F40PH phases and Kato Kobo- almost......almost (dang)

[u18b]

Kato made a new F40PH announcement in their Kobo line.  Among the options are two CSX F40PHs.
I applaud Kato for adding these two options (although I would rather have had a regular cheaper release instead of the expensive Kobo.



But still, I'm glad they did it, and have loooonnnngggg thought they should have done a CSX F40PH.

But unfortunately, they chose the wrong numbers when others were better options.

The F40PH came in essentially three phases.
Let me start by saying that CSX changed the fuel tanks, so the argument could be made that ..... one difference, two differences.... who cares.

I'm probably in the minority, but I care.

The early F40PH had the flat-top radiator fans were on a flat roof, air tanks up front and fuel tank in the back.  There were other more minor differences- but these are the spotting features.

Here is a phase 1.  The Life Like model is a phase 1.



The phase 2 also has flat-top fans on a flat roof.  The air tanks were moved and the fuel tank moved up front.  The only model of a phase 2 was made in brass by PFM.
(pic in a moment).

The phase 3 units changed the roof significantly.  Radiator fans were changed to rounded Q fans.  Also, those 3 fans are RECESSED into the roof for better clearance.
The Kato F40PH model has recessed Q fans and is a great model.

Well, CSX owns four F40PH locomotives.  They have been upgraded to DASH-2 standards and the fuel tanks have been changed, but the overall external features are the same.

The announced Kobo models have road numbers 9998 and 9999.  Unfortunately, these are PHASE 2 locomotives with the flat-top fans sitting on a flat roof.






OK, generally speaking and all things being equal, maybe not a big deal. However, were other locos a better choice?

yes.

The other two CSX F40PHs just happen to be phase 3 and would have been a MUCH better choice for this model.






Oh well.   I guess I'll still have to paint my own.   


Let me be very clear.  I understand when manufacturers make a few compromises when they just have to in order to get the model done (read extra tooling costs).  For example, I have NEVER minded that many CSX models have the horn in a different position from the prototype.

However, when a manufacturer has a model already that is a REALLY good match,..... why would you pick the locos that are not as good a match?

[bbussey]

Is this what they pull their executive train with?

Fortunately, a master modeler such as yourself can whip up CSX units from the Kato models that exist currently.  I'm mildly surprised you haven't done so already. 

[u18b]

Yes.  This is the primary motive power for the exec trains.

Unfortunately, VERY very few stock passenger cars match the CSX cars.

That's why I'm so jazzed about the Rapido EL Youngstown car being painted in Bright Future for CSX.

To my knowledge, it will be the only stock ready to run CSX car made.
There are a couple more cars that can be kitbashed with out much trouble (Like the Alabama River/Technical Research car).  But not many.

CSX passenger cars is further down the way on my To-Do list.

[John]

I kitbashed a Michigan car out of ConCor smooth side ..  and am working on Columbus now .. its a total scratch on the sides.

[u18b]

Yeah.

I have drooled over Bryan's Michigan car (done in Conrail, of course).

[Spikre]

 
   F40PHs were introduced long after Dash-2s  1972 introduction.
   since there was no Pre-Dash F40,they didn't get that designation,
  but are fitted with Dash-2 modules from the day they were built.
   are they Up-Grading them even further ?
   maybe 12 cylinder 710s ?
     Spikre
       

[Spikre]

 
   Ron,
    is Rapido doing an Actual Spirit or Pride of Youngstown 10-5 now ?
   passed on the HO cars some time back because they were Canadian
   cars or closer to PRR 10-5s that didn't exactly match the Erie/EL cars.
   for $50.00+ thought the cars should have had correct windows !
       Spikre
         

[u18b]

   Ron,
    is Rapido doing an Actual Spirit or Pride of Youngstown 10-5 now ?
   passed on the HO cars some time back because they were Canadian
   cars or closer to PRR 10-5s that didn't exactly match the Erie/EL cars.
   for $50.00+ thought the cars should have had correct windows !
       Spikre
         

Sorry to report that this is old news.  Cars are due out soon.  And since they only made 100, they will probably be scarce.



http://www.rapidotrains.com/pan_ocs.html

They are also doing 100 in Conrail.

[oakcreekco]

I haven't had time to research how accurate the Ski Train units are, but they will be "good enough" for my little Pike in life.

Now Ski Train cars.......................well

[Leggy]

To the OP, maybe just renumber them vs paint your own?

[bbussey]

Yeah.

I have drooled over Bryan's Michigan car (done in Conrail, of course).

Yeah, I still have to finish it.  I was going to look into improving the RP core, but I've started working with it as is and slowly moved the project toward completion.

[u18b]

To the OP, maybe just renumber them vs paint your own?

I have done that before.

And I WOULD do that in this case if it were a "regular" release.

But scratching numbers off at $185 ????????????????

I'd rather paint my own.

[Spikre]

 
   FWIW,2 other 70s EMD passenger locos that didn't get the -2:
   SDP40F
   F40C
    Spikre