Review: 2rail MTH DASH 8

Martin,

 

Nice review. The Dash 8 series engines are my favorite prototypes. I bought the Conrail model from the same run, and it has the same sound set. I do think the horn is right. The prime mover sounds are a different story. These engines were delivered to ATSF with a Leslie-type horn. That's the horn in this sound set, though MTH tweaked the tone a little from earlier sound sets. But it's right for a former ATSF unit with the as-delivered horn (If most BNSF engines sound different to you it's because BNSF later settled on Nathan K-3s and most of the Dash 9s were delivered with those).

 

The prime mover sounds are a disappointment to me. MTH has a very good recording of the GE FDL prime mover and used in in past Dash 8 releases. The sounds in this one seem to be from an EMD sound set (a pair of Dash 9s I received last year had the same problem).

 

The reason the pilot ladders have the wrong steps is that MTH reused parts from the AC4400s and ES44s. The six-step pilot ladder started appearing mainly on the Dash 9 series and was continued on later models (AC44 and ES44), though I think I've seen some late-production UP Dash 8s that did have six steps. Otherwise, though these make for a pretty decent model. My Santa Fes are among my favorites and are real workhorses (just as the prototype was in the Superfleet era). If you know how to swap sound sets, consider installing one from the earlier runs (supposedly PS3 engines will support PS2 sound sets just fine). Enjoy.

 

RM

Nice review, Martin. I have the first run with Proto-2 and really like them. Definitely a locomotive I wouldn't mind have more of. My fear, though is that they'll make a run in CNW at the same time as another "must have" locomotive in the next catalog.

 

I'm wondering if the Atlas C40-8w with scale wheels will be DC only as I'd love to install a Proto-2 kit in one.

I like the way MTH did the latest run on the C40-8Ws. I have a CSX 3rail. Beautiful engine. The prime mover sounds on your PS3 2rail are not of a G.E. FDL motor. Sounds like a non turbo EMD GP38. I'm sure its' an easy fix.  

Thanks for the review Martin. I new the -2 engines were made in low numbers but I didn't know they were built to order. The Dash 8 is one of the few modern diesels I like. I guess since it is practically sold out I don't have to worry about it tempting me.

I have the PS2 Dash 8's and have been very happy them, other than a couple details as you say. They look real good. Great review.

Thanks for the feedback guys.  I do hope to load up a correct sound file with the right prime mover and horn sounds.

 

While I knew pretty much what I was getting because I have two of the previous 3-rail non-powered with lighting, I guess I was hoping the pilot/stairs would look better.  This is my first 2-rail version of this tooling.

Great video Martin, I especially love that BNSF paint scheme. I also ordered mine from Just Trains when it first came out about a month ago in the 3-rail NS paint scheme and have been running it ever since. And it has been a real workhorse, along with my SD40E, on my layout. I consider this engine to be a real keeper, not only for the paint scheme, but for the sounds and how it operates. I have made a detailed review on it, as soon as I get my camera back I will post that video. Anyway, I hope that you enjoy your dash 8, Martin.

 

 

Bit of negative news on my MTH Dash 8 reviewed above.  After using it for a while, I noticed that the rear kadee has risen to an out-of-standard height.  Inspection of the pilot area reveals that a gap is forming where the pilot screws into the shell.  That's because the pilot "pinches" the truck frame and the frame is working the screws loose that hold the pilot onto the shell.  

 

I'm not sure if I explained that right, but another way to describe it is to say you cannot remove the shell from the frame without first loosening up or removeing the pilots.

 

Bad design MTH.  I can fix this by tightening up the screws really hard, but the real solution will be to remove the shell and dremel off 1/8" of each end of the frame.

 

I hate to do that because one or both of the ditch lights never work when I put the shell back on!

 

 

Martin that's exactly what I did when I converted my dummy unit to a fixed pilot/Kadee pilot. Each end of the frame was shortened

 

 

Laidoffsick, I have done these conversions too and that was always a part of the process.

 

But when I buy a fixed-pilot 2-rail version brand new, I shouldn't have to go in with a dremel tool to make it operate reliably.  I'm disappointed in MTH, as I said.

I believe this current release of the MTH GE 8-40CW is the reason Atlas has pushed their release [yet again] to 1st Q 2016, they do not want to go head to head on this product!JMO

So, I removed the pilot rather than removing the shell.  Then I dremeled off about 1/8" of the end of the frame.  Now the pilot fits in there with no gap and the kadee has returned to standard height.

 

As we all know, it's better to just fix this stuff yourself rather than writing a nasty letter to the manufacturer or returning it and demanding they make it right.

Thank you for the review!

Nice work

I hear ya Martin, and I agree. My -2 engines are the same with the pilot bent at an angle from not sitting right against the frame. I just haven't run them enough to have to fix anything.

Thanks for the heads up about the pilots Martin/Doug. I'll look out for it on my units.

I'm not sure I agree. Add on details aside, I've never had the pilot issue on Atlas engines but I have on MTH. Also, I bet Atlas gets the proper number of steps and since they will likely be using QSI or ESU DCC/Sound boards they will have better and more importantly, accurate sounds. I suppose it's possible that they didn't want their model on the shelves at the same time, but I think that Atlas could have the better model at the end of the day. JMO...

 

Agreed.  I also think the Atlas may be a better model.  After living with this Dash 8 for a while (but not running it that much),  I would advise for someone to wait to see if the Atlas model is better, rather than buying one of these right now.

Actually you can see the pilot models on the Atlas website, these are the same 4 models Atlas has been displaying at their show booths for several years now and if experience is any indication what you see on those models is what you will get when[if]the model is produced,remember it is a T man model with optional M line electronics.

Looks like a nice model.  Can you move those sideframes inboard a bit without touching the wheel faces?  It is models like these that make Proto-48 or 17/64 more attractive - but most of the time there is a 1/8" gap - a reminder that these things are built with 3-rail in mind.

The answer is YES with a caveat. Mike Pitogo (I believe) did it. All you have to do is drill new truck mounting holes closer to the truck frame facade and shave the mounting plate down. This has to be done precisely as the sideframes have brake shoes which can't be allowed to touch the wheels (it's seriously close clearance). It looks great, but I don't have the skills [yet] to pull that off. The other thought I had was to shave a bit off the brake shoe faces for additional clearance or shave the shoe faces off completely and replace them with plastic.

The Atlas model is good for me although I would have liked an Mline production instead,you certainly can,t beat the pricing on the DC 2 rail units here,s hoping they show by next June[6 yrs at that point from announcement]

Hi

Love your MTH loco!  

I just thought I would add a few photos from the March Meet in Chicago.  I will be getting some of the CSX models when the come out.  I pointed out the yellow handrails on the front and that they should probably be blue and was told they will be on the actual production run.

I thought for a trainman loco it was great and I can't wait for Atlas to finally make these!   I hope standard cabs are next. 

Thanks

Don

Love the "Cast-On" and "two-piece" windshield wipers!!  How prototypical!!  Outstanding Atlas!!

At least Atlas doesn't have "handrails on a stick" under mounted on the frame, uses parts from different model prototypes to kitbash the model. Stephen

 

The steps thing is a bit of bad glaring issue.  I have two of the older ps2 and three of the ps3 dash-8 CW and just enjoy them for what they are.  (taking a page from one of they sayings my daughter learned "you get what you get and you don't get upset")

 

The truck side frames can be moved in and chassis possibly lowered.  However, I can only say so for the SD70ACe.  I did a comparison between an MTH and an OMI unit.  After moving the side frames inward and lowering it slight it it is close in various dimensions to the OMI.  I am assuming the OMI should be more to scale.  

 

Untitled by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/71561203@N06/]mpitogo[/url], on Flickr

 

Untitled by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/71561203@N06/]mpitogo[/url], on Flickr

 

Untitled by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/71561203@N06/]mpitogo[/url], on Flickr

 

 

 

Mike, thanks for that great explanation/illustration.  I also try to enjoy my MTH -2's for what they are.

 

Can you tell us what the min radius for those OMI units is?  (Specifically I was wondering if they will go around a 54" radius)

Thanks guys for your thoughts on this unit, Atlas /MTH and will keep leaning on the LOOOOOOng wait for the Atlas model. I am hoping that the T man issue will be a better model as Atlas has time to make it so. 

 

What is most interesting is mth 8-40CW is a premier locomotive which is their top of the line and Atlas is a Trainman production (not Master) and is more accurate (not a kitbash like the mth) and better locomotive looking at the pictures compared to mth. What does that say about mth top of the line with handrails on a stick quality?

Stephen

 

 

 

 

 

 

Martin I have all brass locomotives, SD70s, S70ACe, C39-8s, SD70M-2s, etc. Stephen

 

Just blind the innermost axles like 3-rail models do and that OMI SD70 will go around 36"r I bet

Martin, you are right, where are those engines from Atlas? I do wish they were available as I would buy a few. But what I do know is where are those nice MTH freight cars. Trinity tanks, various gallons, Evans 53', Berwick, CZ,Too many others  to list. But  we won't find such quality in the MTH  car line. For a 2 rail SCALE person I can't be too judgmental and I am willing to wait now for either Atlas engines or buy a used overland brass model. But I don't want to spend near $500 for something I think can be done better for the same cash.    MTH I feel produces mostly to the GUAGE people as there are  more of them than us 2 rail people. If we  really, really can't wait for Atlas then we will buy MTH and modify the engines to suit our needs. But both have their good  qualities and some bad too and we speak with our wallets. I am guessing Atlas is happy being slow with a line of nice diesels and keep producing nice cars. They must have something in the future as the CZ cars are coming to an end and the promise for the Dsh 8 now for nearly 6 years hangs over their heads. I hope they have grown with the Dash engines and move fast on it and more.