Lionel sd 38 EJ

Looks nice, enjoy it. Does the coupler have the same "kinematic" extension on a curve like the rolling stock? Is that delicate piece on the cab roof the radio antenna?

Certainly is a VERY nice looking model. If it does have a "fixed pilot", why is there a noticeable gap between the top of the pilot and the underframe? Also, why aren't the vertical hand rails at the steps, not full length?

sweet model....looks great....

Hot Water posted:

Certainly is a VERY nice looking model. If it does have a "fixed pilot", why is there a noticeable gap between the top of the pilot and the underframe? Also, why aren't the vertical hand rails at the steps, not full length?

Do these engines, and the Lionel SD40's, actually have true fixed pilots versus a reduced swing pilot?

In the first image the rear steps are barely visible, tough to see what is occurring back there.

Maybe a few images of it transitioning straight to curved track?

Interesting... these are nice, but why does it still have a noticeable cut line from the steps to the shell body? Could this be eliminated?

Looks good! I ordered Road number 354, but I have not received mine yet. My initials just happen to be EJE - so I had to get one of these. 

Very nice model, thanks for sharing.

There is that gap but the pilots do not swing on curves.  The truck swings  behind it.  Sorry about the lack of photos, my camera card showed full after 4 shots.  I have not explored the coupler swing or extension if there is that.  Hence my lack of understanding of the description as "kinematic".  More looking tonight.  I think the verticle rod on top is supposed to be an antennae.  Anyway, the lack of swing by the pilots is very striking.  Liking it a lot.

Thanks again for sharing WB47, but I think there may be some confusion about what it being discussed regarding the pilots.

This unit uses a relatively new design from Lionel that makes it LOOK like the pilot is fixed. As you stated, the pilot did not move in your observation.

In reality, the pilot is not directly to the truck and will only show the pilot moving when the engine travels through a sharp enough curve. It actually is a pretty ingenious system that I hope all manufactures start to employ.

As a side note, I think there is a provision to actually lock the pilot in place, thus restricting the engines use on sharp curves. You will still need to fabricate handles if you want them to go full length.

Seeing this feature in person would be best, but in the meantime, your pictures will do.

Thanks again WB47.

Charlie

Didn't realize these were out. Looks good! Are the sounds accurate? (should sound like an F unit or GP7/9)

Beautiful engine! Enjoy

This loco does not have fixed pilots. The "kinematic" pilots do swing - but only if they need to. If the curve is large enough that the coupler shaft does not press against the sides of the pilot "hole", it stays in place. If it needs to, it will swing with the coupler as the coupler pushes it. Or so I understand. So, big-curve guys never have to see a pilot swing! 

This is a good idea and a good example of the meaning of the word "compromise", especially since the pilot/frame gap is so small, and on a dark-colored pilot would be almost un-noticeable. 

What is not un-noticeable is how far the coupler sticks out from the pilot (photo 1) - one step forward, one step back. Sigh.

The Kinematic pilot, American Flyer Style:

Rusty

D500 posted:

This loco does not have fixed pilots.

Thanks. THAT explains the gap between the pilots and the underframe, also the lack of full length handrails at the steps.

The "kinematic" pilots do swing - but only if they need to. If the curve is large enough that the coupler shaft does not press against the sides of the pilot "hole", it stays in place. If it needs to, it will swing with the coupler as the coupler pushes it. Or so I understand. So, big-curve guys never have to see a pilot swing! 

This is a good idea and a good example of the meaning of the word "compromise", especially since the pilot/frame gap is so small, and on a dark-colored pilot would be almost un-noticeable. 

What is not un-noticeable is how far the coupler sticks out from the pilot (photo 1) - one step forward, one step back. Sigh.

Noting THAT, how difficult would it be to up-grade to Kadee couplers? 

Hot Water posted:

 

Noting THAT, how difficult would it be to up-grade to Kadee couplers? 

 

I think Lionel literature and Mike Reagan in his talk both said that one of the benefits of the new design is to make it easier for operators to install Kadee couplers if they wished.

I have an SD40 and the semi-fixed pilots are nice on O-81 curves but as mentioned above, the couplers really protrude from either end of the engine distorting the look. This is one of the reasons why I'm switching over to 2-rail.

as long as they have remote couplers, they will always stick out way too far. Just like Sunset diesels come with remote couplers that stick out well beyond what looks reasonable. Scott supplies shorter dummy couplers to close up the gap a little bit, but nothing will close the gap like Kadee's or modified 3 rail couplers.  JDaddy has a perfect example how he used dummy Weaver 3 rail couplers to close the gap.

No matter who the manufacturer is, all that extra length is due to the remote coupler.

Yes, I jumped the gun a little on the "fixed".  On reexamination, the pilots will swing but only if coupled to a car.  I tested without a car again on 0 46 atlas I believe, my sharpest curve anyway, and the lead pilot does not move but only the pilot connected to the trailing car and that is not nearly so noticeable.   Without the car neither pilot moves at least not that I can detect.  So at least the front end of a consist will not have the swing unless perhaps you are on really sharp curves.  So much of an improvement.  I am thinking of installing the Kay dees on this one though.  Thanks for any further input from others, maybe a notch 6 review would get out more details. 

https://ogrforum.com/t...0-with-scale-coupler

Lionel has not yet offered or produced matching O Scale EJ&E freight cars.

You will have to get the Atlas O EJ&E coil cars for the SD38.

Andrew

Rusty Traque posted:

The Kinematic pilot, American Flyer Style:

Rusty

Thanks for the images Rusty, can see the pilot does swing a fair amount if needed when coupled on a tight curve.