I am interested in understanding how much difference there is between the SDP40F and the FP45. I knew the noses were different, but with this new release, with a new nose, there may be hope! I realize that Athearn released an FP45, but that may not preclude Kato from ultimately doing the same.
One of the biggest differences was the radiator placement... it was further forward on the SDP40Fs than the FP45s.
According to this info [ http://www.katousa.com/N/SDP40F/index.html ] Kato will be offering a version fitted with DCC and sound - for more than double the price of the basic DC-only model. To use the TV set analogy, again, a $100+ premium for DCC and sound seems absurd when you compare the material content between a TV available for the same price or less and a DCC decoder plus speaker.
The SDP40F is based off an SD40-2 with a steam generator and full cowl, while the FP45 is based on the SDP45 with full cowl.
I did not see anything about the new release having sound..... They may add it later if the demand is great enough. The $125 extra is reasonable since the parts alone could cost me almost that much. I doubt they get much of a discount on the parts because I do not see them having a lot of demand. To get really good pricing, you need to have several hundred units. And I do not see that from Kato. That and the price quoted is MAP pricing. My preferred supplier has them a a bit of a discount which makes it a lot easier to pull the trigger. The one caveat in general will be the need to get the ESU LokSound programmer, for these and the other manufacturers that are standardizing on these great ESU decoders. And now look at the costs to send units off to get sound decoders installed, usually $200+ for the good installers. That makes the KOBO installed versions at least $75 less expensive.
Kato units, going back to the original release of the E8's, (and maybe before) have been DCC friendly. Usually just some Kapton tape to ensure isolation of the motor from the frame and replace the light board with the decoder. The big bugaboo with diesels is where to put the speaker. Usually that requires milling the frame somewhere. If these are coming with sound then maybe Kato has taken that into consideration in the basic design and provided a space for the speaker. Usually milling the frame results in a loss of weight and a negative effect on pulling power but with the mass of these cowl units I don't expect that will be a problem. I don't envision one of these with my name on it though. My interests have changed and I am more into the branch line operations rather than mainline stuff.
I hope that Kato will be offering a factory-equipped sound version with the new ATSF /BNSF version of this loco, like they have just been announcing for the Amtrak ones. Yes it doubles the price from the unequipped version, but this seems the price range for the ESU decoders. - Atlas S2: $120 difference between the non-equipped and the sound versions. - Rapido Trains GMD-1: $100 difference This is the price to pay for a LokSound anyway, so if I can avoid the installation burden, I take it fully equipped from the factory. What can be seen as regrettable is not to be offered cheaper sound decoders like SoundTraxx Tsunami OEM versions that can be found in multiple Athearn and Bachmann locos, and for which the "sound premium" was much less. Though I have to say that I'm quite stunned by the ESU sound compared to the OEM Tsunami sound. So could be worth paying extra.
When it comes to sound, ESU and Zimo are just awesome. ESU has a lot more US prototype sound files than Zimo, but if you find a Zimo sound file it may rival ESU, but of the couple I have, Zimo is still the best. I have no problem paying for the ESU versions because it is almost a cost wash, and I save all that time and aggravation.
I...along with many others are happy its DC and coming without sound. The DC guys can run it straight outta the box....and not have to pay for sound they dont want. The DCC guys can change a chip or board....and not have to pay for sound they dont want. The Sound guys can do whatever sound install they want....and pay out the nose for that sound !! All is well in the universe
Al little too sarcastic there my friend! $125 MSRP for the sound upgrade is about 10 minutes of my billing rate for the work I consult on. It is silly for me to spend the time installing since I have very little free time. Yes I install all board replacements when I can. But sound and wired installations are a bit more than I want to tackle.
Simple solution: Dont run sound ! That was dripping sarcasm http://th981.photobucket.com/albums/ae292/bacupoffm3/gifs/th_other_sarcasmMeter.gif
IMHO...the DC/DCC/DCC Sound debate will go on as long as there are still model trains running on model rails
Not discussing about the hourly rate, I agree. Decoder installation is not my favorite hobby when it is about using a soldering iron and a dremmel, though I've done a number already when no other option is available. But when it comes to sound, well I prefer to buy factory-installed when available.