Kato SDP40F test shot photos

[wcfn100]

Also will need to add front handrails

And new steps.


I'm surprised no one's mentioned the Sealand unit. 



Or maybe they wouldn't do the later flat nose units.   

Jason

[nkalanaga]

One doesn't need the front handrails for the notched-nose Amtrak locos, so it would be an easy kitbash.

[wcfn100]

One doesn't need the front handrails for the notched-nose Amtrak locos, so it would be an easy kitbash.

 

Didn't all the notches happen in the late 80's long after Amtrak service?


Jason

[arbomambo]

One doesn't need the front handrails for the notched-nose Amtrak locos, so it would be an easy kitbash.

the notches were done by the ATSF, with steps and front 'porch' handrails...not an 'easy' kitbash by any means...

[Ngineer]

They did something similiar with the tooling for the F40 too.  They notched slots for future ditchlight versions.  So, I'd say it's in the plans.

Since they did this, they've stopped offering the version with no ditchlights.

   Javier

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Since they did this, they've stopped offering the version with no ditchlights.

   Javier

Have they stopped offering it, or have they only come out with runs that had the ditchlights. There's a subtle, but important, difference.

[jagged ben]

And new steps.


I'm surprised no one's mentioned the Sealand unit. 

Or maybe they wouldn't do the later flat nose units.   

Jason

I meant to mention that and I forgot!       It's Maersk-Sealand, BTW.

This unit is a major reason I'm more optimistic of seeing the Santa Fe units.   I'm sure if they do Santa Fe they'll also do this unit, and the latter will probably sell out faster.    I'd sooner expect them to foob details on this unit than to not do it.

[eja]

Um, couldn't you just make two cuts on each side of the hood and fill them in to make a notched hood for yourself?  Or is that too much modeling? 

That is the easy part .. it's trying to match the paint that is usually too much modeling for me.

[Philip H]

You know, a couple of these and a couple Athearn F45s would make a really neat lash up.  Especially if you paint them to match the yellow bonnets.m

[nkalanaga]

OK, I see what you mean by "notches".  I was thinking of the two different original nose styles.  No, those wouldn't be easy at all.  I thought all that was done during the conversion was to add the front walkway, steps, and handrails, duplicating the F/FP45.

As far as I know, I've never seen one in freight service.  Amtrak was still running them when we left Washington, and I haven't seen many cowl units on trips back after the BNSF merger.

[jagged ben]

You know, a couple of these and a couple Athearn F45s would make a really neat lash up.  Especially if you paint them to match the yellow bonnets.m

That lashup would pull a lot of cars, too.

[squirrelhunter]

My guess is they will the Phase 2 nose for Amtrak, which will give them Phase 1 and 3 paint.  That same body will work for ATSF, and they have two front step well and handrail options they can make as well. The ATSF's first solution was to add a front handrail and vertical ladders to the front of the units. Their second was the notches. The notch nose units could also be painted in a BNSF patch scheme and for Maresk Sealand.

So Kato could have 3 body variations, that could cover 4 roadnames if you count Maresk.

[squirrelhunter]

Talked to the Kato rep at the San Antonio WGH show. Said both the SDP's and the SW Limited are on time, and all but confirmed that they will make the freight ( ASTF Notched nose) versions in the ATSF and Maresk schemes.

I pleaded for more sets of Phase 1 sleepers, like a 2 car Palm of Pacific series set or a 3 car step down-0regular-stepd down set of Hi Levels, or at least a Sunset Limited or ATSF San Francisco Chief leg rest coach.

They also hinted that since the Silver Streak Zephyr has been such a success, they are thinking of maybe doing another small early train,like the Rock Island's original 1937 Texas or Peoria Zephyrs.

[Ngineer]

They also hinted that since the Silver Streak Zephyr has been such a success, they are thinking of maybe doing another small early train,like the Rock Island's original 1937 Texas or Peoria Zephyrs.

They should stick to the Burlington Route.   

How about a Denver Zephyr? Or the CB&Q E8s with red stripes that pulled the California Zephyr? (Or the NCL?)

    Javier

[jagged ben]

...
I pleaded for more sets of Phase 1 sleepers, like a 2 car Palm of Pacific series set or a 3 car step down-0regular-stepd down set of Hi Levels, or at least a Sunset Limited or ATSF San Francisco Chief leg rest coach.

As was discussed in the thread in the Coast Starlight, ConCor makes a Bud legrest coach, but it sure would be nice to have the Pullman version.