ScaleTrains SD40-2 Railhead Rubbing Problem - Easy Fix Link

[turbowhiz]

No argument here that the fuel tank is too low even on a “factory perfect” example. It’s very evident in the air tank to fuel tank relationship nerveless the gap between the tank and rail, and there shouldn’t be a visible gap between the front section and the frame. As best as I can tell the tank itself is fine; It’s the frame/speaker cavity section that’s supporting the tank low.

I’ve not (yet) torn down my example to fix it (no hard need my example never hung up on any of my trackwork ) but it should be simple enough to mill down the inner speaker cavity section so that the top of tank detail fits flush with the frame; At which point all should be right in the world. No need to butcher the tank itself for a perfect scale fix that will run on Penn-Central proud trackwork.

Admittedly sorta hate to make this model any lighter.. Option B would be to try and mill out the bottom of the fuel tank itself, but that seems much harder to do easily at least without a proper mill. On my list, but not in hand.

Despite its flaws, and it does have some, it’s still an outstanding model.

(It was my own shot of IC 6250 (Ex BN unit) yesterday that put me on to this…)

[spookshow]

That is one scary looking rail joint!  Maybe my eyes are deceiving me, but one rail appears to be at least 0.025" higher than the other.

That was just a workbench demonstration to show the tank hitting the rails, but the problematic section of track in question isn't far off from that (kinked up during a change in the weather or something). However. I do see now that I am not worthy of this locomotive and will put it away in shame and go play with my others instead. They don't seem to mind my grossly amateurish trackwork, so what the hey.

-Mark

[Mark5]

That was just a workbench demonstration to show the tank hitting the rails, but the problematic section of track in question isn't far off from that (kinked up during a change in the weather or something). However. I do see now that I am not worthy of this locomotive and will put it away in shame and go play with my others instead. They don't seem to mind my grossly amateurish trackwork, so what the hey.

-Mark

  Not meant to be a harsh criticism, I mean this is Railwire.  (the only track I have at the moment is workbench track)

I appreciate you bringing this issue to the forefront. 

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Mark

[Chris333]

According to the MR cyclopedia the fuel tank should be 7.5" from the rails. (.046" in N)

[turbowhiz]

I couldn’t resist taking a run at fixing this properly. I took some pics of the process and might get around to a how-to but it’s pretty much mill the frame like I previously said. Some little details beyond just that to take care of though.

Before (came just like this… No screw glueage or signs of factory re-work):



Fixed, or at the very least radically improved:

[ridinshotgun]

I couldn’t resist taking a run at fixing this properly. I took some pics of the process and might get around to a how-to but it’s pretty much mill the frame like I previously said. Some little details beyond just that to take care of though.

Before (came just like this… No screw glueage or signs of factory re-work):



Fixed, or at the very least radically improved:

Now that looks great.  I do wonder if during the design process someone decided to increase the frame dimension on the fuel tank to be able to install sound.  Manufacturer or ST?  Just pondering if it was done post or pre design approval and if anyone actually did testing of the model.  Someone on FB said that these were delayed once prior due to some design issue.  IF so it is curious that this wasn't caught.

Just for reference a freshly minted dime I just measured was .050" so in reality that is only about 3/4 of an scale inch thicker than the actual distance mentioned above.

[Rivet Miscounter]

It appears that there are two elephants in the room.

The first elephant is that Quality Control failed ....

The second elephant is that this engine doesn't like grossly uneven, mismatched track joints, nor sudden, badly laid grade transitions....

For me, my 15 minutes of figuring out how to get the fuel tank level and then doing it, was well worth that little bit of time and effort because of the enjoyment I, and my model railroad friends, got out of looking at, and then running this model for three straight hours after it was "fixed".

The third elephant is your lack of couth.

You were practically a hero 24 hours prior, with your great step-by-step guide to fixing the Scaletrains issue.  (which now all of a sudden you attribute to track?  Which is it?)

Why do you insist on attacking and insulting fellow modelers at every turn?   You have what by most accounts is a phenomenal layout, but I feel like when most people factor in what an absolute jerk you are, that takes away from what your legacy might be.   Guessing you obviously don't care about that.

Do you have some dillusion that people purposely don't think trackwork is important and that you are healing the unwashed masses here?   We get it.   But some of us just try to put together some manner of enjoyment of this hobby in the best way we can given time, money, space, skills, etc.

How about just accept a win and some appreciation from your fellow modelers every once in awhile and just enjoy it?   Try being that hero for more than about 12 hours before you go pi$$ing all over everyone else's efforts in model railroading.   It really can be enjoyable, I promise.

[mu26aeh]

I'm just glad I don't have to worry about any of this.

Carry on 

[spookshow]

Not meant to be a harsh criticism, I mean this is Railwire. 

No worries Mark, most of my sarcasm was directed elsewhere 

-Mark

[robert3985]

The third elephant is your lack of couth.

You were practically a hero 24 hours prior, with your great step-by-step guide to fixing the Scaletrains issue.  (which now all of a sudden you attribute to track?  Which is it?)

Why do you insist on attacking and insulting fellow modelers at every turn?   You have what by most accounts is a phenomenal layout, but I feel like when most people factor in what an absolute jerk you are, that takes away from what your legacy might be.   Guessing you obviously don't care about that.

Do you have some dillusion that people purposely don't think trackwork is important and that you are healing the unwashed masses here?   We get it.   But some of us just try to put together some manner of enjoyment of this hobby in the best way we can given time, money, space, skills, etc.

How about just accept a win and some appreciation from your fellow modelers every once in awhile and just enjoy it?   Try being that hero for more than about 12 hours before you go pi$$ing all over everyone else's efforts in model railroading.   It really can be enjoyable, I promise.

I take it you don't like me eh?

Tough sh!t...

ME being uncouth???  Why don't you read your comment again and tell me how it's any more "couth" than anything I've written here.

I don't "attack" members here ever...unless they attack me first.   I attack bad trackwork.  If it's bad enough, no engine will run on it.  I am particularly mean to my own trackwork...but, my engines and cars appreciate it.

I didn't write my "fix" to be heroic (the furthest thing from my mind).  I wrote it to assist other modelers to maybe easily fix that particular problem with an otherwise quality product.

I would advise you to not read any of my posts since you evidently think you know my thought processes and attitude, and repetitively express your dislike both publicly and privately.

Get a life.