I just bought a few of the CEFX lease units and was wondering :embarassed: your opinions on this engine.:thumbs_up: :thumbs_down: Details, running, etc. Dave
I don't have any of the CEFX units but I do have 2 of the CP's and I'm very happy with the quality and detail. I especially like the underframe detail board they added to them and the SD80/90's. The chassis is that of the C44-9W so if you have any of thoes you already know how they run.
The mechanism is not the C44-9W mechanism, it is a newer version. New frame halves, truck siderames, etc..
Don't mean to hijack the thread, but i have a CEFX and a CP one, (which I like very much), and, I noticed that the CEFX ones have an air conditioner on top, but the CP's do not. Is that real or did Kato just not add that detail. I also noticed that on the pilot of my CP AC4400, the white stripe just before the ditch lights is missing a spot. near ther middle there is no white stripe. Is this on all models, and most importantly, is it proto?
Yes i know it's a little late after buying 2 of them but i haven't received them yet and beings i don't own any of this type model, i was just wondering:embarassed: Thanks everybody for your imput, Dave
The Kato AC4400CW is arguably the highest quality plastic diesel ever made. Kato's best so far, at least a tie with the SD70s. Arguably. Separate lighted numberboards, MU hoses, porch mounted ditchlights, and they run like champs... That's rather misleading... There are cosmetic differences on the frame halves and truck sideframes. I don't think there is an "etc" to the differences. In any case, all the C44-9W mech parts will function in the AC4400CW mech and vice versa. And the shells will fit on either. Functionally, it is the same mech.
i have several dozens of this engine. all dcc equipped and running smooth as silk. guess i'm the only one more than 60 cp rail units, all different road numbers....
Ah? It's revised? Could have fooled me both of them are the same when taken apart and they both still bare the same tooling marks, motor, contacts, light board, Etc. Although the truck side frames have definably changed but than again I hope Kato would have pick 'ed up on this difference from the prototype. If you really look hard it looks as though the only difference is in the frame, it looks as if after casting they went into an acid wash to take the shine away, But oops the other AC4400CW I have has the same shiny look. I think it was more of a sales pitch than reality.
I hadn't noticed before reading this thread, but when I looked, I noticed that the frames are different when it comes to the tabs that are on the ends, at the bottom, on the sides. The C44 mech has larger tabs. It doesn't seem to make any difference as far as putting a AC44 shell on a C44 mech or vice versa. It probably has something to do with the SD70MAC, which ALSO uses the same mech (except for the trucks) as the ACC44, according to Kato's parts department. IS there a variation in the prototypes of GE trucks for these locos? Kato has parts list for "Early" and "Late" trucks, with the latter fitting both Kato models.
I run CSXT #18 on DCC and at first I thought the SD70s and SD80s I have were better, but after some good run time the AC44 just gets better and better. I would say it is a great buy.
Yes, there are variations to the GE Hi-Ad truck... at least three that I remember off the top of my head. 'Early' trucks are only applicable to the first order C&NW and ATSF C44-9Ws. The C44-9W/AC4400CW mechansism differences have an impact when you go to kitbash a correct C44-9W using AC4400CW components...fuel tank and undersill piece in particular.
What's the impact from the C44's? I was thinking about retrofiting My C44's and buying some Fuel tanks and under Sill Details. I know there would be some heavy modifications required on the bottom the sill to make the under piece fit under neath?????
I had to see if Robbman was right, so I tried out a shell swap last night, and it comes down to: The complete C44 shell (including fuel tank) will fit on the AC44 mech but NOT vice-versa. Actually, the AC44 shell will fit on the C44 mech IF you remove the undersill part, but then you will have some ugly spots where the frame is exposed. For upgrading the nether-regions of a C44: If you keep the C44 mech, you'll have to mill away a bunch of metal in the fuel tank area to make room for the AC44 undersill part. Otherwise, you could buy an AC44 mech, undersill and fuel tank to use with your C44 shell. You'll have to cut some plastic off the C44 shell to place the AC44 undersill on it. I think that's all that's necessary, but maybe not, I haven't done it myself.
Yeah your right. there's a little down on the ends that would have to be milled away as well but it don't seem to be that hard of a process. I'll probably do one this weekend and see how it turns out and I will post some pics of the process. Oh yeah! you would also have to use the contacts off the AC44 since the C44's are to large
The 2 best loco types I have are the Kato AC44s and the Atlas SD60s. I would buy more of each if I could justify it.
Humm, My worst would have to be my SD60 :thumbs_down:. It is the loudest one of them all, by far. It makes a grinding noise when moving, compared to my nice, quiet Kato's. EDIT: I should also add, that if that is your best Atlas loco, it doesn't make me want any other Atlas locos. My SD60 is the first and only Atlas loco I have, and if thats what Atlas is, I will stick with Kato.
