SDP40F

[Spikre]

 
   was there any major problems with the Mini-Trix U30CG ?
   they were shorter than the later Pooches, but not by that much.
  the Mini-Trix could use some sort of more up to date power chassis.
   its one of a number of Plastic locos N had that HO never had.
    Pooches were used on the trains to Florida with the Heritage Fleet
   cars thru the late 70s at least. rode behind them several times in
  the 70s.
   recall the SDP40Fs being around 72' long, which matched some later
  SDs, maybe the SD60s ?
   they were big boxy units like the FP45s were.
   Santa Fe seemed to have derailment problems over 80mph, but SCL-FL
   didn't seem to have that sort of problem, wonder what the difference was ?
    Kato has missed the boat on HO and N SDP40Fs,and PHS-2 GP35s also.
           Spikre
       

[nkalanaga]

The MiniTrix U30CG's mechanism is outdated, but was one of the best for its time.  I've read that the shell was nicely done, other than the outsized handrails, and those can easily be replaced.  I know that Santa Fe modelers have repowered them and made nice looking models.  Modeling the BN(GN) I have no first-hand experience with them. 

Their U28C shell looked nice, and again, for its time, was one of the best running locos made.  I had a couple, but they were too big for my layout, so I stuck with F units.

I believe Model Power inherited these.  If MRC were to bring them back, with a modern mechanism, they could have a nice "mid-range" model.  Not as good as Kato or Atlas appearance wise, but better than many of the "toy trains" still being made.