I don't consider myself a true 3RS scale guy. I am pretty much OK with big knuckles and even swinging pilots but on road diesels like steam engines the big front knuckle is unnecessary. I am pretty impressed with MTH's version of the SD70. The detail and especially the paint is incredible. Some of the warning signs need a microscope to be read but the lettering appears crisp and clear. The engine fails in large gap between the body and swinging pilot though.
Fortunately I was able to purchase a pilot used on a two rail SD70 though not in the same paint scheme. The pilot was stripped in acetone which also unglued the stair treads and cut bar eyelets. Easy enough to replace after repainting.
I was able to reuse the front handrail by rebending it. A new handrail next to the cab was fabricated. Other than that it was a bolt on modification.
MTH should consider including a fixed pilot with handrails with all of their 3 rail engines. They would only have to make a minor modification to the stanchion the front handrail mounts to the make it a simple swap.
Before:
After. 4141 is a two rail engine.
Pete
