I just saw this on the Kato website. :-( Coming June 2009 Coming June 2009 Coming July/Aug 2009 Coming July/Aug 2009
I was talk someone at Kato while looking for parts and was told they'll hit the streets towards the end of May??? I was told that C.S.X. nscalers can possibly strip the UP paint scheme and create CSX SD70ace's so I will be get a few to get them. I still wish they'll create NS SD70M-2 but that's 2yrs out.
Saw that announcement on Kato's website a few minutes ago. The Cab-Forwards were also pushed back to June a few days ago. I think my pre-ordering days are over. But it's okay, I'll be getting stuff I've already ordered over the next few years, I'm sure. This whole pre-order business is now totally useless to me. If my LHS didn't order some for the store, I guess I just don't buy.
My bank account will mind. I'm terrible at saving money and for once, I actually have the money for this one set aside already. Chances are, in the added few months, I'll find my self tempted into spending the money on something else. :-( The better half of me says I should take the added time and save for a sound decoder for it. I just hope I listen.
No complaints here actually. I have two on pre-order with Chuck at FRT (one UP, one SP), but I just ordered a bunch of Red Caboose auto-racks and centerbeams from him last week too (take advantage of the RC moving sale if you haven't already), so my wallet is thanking Kato about now. I also pre-ordered 2 SD70M's (one UP, one NS) last week. So, by this fall my UP fleet will be in good shape (and hopefully I'll have a good stretch track to run them on by then), but my BNSF fleet is still awfully anemic: a few SD40-2's and a stray SD70MAC for all those intermodal trains. By now you know the rest of this verse from me: a proper BNSF Dash-9 please. (Even better: a GEVO.) Gary
I am also anxiously waiting for my for three SD70ace I ordered in heritage schemes - SP, D&RGW & CNW. I am avoiding buying a yellow/grey UP so that I may (hopefully) have enough funds for a MP or a WP. Cheers,
For the CSX 70ace the MOPAC/KATY/WP 70aces model would be better because they are closer to the CSX 70ace its all the same except for the laddedr in the rear of the long hood, on the DGRW/SP/CNW yhe differeces are more visible. I sort of glad there being push back. the CW-8 should be out by the end of the month.
Pre Order System Stink anymore Unfortunately I have to agree. The Pre Order system has gotten worse than the old Military statement "Hurry Up! and Wait!" Originally I thought it was to give the Manufacturers an idea on how many to produce without wasteful overages. But now it would appear that it only a tool to keep us(Consumers) money tied up instead of theirs while they play around with their production schedule.
Man, I did NOT see that one coming! I'm going to go jump on the fail train now. :-( [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKOEQVgONh0&fmt=18"]YouTube - All Aboard the Fail Train[/ame]
Just for info. I visited nscale supply's site and noted that they are taking orders for the other 3 heritage schemes - WP, MP & KATY, delivery mid '09. Cheers,
First pictures are up on the Kato website. http://www.katousa.com/N/SD70ACe/index.html So far just two pics of the Rio Grande unit.
Probably just an oversight, but the page says directional headlights and illuminated numberboards, but does not mention "illuminated ditchlights" like all of the other recent Kato modern diesels. Jamie
Yes, the picture shows operating ditchlights. I went out of my era & picked up a DRGW and SP unit -- the photos of the Rio Grande unit look pretty sharp, can't wait to see them in person.