If the mechanism is designed correctly, you could use the same one for the 40 series and the -2 series SDs. Since the trucks need to be different anyway (unless you model Conrail), you can make the HT-Cs with an offset bolster to get the correct wheelbase, then make Flexicoils with a different bolster to move the trucks further inward.
I was wondering about that, since every CR SD40-2 picture that I found was a converted SD40. I didn't imagine that they would change the wheel base in the conversion. Dan S.
Conrail had SD40-2s from the factory. They were specially ordered with Flexicoil (pre-Dash-2) trucks. Conrail didn't trust the safety of the HT-C truck. They also requested Flexicoils on the first three of their four orders of SD50s. Strange, considering that EL had SD45-2s with the HT-C....
Triplex, Thanks for the info. I started wondering when I was looking into whether or not the -2s were around during the Pennsy era (to see if I was going to be moving my PRR branch further into the future than it's already stretched 1955-1965). I knew the Pennsy had SD40s, but every reference I found to SD40-2 was on CR sites stating "ex PRR SD40". Then I read Rob's comment (unless you model Conrail), and wasn't sure if CR's fleet was all converted, or what. Dan S.
The Dash 2 line was introduced in 1972, during the PC era. However, the only Dash 2 ordered even in the PC era was the GP38-2. EL had SD45-2s and Reading had GP40-2s. The SD40 rebuilds were designated SD40-2R.
Good news, really good news, if it comes in Pennsy colours i will buy some to head up some long trains on my "slowly getting there" layout. No room or need for shays but some steam would be totally marvellous. Eliot
Someone recently posted somewhere that there were about 25% more AZl SD45's produced than AZL SD40-2's, yet all the SD45's sold out and 25% of the SD40-2's remain to be sold. If this is true, would it not make more sense to go with the SD45 then the SD40-2? I know I would buy a lot of them, as I only have 4 SD45's, and none of them are repainted in NP yet. I have been meaning to repaint my DRGW units into NP, but have sruggled with the issue as the DRGW paint is so pristene, that it is almost a sin to strip them. I have 2 BN units that I really like, and have just converted to DCC, so I will be running them a lot now.
It would be a sin to strip them!mg: :shade: If I had the coin, I'd buy them from you... Maybe I'll just lay down, till this idea passes...:zip:
What to do... There are a lot of variables in choosing a product and what to do first. I guess you have to go with your gut and do what feels right based on experience and research. Sometimes it even comes down to a coin toss!
Well, I've come to think of N as the poor man's Z scale, so that's where I'm stuck till I figure out how to buy a winning lottery ticket!
william, greetings from canon city. yes, Z is a little more expensive, but it is fun with good looking motive power and rolling stock on the larger than life (small) layout. it's what we all wanted from N but found in spades with Z. i hope you'll keep looking. buy yourself a GP35 (or upcoming GP7 or 9) and play around with it a bit. you'll soon discover the fun again. maybe i'll see you at caboose sometime. dave f.
It looks like Dave will be working on turning you to the Z Side, William! I have enjoyed your N Scale posts for many years now, and I have a feeling you are starting to get a bit more interested in Z. We are all one happy family here, and we are looking forward to counting you as one of our own!
Dave is working the wrong way, though, Robert. The right way would be paper, mounds of paper... the kind with pictures of dead presidents on them!! Man, those Surfliners we poor N scalers can only drool at through shop windows!! Until then, I'll be contenting myself with sweet-running $60 MDC Connies, $120 ABBA sets of IM FT's or Life-Like FABBAs... with still a little left over for Two Buck Chuck smuggled into checked baggage!
William, a set of surfliner is waiting for you. Just switch your n scale track for a z scale track. Look, this set can be running in your layout.
No kidding Joe, and its going to get worst with all the new stuff coming out. I either have to get rid of the love chair or the buffet to expand my layout.
Perhaps you could start a new layout and have 2 to spread the wealth? Then again there is still the storage...
I say, don't get rid of the buffet, just the stuff in it, and convert it into fold out layout space and train storage! Trust me, wifes really love it when you hide your trains in something they find appealing, like a buffet cabinet!
