Demo Versions?

You might consider searching the rest of the internet. Bet you could find something...

Mark in Oregon

@Mannyrock posted:

Still trying to master the O gauge lexicon.

Yes, I tried the Search function, to now avail.

What does it mean when someone says that they bought a "Demo Version" of a locomotive?

Thx,  Mannyrock

The various REAL locomotive manufactures, bot steam and diesel, sometimes built and loaned to railroads "Demonstrator" models of their latest product. Thus the term "Demo" or "Demonstrator" units. EMD, GE, Alco, and FM all had Demonstrator diesel units, painted in their own corporate styling.

@Hot Water posted:

The various REAL locomotive manufactures, bot steam and diesel, sometimes built and loaned to railroads "Demonstrator" models of their latest product. Thus the term "Demo" or "Demonstrator" units. EMD, GE, Alco, and FM all had Demonstrator diesel units, painted in their own corporate styling.

And were usually repainted into the purchasing railroad's colors.  Also sometimes a feature like dynamic braking, MARS light or steam generator was removed at the specification of the railroad prior to delivery.

Rusty

Here are a couple...

Thanks very much for the info.  The paint jobs and detail on these O gauge engines looks far superior to the regular product lines I see.

Mannyrock

@Mannyrock posted:

Thanks very much for the info.  The paint jobs and detail on these O gauge engines looks far superior to the regular product lines I see.

Mannyrock

Then what "product lines" have you been looking at?

Another use for the term. Back in the day when trains were actually sold in brick-and-mortar department stores, train shops and hobby shops there was usually a running layout for folks to look at. Sure, mom could buy one of the trains in the box on the shelf but junior just must have that one that is running around the demo layout. OK now that is an example of buying the demo unit.

I thought DEMO paint jobs don't last long after the DEMO is sold to a RR.

@AlanRail posted:

I thought DEMO paint jobs don't last long after the DEMO is sold to a RR.

Demos were usually repainted by the the manufacturer before delivery plus any changes requested by the purchasing railroad.

For example: Fairbanks Morse Train Master Demo's TM-1 and TM-2 had their dynamic brakes and steam generators removed before going to the Wabash as their 550-551.

Rusty

Clean Steam Demo:  Check out 3rd Rail's web site regarding their O gauge model of the Alco 4-8-4 that was equipped with Timken sealed roller bearings.  After touring on several railroads across the nation, Northern Pacific purchased the locomotive for use in passenger service.  Regretfully, she was scrapped before plans to save her materialized.

Mr. D's Machine:  EMD was so certain that Southern Pacific would purchase their SD24 when it was introduced the model to the market that they sent a trio to Espee painted in the red and grey scheme sans SP lettering.  However, SP wasn't impressed so they were returned to EMD.  I believe Union Pacific purchased the three units and ordered more SD24s.  UP experts please confirm this.

A Demo unit could refer to a locomotive that has been run around in a hobby shop display many times.

A railroad Demonstrator diesel-electric locomotive built since the late 1980's and early 1990's most likely has ended up in a Locomotive Leasing Fleet.

Andrew

Ok, I admit it.  I posted almost the same picture three days ago.  But, I could not resist dropping the third engine into the middle of the picture.