TheRailwire
General Discussion => Product Discussion => Topic started by: scaletrains on January 26, 2019, 06:34:15 AM
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Join us live on YouTube at 11am EST this morning as we reveal four all-new locomotives (2 HO and 2 N) live from the Railroad Hobby Show in W. Springfield, MA.
When the show opens at 9am EST, a 360-degree camera will be live streaming from the Better Living Center (BLC), booth #34A. You’ll be able to control the camera and see everything that’s happening throughout the BLC.
All live feeds are courtesy of our friends at Virtual Railfan.
Visit our YouTube page.
https://www.youtube.com/c/scaletrains
We look forward to seeing everyone at the show and online.
Shane
Shane Wilson
President
ScaleTrains.com, Inc.
Moderators: if this type of post is not allowed, please accept our apologies and delete.
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When the show opens at 9am EST, a 360-degree camera will be live streaming from the Better Living Center (BLC), booth #34A. You’ll be able to control the camera and see everything that’s happening throughout the BLC.
It'a 9:08 AM. Do you know where your live stream is?
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@Point353 When I clicked on the live stream, I got a Scale Trains logo with a countdown clock in the bottom left corner. It appears from the countdown clock that 9 am EST was a bit optimistic, and the countdown will end at 10am EST, when one assumes the video feed will come up.
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Think of 9 AM as the pre-announcement of the 10am pre-announcement of the 11AM announcement that will hopefully be announced by noon.
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Looks like the stream is live now, but out of focus.
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360 degree camera feeding out to several thousand end users is a whole lot of bandwidth- I could probably save them some by logging off, as it will be a big surprise if they release anything pre-1956 that I could use on my planned layout. But here's hoping.
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I can't wait! I can't wait! I can't wait!
Lol just kidding. Let me know what they announce. :lol:
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Think of 9 AM as the pre-announcement of the 10am pre-announcement of the 11AM announcement that will hopefully be announced by noon.
Well maybe considering they are having audio issues with the announcement.
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Dash 9 - $99
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That's a very mice price point.
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I’ll definitely need to get a pair of the Norfolk Southern ones provided they do them then
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Having worked a lot of pro audio in my life, maybe 1000 gigs with wireless mics.....
Top 5 reasons for wireless mic issues-
#5- mic is muted at the board
#4- the wire between mic and mic pack is broken-usually at the mic pack connector- from being bent too often and/or wrapped to tight
#3- batteries are dead in mic pack
#2- mic pack is not turned on
#1- mic pack mute switch is on
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So the 4 new locos (2 in each scale) is just one loco with different levels of detail?
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How about something for pre 1980s modelers next time, like a GP30
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Having worked a lot of pro audio in my life, maybe 1000 gigs with wireless mics.....
Top 5 reasons for wireless mic issues-
#5- mic is muted at the board
#4- the wire between mic and mic pack is broken-usually at the mic pack connector- from being bent too often and/or wrapped to tight
#3- batteries are dead in mic pack
#2- mic pack is not turned on
#1- mic pack mute switch is on
While the ad does say watch us live on youtube, it doesn't say anything about being able to listen.
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Color me disappointed as well. I bet ScaleTrains would kill it with an proper DD40AX.
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Awesome :D
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I’ll definitely need to get a pair of the Norfolk Southern ones provided they do them then
MTS just posted photos on their FB page, showing NS 9083, but with a nose headlight :( Guess that's the operator shell and you'll have to upgrade to Rivet counter to get the high headlight
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Ok, so its the Dash 9 - in two levels
https://www.scaletrains.com/collections/rivet-counter-n-scale-ge-dash-9-44cw
https://www.scaletrains.com/collections/operator-n-scale-ge-dash-9-44cw
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While the ad does say watch us live on youtube, it doesn't say anything about being able to listen.
I'm really interested to see how the two "brands" compete with each other on the NS model. The rivet counter has the correct cab (if not 100% it has a high headlight), which I'm sure NS modelers want while the operator has a nose light.
It's about a 40 dollar difference between the two.
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https://www.scaletrains.com/collections/rivet-counter-n-scale-ge-dash-9-44cw
So whats the other?
I think they are counting the Operator and Rivet Counter models as two separate items, even though they are the same prototype.
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I'm really interested to see how the two "brands" compete with each other on the NS model. The rivet counter has the correct cab (if not 100% it has a high headlight), which I'm sure NS modelers want while the operator has a nose light.
If I were to get two to model the Upstate SC like that goes through Clemson, I’d get one of each at the very least; a River Counter to use as a lead unit and an Operator to sandwich in the consist. If the cab isn’t 100% correct it’s not a major deal as long as the profile of everything fits when it’s in a consist, but man would the headlight location look funky.
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Wow another super toaster,,,just what I need..not
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Finally a correct NS crap 9. 8) Albeit only in the rivet version.
This model makes the other brands look like toys.
Mark
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Lots of other road names possible: SP, CN. Wonder if they will do a porkchop CN cab.
I agree, these make the competition look like toys.
Reports from Amherst that Canadian models in subsequent runs. Oh boy!
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Wow another super toaster,,,just what I need..not
No kidding. They were having trouble giving them away at the show.
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:RUEffinKiddingMe:
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For the NS sticklers, NS 9692 that they announced was wrecked and removed from the roster. Weird one to pick for a model.
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(https://i.imgur.com/JPY7nNO.gif)
https://i.imgur.com/JPY7nNO.gif
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For the NS sticklers, NS 9692 that they announced was wrecked and removed from the roster. Weird one to pick for a model.
Well it ran until last year, so unless you are modeling 2019 I guess its cool.
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Finally a correct NS crap 9. 8) Albeit only in the rivet version.
I am no expert when it comes to modern power, as my only interest is to know what is passing in front of me when I railfan the NS ex Conrail Pittsburgh Line. But I thought NS never purchased a true Dash 9 44 CW (C44-9W). All of NS’s current Dash 9 44 CW’s were built as Dash 9 40 CW’s (C40-9W). I read in a Withers’ NS Locomotive Guide that the Dash 9 40 CW’s were upgraded to Dash 9 44 CW specifications and reclassified as such. I do not have the book in front of me, but I believed it involved only internal tinkering. Therefore, will this model truly be correct for NS? I have no idea what the differences between a Dash 9 44 CW and a Dash 9 40 CW are, so it may or may not be significant. I will say that the Dash 9 40 CW is the definative NS locomotive. They own over 1000 of them, and it is impossible to watch NS and not see one. I am curious what the diehard NS modelers think. Thank you.
Jeff
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They are correct, but will run it by Robbman.
Mark
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NS -9 are true -9, the only difference is a switch that changes the HP from 4000 to 4400. Now CSX got some funky -9 in that they are -9 mechanically but in a -8 body and trucks.
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Is this the same model that Kato makes (C44-9W)? I recall modelers complaining when they painted it NS since it was not correct for NS (C44-9W vs C40-9W). Or maybe I am completely confused. Again, I am no modern power expert, and I am recalling what I thought I read online somewhere. Thanks.
Jeff
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Is this the same model that Kato makes (C44-9W)? I recall modelers complaining when they painted it NS since it was not correct for NS (C44-9W vs C40-9W). Or maybe I am completely confused. Again, I am no modern power expert, and I am recalling what I thought I read online somewhere. Thanks.
Jeff
NS's units initially had their fuel systems deigned to deliver only 4000 hp, overridden by a road foreman with a key. They are all C44's now.
I think Kato was bashed for not doing the cab mounted high headlight.
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I think they are counting the Operator and Rivet Counter models as two separate items, even though they are the same prototype.
That's kinda lame and disappointing.
I'll have some decisions to make. Like, whether to get H1 in operator or wait until the Rivet Counter version comes.
Why is the H1 walkway red? Pretty sure the protos were orange or green.
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Dash 9's would cost me and a lot of other people a lot of money. With IM on the sidelines with their future offering at the moment, this is still the biggest loco by volume missing in N scale at the moment.
Was I the only one? :? Well this is going to cost me a lot....
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Was I the only one? :? Well this is going to cost me a lot....
You can have mine, as this won't cost me a dime
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Why is the H1 walkway red? Pretty sure the protos were orange or green.
The first H1 order had red walkways because someone forgot to change the spec from the last war bonnet order. Or so the story goes.
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The first H1 order had red walkways because someone forgot to change the spec from the last war bonnet order. Or so the story goes.
*Should have said the first H1 deliveries. Not sure if it was the whole order or not.
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They own over 1000 of them, and it is impossible to watch NS and not see one. I am curious what the diehard NS modelers think. Thank you.
Jeff
Welcome for sure, I wish they came out with the older NS paint scheme as there is still a ton of them that have yet to be repainted. (I'm sure that is going to be part of the next release)
I think the only difference between the 9 44 and 9 40's was the power output (body, trucks etc... all the same). Here is the text from ST:
"NS was an important customer with over 1,000 Dash-9s on the roster. They preferred customized models in the form of 100 spartan-cab equipped, 4,000hp C40-9s (nicknamed “Top Hats”) and numerous examples of safety cab-equipped versions rated at 4,000hp, and designated as C40-9Ws. All C40-9/Ws would eventually be uprated to 4,400hp with their designations changed accordingly. "
So I'm guessing when they do the second run of NS with the old paint scheme they will call it C40-9/W
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Too bad they did not release these in SP, I would have ordered atleast 3 today. Good thing I did not bite on the IM version.
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Well, My wallet is safe...
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Well, My wallet is safe...
And mine!
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I'm in for some serious #WalletPain with this announcement. Dash 9s are a staple by my era of 1999.
One of the reasons I chose my era was that lots of new power was being introduced, but the BNSF Dash 9s and UP SD70Ms had not yet displaced all the interesting variety of SD40/SD40-2/SD40T-2/SD40M-2/SD45/GP50/GP60/GP60M/B30-7A/C30-7A from mainline trains. By 2005 things were looking a lot more boring, and today's even more uniform GEVO era is even less appealing to me.
I think this is a smart move from Scale Trains, and they will sell.
No doubt people will complain that this is unnecessary duplication of a model already available in N, but Kato has left the door open for this duplication to happen. I don't think it's a coincidence that Scale Trains have chosen the paint schemes for the initial run carefully relative to what Kato have done previously. The Kato NS model is completely wrong, and the Kato last did the 600 series Warbonnets in the late 90s with older tooling (solid number boards, no under frame detail, incorrect rear sand filler). The BNSF models are also a new number series, and the UP models include never done before paint schemes.
This announcement would also seem a smarter move than doing the N scale SD40-2, as the market is still flooded with the recent Intermountain releases, and they are easily going to beat the Intermountain Dash 9 to market.
Of course it is possible to achieve an accurate Dash 9 using the existing Kato models, but it requires a lot of work if you care about details like cab profiles, windows, porches, steps, handrails, ditch lights, rear sand fillers, long hood radiator grills, etc etc. Plus this release has a built-in Loksound option, which saves me a lot of money and effort converting Kato models.
The tooling gives them lots of options, and I would hope for Rivet Counter versions in BNSF Warbonnet, BNSF Heritage I, SP, SP Bandits, CNW and CNW bandits.
They also have a lot of the tooling work done for an AC4400CW, so I can continue to dream of an accurate SP AC4400CW in N…
Cheers
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Too bad they did not release these in SP, I would have ordered atleast 3 today. Good thing I did not bite on the IM version.
I was kinda of perplexed by that as well, considering all UP units are SP repaints. I'm probably going to get a 9594 and debating on the 9646.
I wonder if they will do NS primer units, they ran around for a few years like that. Also the older and newer style OLI units for NS.
One could also hope for BNSF 4723 (MSTS logo) and BNSF 4449 to throw behind their Kato SP 4449 for the 2000 BNSF Employee Special.
A plethora possibilities for this announcement.
Chris
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It looks like from the model description that they will be a standard cab for the NS fans.
Also the UP rivet counter has one small visible error, the door in front of the cab has a window and UP units do not have.
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It looks like from the model description that they will be a standard cab for the NS fans.
I would probably have to buy one if they do.
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I think the spartan cab -9 was an HO only model.
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The Scaletrains website lists the following features for the N Rivet Counter range, including a spartan cab:
Rivet Counter DASH 9-44CW Locomotives Also Feature
Fully-assembled
Up to six (6) different road numbers
Printed and LED lighted number boards
Operating deck or pilot-mounted LED ditch lights
Five (5) cabs
“Gullwing” with three (3) side windows
“Gullwing” with four (4) side window
Standard safety cab with low headlight
Standard safety cab with high headlight
Spartan cab with high headlight (C40-9)
Four (4) step or five (5) step stepwells
Narrow or wide profile end handrails
Dayton Phoenix (DPG) Model 280620 or Motive Equipment (MEI) ME7000 HVAC Units
Early or late (“tri-fold” power assembly access doors) engine cab profile
Early flanged or late non-flanged exhaust stack housing
Low or high rear sand filler
GE “nub” pattern walkway tread
Accurately profiled frame with separately applied plumbing and cabling
Factory-applied detail parts: wire grab irons, snowplow, trainline hoses, 3-hose MU clusters, MU cable, uncoupling levers, windshield wipers, mirrors, sunshades, air tanks, fuel tank mounted bell, brake wheel, exhaust stack, and more
Nose door with window
Detailed cab interior with floor, rear wall, seats, and controls
Tinted cab side windows
“Bathtub” exhaust silencer
5,000 gallon fuel tank
GE Hi-Ad trucks with separately applied brake cylinders and air plumbing
Semi-scale Type E knuckle couplers – Micro-Trains compatible
Body mounted coupler box – accepts Micro-Trains 1015/1016 type couplers
Motor with 5-pole skew wound armature
Dual flywheels
All-wheel drive
All-wheel electrical pick-up
Directional LED headlights
Printing and lettering legible under magnification
Operates on Code 55 and 80 rail
Durable packaging safely stores model
Minimum Radius: 9 ¾”
Recommended Radius: 11”
I do wonder whether the MTL compatible coupler box is another improvement....
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The thing about this loco anouncement is that it could be bad for my wallet. I am probably going to replaces my two UP Kato -9 with the four ST rivet counter locos. Now with this mech I could see ST also doing the AC44 and ES44 and that where it will get expensive for me since I also would replace all my Kato AC and ES specially if they do all the different flavors that UP has. At least Kato has decent resell value.
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The Scaletrains website lists the following features for the N Rivet Counter range, including a spartan cab:
I do wonder whether the MTL compatible coupler box is another improvement....
I hope it is more compatible than their previously compatible box on the carbon black hoppers.
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That's quite the list of bells and whistles! Curious if the later BNSF 9-44CW's will also include the varying sized long hood door grills below the radiator section.
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I might be missing something, but since they list the 5 cab styles, one being the 'spartan cab', is that coming out with the 1st run? I only see they mention it under the features, but nothing of cab styles listed in any of the road number specific detail sections. @scaletrains
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At first I was excited, and then disappointed.
When I got the email fro ST, I only saw the rivet counter line and was disappointed they didn't do CNW in their first run. Then after reading this thread, I see they are doing it, but in the Operator line. Pass.
I'll wait and see what they do for a second run, and take another look at IM.
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This is great! I can't wait! Kato hardly ever runs theirs! Scaletrains in one run has matched the same number of BNSF Heratige 2 road numbers as Kato has done in the last 10+ years! Bnsf has around 1,000 Dash 9's in Heratige 2 and Kato has done 6.
Not to mention that for Norfolk Southern, who also has over 1,000 copies, Kato just won't run NS Dash 9's because of the cab headlight. I mean come on, Kato has how many hand rail, step, numberboard, window, cab configurations but won't do a cab headlight for NS.
I love how Kato's locomotives run but am very tired of being onsied twosied on road numbers all the freeking time. I am very glad to see multiple manufactures finally cracking the "N Scale only needs one" attitude. I know HO is more popular but look at how many manufactures have done the SD40-2 at different price points and detail levels. When Intermountain did their SD40-2 then BLI there was a lot of grumbling about it and how N Scale can't support it. But we need it to promote competition! Let Kato do their special paint schemes and fancy passenger sets, but for the guys that need more than 2 road numbers every 5 years, let's get anyone willing involved!
Thanks Scaletrains!
Ok off my soap box. Thanks for your time.
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So I’ve been obsessing over the new ScaleTrains Super Toasters, and the pre-production photos look really good.
The only quibble I have is that they don't seem to have tooled the earlier style trucks that were used on ATSF 600-650 (and they've done these correctly in H0), but by my era of 1999 they were already randomly swapping trucks at overhaul.
Here is a comparison of the Scale Trains with Kato (obviously a different phase of Dash 9, but I'm being favourable to Kato as their 700-series models have the modern subframe and lighted numberboards)…
(https://www.therailwire.net/forum/gallery/9/1512-290119180022.jpeg) (https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=9075)
To me, the top photo looks like H0 (don't worry its not an H0 stand-in), and the lower one looks like N.
I never imagined that this level of detail would be available in mass produced N scale models. I think we have a great future of more prototypical models to look forward to if this is the new standard.
Scale Trains have also covered all the bases as their Operator series even caters to those who don't want to pay for this level of detail.
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The Scale Trains units do look amazing with the level of detail that previously you'd only expect in larger scales.
I don't think @ednadolski would even need to address the handrails on these.
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Yes, they even got the step variations.
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The Scale Trains units do look amazing with the level of detail that previously you'd only expect in larger scales.
I don't think @ednadolski would even need to address the handrails on these.
Speaking of which, I did a shot comparison between the ST handrails and a unit with custom handrails I did a while back (inspired by Ed :) ) More or less equal.
I also installed the Next18 decoder, and it’s about the smoothest running engine I have in the fleet. Kato is no longer the leader in this category.
[attachimg=1]
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(https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=46310.0;attach=26093;image)
Is that spring on the coupler a "rivet counter" detail?
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Is that spring on the coupler a "rivet counter" detail?
:facepalm:
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Let's be fair to Kato... They did step variations, handrail variations, numberboard variations, cab roof variations, and DB vent variations on their early runs of Dash-9s. Years later they did the correct cab-windows, ditch lights, and trucks for later BNSF and for SP and some UP. (Although, I'm pretty sure they only ever did four BNSF H2 numbers, and only 2 were correct details.)
We're not getting any of that variation from ScaleTrains Operator line, at the same price point. We've got H1 without gullwing cab or wide handrails, CNW without low numberboards or underdeck mounted ditchlights, NS without high headlight. For those counting, I think the UP Operator offerings have correct details, although maybe there's something I missed.
Obviously the Rivet Counter line is much more ambitious. Other than the Santa Fe trucks mentioned (which depend a bit on exact era and roadnumber), all details seem to be correct. I didn't even know there were different air conditioners until now.
Honestly though, I'm torn. There's something about the appearance (particularly the grabs on top of the nose) that just gives me pause about pre-ordering these. I've added some details to my Santa Fe Katos that make me not want to replace those. Not to mention if I decided to replace my Kato Dash-9 fleet, I'd use up my entire annual train budget. It's kind of a high-stakes decision. I really don't need two different brands of Dash-9. (Kato's Santa Fe red is too dark and Scale Trains looks too light.)
I think I might wait for a correct Heritage 1 in Rivet Counter, since I 'need' those and Kato never did them with the right ditchlights or the improved underdetail. Next run?
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Honestly though, I'm torn. There's something about the appearance (particularly the grabs on top of the nose) that just gives me pause about pre-ordering these. I've added some details to my Santa Fe Katos that make me not want to replace those.
That is exactly how I see most models with separately-applied grab irons, but after the last time I mentioned it, I'm not going there again. Well, maybe a little. In N Scale, they (to me) appear overly thick and placed too far from the body.
Another thing that bugs me is that other than Kato and MTL, most manufacturers haven't figure out how to apply paint so it doesn't look like a layer of molasses coating the model. Paint on Kato and MTL models is nice and thin. I guess it must be the "made in China" thing. They must be using different (more viscous?) type of paint
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I guess I should have tried selling off my extra Kato -9s before now. Man I have too many of them in UP and CNW.
Peteski, must be a Pete thing, but I agree on the free standing nose grabs. Maybe its the China thick paint making the wires look out of scale?
I'm feeling a bit deceived by the billing of 2 new N scale locos. These releases are just 1 loco with 2 levels of detail. Scale Trains needs to learn to count.
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Scale Trains will have another announcement for another locomotive in operator and river counter later in the year.
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Scale Trains will have another announcement for another locomotive in operator and river counter later in the year.
Any idea on how long?
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Probably the NMRA convention this summer.
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I guess I should have tried selling off my extra Kato -9s before now. Man I have too many of them in UP and CNW.
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Unless you've been meaning to unload them already, keep in mind they are more accurate than the Scale Trains Operator versions, at least if the UP are the ones with low numberboards.
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That is exactly how I see most models with separately-applied grab irons, but after the last time I mentioned it, I'm not going there again. Well, maybe a little. In N Scale, they (to me) appear overly thick and placed too far from the body.
Another thing that bugs me is that other than Kato and MTL, most manufacturers haven't figure out how to apply paint so it doesn't look like a layer of molasses coating the model. Paint on Kato and MTL models is nice and thin. I guess it must be the "made in China" thing. They must be using different (more viscous?) type of paint
I'm not opposed to the free standing details in general. I think the C39 looks awesome. There's just something about the busyness around the windshield on the dash 9 that's getting to me. Maybe if either the windshield wipers or the grabs or both were etched finer or molded on...
As far as the paint, do you think Kato uses a machine? A video from the Scale Trains factory showed hand spraying.
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I'm not opposed to the free standing details in general. I think the C39 looks awesome. There's just something about the busyness around the windshield on the dash 9 that's getting to me. Maybe if either the windshield wipers or the grabs or both were etched finer or molded on...
As far as the paint, do you think Kato uses a machine? A video from the Scale Trains factory showed hand spraying.
UNless the free-standing grabs are added by a fastidious modeler (and are made from very thin wire, have very thin layer of paint, and are installed with properl distance from the body, I don't much care for them applied at the factory. In nproduction quantities, then can't do them justice.
I realize that making them true scale is pretty much impossible in N scale, but slightly out of scale woudl still look ok, if installed correctly and without thick paint buildup. That somethign that only a fastidious modeler can accomplish without time constraints of a production line.
As far as the paint thickness goes I really suspect that it is the paint itself. I think Kato and MTL use paints similar to AccuPaint or Tru-Color paint. I have been told that those are not conventional paints, but inks. So they result in much thinner layer than conventional paints, regardless whether they are sprayed by a robot or by a person. Also you can see MTLL using plastic color which is close in color to the final paint color. That also reduces the amount of paint needed to produce solid coverage.
You will have to try really hard to get a thick paint buildup using Tru-Colro paint, but do that with other paints (even like Floquil or Polly Scale) and you can easily glop the paint on thick, so it fills in the small details on a shell.
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I think the ST C39-8 handrails are the best I've seen.
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ST make it a selling point that they uses Tru-Color paint, and tell you which colors for touch ups.
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ST make it a selling point that they uses Tru-Color paint, and tell you wish colors for touch ups.
I thought so until I actually tried a match. Not quite accurate. That is something I will expand on later in a separate thread.
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(https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=46310.0;attach=26093;image)
More or less equal.
From a distance perhaps, but to my eye the difference in this pic is rather striking. Esp. comparing the vertical handrails in that pic, the factory ones look some 50% thicker (possibly even a bit more). The light/contrasting colors make a difference too in the overall impression. That being said, plastic factory parts are no match for well-done wire parts like these 8) 8) 8)
Ed
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I realize that making them true scale is pretty much impossible in N scale, but slightly out of scale woudl still look ok, if installed correctly and without thick paint buildup. That somethign that only a fastidious modeler can accomplish without time constraints of a production line.
At present perhaps, tho they are getting better at these things all the time. Still, it won't help much to have scale grabs, if other parts (handrails, air hoses, cut levers, etc.) still have to be oversized for other practical reasons, such as durability. Consider O scale: in principle it should be easier and more practical to make scale sized parts, but anyone trying to pick up an O-scale diesel by its scale-sized handrails will likely do some damage, and probably will accuse the mfr. of making a 'flimsy' product.
(Imagine a 160x, giant 0-5-0 coming out of the sky and trying to pick up a prototype diesel by the handrails (or pretty much any other part of it). Doesn't seem there would be too much left, other than a lot of scrap metal :D :ashat:)
Question: what about the 'Operator' level of these models? Do they have pre-drilled holes for the grabs, or cast-on grabs, other...?
Ed
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At present perhaps, tho they are getting better at these things all the time. Still, it won't help much to have scale grabs, if other parts (handrails, air hoses, cut levers, etc.) still have to be oversized for other practical reasons, such as durability. Consider O scale: in principle it should be easier and more practical to make scale sized parts, but anyone trying to pick up an O-scale diesel by its scale-sized handrails will likely do some damage, and probably will accuse the mfr. of making a 'flimsy' product.
(Imagine a 160x, giant 0-5-0 coming out of the sky and trying to pick up a prototype diesel by the handrails (or pretty much any other part of it). Doesn't seem there would be too much left, other than a lot of scrap metal :D :ashat:)
Question: what about the 'Operator' level of these models? Do they have pre-drilled holes for the grabs, or cast-on grabs, other...?
Ed
That's the problem with N scale models being handled: If they were made as static display models they could easily have scale-thickness grabs. But more and more manufacturers super-detail their models, making them quite breakable.
As for the Operator version, I believe that they decided to model cast-on grabs and steps (which was my favorite choice). I think the Springfield show thread has some photos of both models.
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They are cast on:
https://www.scaletrains.com/collections/operator-n-scale-ge-dash-9-44cw/products/operator-n-scale-ge-dash-9-44cw-bnsf-heritage-i
I will probably end up buying a few Rivet Counter Dash-9s, but to be honest, I have so many Kato Dash-9s already, I just don't need any more. I'm pretty happy with my T4s though. :)
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Not that I model modern day, but if I did, the numberboards alone on the ST would push me toward disposal of my KATO's.
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They are cast on:
Disappointing. I was hoping they would at least be like the FVMs, with the dimples to aid drilling. For someone like myself, the choice then is either to pay more for factory-installed parts that I would have to pull off (hopefully w/o damaging the paint too much, while still leaving oversized holes), or go back to shaving off the cast-on parts (along with stripping & repainting the model as well). :facepalm: :P
Nevertheless I don't really have cause to complain anyways, considering that my future as an N-scale modeler looks to be more or less non-existent, so it seems pretty unlikely that I will be buying any of these models.
Ed
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So ST posted on Facebook at pic from NS showing the 4 -9 AC44C6M and they also said its on there to do list. So an ST AC44 could be next after the -9
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Still pulling for a tunnel motor from them.
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So ST posted on Facebook at pic from NS showing the 4 -9 AC44C6M and they also said its on there to do list. So an ST AC44 could be next after the -9
I expect the AC44s to be the logical next development for ST following on from the C44s.
Finally having correct SP versions of the AC4400CW would be simultaneously awesome and terrifying.
I'm wondering what the over-under is on Kato tooling and releasing the correct SP version in between now and then is.... :trollface:
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Finally having correct SP versions of the AC4400CW would be simultaneously awesome and terrifying.
This. I think it's just a matter of time, and not a lot of time, either. When FVM came out with the GP60s in SP and SSW, I felt the same way. But I got past the financial bump, and am glad I bought them.
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From today's ST newsletter:
We’ve received numerous inquiries about the DASH-9s including:
Additional Railroads and Versions
In the future, we plan to offer the following Rivet Counter™ series DASH-9s in both HO and N Scale with prototypically accurate details.
- Norfolk Southern “Spartan Cab” C40-9
- Unique Canadian “pork chop”/tear drop window and 4-window cabs
- CNW, SP, UP with yellow sill stripe, NS “as delivered”, and more
- BNSF AC44C4M and NS AC44C6M rebuilds
We will likely offer additional railroads and paint schemes in the Operator™ brand as well. All Operator DASH 9-44CW locomotives will continue to share a common nose/cab, long hood, and walkway to maintain a lower selling price.
BNSF Microsoft Train Simulator (MTS)
Offering BNSF road number 4723 with MTS simulator logo will likely require licensing so this road number is not in our short-term plans.
CSX DASH-9s
The CSX DASH-9s are essentially a DASH-9 in a DASH-8 carbody. We currently do not have the tooling to offer an accurate CSX model.
AC4400CW
As several savvy modelers have noted, the DASH-9 and AC4400CW share a-lot of commonality. After shipping a few production runs of DASH-9s, we’ll likely offer the AC4400CW.
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Sounds like I have time to save up for a half dozen Southern Pacific AC4400CWs with sound and DCC!
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Fair warning. I am not "thrilled" by the C39-8 sound. It feels flat to me. Worse than my own Loksound projects or the SD40-2. I have heard the same about the T4, though I have not had a chance to use one myself. You might be better off just buying the DCC ready model and forgoing sound in these.
That's a big info dump... So they pretty much announced three new -9 variants (spartan cab and two sufferer AC rebuild projects) AND the AC44 series. That's actually a lot of models.
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Fair warning. I am not "thrilled" by the C39-8 sound. It feels flat to me. Worse than my own Loksound projects or the SD40-2. I have heard the same about the T4, though I have not had a chance to use one myself. You might be better off just buying the DCC ready model and forgoing sound in these.
That's my experience with the T4's. I have yet to replace the speaker (with one that has a solid enclosure) Upgrading the sound file is an option too, but honestly without a Loksound programmer shipping it off to someone is more effort then I care for at the moment. I hope ST recognizes this short coming and improves the sound to at least the quality of other factory installs.
As for the Dash 9 additional info, this is going to cost the typical NS modeler a lot of $$. (Its welcome thou :) )
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From their FB feed:
ScaleTrains.com : if the DASH-9 sells well in N scale, we plan to offer the AC44C6M in N as well as HO. Shane
(these are the ac4400cw-ish rebuilds of NS spartan cab C40-9's...)
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Fair warning. I am not "thrilled" by the C39-8 sound. It feels flat to me. Worse than my own Loksound projects or the SD40-2.
Funny, I feel about the opposite on my C39-8 and SD-40 units (my SD40-2 is an IM) Very happy with my ex Conrail patch job C39-8 "rolling mud hen" switching my little industrial layout. It is all I can do to NOT order the NS patch job, which may be even uglier. Unfortunately for Scale Trains, I can't justify modern power switching my little layout, although a Dash 9 would work. I have seen a few of those in switching service and they date to what, 1994? My layout is set in 1999 to 2005 (no Swoosh BNSF logos, thank you), so probably too early.
What I really need is for IM to actually do those GP 10's!
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From their FB feed:
ScaleTrains.com : if the DASH-9 sells well in N scale, we plan to offer the AC44C6M in N as well as HO. Shane
(these are the ac4400cw-ish rebuilds of NS spartan cab C40-9's...)
I'm all in once they at least offer a Dash-9 (W or Spartan Cab) in the original NS paint scheme (instead of the Horse head) I have enough of horse head schemes in later GE variants (Gevos, Teir4) I'm not sure why they didn't start out with that scheme as so many Dash-9's still on the rails yet to be re-painted. hence why I'm waiting.
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I'm all in once they at least offer a Dash-9 (W or Spartan Cab) in the original NS paint scheme (instead of the Horse head) I have enough of horse head schemes in later GE variants (Gevos, Teir4) I'm not sure why they didn't start out with that scheme as so many Dash-9's still on the rails yet to be re-painted. hence why I'm waiting.
Good question.... surprised they didn't do 3 +3 instead of 4 of one. Did you notice one lacks unibrow??? Probably a blown turbo engine fire partial repaint?