MTH EMD SD-70-MAC

http://www.mthtrains.com/content/20-2956-1

I have cab no. 9812, from the 2009 vol. 2 catalog.

Note: this model is not one of MTH's Premier scale wheels offerings.

It does not have scale wheels, fixed pilots, or the correct truck/wheel placement... like the prototype. It does have venting on the long hood, for the AC traction equipment; and other prototypical looking features.

The cab is not the isolated cab version, that some units were equipped with.

This model is closer to the prototype than the previous models, of the SD70MAC, that MTH offered, in the past. The tooling used prior to this, latest, model was of an EMD SD70M(the older version of the North American safety cab; not the boxy/angular SD70M-2, currently being built by EMD).

Even though this most recent offering isn't what I would consider to be a knockout, model; it has it's good points.

BTW, I've always wondered if MTH created the tooling for this model, or purchased older tooling from another manufacturer?

I'm into the MAC's; and would love to see MTH do a full-bore, scale wheels version.

Rick

This is one of those models that needs to desperately be re-tooled as the truck placement is way off and cannot be fixed. I've tried and unfortunately it is a no-go.  This is a model that would sell many units if re-tooled. A modern classic to say the least....

Just to add to what Rick and Jeff have said, MTH has never tooled a proper 70MAC. The first ones offered in the late 90s were SD60Ms with just a truck side frame change. A few years later, MTH tried pawning its SD70M model as a 70MAC. The 70MAC is about two-feet longer than the SD60s or SD70Ms, with differences in vents, blower ducts, and other external spotting features. Most recently, MTH went back to the SD60 tooling with additional vents addded to the body to represent vents for the AC traction apparatus. Again, none of this accurately represents the SD70MAC (all in addition to the issues Rich and Jeff mention).

The basic SD60M body maybe could be used as a starting point to bash something closer to one of the phases of the SD70MAC. That would require some surgery, including stretching and a new, longer, frame.

RM

It would help if they re-issued the Demonstrator properly done. I had the same issue with the PS1 and PS2 C44-9W's. They finally got close [enough for me anyway] with the PS3's.

Rich M.,

I just got in and read this thread. You stated MTH's latest MAC offering is a return to their old 60 tooling. I have two 60's - one from 2005 and the other from 2007. The last MAC I purchased definitely does not have a SD60M longhood; it actually resembles a prototype MAC, in many ways. I'm comparing them(my 60's with my MAC) as I write this; and, comparing my MAC, to a trustworthy reference book I have.

MTH's latest MAC tooling is just about, if not, spot on, regarding the details; I'm actually pretty impressed by how close their model comes. The fuel tank even looks pretty close; except for the filler cap locations. They should be on the inside of the red oval gauges, not on the outsides. Pretty close though!

The various compartment doors, hand brake location... are where they should be.

For a 3-rail upgrade, you might be able to use a set of trucks off a 3-rail ACe; and for a 2-rail model, you might be able to use MTH's scale wheels setup; but don't hold your breath... trying to order a set of trucks from MTH.

The body on my MAC is approximately 17.5" from the deck ends, and from coupler tip to tip... it's about 18.5. Real MAC's are 74' even.

The front and back doors don't open, and that doesn't bug me; but, MTH could have made a better 3 dimensional looking front cab door. The front railings travel up the front of the cab and connect, at the appropriate level.

There is some good stuff here, lads; we just need them(MTH) to go the extra mile.

MTH, if you're reading this, I have a ton of your locomotives, and I like them; but, the only thing that's really missing, for me, is a great prototypical looking SD70MAC.

I think there are a few of us that feel the same way.

BTW, I love to know who created this most recent tooling?

Rick

Good Day MTH,

A prototypical SD70MAC would be great! As mentioned above there are several modifications required to make this a fantastic engine!

Regards,

Swafford

I frequently see the real deals coming into southwestern British Columbia; they look like the pictures Frank posted. Production of the, then new, 4000hp AC traction masters started in 1993; and, like I said, MAC's are still holding their own in class one coal service.

When the long BNSF coal trains are passing through... it's the MAC's that get most of my admiration; I don't mind the haunting, ghost-like sounds they emit, either. For me, they are about as good as it gets, re: their rugged, business-like, good looks.

To me, they have the look!

While we're on the topic of great looking older EMD products: 60 and 70M's,  70i and75(i)'s, big brothers 80, 90 and 9043MAC's work fine for me, too. There are some truly worthy prototype modelling opportunities to be had, here.

Rick

 I'm thinking of taking a G scale one and modifying it with flared radiator and paint for CSX. I think that would be another possible release for MTH if it would sell?

Besides, liking the look of the early North American safety cabs; I love the simplistic looking, straight, longhoods. EMD conventional cab models - SD50 and 60's have a cool look, too; but, it's the winning combination of the early chunky looking wide cabs and the long straight longhoods, that capture my attention.

Rick

I finally had the chance to look thru my magazine collection and found articles and scale drawings on the SD-70MAC and SD-70M. Railroad Model Craftsman published an article by Ken Goslett with HO Scale drawings by Eric Neubauer for the SD-70-MAC in the May 1999 issue. The SD-70-M was also covered by the same people with HO Scale drawings in the July 1999 issue. There was also a prior article about using a Railpower SD-60 shell to kitbash a model of the SD-70-MAC. A bash should be possible using MTH O Scale shells and other items, so it now seems another "round to it" project has made it to the work bench.