horns on hand.

Mark