How many 2-rail MTH -9's?

 I have a 2rail CN dash9 and it is great. Beautiful air horn sound.

I don't know how many they shipped, but I have a pair and they're very nice. I run them at the club frequently, scale wheels and all. If I can find the third road number (I have 8717 and 8727) I'd buy it in a heartbeat. Here's one posed for an outdoor photo.

 

 

 

Here's the pair running on the club layout:

 

 

MTH also did a great job on the C40-8w's. I was able to get all three road numbers in ATSF. They're so nice I almost don't have the heart to weather them.

 

 

 

Guys those are awesome!

 

Here's my SP -9:

 

 

Dumb question:

 

Can our 2-rail loco's run on 3-rail track? In your picture Matt are the ATSF's 2-rail or 3-rail?

 

Nice either way!

 

Chuck

Matt, if I didn't see that Kadee coupler I would have thought it was real.  WOW!!  That is nice.

 

Rick

They're indecisive. They run on both 2-rail and 3-rail (with the included rollers installed). The Dash 8's are Proto-2, but the Dash 9's are Proto-3 and can also run on DCC. I've run them both ways as I typically set them up on a 2-rail test track (go figure), but most of the run time has been in 3-rail mode at the club.

 

By the way, like your track work. 

My Dash 9 OP LS which I usually run as part of a Lashup. (consist).  Very nice engines.

Dave the NS -9 looks great. Very nice.

 

Cool layout too. Well done.

 

Chuck

 

Thanks Chuck, I appreciate the compliment.

A reliable source has told me that MTH made 12 of each road name in the 2-rail -9's?

 

If so we got lucky...

 

Chuck

Matt,

 

MTH also did a great job on the C40-8w's. I was able to get all three road numbers in ATSF. They're so nice I almost don't have the heart to weather them.

 

Are these units scaled wheeled (2 rail)?

 

Do you have a catalog and item number for these models?

 

Steve

Absolutely scale-wheeled. I haven't bought a new hi-rail MTH diesel since mid-2009. The catalog number is  20-2945-2 from the 2009V2 Catalog. The road numbers were 800, 802 and 814, plus a non-powered hi-rail unit with #826. Doug (Laidoffsick) did a fixed pilot conversion on this unit and my understanding is that the dummy versions of the 3/2-capable diesels have swapable wheelsets. Have thought about getting one and doing that conversion if I stumble across one.

Thanks Matt,

 

I'll search for a video of them running on YouTube.  They really look impressive!

 

Steve

 

 

Matt are your ATSF Dash 8's 2-rail?

 

How the heck does one go about finding these things? They are awesome!

 

Chuck

Like Matt, I run the two-rail models on three-rail track. I remember a few years ago that several of us lobbied MTH to upgrade these to two-rail versions (Matt I'm sure you were in on that). Here is a Santa Fe from that first upgraded run (this is a phone grab; forgive the color saturation):



Though my modelling interest is Santa Fe, I confess to occasionally updating the layout to today and dabbling in BNSF. So I also ordered the BNSF Heritage I versions. This is my favorite BNSF paint scheme; it almost salved the merger....



From the newest run I ordered the BNSF warbonnet. (Unfortunately, it came with EMD prime mover sounds loaded in it).

The scuttlebutt on MTH two-rail diesels has been that only about a dozen are made. That's why its important to "pre-order" them if you want one. I agree about the Dash 8s, by the way. My favorite prototype from my favorite railroad. Here is a video:

 

 

Here you go:

 

CNW Dash-9's with a scale-wheeled consist in tow:

 

ATSF Dash-8's with a scale-wheeled train in tow (except for the MTH caboose).

 

Thanks so much Matt!  And you too Rich!   Very impressive!

 

Steve

I have all 4 road numbers of the Dash 8s and Dash 9s, but I put Hi Rail wheels in them. I just find someone to trade my 2 rail wheels for their hi rail sets. I buy the -2 versions for their fixed pilots and full length handrails. Of course I have to convert the dummy units to fixed pilots which is a lot of work, but I like to have all 4 road number.

Here's someone on eBay trying to take a little advantage of our passion by selling a 2-rail BNSF -9 at way over MSRP.

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/MTH-Pr...;hash=item19e88d148b

 

If I ever sell one guys I'll ask what I paid for it which is about $439.

 

 

 

 

Got several MTH PS-3 locos recently.  Great pricing, great features.  Very pleased.

Ah. So YOU'RE the one who bought it out from under me! I've been looking for one of those and the elusive UP/SP Heritage Unit. Horse traded with another Forum member for the UP/WP scale-wheeled unit. 

 

Did I get the only one? Thought there might have been another one... A forum member here does a great job locating these more rare locos.   

Pretty much. I'm still searching. Tracking down model railroad equipment is like missing a bus -- eventually another one will show up. A couple of weeks ago I got hold of another ATSF U25B with scale wheels. I had been looking for one for over three years. This one was a duplicate of one I already had. Just had to change the cab number and I was good to go. Like I said, sooner or later one will show up.

I would pay more than list for a model I desired if it became available in the condition I wanted. I have waited too long for models I have missed out on and desired and the wait isn't worth trying to be frugal. At 66 and waiting don't seem to go together. A few bucks one way or another doesn't bother me. We only live once and i plan to enjoy most of it even if it means paying a bit more. .

Phill

By the way, here's mine.  Its nice having PS3 now!

 

That is a great-looking loco!

 

Thanks for posting the pic.

 

Chuck

 

I bought a 3 rail dummy engine from a NY hobby shop sight unseen. The MTH locator steered me there. I talked with the guy there and he said he woldn't check out the model if it was scale or otherwise so I bought it. I was disapointed as heck to get the engine to find out it was 3 rail. Sure he just wanted to get rid of it and get the money in his pocket.

I now have a UP 3 rail dummy 8-40CW engine #9390. and i can either trade the wheels out for a set of 2 rail or the entire engine. Just puttig it out there if any interest. I know there is a place for this but it seems it is very slanted to just 3 rail.  However I will list there too.

 

Phil

Doug K (Laidoffsick) did a how-to on converting the hi-rail dummy units to fixed pilots. It's pretty straight-forward. That's an option.

 

I've had many other hobbies (like coin collecting) where you really have to watch the dealers. But that goes with the territory and you accept it.

 

Not so with model railroading. We are a tight community and if there is a shady dealer we'll simply not go back ever again.

 

I trust all my fellow model railroaders... if by chance something doesn't go right it is quickly fixed to the satisfaction of all.

 

At least that's the way we should be...

That is my next move as listed in the 4 sale or trade was to have it run there for awhile and then see if someone wanted to trade wheel sets and maybe couplers if different.  I would be OK running the swinging pilot as a 2nd in line as many eyeballs follow the lead engine and glaze over them that follow.

Anyone see the sell of a es44 FS or T
       NIB 6-28397 UP ES44AC$750 with 2 guys really interested at that 750 price. Sort of supports my feelings if one wants something one will be willing to pay. Like the last bottle of single malt.

 

Phil 

If a dealer tells you he does not know whether 2-rail or three, and refuses to check, and you buy from him, who is at fault - the dealer, or you?

Don't worry, I'll convert it for you.  You dont want any silly swinging pilots anyhow, thats just absurd.  Will have to get the scale wheels though.

Bob, there was one unpowered left and the store had it as MTH said. I was going off an ad in the MTH web site for the fixed pilot. So I guess I am the goat,  however using MTH finder and trusting the store. Hey. It is nice to believe in what most people say. It was only $183. so no big deal but just now trying to get it right. The superstructure and paint are there. Now to get the wheels and pilots correct if I can't get a trade.

 

Phill

 

Good luck Phill.  We've all been there!

 

Chuck