@Dj'sOgaugetrains posted:It’s a Nick-name. Google image a Canadian National wide cab SD40-2
Wonder who came up with such an incorrect "Nick-name"? I've always heard those referred to as "Super Cabs", or "Wide Nose".
@Hot Water posted:Wonder who came up with such an incorrect "Nick-name"? I've always heard those referred to as "Super Cabs", or "Wide Nose".
I can tell you it wasn’t me! 😇 anyway, I’m really looking forward to these.
@Hot Water posted:Wonder who came up with such an incorrect "Nick-name"? I've always heard those referred to as "Super Cabs", or "Wide Nose".
Those CN units pre-dated "Super Cabs" and "Wide Nose". I also saw them called "Safety Cabs" and "Comfort Cabs". The CN developed them with EMD to be more comfortable for the crews in the harsh Canadian winters.
I saw the older cab style called "Spartan Cabs" as well. You can probably thank the guys from the railfan magazines.
Scott just posted actual photos of the various SD40-2's on the 3rd Rail site. Have to say the MoPac units look nice!
@Texas Eagle 77 posted:Scott just posted actual photos of the various SD40-2's on the 3rd Rail site. Have to say the MoPac units look nice!
I agree Ricky !!! Actually they ALL look nice !!! I can’t wait for delivery !!!!!
Going back to the first post on this thread and it is dated 09/2016. It's been a long road to get here, but I think it was certainly worth the effort.
I don't know why, but it took a very long time for this project to get traction. Reservations were sluggish for several years. When reservations grew to the critical level, we swiftly scheduled design and production. But COVID caused havoc with our teams as lock down after lock down disrupted their workers. Design usually takes 3-4 months, it took nearly 2 years. After the lock downs were lifted, things started to move again, but there were a lot of errors. Corrections were ignored and Jonathan had to review the same drawings at least 3 time, sending the same corrections again and again. It was a daunting task.
We didn't let production start until all corrections were adhered to and confirmed to us. Production started in November of 2023 and again, usually this only takes about 3 months, but it's been 6 months since they started. This time the delays were due to the huge numbers of detail configurations for the 30+ Road Names planned. But our team at the factory diligently organized production and powered through the difficulties. Now here we are, almost done.
Finally, these are finishing production with painting and lettering complete and assembly, testing and boxing up. They plan on ordering a container the first week of May. It takes about 1 month from that point to receive them, probably the first week in June. Those with reservations will receive shipping information once the container is on-board. It was a wild ride, but from the pictures I share with you on our web site, these are fine scale models through and through. Yes, there will be some errors, there always are. But as a modeler myself, perfection is something to strive for, but never attained. Our goal is to capture the essence of the prototype, which I whole heartedly think they did.
I hope all of our customers enjoy these models when they arrive. As always, we are here to swiftly and efficiently take care of any problems that arise from shipping.
I want to thank the many people that assisted us in reviewing and correcting drawings and photos of the production samples; Jonathan being the point man. THANK YOU. And to our many patient customers, I can't believe how long you can wait for these models. It's amazing. What a lucky business owner I am to have such supportive help and customers. THANK YOU. It's why we are still in business. Onward...
Sincerely,
Scott Mann - Sunset Models / GGD / ERR
Those units are very impressive!
The Conrails have Flexicoil trucks and class lights as per prototype
Nice work Scott, Jonathan and company
AMAZING effort to launch a model in so many roads and variations! In my opinion, this was a release of three distinct models: SD40-2, SD40T-2, and GMD SD40-2W. I can only imagine the research that had to go into each paint scheme and road specific details.
I hope this is a success for 3rd Rail and that we'll see a rerun in the future. 
Great job and thanks Scott, Jonathan and Team!
What I would order in a new production run are
CN SD40-2W in the 1985 painted special, colorful scheme for EXPO '86 VANCOUVER
The ex-MP SD40-2 that was sold to the GRAND TRUNK WESTERN to become GTW 5936
Andrew
The pictures so far are stunning! 
There were 4 different SOO LINE SD40-2 paint schemes. One choice for SOO LINE is not enough.
Andrew
Here's one of my MoPac SD40-2's.
The walkways should have been blue.
Otherwise they're gorgeous.
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Got mine too! I'm thinking of trying Tru-Color 120 acrylic or Modelflex 16-86 Mopac blue paint on the walkways and touch up the white paint behind the pilots.
Hi Folks,
I'm glad you are all getting your SD40-2s. When you receive your boxes, please check the labels on the side to make sure you received the correct road names. We've got some reports of the wrong road name received, which means my guys goofed and put UPS labels on the wrong box, or worse yet, I pulled the wrong models, and my guys missed it on the 2nd round of checking. Let me know quickly so we can coordinate an exchange.
And PLEASE, change out the 3 Rail Front Coupler with a Kadee insert at least. I wish we could have moved those back, but the truck is right up against the back of the pilot.
This is what shipping looks like in our Warehouse.
Customers are asking when we will know what we have left. The answer is, when all these mis shipments are corrected we will know what we have left. This can take several weeks after we have shipped.
Cheers,
Scott Mann
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Here are my three all together.
Here's a couple shots next to my Lionel SD40 and one of my MTH SD40-2's.
Here's a couple shots comparing the Atlas blue on the GP35 and MP15's to 3rdrail's blue on the SD40-2's.
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@Texas Eagle 77 posted:Here's a couple shots next to my Lionel SD40 and one of my MTH SD40-2's.
What I'd really like to see is a comparison on the side from track level. The trucks on the Lionel and MTH versions were always way too far back from the pilot.
Milwaukee Road and CNW. Very nice locomotives. They should make a great pulling consist with my SD9s
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@fast freight posted:Milwaukee Road and CNW. Very nice locomotives. They should make a great pulling consist with my SD9s
The bevel on that railhead doesn't look quite right for that size of wheel.
Received the SP version. Love those lights!!
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@Texas Eagle 77 posted:Here are my three all together.
Gorgeous coloring, I need to start adding some diesels to the predominantly-steam collection!
Finally got outside in our 100 plus temperatures that are common in June to get some quick (emphasis on quick!) shots of my various SD40-2s. I'm very happy with the final outcome!
South of the border with a late phase version that has extended range dynamic brakes.
Now north of the border with a CN SD40-2W. No dynamic brakes, a wide cab and those distinctly Canadian ditch lights.
Single light on the rear:
Hard to read in this photo, but the builder's plate is the correct GMD plate for Canadian built EMD locomotives.
The Union Pacific inherited D&RGW and SP SD40T-2 locomotives. This one is of SP heritage as evidenced by the unique lighting on the SP units that has been removed by their current owner and plated over on the rear and removed completely on the nose.
Norfolk Southern's high hood fleet came from both the Southern and the Norfolk & Western. This one is a former N&W unit. Spotting features include the bell on the short hood instead of the long hood. NS also was kind enough to mark the heritage of this locomotive on the cab sides.
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@fast freight posted:Milwaukee Road and CNW. Very nice locomotives. They should make a great pulling consist with my SD9s
And, now, envy sets in. Add a BN unit and I’d be in tears.
I received my Conrail units as well. They are very nice.
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Conrail was on my wish list as was ATSF, but so many conflicting interests on these models to decide on which ones I wanted. The correct Flexcoil trucks makes the Conrail one very special.
@Anthony K posted:I received my Conrail units as well. They are very nice.
These are sweet! Not really my era or focus though, so had to pass. Can't order *everything* . . . :-/
@Anthony K posted:I received my Conrail units as well. They are very nice.
Anthony very nice. What are the minimum curves are you running these on?
Dave
I am running two of the MP SD40-2s on 2-rail 36" radius on my office shelf layout. Set their DCC addresses to Mopac road numbers 3255 and 3264, put them in MU and have them pulling a local. My daughter was on the throttle with the bell and horn. (I'll get her hooked on the hobby in due time - ha!)
BTW, if you got more than one you might find all of the instruction manuals in a single box like I did. Of course it was the last box I opened.
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Does anybody have photos of the CP Rail model? I wanted one but my budget would only allow me to get 3, and that was my 4th choice.
@Tim Mc posted:I am running two of the MP SD40-2s on 2-rail 36" radius on my office shelf layout. Set their DCC addresses to Mopac road numbers 3255 and 3264, put them in MU and have them pulling a local. My daughter was on the throttle with the bell and horn. (I'll get her hooked on the hobby in due time - ha!)
BTW, if you got more than one you might find all of the instruction manuals in a single box like I did. Of course it was the last box I opened.
Very nice! Can't wait to run mine!
Wish I could see your entire train!
@GG1 4877 posted:Conrail was on my wish list as was ATSF, but so many conflicting interests on these models to decide on which ones I wanted. The correct Flexcoil trucks makes the Conrail one very special.
Jonathan
Sounds like you’re “needing” a run 2 like the rest of us 🫣😮😳
😂😂😂😂😂
@luvindemtrains posted:Anthony very nice. What are the minimum curves are you running these on?
Dave
Hi Dave, My main line has minimum 60" radius curves.
@GG1 4877 posted:Conrail was on my wish list as was ATSF, but so many conflicting interests on these models to decide on which ones I wanted. The correct Flexcoil trucks makes the Conrail one very special.
I got one Conrail and one Conrail Quality.
The extra paint detailing (white highlights) in the CQ is really nice.
I'm taken back to my elementary and middle school days watching these things shove a coal train over Cresson Mountain and then come back down light with just the whine of the dynamics and a short toot of the horn as me and my cousins waved from trackside in Lilly.
@rplst8 posted:I got one Conrail and one Conrail Quality.
The extra paint detailing (white highlights) in the CQ is really nice.
I'm taken back to my elementary and middle school days watching these things shove a coal train over Cresson Mountain and then come back down light with just the whine of the dynamics and a short toot of the horn as me and my cousins waved from trackside in Lilly.
My biggest memory of Conrail SD40-2s was hearing the whine of the prime movers from my Slumbercoach berth ALL NIGHT along the broad way during my college days. Conrail came through my hometown in the form of patched PC GP38-2s and maybe 6 cars at most being on a commuter line near the last freight customer.
Got to test mine with the DCC system on a short section of MTH Realtrax that I had.
I liked the lights and sounds.
Naveen
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Here's CSX if anyones interested. They turned out great! (Mine will be renumbered 8888)
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@TheRambles posted:Here's CSX if anyones interested. They turned out great! (Mine will be renumbered 8888)
Crazy 8's SD40-2?
@The-576-Guy posted:Crazy 8's SD40-2?
you bet!
@TheRambles posted:you bet!
Is that CN from 3rd rail too? I would love to see a video of the 3rail version in action
@CNtomato posted:Is that CN from 3rd rail too? I would love to see a video of the 3rail version in action
It is! This one is getting repainted in "Pennsylvania Northeastern." See attached photo I took. I will try and do a video when I get a chance before painting.
to be repainted as:
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@TheRambles posted:It is! This one is getting repainted in "Pennsylvania Northeastern." See attached photo I took. I will try and do a video when I get a chance before painting.
to be repainted as:
Will you also add the dynamic brake fans?
The dynamic brake cluster is an interchangeable part. There might be some available for purchase if you reach out to Scott. It looks like the Pennsylvania Northeastern has the extended range dynamic brake.
@GG1 4877 posted:The dynamic brake cluster is an interchangeable part. There might be some available for purchase if you reach out to Scott. It looks like the Pennsylvania Northeastern has the extended range dynamic brake.
Thanks for the tip!
The SD40-2 Dynamic Brake cluster has a lot of casted and plastic parts. Since they are a labor intensive part, the factory didn't make extras.
I received mine last week. They operate great. 3 units were able to pull three 3-car sets of diecast 53’ well cars & one 5-car set of gunderson cars up a 2 degree grade with no loss of traction, and that was a very heavy train. I did notice however that the front stanchions on all three locos were either bent or broken right out of the box. Also the cab roofs of the Santa Fe WB’s and Kodachrome units were painted incorrectly (dark blue on the WB’s, and a scallop of black on the KC), but an easy enough fix with some ATSF yellow and an airbrush. All in all, I’m very happy with them.
How about a video...
@rplst8 posted:What I'd really like to see is a comparison on the side from track level. The trucks on the Lionel and MTH versions were always way too far back from the pilot.
Here's a few comparison shots I took yesterday. I included my MoPac Canary SD40 from Atlas.
MTH
Lionel
Atlas Master line
Sunset 3rd Rail
Atlas & Lionel
Lionel & Sunset 3rd Rail
Sunset 3rd Rail & MTH
Hope that helps!
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The MTH has the right trucks, but they're too far inward. The Lionel has better truck spacing, but they used Flexcoil side frames.
@vash44 posted:I may as well show the Mopac SD40's some more love! These turned out to be wonderful models!
Absolute Beauties !!!
Next run let’s do those MP diesels with dynamic brakes AND let’s also push for MKT And FRISCO models too !!!!!!
Cheers 😉
Hangin with a 3rd Rail E6. 😜
Now all we need are some GGD MP Jenks blue passenger cars !!! 👍😜 😉😉😉
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@TrainBub posted:Absolute Beauties !!!
Next run let’s do those MP diesels with dynamic brakes AND let’s also push for MKT And FRISCO models too !!!!!!Cheers 😉
I'm game for both of those. But don't forget about the fallen IC "death star" If a rerun occurs, my order for these is already in.
@vash44 posted:I'm game for both of those. But don't forget about the fallen IC "death star" If a rerun occurs, my order for these is already in.
OOPS !!! Absolutely !!!! 👍👍👍👍
Forgot That !!!!!
🫣🫢😮😳
Anyone in for an "AWVR" version?
The decals for this scheme are available on ebay in O-scale.
@GG1 4877 posted:Anyone in for an "AWVR" version?
Absolutely!
@sdmann posted:The SD40-2 Dynamic Brake cluster has a lot of casted and plastic parts. Since they are a labor intensive part, the factory didn't make extras.
Looks like someone will be going to psc for the DB's. The dash 2 hatch would have to be custom printed though.
@GG1 4877 posted:Anyone in for an "AWVR" version?
Jonathan, if done with the accurate details. That loco had some different lighting and braking configurations.
AWVR #1206 | AWVR #1206 an SD40-2 pausing in Milesburg, PA b… | Flickr
MKT please!
I’d like to see the NYS&W “Susquehanna” offered in the next run. There’s the black and yellow paint “regular” paint scheme, as well as the silver & maroon “heritage” paint scheme recently applied to # 3024.
NYS&W #3024 (Heritage silver & maroon)
I’d be in for at least two pre-orders!
I would like to see a cabless, SD40-2B. But since there were just 3 such prototype locomotives, which of the popular road names, that have a greater likelihood of being rerun, could be the closest one, to modify?
I see these SD40-2B sandwiched between 2 BNSF SD40-2, around a local BNSF, hump yard. Apparently, they were all rebuilt from wrecked Burlington Northern, SD40-2.
2 of them (BNSF 300 & 301) look like the following photo that I took in 2014, with the dynamic brakes in the original location as the SD40-2, but at one time, I also saw an elusive BNSF 302, with the original Burlington Northern livery, that look this HO model, from Scale Trains, with the Dynamic Brake section at the front end.
All 3 have high, short hoods, with much smaller front porch, with the high hood, much closer to the front end of the locomotive, compared to my Sunset, BNSF, SD40-2.
These are just my opinion,
Naveen Rajan
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@naveenrajan posted:I would like to see a cabless, SD40-2B. But since there were just 3 such prototype locomotives, which of the popular road names, that have a greater likelihood of being rerun, could be the closest one, to modify?
I see these SD40-2B sandwiched between 2 BNSF SD40-2, around a local BNSF, hump yard. Apparently, they were all rebuilt from wrecked Burlington Northern, SD40-2.
2 of them (BNSF 300 & 301) look like the following photo that I took in 2014, with the dynamic brakes in the original location as the SD40-2, but at one time, I also saw an elusive BNSF 302, with the original Burlington Northern livery, that look this HO model, from Scale Trains, with the Dynamic Brake section at the front end.
All 3 have high, short hoods, with much smaller front porch, with the high hood, much closer to the front end of the locomotive, compared to my Sunset, BNSF, SD40-2.
These are just my opinion,
Naveen Rajan
The closest tooling to this one would likely be the one that uses the Southern / N&W / Norfolk Southern tool of the high short hood SD40-2. BN units were mostly phase 1a2 production as are the high hood models listed above. Of course the cab would have to be removed, the number boards and class lights blanked, and the ATSF style plate antenna added to the top with some additional details, but not too difficult to model. Painting it might be the most difficult part. Tru-Color GN paints should match for the BNSF colors used on the BNSF factory units. Interesting units to be sure!
Already posted above, but my NS version for comparison with a closeup of the high short hood.
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The SOO LINE SD40-2 versions that would make sense to produce first would be the SOO locomotives built by GM EMD in 1972, 1973 in the original graphics with the curved red front.
Andrew
Missouri Pacific/Union Pacific sold ex-MP SD40-2 locomotives without dynamic brakes to the Grand Trunk Western.
Several were in the Union Pacific scheme with a red GT logo.
Several were painted in the true blue GTW color scheme.
Those GTW variations have never been produced for 2-rail DCC and 3-Rail TMCC.
Andrew
You would need to make a Union Pacific paint scheme version with the Missouri Pacific name.
Andrew
Research all Canadian National Railway and Canadian Pacific Railway special occasion paint schemes for the next production run.
Andrew
Look up videos and photos for the Canadian National SD40-2 CN 5378.
It still has the North American map from the middle 1990's.
Andrew
FYI
Run 2 Posted. Wahoo !!! 😜
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Time to plug the IC and Frisco! Get your orders in and don't be shy!
Aren’t all the choices the same as the initial run?
I don’t understand the purpose of offering the same road names, right after delivering the same, just a month ago.
These are just my opinion,
Naveen Rajan
@naveenrajan posted:Aren’t all the choices the same as the initial run?
I don’t understand the purpose of offering the same road names, right after delivering the same, just a month ago.
These are just my opinion,
Naveen Rajan
Sometimes seeing is believing. Maybe too many folks were on the fence about the models until they came out. Once you see these models (online or in person) it's hard not to inquire about ordering them. Many times it is too late and a new run comes quickly.
@naveenrajan posted:Aren’t all the choices the same as the initial run?
I don’t understand the purpose of offering the same road names, right after delivering the same, just a month ago.
These are just my opinion,
Naveen Rajan
Same deal with the Superliners. So many people were impressed with the photos of the actual models who didn't order the first go around so they're doing another run. Thankfully I got some from the first batch before the prices went up.
@vash44 posted:Sometimes seeing is believing. Maybe too many folks were on the fence about the models until they came out. Once you see these models (online or in person) it's hard not to inquire about ordering them. Many times it is too late and a new run comes quickly.
This is exactly what happens. Many individuals want to wait and see the model first and once it finally arrives the waiting list is much longer than the list of available models. Also, people may want to order road names they couldn't justify in the first run to add some additional units.
This is just an announcement, and a 2nd run won't proceed until there are enough orders to justify another run so there is some time. New road names could be possible, but likely only through a commitment to guarantee a minimum number of probably 15-20 units. However, if enough different people want a specific road name done, there is a "write-in" option on the 2nd run reservation list. If any write-in candidates get traction, I'm sure Scott will be sure to let people know.
Also - It’s possible that there were many unfilled stand-by reservations. I think when reservations close, that Locks the number of models to be produced. Those that missed getting a scarce stand-by filled probably Still want a model. Maybe this run will be tacked onto another models run to get a Good # for the factory to execute.
Just glad for the second run opportunity. Not everyone can get all the models they want - At Once.
Cheers 😉
I understand the comment about the “write-in”.
My original reservation for the SD40-2 was for a BNSF, in the contemporary, colors, with the Swoosh logo. 2 years later, as it got closer to the preorder deadline, Scott communicated that the first run wouldn’t include such repainted schemes and I switched my reservation to the original BNSF scheme.
I will follow the development of this Second Run and see what road names make it to production.
These are just my opinion,
Naveen Rajan
FRISCO folks. If enough of you step up, it might be possible to get the Beautiful red and white model returned to the offering. It was dropped quite early for a lack of reservations. Those that have reserved the 3rd Rail Frisco FA, come and place a reservation to help get Scott to re-list this road !!!! 😜😜
Cheers 😉
@naveenrajan posted:I understand the comment about the “write-in”.
My original reservation for the SD40-2 was for a BNSF, in the contemporary, colors, with the Swoosh logo. 2 years later, as it got closer to the preorder deadline, Scott communicated that the first run wouldn’t include such repainted schemes and I switched my reservation to the original BNSF scheme.
I will follow the development of this Second Run and see what road names make it to production.
These are just my opinion,
Naveen Rajan
Naveen, I would want two in that same scheme, so that gets us a bit closer to the reservation requirements.
@bigboy25 posted:Naveen, I would want two in that same scheme, so that gets us a bit closer to the reservation requirements.
Email Scott with the request !!!!
Susquehanna Tunnel Motors, and SD40-2 as well.
- Crank
@GG1 4877 posted:The closest tooling to this one would likely be the one that uses the Southern / N&W / Norfolk Southern tool of the high short hood SD40-2. BN units were mostly phase 1a2 production as are the high hood models listed above. Of course the cab would have to be removed, the number boards and class lights blanked, and the ATSF style plate antenna added to the top with some additional details, but not too difficult to model. Painting it might be the most difficult part. Tru-Color GN paints should match for the BNSF colors used on the BNSF factory units. Interesting units to be sure!
Already posted above, but my NS version for comparison with a closeup of the high short hood.
Jonathan,
Did you find any differences between the Norfolk Southern and the Burlington Northern, SD40-2? Were there any differences between the truck types on these 2 variants? I am unsure if the SD40 variants had different capacity, fuel tanks as the SD45 variants.
Before I read your informative reply, I had assumed that these SD40-2B were closer to the Burlington Northern versions as they were rebuilt from wrecked Burlington Northern, SD40-2.
These are just my opinion,
Naveen Rajan
I'd like a Kodachrome SP tunnel motor. Before I email Scott, would anybody else be interested in this scheme?
@GG1 4877 posted:Anyone in for an "AWVR" version?
Since the second run is a possibility, I know what I'm suggesting...
@seank941 posted:I'd like a Kodachrome SP tunnel motor. Before I email Scott, would anybody else be interested in this scheme?
Promote this here but Always !!!!!! email Scott with what you’d like to see.
Tunnel motors are quite a bit different. Check out some differences in this picture.
So great that Scott gave us these variations on the SD40-2.
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Write in MKT!
Are the intake grills on the tunnel motors not see through?
Here’s what I’d like to see added.
Comments here please. Emails to Scott if interested in Any of these. Understand nothing new is possible unless decent #s of people respond with messages to Scott with what they’d like to see added.
This is a pretty ambitious wish list. I’ll be tickled to see Any of these Added !!!!
This MP is different from run 1. It has dynamic brakes 
Step up with emails to Scott. We won’t see Any of these unless you
Speak Up !!!!!!!
It’s All about Numbers !!!!!!!!!!
Cheers 😉
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@Ryan Selvius posted:Are the intake grills on the tunnel motors not see through?
Not see thru.
Hi Folks,
We announced a Rerun of the SD40-2s to satisfy the stand-by orders and any people that wanted some of the different road names offered in the first run, but couldn't buy them all at one time.
We are NOT going to offer any roadnames or paint schemes other than what was in the first run.
Your suggestions are great, but that would be something we would consider in a future run, 2-3 years down the road. A quick rerun is just that, using the same configuration drawings with the Painting and Lettering developed under the first run.
Any new road name require research for configuration, colors, obtaining color samples, having to go through many different processes before they can be added to a production run. This isn't going to happen on a quick 2nd run, sorry to disappoint.
Perhaps we will revisit the SD40-2s in years to come, with these added roadnames, but not at this time.
Thanks Again for all your suggestions. It's what keeps us going.
All our resources are being used to get ready for production of the following:
E7 4th Run: In production, finishing late Summer.
SD79 - Run #2 is coming later this year. Delivery by the end of 2024.
FA/FB - Early Next Year
Genesis and Chargers - 1st Quarter Next Year
Somewhere in this period of time, we can do the SD40-2 rerun, but we need at least 15 orders for each road name, and 200 minimum total orders to run the project. We should have that by the end of this year. If not, it will delay out further.
After that we are thinking of rerunning several of the other projects we have made in the past such as PAs, FTs, F7s and so on.
Have a Great Summer.
Great and Timely info-update Scott !!!! THANKS for the Guidance and some timelines !!!
We will keep our “powder dry” for some future Expanded SD40-2 offering !!! 😜
Cheers !!! 😉
@TrainBub posted:Not see thru.
It looks to me like the air intakes are louvers as opposed to screens. Do you know if this is prototypical for any tunnel motors? All models I have seen (any scale) and prototype photos I have seen of SP locomotives are screens. Its certainly possible that louvers may have been correct for certain locomotives or maybe as built. I don’t know enough about or have adequate reference material for this era of SP.
The radiator intake area on the all tunnel motors, the gp15's, and the mp15ac's are all mesh screens. There are no shutters or other components behind them, which is why they can be seen through. These locos do have shutters, but they are oriented horizontally above the radiator cores, in the volume that extends above the roof line.
The screen material is the same as that used for the inertial screens behind the cab, at least on late 1st gen locos onward. And for 2nd gen units like the dash 2's, after 1976 the same material is used for the radiator intake screens on locos with traditional radiator intake positions.
The inertial filter screens and typical radiator screens cannot be seen through since there are other components behind them, including shutters and cores in the case of the radiators.
The screen material and corrugations
Inertial filter screen
Typical post 1976 radiator screens
Tunnel motor radiator screens
All photos are my own.
I suspect that the intake screens are solid on the 3rd Rail models because there is a speaker or some other electronics sitting behind that part of the shell. Or it's a concession to the cost of tooling. Either way it's unfortunate that the screens are solid as they are a hallmark of the tunnel motors. Ironically, while I'm not a fan of tank drives, they would at least make it possible to have see-through screens without having a gearbox behind them.
Jim
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Jim,
Thanks for the detailed information. The see through intake screens are a pretty iconic feature of the tunnel motors and your photo is what my memory recalls.
I’m more of a steam and early diesel guy but I have a fondness for certain 60s-80s vintage diesels and also being an SP and Rio Grande guy, tunnel motors are of high appeal to me.
This detail issue will probably have me sticking with Lionel tunnel motors and eventually doing fixed pilots on them. I love the 3rd Rail GP9’s I got and have SD7/9’s on order but its hard for me to spend $800 per engine with a major detail like this not being correct.
@sdmann posted:After that we are thinking of rerunning several of the other projects we have made in the past such as PAs, FTs, F7s and so on.
Have a Great Summer.
Any chance for FP7s lots of people have been talking about them.
I'd be in for Western Railway of Alabama/ Georgia Railroad FP7s and a Southern FP9 for my Crescent set.
It was a long wait but well worth it. These are my first 2-rail only engines running DCC and I am very happy with them. As you can see the accuracy and details are excellent but the best part for me are the sounds and that I don't have to move in the trucks, fill gaps, fix a pilot or even put on couplers because everything correct and ready right out of the box.
I really want to buy two more CSX dark futures but unfortunately, for whatever reason, that paint scheme was canceled early on. I'm surprised that is not a more popular paint scheme.
I'm new to DCC, if anyone knows how to turn off the second headlight in a consist, please let me know.
Rich
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It was my decision to make the screens on the Tunnel motors solid. In the 3D image below, I made this section transparent so you could see what's behind the screens. One would see the electronics in one screen and bundles of wires in the other.
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@sdmann posted:It was my decision to make the screens on the Tunnel motors solid. In the 3D image below, I made this section transparent so you could see what's behind the screens. One would see the electronics in one screen and bundles of wires in the other.
I think a wise decision. I personally don’t care to see the electronics or wires. I also think it also probably helps keep the inside more clear of particulates that can jam up “the works”. Of course - my opinion. 🤔
Cheers 😉
@sdmann posted:Hi Folks,
We announced a Rerun of the SD40-2s to satisfy the stand-by orders and any people that wanted some of the different road names offered in the first run, but couldn't buy them all at one time.
We are NOT going to offer any roadnames or paint schemes other than what was in the first run.
Your suggestions are great, but that would be something we would consider in a future run, 2-3 years down the road. A quick rerun is just that, using the same configuration drawings with the Painting and Lettering developed under the first run.
Any new road name require research for configuration, colors, obtaining color samples, having to go through many different processes before they can be added to a production run. This isn't going to happen on a quick 2nd run, sorry to disappoint.
Perhaps we will revisit the SD40-2s in years to come, with these added roadnames, but not at this time.
Thanks Again for all your suggestions. It's what keeps us going.
All our resources are being used to get ready for production of the following:
E7 4th Run: In production, finishing late Summer.
SD79 - Run #2 is coming later this year. Delivery by the end of 2024.
FA/FB - Early Next Year
Genesis and Chargers - 1st Quarter Next Year
Somewhere in this period of time, we can do the SD40-2 rerun, but we need at least 15 orders for each road name, and 200 minimum total orders to run the project. We should have that by the end of this year. If not, it will delay out further.
After that we are thinking of rerunning several of the other projects we have made in the past such as PAs, FTs, F7s and so on.
Have a Great Summer.
Then I am out until green MKT SD40-2's are made. I missed the MTH ones back in 2010. I've only seen one of those come up for sale on ebay and it went for the same price as a brand new Sunset model. I see the Lionel model come up occasionally but they made the green way to dark.
I'm pretty late with this but finally got mines out of the boxes. Special thanks to Randy for answering my want add to add another unit to make a trio of these great locomotives.
Dave
