MTH 8-40CW details

With all the great detailing they did on the outside, did they improve the detail on the engineer's figure, or at least include a head brakeman for the other side of the cab?

You are worried about the fine detail on the tank. What about the screwed up steps. Mth can get the number of steps correct. Still using molds from other locos instead of making correct new molds.

George/nw2124  "Progress - either you are for it, or get out the way!"... SLR

MTH did a nice job on the details apparently because Atlas is bringing the same unit in sometime this year in a Trainman version and they wanted to be competitive, they have been upgrading some of there Premier cars and engines. There was mention in another post that they may offer some 2 rail rolling stock. The pics on the Atlas web site show a somewhat plain GE8-40CW.

MTH is still a 3 rail mfger with very little 2 rail output so detail specific models are most likely a low priority. With there competition in this area Atlas being in the MFG doldrums in recent times and the probability that most future projects will be in the Tman line I don't believe the incentive will be there for any better detailed models than we are currently seeing IMO.

hibar: I just hate to spend money on a loco that just does not look like the prototype.

George/nw2124  "Progress - either you are for it, or get out the way!"

I can agree with you that one wants a loco that looks correct and not spend a fistfull of cash so I am willing to look the other way on some of the detail miscues. Like steps  as if I can say that this model is a 8-40CW by looking at it vs. a es44 then I am OK. I have the fortunates not to have rivet counters within 500 miles of me. SO, it is my kingdom and my power and I get along.

"I realize getting these unique details correct requires more of an investment in tooling costs up front but its like they got to a certain point and said ok, it's good enough, and they were so close."

And it always will be so because even for relatively mass-produced O models, it always will be a small market with small margins. And some errors I think are attributable to small staffs who have to be jacks-of-all-trades in overseeing the design of a broad range of products. In other words, while many things are no doubt deliberate cost cosniderations, some prototype variations I suspect just slip by the people doing the planning, who either don't pick up something or forget. It would be nice if test shots were shown for customer comment, as seems common in the smaller scales, but that just doesn't seem to be the way it is done among the O mass manufacturers. (If fairness I think MTH did show what I think was a test shot of the ATSF Dash 8-40CW, though my comments about the step wells fell on deaf ears).

Since the Atlas comparison is made, it would be a shame if no one pointed out that even their Masterline models contain such compromises. Placement of things like head and ditchlights on the 8-40Bs and the oversized fuel tanks on the GP60Ms are examples. The SP folks have complained for years that Atlas omits SP-specific light packages are from certain models. And the photos of the Trainman Dash 8s on Atlas's website show incorrect antennas on the ATSF and UP models, which seems inexplicable given they feature the correct cab variations otherwise.

Ironically, by the way, the step wells on the MTH Dash 9s also are wrong, but would be correct for a Dash 8-40CW. And I've long thought the MTH Dash 9 radiator wing was actually too small for that prototype.

By the way, Joe, steps aside, I think it's a handsome engine with much more right than wrong.

RM

 You know we can always find something wrong. What's glaring mistakes to some, just don't bug me as much. I figure MTH knows as well, maybe some things just get included as a package at the release date as "close enough".

 They had the exact same pilots on a lot of their models for years. I'm glad to see them get updated. I would think that the  front and rear pilot must be different on a lot of prototypes. The MTH ones are the same. I think anyone could swap them out. I have. I've even added a step to my MTH AC6000.

 When you get to the realm where you're going to be road specific, the price will match. I hate to think that I'll have to pay extra for everyone to be made happy. I appreciate the finer models that have been made. For me, they are just more than I can afford. I still drool over the Overland engines for instance. I will get at least one someday. I would expect them to be correct, for the most point. Joe

these are the MTH AC6000s

http://www.overlandmodels.com/showroom.php?scale=2

I've got a Atlas engine and I just can't get past that rear screen detail. It reminds me of the old athearn shells before railpower. It runs solid and I will keep it.

 I'd love to get that Overland. I'd have to rip into her and add sound and smoke. It's what I demand, to hear them too.

Good Day Joe,

Is there snow plow for your MTH CSX Dash-8? If yes, does it fit?

Regards,

Frank 

There's a different plow for 2 rail vs 3 rail as pointed out by someone here before. This 2r engine was brand new in the box. I'd better check anyways...............looks like it will fit. The new hoses still won't cooperate. I may have to pursuade them,  Joe

Hi Joe,

Thanks for the information. Are the hoses flexiable?

On a side note, I'd  sure like to see some CSX heritage engines!

Regards,

Frank  

   Drawing by Michael Eby          Painted by Frank Swafford