Hi Given AZL did the SD40-2, SD45 and other more moden SDs, are six axle EMD diesels likely to turn up in Z from MT, or anyone else for that matter ? I would like one of the earlier ones in plastic, the chassis of the SD70 etc are too long for my needs. An SD9 would be perfect . . . Ben
Hi Ben, as there is already brass SD40-2s, SD45s, SD40-T2s, F45s and Dash9s from AZL, it may be doubtful we see new plastic samples of them in a close future....The next scheduled plastic locos are GP7s and 9s, from both AZL and MTL. Maybe there soon will be breaking news at next NTS and Z scale convention? Dominique
I guess so, although the SD40 would be a minor need when an SD40-2 has already been done, I would think. I tend to partly agree with Dominique - at least to the extent that AZL are probably not going to be interested in doing SDs - at least until they get rid of their current stock . . . but the market for $700 diesels must be rather small and you've got to think at some point MT (or someone) will start thinking of the much larger market for $200 SDs. Ben
Here is some info and rumors back from NTS. The SD70M's are selling quicker than AZL expected, so we might see another diesel after the GP7 sooner than later. What AZL has said in the past is that long in the distant future after all the AZL brass has sold out (and everyone who collected them died of old age) they MIGHT consider entertaining the idea of releasing SD40-2 or SD45 in injection molded plastic. How's that for non-committal? ;-) Heard a rumour (maybe only that) that MTL might consider doing a 6 axle unit, but again, this would be long after the GP9 release. Ben, you might contact Garth Hamilton in Canada. He is gearing up to do a six axle narrow gauge diesel in Nn3 using a 4 axle chassis and trucks with two floating axles added on. I believe Fred Ladd used the same method about 5 years ago or so to kitbash an E8 out of some MTL F7's. There was an article in ZTrack I believe but I don't have that copy. Are you travelling again or permanently relocated to London? Randy
There is a need for the SD40 (at least I want one!) and it seems a logical choice for the manufacturer. It would ride on the same chassis as the SD45 as they had the same truck spacing. An SD7 or 9 would be great and again would share a chasiis with SD24/26s.
If MTL makes a 6 axle engine, then I want it alll axle power. They make it all power in other scales. I dont see why they can't do it in z.
John, Take my word for it(and the word of Rob Kluz, Rob Allbritton, and Hans Riddervold), powering all six axles of an SD40 or 45 in Z scale is unlikely to happen with current technology. The motor can't be hidden in the truck like in HO. And getting gearing to the outermost wheels creates more friction than current coreless motors can overcome. It might happen in the future, but I would predict that MTL won't even attempt it when THEY do a six axle. I hope I'm wrong.
Bryan, I dont have Marklin six axle engines, but aren't their all power? I always say, people who dont know think its easy (me), but when something doesn't work one way, I always try another way. Robert, what do you think. Do you think it can be done.
Well, I'm no Marklin expert, but I'm pretty sure that Marklin has NEVER made a six-axle N.A. diesel such as an SD40/45. Powering six wheels is not the problem. Powering wheels that fall underneath a porch or walkway, with no cab overhead, is the issue. I'm not saying that it can't or won't be done, but it's not an easy issue to overcome.
If they have a problem with the porch, then I should release a CSX ES44DC. I like modern stuff anyway.
Loren, I've heard the same rumors. Looks to be a good possibility, but we shouldn't expect to see them for awhile.
AZL still has brass SD40-2s in stock, so I don't think we'll see plastic ones soon. Their only engines that have sold out are SD45s, snoots and tunnel motors. (And PBs, but that's kind of irrelevant because there are PAs left.)
