How about the SD70MAC's? or maybe it's time for SD70ACe's.... Scott Mann 3rdRail?

BN and BNSF SD70MAC's.......................sweet!

Regards, 

Swafford

Lionel and MTH has saturated the market with SD70's and the like. I doubt Scott Mann would even think of doing it. 

The K-Line by Lionel SD70MAC/SD75M/SD75I is now the property of Kader/Bachmann, so they need to be contacted in Philadelphia to get them to make it. 

The K-Line version and Lionel versions are not the same.

The CN SD75I is not oversaturated as the MTH approximations are scarce.

Andrew

I agree with david1! The market is SATURATED with modern diesels, and Sunset/3rd Rail has many more potential sales for diesel models that have not yet been produced in 3RS. Models such as: FP7, FL9, FT (done CORRECTLY), and various passenger E unit models using the Sunset/3rd Rail/Golden Gate Depot new design power chassis, which came out with their new E7 models.

Personally, I will discourage Scott Mann from doing ANY modern diesels, until he "finishes" the older "historic" models, that have not yet been done correctly!

How about a horizontal drive for all the modern diesels , with appropriate side frames .

Overland would offer this in HO scale for other manufacturers bodies or shells.

A diesel that has not been done with see-through etched side panels in plastic is a FP45 or F45

Good Day Gentlemen,

The market maybe saturated with SD70MAC’s but not prototypical SD70MAC’s. The MTH SD70MAC truck placement is incorrect and the K-Line and Lionel SD70MAC’s have an anemic fuel tank. I still think there is a market for the prototypically correct SD75M, SD75I, SD70MAC, and SD70M.

My thinking on production runs, I would say that 3rdRail is very capable of offering diesel locomotives from the past and modern day diesel locomotives all in the same time period. More diesel locomotive projects give Mr. Mann more leverage with the model production companies.

Respectfully,

Frank Swafford         

I sure doubt THAT! Leverage with Chinese production companies is an oyymoron.

Good Day,

I respectfully disagree. New business is new business no matter where it is produced. Even the Chinese companies want new and more business. I would think the more projects you can bring to a model train manufacture the more leverage you would have in business negotiations.

Regards,

Frank Swafford 

I've got three of Mike's earlier 70's with the Eddie Bauer paint schemes, scale wheels, and Proto2. Not a lot of detail on them, but the real thing doesn't have a lot either. Utilitarian in looks, kinda' like a 4x4 Jeep with a huge motor.

Scott has already learned that you do not deal directly with Chinese production companies.  He deals only with Korean companies that deal with the Chinese production companies. 

And as the 3-rail IS saturated that would only leave 2-rail.  He has said repeatedly that the 3-rail Scale market is what makes his things doable.  I asked him about something like a joint venture with Lionel on their SD70Aces to do the 2-rail only and he pretty much said Lionel would laugh him out of the building or make it so prohibitively expensive as to not be feasible.

Also his schedule is pretty much booked up for the next 3 years with the stuff announced/in process and who knows what will happen by then.

And actually, as I understand the Asian business culture the more business you bring the more they think they own you.  Scott has said he has to take business away from the companies to get them to deliver stuff up to his standards.  The more he gives them sloppier they get.

The 70's that Frank proposed would be first choices for me... especially, a MAC and a SD75I. Fixed pilots; proper truck placement; accurate scale length for the MAC(74'0"); realistic vents for the AC equipment; precision, deep molded-in body details(deep enough to cast a bit of a shadow...especially, for the front door); realistic looking mu hoses and wipers...

Rick

Good Day Gentlemen,

Thank you for posting and providing your insight. Perhaps someday one of the model train companies will present the prototypically correct SD75M’s, SD75I’s, SD70MAC’s, and SD70M’s. Time will tell I just wish it was soon.  

To me the Santa Fe SD75M’s and BNSF SD70MAC’s are fantastic! Runners up, I like the SD70M’s with flared radiators too. I think the UP and NS has this model.

Best regards,

Frank Swafford  

Frank I agree with you the 70mac is a fabulous locomotive with a look that I love! 

Good luck

The only saturation I see is re-hashing of E8's, F3's, F7's, PA's, GG1's.

The K-Lionel SD75 was their Best model to date. Too bad they were ashamed of it. The only updating it needed was a scale fuel tank.

You will have more of a chance convincing a Railroad to Paint one in a Heritage scheme and then it will probably be made.

Can a guy get an SD45-2, F45, GP40X, GP50 or a B36-7 for a change???

 I'm not real picky about some of the mistakes of previous models as released. I did make the mistake of not ordering the MTH (executive) as I was mad that they weren't two rail versioned for me. I should have just got the executive scheme to have it. I also passed on a K-line as I felt it also would be too much work. Now, I'm sad that I did not get them.

 I just bought a used Conrail SD80Mac (from Lionel) that appears to have a small tank also? I just like the looks overall too much to care. I should have got the MTH version but again I slipped. I don't have the patience to wait years for perfect models. I have to buy what I can afford and make them work.

 I have several HO scaled SD70s from Athearn Genesis line that I love. History has showed me that I seem to be buying the same O scale choices that I made in HO. Being a modern fan, I want the executive, a warbonnet, and a CN version. My wallet does not always comply. Thanks for churning up the wants again Frank!!!

 Just playin' Frank. Keep posting these great pics. At least I can look at them on my computer until I get my hands on them. I had an Overland in HO once. Maybe someday, an O scale version.

 I would be shocked if Scott made this. I would order one just for saying thanks. Joe

Hey Joe, 

Thanks for play'n...............

When time permits, please post some videos of your trains. I really like your consists!

Best regards,

Frank 

Joe,

I bought the MTH Premier executive, didn't want to weight, either.

Not bad, but could be better. A solid performer, though. I really like that livery and the green trucks.

Something about that particular era of EMD body styling, that I really like. Maybe, it's their clean/uncluttered design?

As I said, my first choice...

Rick

Good Day Rick, 

The BN Executive color scheme on the SD70MAC's looked great! I think at one time BN had 600 to 800 SD70MAC's. I hope you enjoy the pictures.

Regards, 

Frank

Hi Frank,

My reference book states "BN's landmark 350-unit order became the foundation of a  BN/BNSF SD70MAC fleet that topped out at 786unit..."

It also states that, "BN 9400-9571 were the onlySD70MACs built without isolated cabs."

and that,

"In March 1995, beginning with BN9572, the isolated cab became standard on the SD70MAC."

Reference information supplied by: LOCOMOTIVES - The Modern Diesel & Electric Reference

by Greg McDonnell

BTW, I have seen, many, many times, both the executives and the heritage painted MACs; working BNSF's four unit coal trains, with two units at the front and two at the rear, coming from and going to Delta Port(Roberts Bank Superport), in southern British Columbia.

They're usually teamed up with GE motive power... ES44ACs and/or AC4400CWs.

Thanks for the pictures.

Rick

As somebody that has spent a fair amount of time working in China over the last five years, I think you are looking at the world through rose colored glasses.  Please read Scott Mann's threads on this forum, and when you are through with those, download the first 11 issues (IIRC) of "O Scale Trains", and read "Crapola from the Cupola" by John Smith, formerly of Pecos River Models.  Whether it is Chinese or Korean production companies, it is a very tough business, and for most companies, a sideline to other businesses. 

But nothing stopping you from taking a crack at it.  It all sounds so easy. 

Regards,

GNNPNUT

As noted, would love to see some 70 series locos with updated details, fixed pilots and scale wheels.  Frank pictures are awesome and agree with Joe, at least we can see them in photos until they are released.  

Granted it's unlikely for MTH or Lionel to offer upgraded versions anytime soon, but I think it's more likely than 3rd Rail doing them?  Perhaps Bachmann will come through on the SD70/75 series?

Good Day,

I’d like to see 3rd Rail offer the EMD SD70MAC! 

I am ready to buy when they supply!   

Best Regards,

Swafford

Good Day Scott,

How about presenting a modern day diesel locomotive? Perhaps the SD70MAC, SD75 or SD70ACe.

Regards,

Swafford

Have any of you folks wanting a modern diesel, eMailed Scott directly?

 HW, yes I did a while back.

Frank, I'll up my order to 2, if that helps?

My vote is still for the SDP40 or FP45 from Scott.

SD70MAC - Noted. There seems to always be room for an improved model.

FP45 - Thinking about it.

The nice thing is, I know most of you.. and most of you understand the limitations of this business. If I can move enough of them, I will put them into production.

Cheers,

Scott Mann - China

Hi Scott, I would be in for a Conrail SD70MAC.

Please give consideration for hood units in the future.

Put me in!

Hey Joe,

What road name? CSX?

Regards,

Frank 

I am not familiar with the term “hood units”. What are the locomotive models that are examples of “hood units?

Thanks,

Naveen Rajan

Good Day,

Who would be a buyer if Scott Mann offered the SD70MAC and SD70M in 2-Rail and 3-Rail? I'd be a buyer for the BNSF and BN SD70MAC's

What road names? 

SD70MAC: CSX, BNSF, BN, Conrail  

SD70M with Flared Radiator: UP or NS 

Regards,

Frank

I'd go for an SD70 model in Conrail colors.

Norm

Here's an interesting twist- offer the 3-rail in 3RS with fixed pilots and full handrails. The "027" guys aren't ordering these anyway!! I'd be in for 2 UP (SD70M) 2 NS and 2 BNSF. Make these with the mentioned and its a deal. 

I just got home Frank. I would buy CSX, or BNSF, or UP, or NS, or CR, CN,.....ummmm..... I really like them all. How about the SusQ??

I am always a fan of who used each model the most and/or what I have seen. So CSX goes right by me and BNSF (in executive or speed lettered) is in all my books.