Skip to main content

Here is my review of the BNSF GE 8-40CW (that’s the six-axle version with the wide cab).  This tooling was introduced a few years ago and I pre-ordred the ATSF non-powered version in the first run.  This new batch came out last week and it is now with PS3 electronics.  This is the first time MTH offered this with the Heritage II scheme in BNSF.

 

I’ d like to recognize Just Trains (forum sponsor) for the great price and free shipping, though I won’t post that number here.  When I called Just Trains, these had only been out for five business days, and already MTH was down to their last one.  I was lucky to get one at all, since usually nowadays the MTH -2 offerings with fixed pilot and scale wheels are truly BTO. 

 

So I took it out of the box and installed Kadee 740’s with MTH-provided screws.  I really like these couplers and used them on all my MTH 2-rails, but you have to dremel out some of the back of the metal  box to clear the truck swing.

 

First thing I noticed after removing the packing foam and placing it on the track, MTH FORGOT TO PAINT ONE OF THE STEP LIPS ON ALL FOUR CORNERS!  It looks terrible and is very noticeable, but very fixable by me with a bottle of testers.  I’m sure this was a one-time oversight and I am going to give MTH the benefit of the doubt here.

 

 

BNSF DASH 8 BY MTH [3)

 

This brings us to the first problem.  There are one too many steps on each of the four staircases.  Bummer!  Doesn’t match up to the prototype, but I’m not too upset.  I realize MTH has to design these to work with the floating pilots on 3-rail and to use the fixed pilot in 2-rail.  The mass production of the 3-rail version makes this 2-rail one economically possible.

 

I attached the snow plow and it fits close to the pilot like it should, but otherwise I don’t like it.  Especially how it attaches with an extension piece that goes under the pilot.  I like the way Lionel does it on their es44’s and sd70’s a lot better.

 

Otherwise everything looks great and it runs great.  Decent volume too, but I have other MTH diesels that sound better.  I’m not sure if the horn is right. 

 

MTH put these two really cool GE placards near the front stairs.  The writing is tiny, but almost legible.  It’s really a nice touch.  I tried to capture it with my camera and zoom in on the photo below.

 

 

BNSF DASH 8 BY MTH [12)

 

Overall, this loco is very accurate and an amazing value for being well under $500.  That includes a built-in DCC decoder (ps3).  Sweet!  Thanks MTH, you guys really lead the pack when it comes to dash8’s in o Scale, including 2rail!

 

OK, Atlas, how about that 8-40cw that’s supposedly coming?  Will the Trainman eclipse the Premier?

 

BNSF DASH 8 BY MTH [2)

BNSF DASH 8 BY MTH [4)

BNSF DASH 8 BY MTH [6)

BNSF DASH 8 BY MTH [7)

 

 

Finally, here's a video capturing the horn and some crew talk later on.

 

 

Attachments

Images (6)
  • BNSF DASH 8 BY MTH (3)
  • BNSF DASH 8 BY MTH (12)
  • BNSF DASH 8 BY MTH (2)
  • BNSF DASH 8 BY MTH (4)
  • BNSF DASH 8 BY MTH (6)
  • BNSF DASH 8 BY MTH (7)
Videos (1)
MTH DASH 8 VIDEO
Last edited by Martin H
Original Post

Replies sorted oldest to newest

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.

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.

 

 

NS Dash 8 [1)

NS Dash 8 [2)

Attachments

Images (2)
  • NS Dash 8 (1)
  • NS Dash 8 (2)
Last edited by SubwayLover

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!

 

 

IMG_2664

IMG_2665

Attachments

Images (2)
  • IMG_2664
  • IMG_2665

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.

Originally Posted by hibar:

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

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...

Originally Posted by jonnyspeed:
 

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.

Originally Posted by jonnyspeed:
Originally Posted by hibar:

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

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...

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.

Originally Posted by bob2:

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.

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

imageimageimage

Attachments

Images (3)
  • image
  • image
  • image
Thanks, Don!  I am also looking forward to the Atlas and will be getting the BNSF h3 swoosh to run behind this BNSF h2 I reviewed.
 
Your pics are really great and show off a very good model.  Thanks for sharing.
 
Originally Posted by d tuuri:
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.

 

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

 

 

 

Last edited by pitogo
Compromises are present in models of all scales.  We can fix issues that bother us the most and enjoy the models for what they are. 
 
Originally Posted by Martin H:

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)

 

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

It says that MTH delivers product, while Atlas still has a "prototype".
 
But please, post pics of your 2-rail Atlas ES44AC, Atlas Dash 9-44cw, Atlas AC4400CW, Atlas SD70ACe, Atlas SD70M-2.
 
oh, wait...
 
Originally Posted by nw2124:

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

 

I have not tried but I don't see any reason it can't.  The truck swing looks to be good to make it.
 
Originally Posted by Martin H:

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)

 

Martin,

 

 

I asked Brian Marsh this question in 2006 after I bought an SD70ACe from the first run. He advised using 45” or 49.5” radius curves for the Overland O-Scale SD70ACe. He also said that the 40.5” radius might work if the speeds were low & the track joints were very smooth. But this was when I first got into O-Scale & was only aware of fixed radius curves, before I became aware of Atlas-O flex-track. So 54” seems doable.

These are just my opinion,

Thanks,

Naveen Rajan

 

Originally Posted by Martin H:

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, I feel it is in my destiny to own one or more of these in the future, if fate allows.  But I have 54" radius curves.
 
I was concerned because I heard Key f-units need 60", and they are shorter with only 2 axles per truck.
 
Thanks again.
 
Originally Posted by naveenrajan:

 

I asked Brian Marsh this question in 2006 after I bought an SD70ACe from the first run. He advised using 45” or 49.5” radius curves for the Overland O-Scale SD70ACe. He also said that the 40.5” radius might work if the speeds were low & the track joints were very smooth. 

 

Originally Posted by pitogo:
I have not tried but I don't see any reason it can't.  The truck swing looks to be good to make it.
 
Originally Posted by Martin H:

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)

 

 

The MTH AC4400CW is NOT a kitbash of anything.  It is uniquely accurate as it is.  Nobody else has even attempted it.  
 
nw2414, i find your posts pathetic.  You complain about MTH products but you have nothing to contribute that refutes their accuracy.
 
Enjoy your life, you troll...
 
Once again, please post photos of your better current-day locos.
 
Originally Posted by nw2124:
Originally Posted by Martin H:
It says that MTH delivers product, while Atlas still has a "prototype".
 
But please, post pics of your 2-rail Atlas ES44AC, Atlas Dash 9-44cw, Atlas AC4400CW, Atlas SD70ACe, Atlas SD70M-2.
 
oh, wait...
 
 
 
Well Martin: You will save a lot of money with the mth loco. You just need to just buy one mth loco and you will have all those models.
I rather not have any than kitbashes mth does. Stephen
 
 

 

 

 

 

Originally Posted by Martin H:
It says that MTH delivers product, while Atlas still has a "prototype".
 
But please, post pics of your 2-rail Atlas ES44AC, Atlas Dash 9-44cw, Atlas AC4400CW, Atlas SD70ACe, Atlas SD70M-2.
 
oh, wait...
 
Originally Posted by nw2124:
Well Martin: You will save a lot of money with the mth loco. You just need to just buy one mth loco and you will have all those models. So enjoy the models for what they aren't.
I rather not have any locomotives than kitbashes mth does. Stephen
 

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, 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.  

Add Reply

Post

OGR Publishing, Inc., 1310 Eastside Centre Ct, Ste 6, Mountain Home, AR 72653
800-980-OGRR (6477)
www.ogaugerr.com

×
×
×
×
Link copied to your clipboard.
×
×