SD7/9 in O! Thanks Scott!

OOOOH I didn't need to see that. Wonder if the 3-rail version is available with fixed pilots and Kadee mounts? Might have to go 2-rail on this one. I don't do a lot of SP, but an SP with the Christmas Tree lighting would be nice to have, as would a correct CNW.

There is also discussion about doing BNSF potentially if there is enough interest.  What is nice about this model is that they remained in service long enough for both the transition modeler and the modern era modeler.  Of course mine will be a "boring" PRR unit in 2 rail.  PRR at least rostered both the SD7 & the SD9.  One of each would be fun.

The SD7s and SD9s will have fixed pilots for 3 rail models. 

The SD7s on the PRR were somewhat rare.    I think they only had 2 of them and they were ballasted extra heavy for service on Madison Hill.   this is a very steep line that climbs out the Ohio Valley on the north side of the river in the area of Louisville Kentucky.   

They had quite a few SD9s by comparison.  

I have a Max Grey SD9 imported in the 60s and it is a very fine runner and looks pretty good too.   

Yes, PRR only had two SD7s as opposed to 25 SD9s. 

A BNSF SD7/9 ??? WHY

I would think there would be more interest in the SP Bloody Nose or Tiger Stripes

SD7and 9s now - RS11 and 12 tomorrow! ! ! !  Stephen

BNSF did roster a few of the SD9s.  Former Great Northern units if I recall:

http://www.trainpix.com/bnsf/EMDORIG/SD9/1722.HTM

I was glad to see the email this morning. I've known about these for a while but Scott asked me not to mention it (understandably). Boy was that difficult These should be really nice. Now the hardest part will be trying to figure out how to narrow it down to a manageable number. There are at least 4 road names I am interested in...

I would actually not mind if these were broken up into 2 runs. Give me time to recoup and I might buy more Scott

Seems this announcement is causing some very positive reaction. Road names and color schemes are being added.  SP's various schemes would sure seem to be likely additions to the list. Just some more work for Jonathan.

We did a discussion a few years ago about the Atlas GP7 v.s. GP9 and the hand rail difference, solid rod risers v.s. flat bar.  Does that also apply to the SD models??

You have to like the Great Northern paint.   

$600+ for a Road Switcher seems a bit intense, but I could be wrong. IMO.

From the 3rd Rail website. Click on the underlined phrase to link 3rd Rail offerings.

Expertly Crafted, ABS          Bodies, Full Cab Interior, Canon Powered, metal drive, Sound in 2R and 3R. 3R          With ERR Cruise, Railsounds & Smoke. 2R with QSI “Titan” DC/DCC          and Sound. Coming Fall 2015, Built to Reservations Only. Sit on the fence and you'll just have sore butt, nothing else.

Any thought given to the very first SD7, i.e. EMD demonstrator #990, which was sold to the SP and operated into the 1990s, and is still operational at the Ill. Railway Museum.

Also, the Southern Pacific considered their first SD7 units as "switcher classes" and were painted in the typical SP "tiger stripe" paint scheme of that era, and NOT "black widow".

The SD7 does have the tubular handrail stanchions vs the flat stock stanchions of the SD9.  There are a few other minor spotting differences as well. 

I would agree that the bloody nose SDs would be popular as well.  The headlights on the SP versions certainly make them stand out!

 i had to preorder a sp sd9. cant pass this up.

Jonathan,

Those were not "tubular" handrail stanchions on GP7 and SD7 models, but solid round bar stock. Since that solid bar stock was more expensive, EMD subsequently went with stronger, "U Channel" material, which was lighter weight and less expansive. That change occurred on some very late production GP7 units, and possibly on some later SD7 deliveries also.

If memory serves, one of the easier "spotting" differences for railfans has been the class lights on SD7s vs. SD9s.

Jack,

Thanks for the clarification.  I'm sure we'll be chatting on a few questions on these down the road.

Atlas GP7 Handrail Round solid rod riser bars.

No problem. My problem will be "budget related" as my first choice will be the EMD SD7 demonstrator, and second choice would be a CB&Q passenger service SD7/9 with the steam generator.

Love the SD7/9 especially in the UP scheme. They are going to be great.

       
Now that's a disgrace to the SD9 lol I can't imagine anyone wanting one of those, but that's just me.

If you really gotta have orange.....

No one has mentioned the GGD Sunset Limited set yet???

No argument here. Like that tiger-stripe SD9. Anyone know exactly when/what color the coffee cans were lit?

I just hope that the paint is like the HO brass model shown on the web site, a bit of enamel and not that quick dry flat we see with most  plastic models.

I guess I'll have to step up and reserve a couple either way. Now onto figuring how to afford the CB&Q mike as I haven't planned this far ahead as waiting on Atlas for several years to step up and now they are left in the dust.    

Phil

The SD9s that were most commonly used on the SOO and GTW were the Duluth, Missabe and Iron Range. I would like one of those in 3 Rail.

Andrew

I would be very tempted by the SP version. I do not think the B&O had one in the old blue/gray scheme if they did I go for one, I have the B&O,SP, and PRR, in fact I have two or three each which look good MU'ed. I would love an orange tiger stripe.

I guess this model will be a good example of the SDs, if not that would put an end to buying sight unseen. It makes  me feel uncomfortable putting up 12 to 14 hundred $ to some units I haven't seen ever since Alco came out with the HO SD 24s, the first from Korea. JunK.. We see no preproduction of the model but I don't want to lose the opportunity as it appears Sunset is NOT going to re run them as they say, snooze you lose. I guess I'll have to cover my bases as I haven't been disappointed with their brass steam engines.

Phil

Fortunately for my budget, the SD-9 in PRR is way too late for me, as much as I admire the loco.

Someone above mentioned that $600 for a unit is pretty steep. Well, MTH Railking offered one in 2005 for $300; PS-2, high water mount, swinging pilot, no 2/3 option. $600 10 years later for what I presume will be a superior model (except for those benighted folk who insist on DCS control) looks pretty reasonable. It is true that bob2 runs china-drive power at the museum and the locos seem to be bullet-proof. We'll have to see how well the 3rd Rail examples hold up.

You pays yer money and you takes yer choice, I guess.

Opinion. Of course.

I may be wrong, but don't SD9's share the same truck / truck wb / pulling faces as the SD24 and SD35 ?  If so, that opens up some possibilities for modellers -- AND Scott......

Plus two comments from a non-interested party:

a)  I think it would be better for the B&LE unit to be the SD9, not the 7.  The Bessemer had both, but there were a lot more 9's, and they were road power;  half of the 7's were "switchers"[ = 400's ].

b)  Weren't most PRR SD9's in [ hump, usually ] yard service ?  You did see them on the road, but not that often -- or did I just lead a sheltered life ?

Best, SZ

OHHHHH Lordy Pete !!!!   This will break the bank, most assuredly !  Been waiting for this for aeons.  Can finally blow off my MTH units.  Will have to get a few in two and three rail.  Can't wait for the paint details to start coming out.  Hopefully the B&LE will be done in the original paint....and that Scott will also add a B&LE SD9, even though they never bought one new.   PRR 8588 and 8589...for sure!     Now that I'm thinking about it, Scott will have to do two versions of the B-Nellie SD7,  Non DB # 451 series, and the DB # 801 series.  All this and NO China drive !   Huzzah !  Do you suppose Scott will do the step differences too?    I'd better start looking for overtime at work !

" Like that tiger-stripe SD9. Anyone know exactly when/what color the coffee cans were lit?"

  Hi Matt, That 5308 number is actually an SD-7, the SD-9's came in Black Widow paint. The main visual difference is the 7's had different step design in the foot wells( more vertical), they had class lights mounted on little doors above the end ladders, and they had bolted handrail stanchions like the GP-7's and early GP-9's. Those barrel head lights were oscillating lights that were normally white but had some kind of flaps of red that could be moved over the bulb when the loco was stopped on the main or in other warning situations. I watched them many times stop at Santa Cruz yard on the way home from Davenport and turn on the warning lights as they switched back and forth across the road to the boardwalk and wharf..DaveB 

You're not wrong.

SD9:

Truck Wheelbase: 13' 7"

Truck Center-to-Center: 35'

Overall Length: 60' 8.5"

Powerplant: EMD 567C 16-Cylinder Asirated

SD24:

Truck Wheelbase: 13' 7"

Truck Center-to-Center: 35'

Overall Length: 60' 8.5"

Powerplant: EMD 567D3 (16-Cylinder Turbocharged)

A 3rd Rail SD24 (and some of its variants) would be a pretty logical follow-on model if this one is a success.

Seems the SD24 was a natural evolution of the SD9, especially when you consider that the SD7/SD9 was pretty successful in its own right, though the SD24's had some reliability issues and many were rebuilt.

The correct response is to email Scott "I will reserve an SD7 demonstrator if you make one".  Demonstrators are not advertised because there is no relative demand.  That will be 2 to start if you do a reservation.  He needs about 12 reservations to make it happen.  Lobby at the March Meet;

Just because something is not listed does not mean it will not be done.  The F7 Yellowbonnet ended up getting the second highest number of reservations even though it had not been originally listed.

Remember specific liveries will only be done if there are sufficient reservations.  If there are not sufficient reservations it will not be done. 

Anyone else have any interest in a Penn Central SD9 (I'm also thinking PC black patchable for Conrail)?

I'd take a couple SD24 Zebras too

Just remember, they have GP20 cabs/short hoods as ATSF ordered them. That's next after the GP30u Project.

A Sunset GP30 would be quite the offering as well...

"Remember specific liveries will only be done if there are sufficient reservations."

   Ideally the SP versions would be tiger striped SD7, Black Widow SD9, and Bloody nose SD9. The SD9's and GP9's ran more miles in the Scarlett and Grey than in the old Black Widow. The Bloody nose paint was introduced in 1959 for new locos or those getting major work. It took quite a few years to get all the Black Widows repainted but once it was done the Bloody nose scheme lasted till the UP occupation and obliteration which started in 1996.....DaveB