Thinking of Reserving an N Scale ST C44-9W

[tehachapifan]

I think I may finally pull the trigger on a ST BNSF H2 C44-9W (Rivet Counter...probably with sound), by reserving one from the thirds release. If you have one, how do you like it? Also, are the grabs pre-installed or does the modeler install them (I prefer the latter, as I'm sure I could install them straight and true)?

...one thing that's kept me from pulling the trigger before now is concern about how they would look next to my Kato's. I realize they're more detailed but I like my Kato's and don't want to completely eclipse them.

[learmoia]

I have a love-hate relationship with my C39..

Love it... and hate that it makes the rest of my locos look like toys.

Although If you add free standing grabs on your Kato, they will look reasonably close....

~Ian

[tehachapifan]

Thanks, Ian!

I do add BLMA grabs to many of my locos, when the urge strikes me, so my question should be modified with the assumption my Kato's have (or will have) grabs as well.

One question I have is regarding the windshields. I know ST went with more a flush-mount glass look, but how do the dimensions and overall look compare to Kato's (as I typed this, I recalled that Kato changed the dimensions of their C44-9W windshields with the latest version, so my questions is perhaps a bit more complicated).

Also, I do know that the Kato's lack some of the correct size grill openings beneath the radiator section and perhaps some X panels correct for BNSF units after the 600 series.

[kiwi_bnsf]

I have no hesitation recommending ST Dash 9s over Kato. I have replaced my entire fleet of nineteen Katos with Scale Trains.

The fuel tanks are so much better with proper depth to the air tanks. The decoration is better (even on the operator models).

The factory applied grabs and handrails are finer than most other N scale models that come with oversize grabs.

The details are significantly more accurate on the Rivet counter models — with correct combinations of steps, cab profiles, grilles and rear sand fillers. If you want some NS run-though power, you can even get some with rear ditch lights.

The mechanism can't quite compete with the Kato for silky smooth operations, but with some careful tuning of the ESU Loksound or LokPilot decoders, you can achieve 98% of the performance of a Kato (and I have successfully speed matched to Kato models equipped with more basic Digitrax decoders). The factory sound is not bad, especially once you turn the volume down. Also, they ship with the full-blown Loksound V5, so you can customise the sound file further if you wish.

The Rivet Counter models are currently unmatched in accuracy and detail in N scale IMHO. They really do make older models look quite basic in comparison.

I really hope Scale Trains do more Dash 9 variations including Rivet Counter BNSF Warbonnets (700-series, and 4701-4719), as well as earlier 4800-series and 4900-series in BNSF H2. It would also be good to see correctly tooled CNW and BNSF H1 Dash 9s in Rivet Counter one day too.

Cheers

Tim

[Englewood]

The only downside to ScaleTrains is that they make my Katos look like toys. I like my Katos, and hate to see their feelings hurt. 😞

[jereising]

Russ, you'll not regret buying Scale Trains anything.  Once you have one it's hard to resist getting more.
They are complete out of the box.
I consider them to be the gold standard in N.
They do it right.

[Rossford Yard]

Add +1 to ST based on my two C39-8 (probably same chassis, motor, etc.).  They are my best sound locos and runners.  I admit I have a Kato SD40-2 that runs smoother (not all, but one in particular) that runs better, but the running qualities are so close its not an issue when I want sound.

[learmoia]

I would argue that Scale Trains N Operator model is on the level of Kato/Atlas N scale

While Scale Trains N Rivet Counter is on the level of Kato/Atlas HO Scale.

Ya know how some MFGs use the HO model to represent the N scale model?

Scale Trains rivet counter N scale, you think they are using the HO model as an example.. but they ARE using the N scale model in the photographs.

If your going to get 1, You'd be best to reserve 2 or 3 so they look better together than with another mfg locos..  Apart from just the grab irons.. there is just something about the quality of tooling, paint and detail that makes them stand out vs an Atlas/Kato/FVM model.

I regret getting a 2nd C39....  But I'd rather get another model from them to put with it.. 

~Ian

[tehachapifan]

Thanks for the replies!

So, it sounds like the ST model may completely eclipse my Kato's. Believe it or not, this may actually cause me to not get one.

I guess what I'm hoping for is that the ST model, while clearly more detailed, would still reasonably blend-in with my Kato models....especially if the Kato models have added details.

Has anyone done a side-by-side comparison with photos?

Thanks!

[davefoxx]

Russ, you'll not regret buying Scale Trains anything.  Once you have one it's hard to resist getting more.
They are complete out of the box.
I consider them to be the gold standard in N.
They do it right.

What Jim said.  Granted I'm in HO, but the principal is the same.  I bought an SD45, and it was so good that I went back for a second SD45 that I didn't even need.  If ScaleTrains were to continue offering locomotives and freight cars that I can use in my roster, I could see me retiring existing portions of the fleet to make room for the additions.  Keep in mind, I only went to HO in 2017, so the vast majority of my fleet is equipment that is only a few years old.  That's how good ScaleTrains is.

DFF

[w neal]

So long as detail rules your world, more STs for you. My worry is how long the Chinese drives will last over the long haul.

[Angus Shops]

I wish someone would do a ‘rivet counter’ GP9. The Atlas model is getting a little long in the tooth, and the railings are regressing in terms of ‘fineness’.

[davefoxx]

I wish someone would do a ‘rivet counter’ GP9. The Atlas model is getting a little long in the tooth, and the railings are regressing in terms of ‘fineness’.

Agreed.  Those Atlas railings, especially where they dip to meet with the cab have bothered me for at least fifteen years.  I can't believe that Atlas never updated that.

DFF

[basementcalling]

I was most impressed with my 1 river counter model from them. Why it's an NS unit I have no freaking clue.

You'd think they could give us GP30s with scale width hoods. 

[MetroRedLine]