At risk of reigniting some passioned discussion, I'm starting this thread only to share some "tune up" tips for the subject locomotives. Like others, I noted that the new SD45's have longer shank couplers that I don't need for my 24" radius curves. I have a pet peeve about having more spacing between locos and passenger cars than my layout requires, so am willing to invest a bit of time, research and money to modify items if reasonably possible. Also, there were several recent posts indicating that the rear couplers on these units were having problems staying coupled. I'll get to that in a moment.... First, as I posted briefly in the now dormant thread, I found that the regular shank Kato couplers were a drop in replacment for the couplers on the new units. I've now replaced all four couplers on my two units with these and I think the units now look much better: Now about those rear couplers. I didn't really check the new long shanks, but after installing the short shanks and doing a bit of testing, I found that there was significant binding in the rear couplers on both units. They would "stick" off center and also the moving knuckle would not spring shut as designed. My conclusion was that either the pocket was too narrow in the vertical dimension and/or the coupler clip wasn't aligning perfectly perpendicular, which would bind in the pivot hole. The cure was to disassemble each coupler and file a bit of material off both top and bottom of both coupler halves, while also using a pointed file to slightly enlarge the holes that fit over the center pin on the coupler clip. I also installed new crimped centering springs, as I wound up bending the originals a bit during the initial coupler swap. The result is exactly as hoped. The couplers now easily self center and flicking the knuckle open is met with a rapid closure. This is what the Kato coupler needs to act like to perform correctly on your layout. I test ran both units around the layout several laps, in both directions, to confirm the fix. One still had a sticky knuckle, so it took a second disassembly and a little more filing to make it right. Another minor issue is that with all that handling in the area of the couipler, I wound up knocking the MU hose details loose a couple of times. I added a bit of Kristal Klear to them to make sure they stay put in the long run. I'm very pleased to add these to my collection. The SD45 is my favorite second generation diesel and it never looked better than in that stunning D&RGW paint scheme. Have fun!!
So what happened to the other discussion about these locos? TrainBoard getting so sensitive that they have to remove any lively discussions about a given model? Maybe the mods need to ask people to simmer down a little before junking a 12+ page discussion. Nice mod on those couplers. Looks a hundred times better.
I have replaced the Kato couplers with MicroTrain 1015 couples - a fairly easy job that only required some minor filing. They came out at the correct height. So far, no problems in running.
Since mine is in limbo at the moment, has anyone pulled the shell and looked at the mech? Is it the same as the last DCC ready run of the SD40?
johnh, I pulled my shell and the mechanism looks the same as my "old" SD45 from several years ago. I don't know if it is like the SD40 that you asked about because I don't have one to compare. I don't even know for sure if the mechanism is dcc ready. All I know for sure is it runs like a KATO has allways run. Carl
They are definitely DCC ready, as Kato lists two compatible drop in decoders on their website. I don't remember if the original SD45's were the same. My two units certainly retain the legendary Kato silky smoothness.
I like my SD45's...... Have just about finished my detailing & weathering on my 3 new Kato SD45's sitting on my "not so tidy" workbench These locos have had a bit of a write up on TB, but I'm pretty happy with mine All three units at this point: - Have been repainted and new D&RGW billboard logo applied. The font & sizing on the factory paint job was not quite right. All units also renumbered + number boards printed resized and glued in place - Detail associates nose lights fitted & a drop of silver paint in the lens - Factory snow plows removed (and dropped in the bin) then Sunrise + BLMA plows prepainted & installed - BLMA cab sunshades + MU Hoses painted + fitted - Step grabs painted white to match the prototype - MT #1015's fitted - I've done some initial weathering to different degrees so they don't look the same - While the sideframes and fuel tank are separate from the body & chassis, I weathered them with my airbrush & pastel chalks - One thing I'd never done before but tried this time was I also touched up the brass contact pickup strips + axle bearings with NeoLube so the brass isn't as noticeable Oh nearly forgot, man they run sweet........:thumbs_up:
They are definitely DCC ready. I installed a TCS K1D4 decoder - a very quick and easy installation -- truly "plug and play".
