As to why this locomotive is generating so much interest....I can say this. The prototype has a presence that few other EMDs, or any other Diesel can match. It's just they way they were put together. Remember: the SD7 was an "engineering study" according to some sources within EMD at that time. This should be obvious when you compare the extra features and details built into the design compared to say, the GEEPs of the period. When the SD9 was brought out in 1954, one can see the effects of reducing those features to bring the amount of work required - and price - down. The SD9 gave you some mechanical up-grades, but you lost some of the "gingerbread" of the earlier model. My first up close encounter with the real deal was B&LE 454 in Erie back in he summer of '73. All I can say is that this incredible machine had all the "grab" of any steamer I'd been exposed to up to that point, mebby more! These early SDs and especially the "7" series just reek personality. One look and you can just feel the paint being pulled off the wall ! The previous versions of this lokkie have all suffered one shortcoming or another. Scott's has the potential to unleash the grit and punch of the real thing in model form. In short, my wallet could easily be in serious trouble !
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