Just wanted to remind everyone to place your orders for the SD40-2's before the pre-order window closes. Due to the costs of production off shore continuing to rise, we are not sure when we will be able to do these again and we want to make sure everyone gets what they need/want. Schemes that meet production minimums are the only ones that will be produced, so help us help you Thanks Joe
Pardon if this is a stupid question, but was there a problem with the trucks/chassis/shell? I own 5 SD40-2's and have never had a mechanical problem with any of them. The only issue I've run into is the same with all Z scale locos (even from AZL). The grease they use is too heavy and causes the drive train to get gunked up over time. Every loco I've purchased, I first take apart (it's really easy) and clean all the grease out, and replace it with light Labelle oil. Aside from that, I've never had an issue after hundreds of hours of running on them. Quiet, smooth (maintain 2 scale mph slow speed) and they look great after BLMA detail parts are added.
I think the only thing that people complain about, is the wider than prototype hood. But I love them!! Got me a couple being painted up in Milwaukee Road as we speak!
I have my two CP SD40-2s pre-ordered. The 5698 will look good in the CP Expo 86 paint scheme one day!
...and the chassis/posts? TCS is still awaiting a redesign of the MZA4 board. Curious to know since the board has been discontinued and pretty difficult to find now that it's the end of 2017, going on with a possible 2018 release; or should we be stocking up on Z2's instead?
I really hope there will be some spare parts available. I lost a motor contact spring, and it stings every time i look at that little loco.
Ken, for future reference, run a thread through the spring (a challenge on it's own) and hold it with some sort on clamping device, long nose, tweezers or hemostats. Mark
Markm, Unfortunately I dropped a screwdriver on the container I had my small parts in. I watched the container take flight through the air in slow motion off my workbench. I was lucky enough to find the three screws that hold the chassis together, but I only found 1 of the springs.
