Fireside, with Rick

There's still more out there, prototypes waiting to be modeled, than the over-milked

current EMD SD70 ACe's/SD70M-2's and the AC/DC GEVO's series.

Apparently, both 4 and 6 axle Alco's (the Century series); EMD's SD40-2's, their first generation SD70's, including, the powerful AC MAC's(70, 80, 90 and 9043)... are quite popular with rail fans.

Experience has shown me that I prefer using one operating system; even though I have two(DCS and TMCC). Most of my locomotive collection is MTH, so DCS equipped models makes the most sense, re: future purchases.

The models I have mentioned, in my second paragraph, have not been milked to death... like the models, in my first paragraph.

BTW, todays contrived heritage stuff, both UP's and NS's, is boring and somewhat tacky looking. I've got the UP Western Pacific SD70ACe, and that's enough of that category... for me.

I'm currently after a couple of MTH Premier models, from their 2007 catalogs, because the current models being offered... aren't doing it for me.

I'm looking for something comparable quality wise, similar to quality of MTH's new Dash 8-40CW; and their new Train Master.

One of the reasons I spoke of "Unsung power", in my opening post, is that, there must be other nice stuff out there and worthy prototypes to model; besides, the ubiquitous ACe's and GE's?

BTW, the Premier model I mentioned in my opening post of this thread, the SD40-3, is for the most part, quite well done. Lots of nice detailing, on this model. I don't like the windshield glass, though. Besides, the glass issue... a worthy O gauge/scale model.

Rick

There are a LOT of short lines that now use SD40-2s, as a recent Trains magazine article pointed out. Likewise for other older motive power. Seems like a golden opportunity for manufacturers to sell a few more models of this nice big (but not too big), modern (but not too modern) loco.

I used to participate on a real train forum; and from what I observed... SD40-2's had a real following.

I'd be interest in one. I can think of a number of different liveries that would work for me.

Rick

I would love to see this one:

And this one:

The Big two in Canada had some unique versions of the SD40-2, including, the styling of CN 5359, a SD40-2W(with the wide... Canadian cab); and, CP had 25 full-cowl bodied, comfort cab models. The only SD40-2F's, produced.

NS/NW crews rode in a high short hood model.

Those, and the 3,949 conventional cab models produced, provide plenty of prototype equipment worth modelling.

Rick

I'd like to see MTH tackle one of the Century prototypes... Give it the works.

MAC's... any one of the MAC's, would work for me, too. As do SD70(I)(M)'s, SD75(I)(M)'s...

Rick

Speaking of MACs...

This one, the BN three window SD60MAC.

Ah, one of the four test beds; that was the start of a great line...

The bad*** MAC's. They, the SD70MAC's, are still running BNSF coal... out to Westshore terminals, at Robert's bank.

Nice!

Rick

Dependable, always ready and fun:

MTH PS-2 2-8-0 from a starter set breakup, was $150 in the LHS and I had to grab it.

I pulls my MOW consist and anything else I want, never fails to run sweet and blows nice smoke rings too.

Excuse me, Russell, while I stoke the fire...

There, that's better.

2-8-0 ya say. Back in around 2006, I had  my eye on a chunk of steam. I believe it was designated a Consolidation. A chunky little Pemier PRR 2-8-0 locomotive. If MTH ever makes them again, I'd like to have one.

I like your choice.

Cheers,

Rick

Ideally, you want the works... great performance and good looks; but, if I could only have one, then performance and a paper bag... win out.

Seriously, looks get lost, quickly, when a unit fails to perform up to expectations. I've got a couple of models that fall into this category. Above average looks, but unreliable...

Rick

Something, I can't get into is... non-powered models. I've got 3 sets that have dummy B units. You get non-powered B's with some sets; but, I would never go and buy a dummy unit, on it's own. The powered locomotive is the main attraction, for me.

Re: shelf queens - basically, if they won't work they're junk; unless, I can cannibalize for parts.

Rick

Probably never gonna happen but I could go for the SDP45:

http://www.rr-fallenflags.org/cr/cr6694gea.jpg

We had these former Erie Lackawanna units when I was with Conrail during the early years. Sorry the poor quality picture but I posted one of the 6694 since I was on that particular unit.

Bob 

BN's GE B39-8's (I think that is the correct model?) The ones with the cabless B units.

Tosses on another log and throws a pot of joe on the fire.

Chuck,

There were 145 B39-8's built(1984-!988). I couldn't find a picture of one in my reference book, but there was a picture of a B32-8(BN 5499).

I like GE's similar looking humpbacks, but fitted with three axle truck's... the C39-8's.

Bob, Looks good wearing blue.

Marty,

A bit of a nip in the air, tonight; falls here... The cabins ready for her, though. Smells good, the Joe. Nothing like a good fire on a clear night, perched high up... next to the Tusk. Pumpkin pie season... yah.

The mellow sounds of Blackfoot's live version of Train, Train or maybe, the studio version... off Strikes(the album). Kind of spooky-cool, hearing that tune bouncing off the side of the Tusk, in the moonlight.

Train, Train

Rick

Originally from Chuck Sartor:

BN's GE B39-8's (I think that is the correct model?) The ones with the cabless B units.

Are you sure you are not mistaken the B30-7a from BN?

I am hoping that Atlas O completed their ALCo line with the C36-7... NOt many made but ones that were made can represent paint schemes throughout the country...

PC**/CR/DLW

ICG

SP&S/BN

CN

CP

Demo

** ordered by the PRR

Yes I was mistaken, that's what I was thinking of 'Shoe. I wasn't sure of the model # as you don't hear much about them anymore.

Something with a wee likeness, but it comes with a cab, C36-7's(the final versions).

Missouri Pacific's 9000-9059, were built in 1985. Again, a model with a humped back.

I think those early humped looking GE's have a tough guy thing... going on. They look strong. Capable.

CN and BCR had GE build them a unique looking Dash 9... the Dash 9-44CWL. Only 27 were built - CN2500-2522 and BCR 4641-4644. It came with CN's own wide cab design, and had a 4-piece windshield. When I first saw the real things, a few years back, I thought they were the ugliest things going. Now, I have come to appreciate their quirky looks.

Quirky looking locomotives have an appeal, that works for me. Old electric locomotives are the kings... when it comes to the "quirky look". Definitely, cool! One that I don't have is a "little Joe" I think I'd like one!

BTW, somebody should manufacture O scale models of the prime movers -  ALco's, GE's and EMD's. They sure would add to certain scenes... like a maintenance facility theme.

Rick