Kato Phase II SD70Ms

[EspeeGoldenState]

I had always been curious if the two shells were compatible and that you could take the flared long hood and original cab and make it work. I had jumped the gun and already ordered a pair of NS flared shells from Kato and with the upcoming release of the original SD70Ms and debating about ordering an extra pair, I figured I better make sure it would even be possible.

So here it is flared SD70M long hood mated to a flat radiator cab/walkway with both sitting on the revised SD70M chassis. The original cab wont fit on the flared walkway because of cab differences, but works fine if you are using the original stuff.

It's too bad that Kato won't do this version as well as it would definitely cover all three "phases" of the SD70M. It's a fairly easy swap and takes zero modifications. They could sell a bunch in UP form, though they were the only owners of the type.

Chris

[ryan_wilkerson]

Now that the new release of flat radiator SD70Ms are hitting the street, I want to try this. I'm thinking UP 3779 the numerically first UP SD70M.

Do we know which mechanism the new flat release uses? Is it the original mech or the revised mech?

[ns737]

it will most likely be the revised mech.

[EspeeGoldenState]

Now that the new release of flat radiator SD70Ms are hitting the street, I want to try this. I'm thinking UP 3779 the first numeric UP SD70M.

Do we know which mechanism the new flat release uses? Is it the original mech or the revised mech?

@nightmare0331 said it would probably be the original mech.
https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=49390.msg659765#msg659765

it will most likely be the revised mech.

Looking at pics from FB, makes me say that it is the original mech. Just by looking at the front jacking pads and fuel filler area/fuel guage. Juan Navarrete photos

Chris

[tehachapifan]

Does this render a completely-accurate model of a phase II? If so, I wonder if Kato even realizes they already have the parts, or at least the molds, needed for a whole new model.

[ryan_wilkerson]

I think the design of the radiator grills are different. Not sure what else.

[EspeeGoldenState]

Does this render a completely-accurate model of a phase II? If so, I wonder if Kato even realizes they already have the parts, or at least the molds, needed for a whole new model.

I think the design of the radiator grills are different. Not sure what else.

Swapping long hoods would work for some numbers. There is two different versions of the flares, where they are split in two or in four.

Unfortunately UP 3779 is not like the long hood Kato has done. So in regards to it the radiator would need modified.

http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=313507

Chris

[sundowner]

Pretty good info on UP SD70m’s

https://utahrails.net/articles/up-sd70m.php

[nightmare0331]

@nightmare0331 said it would probably be the original mech.
https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=49390.msg659765#msg659765

Looking at pics from FB, makes me say that it is the original mech. Just by looking at the front jacking pads and fuel filler area/fuel guage. Juan Navarrete photos

Chris

Original type mechanism used on the new units.

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Hope this helps!

Kelley.
www.dufordmodelworks.com

[Steveruger45]

It does help thanks.  I just pre-ordered two SP sd70m At Hogtrainz.  I’ve  been longing for these a long time and just wouldn’t pay the silly prices for used ones on eBay.  The frame looks just like the dash 9’s so my planned Loksound installs should go pretty much the same as those.

[nightmare0331]

It does help thanks.  I just pre-ordered two SP sd70m At Hogtrainz.  I’ve  been longing for these a long time and just wouldn’t pay the silly prices for used ones on eBay.  The frame looks just like the dash 9’s so my planned Loksound installs should go pretty much the same as those.

The frames between the ES44AC/AC4400/C44-9W (later versions with frame detail)/SD70MAC and SD70M are all the same. (marked 17632L and 17632R)

The LokSound conversion on my end is identical for any of those also.  Just a different sound file.

Enjoy!

Kelley.
www.dufordmodelworks.com

[ryan_wilkerson]

Excellent news Kelley, thank you for the photo and the mode/frame info.
I really like how these original mechanisms run.

So Chris, can your Phase 2 conversion ride on these original mechs? Or does it need the revised?

[EspeeGoldenState]

Excellent news Kelley, thank you for the photo and the mode/frame info.
I really like how these original mechanisms run.

So Chris, can your Phase 2 conversion ride on these original mechs? Or does it need the revised?

What you see is all original mech/cab except the long hood. Honestly, the original flat radiator version fits on the newer chassis minuses the under body detail piece.

Chris

[EspeeGoldenState]

First photo is an original shell on a newer chassis. Second shot is the original chassis with the flared radiator long hood.

Honestly if I could get the new fuel tank/underframe detail piece from Kato separately as well as flat radiator SD70M, I like them better as one less piece to have to mess with. I have 3 or revised chassis that I could use but can’t because the fuel tank isn’t sold separately for the SD70M flares unlike the SD70ACe which are available.

Chris

[ryan_wilkerson]

OK that is good to know. So I should be able to just take a flared hood and swap it onto one of the new UP 4000 units that just shipped. Can' wait to give it a try.

What you see is all original mech/cab except the long hood. Honestly, the original flat radiator version fits on the newer chassis minuses the under body detail piece.
Chris