Latest Run Intermountain SD40-2 Chassis Compatibilty with Previously Run SD45-2

[pmpexpress]

Contemplating an upgrade of some older models, notwithstanding the new chassis design and the operational ditch lights that are found on some of them, are the latest run N-Scale Intermountain SD40-2 ESU sound equipped chassis swappable with the ones that are found on the firm's previously run SD45-2 models?

[spookshow]

I haven't tried it myself, but I've been told that IMRC SD45-2 shells will fit on their newer SD40-2 chassis. Or at least that's what it says on my website, so it must be true 

-Mark

[pmpexpress]

I haven't tried it myself, but I've been told that IMRC SD45-2 shells will fit on their newer SD40-2 chassis. Or at least that's what it says on my website, so it must be true 

-Mark

Thanks Mark.

Had planned on contacting you with this query and you wound beating me to it.

While I had read your very thorough review of the latest run IMRC SD40-2 locomotives (which prompted me to look into upgrading my older SD45-2 units), I failed to peruse the one you that wrote for the SD45-2s.

[kiwi_bnsf]

Contemplating an upgrade of some older models, notwithstanding the new chassis design and the operational ditch lights that are found on some of them, are the latest run N-Scale Intermountain SD40-2 ESU sound equipped chassis swappable with the ones that are found on the firm's previously run SD45-2 models?

Yes — the new Intermountain ESU chassis for the SD40-2 does fit and has the correct wheelbase. The only issue is that you end up with a void in the nose and at the rear of the long hood (as the SD40-2 body is shorter than the SD45-2 on the same frame). You could overcome this with some extra work, and you might want to swap to a wired rear headlight if you want that to be brightly lit.

I spent quite a lot of time milling Kato SD40-2 Mid chassis to fit (and @randgust has opened up the Intermountain shell interior with a Dremel to achieve similar results with the Kato SD40-2 Early chassis). This is covered in this thread https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=55139.0


I have not yet had an opportunity to see if the new Scale Trains SD40-2 chassis would fit — as this has nicer trucks and a better fuel tank / sub frame than the Intermountain chassis, and should not need milling.

Cheers

[pmpexpress]

Yes — the new Intermountain ESU chassis for the SD40-2 does fit and has the correct wheelbase. The only issue is that you end up with a void in the nose and at the rear of the long hood (as the SD40-2 body is shorter than the SD45-2 on the same frame). You could overcome this with some extra work, and you might want to swap to a wired rear headlight if you want that to be brightly lit.

I spent quite a lot of time milling Kato SD40-2 Mid chassis to fit (and @randgust has opened up the Intermountain shell interior with a Dremel to achieve similar results with the Kato SD40-2 Early chassis). This is covered in this thread https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=55139.0


I have not yet had an opportunity to see if the new Scale Trains SD40-2 chassis would fit — as this has nicer trucks and a better fuel tank / sub frame than the Intermountain chassis, and should not need milling.

Cheers

Tim,

Having read the referenced thread with both of your methodologies for upgrading an IMRC SD45-2, I came to the conclusion that for various reasons, milling a chassis and modifying existing factory painted Clinchfield shells with aftermarket details and weathering was simply not an option for me.

Given the nicer trucks and fuel tank/subframe, the ScaleTrains chassis would certainly be preferable.

Please let us know if you eventually wind up testing the ScaleTrains option.

[kiwi_bnsf]

Tim,

Having read the referenced thread with both of your methodologies for upgrading an IMRC SD45-2, I came to the conclusion that for various reasons, milling a chassis and modifying existing factory painted Clinchfield shells with aftermarket details and weathering was simply not an option for me.

Given the nicer trucks and fuel tank/subframe, the ScaleTrains chassis would certainly be preferable.

Please let us know if you eventually wind up testing the ScaleTrains option.

I totally understand — the amount of milling required is significant, and the chance of damage is quite high. I've already sacrificed one Kato chassis to the milling gods, and had to repair the sill of one shell.

I will definitely update once I have a Scale Trains SD40-2 in hand to test. My first examples will be the BNSF Heritage I release due in the middle of this year (these are the first release that fits my era).

Cheers

[pmpexpress]

I totally understand — the amount of milling required is significant, and the chance of damage is quite high. I've already sacrificed one Kato chassis to the milling gods, and had to repair the sill of one shell.

I will definitely update once I have a Scale Trains SD40-2 in hand to test. My first examples will be the BNSF Heritage I release due in the middle of this year (these are the first release that fits my era).

Cheers

Tim,

Thanks.

Although I have a pair of ScaleTrains Southern SD40-2 locomotives on hand, given that they're high hood models, they're completely unsuitable for the low hood SD45-2 conversions.

Will keep an eye out for your update.