falconservice posted:Who wants to cast a write in vote for:
CP Rail Multimark
The 1972 or 1973 SOO LINE scheme
GTW red and blue.
Andrew
Only reservations count and you can reserve anything you want on the 3rd Rail website.
A Reservation is how to cast a Write-In Vote.
How can somebody choose?
What is missing that has to be made in O scale correctly?
Andrew
My first choice would be a Soo Line SD40-2 from SOO 757 to SOO 774 in the original curved red swoosh scheme.
They would be able to get the details in the factory closer to the prototype than the other O Scale SD40-2 models.
The next choice is a Grand Trunk Western Blue, Red, and White SD40-2.
I wonder if Rich Trowbridge would order a GTW SD40-2 with TMCC, or he would think they are too expensive.
Andrew
Which Chicago & North Western SD40=2 scheme would be a write-in reservation favorite?
1970's original yellow
1980's Safety yellow or Zito Yellow
1990's Traditional yellow
Andrew
90s traditional yellow with the Operation Lifesaver scheme they did. I always liked the two the did in Falcon Service logo. I never really liked the Zito yellow, it looks like alien blood.
I ordered 2 in Santa Fe Kodachrome..... we'll see if they get enough orders for the red/yellow/ black scheme
falconservice posted:Which Chicago & North Western SD40=2 scheme would be a write-in reservation favorite?
1970's original yellow
1980's Safety yellow or Zito Yellow
1990's Traditional yellow
Andrew
I say go for Zito Yellow. That way your locomotives can be seen from space when you run outdoors (like the Atlas PS-4750 covered hoppers). 
The real Zito yellow doesnt look too bad but some of the model manuafactures do some terrible color matching and the models looks awful.
Doug, I hope you get your Kodachrome scheme but I think you are one of about 6 people who like it and the rest model other scales
Its a love it or hate scheme for sure, but no one has had issues selling 'em when produced. Besides, it beats the crap out of orange and black 
Wheeling and Lake Erie? I actually like it, I think it has a solid look to it.
What is the minimum # of reservations to insure a run of a particular rd name/era diesel ? I see Scott posted early on that he is looking at tooling for only one body shell, I guess this eliminates both high hoods and snoot noses, early poster showed ATSF SD40-2 # 5024 "snoot nose" [long nose] anti-climber version.
Matt Makens posted:Wheeling and Lake Erie? I actually like it, I think it has a solid look to it.
HA!... no, that's not the orange & black Im referring to
nope, no snoot nose 
or high hoods
Matt Makens posted:The real Zito yellow doesnt look too bad but some of the model manuafactures do some terrible color matching and the models looks awful.
True, but with the models, two years from now they will still be yellow instead of white with a yellow tint. Just spray dust-colored paint over them and they'll all look just like Zito yellow after two years of various levels of fading.
Im a bigger fan of the Classic Yellow. I really like the later scheme with OLS logo on it.
Awe Doug, you'll get your wish. I do like the Kodachrome scheme, i didnt mean I like W&LE
This is a very exciting announcement! I've always wanted a correctly done sd40-2. Not sure which road or roads I will reserve yet. I'm probably going to get 2 of them.
In the past 5 years the GTW SD40-2s have been used all over the old Wisconsin Central and DSS&A/Soo Line tracks that the CN acquired several years ago.
Andrew
Yup, got my reservation confirmation yesterday..... 2 Kodachromes
Could I get an explanation of the trains these guys make? I am hoping an owner of their trains could chime in. I understand it's more pricey and has superior details. Looks like these will be ABS plastic, I always thought all they made were die-cast or brass.
I also couldn't figure out what the suggestion is for. Is that how someone would get multiple road numbers like the member above my post saying 2 Kodachromes reserved or is it for something really custom like a specific road number or something odd? Am I missing anything else? I am obviously not an owner of their trains and don't want to take a leap into the unknown if I put in a reservation without some research.
Thanks
Decision made! Reserved 1 SF blue/ yellow. 1 Kodachrome.
elementdude195 posted:Could I get an explanation of the trains these guys make? I am hoping an owner of their trains could chime in. I understand it's more pricey and has superior details. Looks like these will be ABS plastic, I always thought all they made were die-cast or brass.
I also couldn't figure out what the suggestion is for. Is that how someone would get multiple road numbers like the member above my post saying 2 Kodachromes reserved or is it for something really custom like a specific road number or something odd? Am I missing anything else? I am obviously not an owner of their trains and don't want to take a leap into the unknown if I put in a reservation without some research.
Thanks
This is my attempt to answer the question regarding details.
The latest 3rd rail diesel offerings have all been ABS plastic with lots of separately applied brass detail parts. What sets these diesels apart from the main stream manufacturers is, all the road specific details, the horizontal drive system which is much better and stronger then China drive. This also allows room for a fully detailed hand painted cab interior. Most other manufacturers have the vertical can motor sticking right up through the cab, put an engineer figure in and call it a day. In 3rd rail models the motor isn't near the cab but it's right above the fuel tank, allowing room for a full sized cab interior.
Fully sprung brass and metal trucks, And lastly fixed pilots with full length hand rails on all the models. Hope this helps. I can post pics of my 3rd rail E7 later when I'm home. For me... Those details plus the drive system are worth (in my own oppinion) the higher price.
If your more art, history, and detail driven in your model train purchases I would try a 3rd rail model. I hope this helps a little bit. Regarding your first sentences asking about abs bodies and detail.
David
This is very exciting. About a year or so ago, I emailed Scott with this suggestion and he quite forthrightly said they were coming and to watch for an announcement. I'll be in for two or three Santa Fe yellow and blues for sure (and am tempted by other western roads, but we'll see...). I think all Santa Fe fans would like to see the rooftop details--AC, antennas and the like. I also think all the ATSF SD40-2s were delivered with these, so unlike some other models, such as the GP35, SD40 or SD45, I think there is no era in which a Santa Fe SD40-2 model would be correct without these features. I certainly would expect them on a Sunset model. Here are 90s era rooftop details added to an Atlas SD40:
A more subtle issue involves little changes to these models over their ATSF service life. The classification lights you see in pictures people posted above were removed and plated over by the early 90s (my era), headlights and horns were relocated, and strobes removed. So there are little detail variations depending on whether a model is depicted circa 1983 versus, say 1993, or even 1995.
Thanks again, Scott for offering these.
RM
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Rich I totally agree about the roof top details on the SF models. I also mentioned this to Scott in my emails suggesting the Kodachrome paint scheme. Adding all those details after the fact is not too hard, BUT paint matching the yellow is nearly impossible.
How can you guys be so hung up on the details and accuracy of a model and still be OK with it having a third rail? You three reailers are a peculiar bunch
Matt Makens posted:How can you guys be so hung up on the details and accuracy of a model and still be OK with it having a third rail? You three reailers are a peculiar bunch
So,,,,,,you now model in 2-Rail?
The third rail is something I'm stuck with. It's not something I like.
You have a way for me to eliminate it without going back to square one, I'd like to hear it.
Just an FYI ~ Early Proto 2000 diesels had extra accessories included in the box.
This can be an option if they choose to not do the accessories. It's impossible to match that Santa Fe yellow as others have already stated.
Actually Jack I do have quite a bit of 2 rail HO & N scale and have plans to build a pretty cool N scale layout
N scale, I cant even see that stuff any more. I can't have details because my track has a center rail? C'mon man! You dont need details in N scale cuz you cant see them anyway
I always hear that from 2 rail guys when you start talking about accuracy and detail on a 3 rail model. They don't understand the acceptance of the third rial. N scale is a throw back to when I was a kid and lived in a 3 bedroom house with 5 brothers. If I wanted to have a train it had to fit under the bed so 3 by 6 feet was my max. I got rid of a lot of it but I have an affinity for the Kato passenger trains. I have most of the good ones plus some TGV sets and Japanese Shinkansen sets. Its hard to see but its a lot of fun to upgrade them with sound decoders. I always like figuring out how to fit it all in the tiny little shell.
645 posted:elementdude195 posted:Could I get an explanation of the trains these guys make? I am hoping an owner of their trains could chime in. I understand it's more pricey and has superior details. Looks like these will be ABS plastic, I always thought all they made were die-cast or brass.
I also couldn't figure out what the suggestion is for. Is that how someone would get multiple road numbers like the member above my post saying 2 Kodachromes reserved or is it for something really custom like a specific road number or something odd? Am I missing anything else? I am obviously not an owner of their trains and don't want to take a leap into the unknown if I put in a reservation without some research.
Thanks
These SD40-2's (and most other 3rd Rail diesel locomotive and passenger car offerings) should be highly detailed ABS plastic. I believe the 3rd Rail steam locomotives are brass.
As for suggestions it is exactly what it sounds like. Rather than announce certain road names with no flexibility 3rd Rail has elected to go with the popular vote here - roadnames not part of the official announcement but requested / reserved / pre-ordered will be made *IF* enough reservations are received for same. "Suggestion" is not really the proper word here as that won't mean it will be produced. What counts here is a pre-order / reservation such as "I will buy two of 'Railroad X' in this paint scheme."
Using the Santa Fe Kodachrome scheme already mentioned in this thread as an example here is how it works. Someone suggested it. Fine, but that is not a pre-order / reservation. Now if someone orders say (2) of them using the 'suggestion' area on the order form that counts as a vote to produce it. Now for the tricky part - there has to be enough orders to go ahead with production of a particular roadname. If 3rd Rail only gets orders for (2) Kodachrome SD40-2's they will not be produced. Based on past discussions about previous 3rd Rail diesels I believe at least (20) of a particular paint scheme need to be ordered to get it on the production schedule but the minimum quantity required is known only to 3rd Rail unless they choose to put the number out here.
Muddying the waters here is in the case of the Chicago & North Western SD40-2 is that there are three different paint schemes: 1970's Traditional Yellow, 1980's Safety/Zito Yellow and 1990's Traditional Yellow. There is also a 'Falcon Service' variation (2 units) of the 1970's Traditional Yellow and an 'Operation Lifesaver' version of the 1990's Traditional Yellow too. Both could be offered since it is a variation of the basic paint scheme where only additional graphics are needed. Anyway, there could be over twenty people who want to order a CNW SD40-2 but then question is how many want which paint scheme? If only one person wants 1980's Safety/Zito Yellow but eighteen want 1970's Traditional Yellow it is obvious which one will be produced. If a "tie" as in ten of each then I don't know how 3rd Rail handles that situation - could do both if factory agrees to it, choose one over the other or contact all who pre-ordered one explaining the situation asking for votes/changes to tip the scales in favor of one scheme?
Hope this helps as I experienced some of this stuff when I was reserving some of 3rd Rail's E8/E9 models earlier this year.
Dj'sOgaugetrains posted:elementdude195 posted:Could I get an explanation of the trains these guys make? I am hoping an owner of their trains could chime in. I understand it's more pricey and has superior details. Looks like these will be ABS plastic, I always thought all they made were die-cast or brass.
I also couldn't figure out what the suggestion is for. Is that how someone would get multiple road numbers like the member above my post saying 2 Kodachromes reserved or is it for something really custom like a specific road number or something odd? Am I missing anything else? I am obviously not an owner of their trains and don't want to take a leap into the unknown if I put in a reservation without some research.
Thanks
This is my attempt to answer the question regarding details.
The latest 3rd rail diesel offerings have all been ABS plastic with lots of separately applied brass detail parts. What sets these diesels apart from the main stream manufacturers is, all the road specific details, the horizontal drive system which is much better and stronger then China drive. This also allows room for a fully detailed hand painted cab interior. Most other manufacturers have the vertical can motor sticking right up through the cab, put an engineer figure in and call it a day. In 3rd rail models the motor isn't near the cab but it's right above the fuel tank, allowing room for a full sized cab interior.
Fully sprung brass and metal trucks, And lastly fixed pilots with full length hand rails on all the models. Hope this helps. I can post pics of my 3rd rail E7 later when I'm home. For me... Those details plus the drive system are worth (in my own oppinion) the higher price.
If your more art, history, and detail driven in your model train purchases I would try a 3rd rail model. I hope this helps a little bit. Regarding your first sentences asking about abs bodies and detail.
David
Thank you for the replies. Need clarification if I do end up say buying two of the same railroads does Sunset guys give me different road numbers automatically? Also, when announced units are ordered and that special instruction field is filled out it counts as an order for two units even though the suggestion may not be considered. Correct?
elementdude195 posted:645 posted:elementdude195 posted:Could I get an explanation of the trains these guys make? I am hoping an owner of their trains could chime in. I understand it's more pricey and has superior details. Looks like these will be ABS plastic, I always thought all they made were die-cast or brass.
I also couldn't figure out what the suggestion is for. Is that how someone would get multiple road numbers like the member above my post saying 2 Kodachromes reserved or is it for something really custom like a specific road number or something odd? Am I missing anything else? I am obviously not an owner of their trains and don't want to take a leap into the unknown if I put in a reservation without some research.
Thanks
These SD40-2's (and most other 3rd Rail diesel locomotive and passenger car offerings) should be highly detailed ABS plastic. I believe the 3rd Rail steam locomotives are brass.
As for suggestions it is exactly what it sounds like. Rather than announce certain road names with no flexibility 3rd Rail has elected to go with the popular vote here - roadnames not part of the official announcement but requested / reserved / pre-ordered will be made *IF* enough reservations are received for same. "Suggestion" is not really the proper word here as that won't mean it will be produced. What counts here is a pre-order / reservation such as "I will buy two of 'Railroad X' in this paint scheme."
Using the Santa Fe Kodachrome scheme already mentioned in this thread as an example here is how it works. Someone suggested it. Fine, but that is not a pre-order / reservation. Now if someone orders say (2) of them using the 'suggestion' area on the order form that counts as a vote to produce it. Now for the tricky part - there has to be enough orders to go ahead with production of a particular roadname. If 3rd Rail only gets orders for (2) Kodachrome SD40-2's they will not be produced. Based on past discussions about previous 3rd Rail diesels I believe at least (20) of a particular paint scheme need to be ordered to get it on the production schedule but the minimum quantity required is known only to 3rd Rail unless they choose to put the number out here.
Muddying the waters here is in the case of the Chicago & North Western SD40-2 is that there are three different paint schemes: 1970's Traditional Yellow, 1980's Safety/Zito Yellow and 1990's Traditional Yellow. There is also a 'Falcon Service' variation (2 units) of the 1970's Traditional Yellow and an 'Operation Lifesaver' version of the 1990's Traditional Yellow too. Both could be offered since it is a variation of the basic paint scheme where only additional graphics are needed. Anyway, there could be over twenty people who want to order a CNW SD40-2 but then question is how many want which paint scheme? If only one person wants 1980's Safety/Zito Yellow but eighteen want 1970's Traditional Yellow it is obvious which one will be produced. If a "tie" as in ten of each then I don't know how 3rd Rail handles that situation - could do both if factory agrees to it, choose one over the other or contact all who pre-ordered one explaining the situation asking for votes/changes to tip the scales in favor of one scheme?
Hope this helps as I experienced some of this stuff when I was reserving some of 3rd Rail's E8/E9 models earlier this year.
Dj'sOgaugetrains posted:elementdude195 posted:Could I get an explanation of the trains these guys make? I am hoping an owner of their trains could chime in. I understand it's more pricey and has superior details. Looks like these will be ABS plastic, I always thought all they made were die-cast or brass.
I also couldn't figure out what the suggestion is for. Is that how someone would get multiple road numbers like the member above my post saying 2 Kodachromes reserved or is it for something really custom like a specific road number or something odd? Am I missing anything else? I am obviously not an owner of their trains and don't want to take a leap into the unknown if I put in a reservation without some research.
Thanks
This is my attempt to answer the question regarding details.
The latest 3rd rail diesel offerings have all been ABS plastic with lots of separately applied brass detail parts. What sets these diesels apart from the main stream manufacturers is, all the road specific details, the horizontal drive system which is much better and stronger then China drive. This also allows room for a fully detailed hand painted cab interior. Most other manufacturers have the vertical can motor sticking right up through the cab, put an engineer figure in and call it a day. In 3rd rail models the motor isn't near the cab but it's right above the fuel tank, allowing room for a full sized cab interior.
Fully sprung brass and metal trucks, And lastly fixed pilots with full length hand rails on all the models. Hope this helps. I can post pics of my 3rd rail E7 later when I'm home. For me... Those details plus the drive system are worth (in my own oppinion) the higher price.
If your more art, history, and detail driven in your model train purchases I would try a 3rd rail model. I hope this helps a little bit. Regarding your first sentences asking about abs bodies and detail.
David
Thank you for the replies. Need clarification if I do end up say buying two of the same railroads does Sunset guys give me different road numbers automatically? Also, when announced units are ordered and that special instruction field is filled out it counts as an order for two units even though the suggestion may not be considered. Correct?
Yes if you order 2 of the same road name you will get 2 seperate cab numbers. The only time they don't do that is if the engine prototypically only has 1 or 2 cab numbers (example would be Pennsy 1 stripe green alco PA's. Only 2 were painted like that so only 2 cab numbers will be made.)
im not sure about the 2nd part of your question. If you order 2 engines of an announced road name. You will be invoiced for those engines shortly before they arrive. If they are not produced then your order will be cancelled. If you write in a suggestion (example 2 Cargill sd40-2's) and it's just you and like 1 other person who orders that road name. That's not enough to make that road name. But if they meet the minimum requirement; i.e. Enough ppl order Cargill sd40-2's, then your suggested engines will be produced.
Is there any info. on what roads will be produced so far? Thanks.
There is, you go to the 3RD Rail website and look at either the announcement page or the reservation page
Matt Makens posted:There is, you go to the 3RD Rail website and look at either the announcement page or the reservation page
The list that is shown is no gaurantee that any particular scheme will be produced. It will be 6 months or so before the list becomes close to being finalized. And even then... It is quite fascinating to watch people whine that they missed the deadline and there are insufficient reservations for something and all of a sudden they want to reserve something. The Amtrak E8/9s had 6 reservations when that happened and within a couple weeks after the cancellation there were a total of 20 reservations. It's magic I tell ya.
If you are looking for a list of those that already have sufficient reservations you would have to ask Scott, who, OBW, is back in China inspecting the SD7/9s and S-12s for shipment from China; and other stuff.
As of last week there were none that had met the minimum.
Great, I cant wait to get my 2 CNW SD9's. I want em now now now!!!!
Matt Makens posted:Great, I cant wait to get my 2 CNW SD9's. I want em now now now!!!!
Patience, young Jedi.
At lease I will not have to worry about ordering SP SD40-2's! without the special cooling package!
I know Matt, I'm being patient. I just let the dog off the chain there for a minute. I'm pretty excited to get em, they're my favorite engine. I'm also pretty stoked about the rest of the el cap coming too
