They've been selling them for a while now, so I figure somebody here must have picked one up. What did they change? Do they run better? Better details? They shut down production for a while to re-tool, so I figure there must be some major changes, but nobody's posted anything about them. Are they worth getting? I really don't have any use for a SD40-2, so I probably won't get one, but I could always use a GP7/9 switcher, which I assume are coming shortly.
I got two undec SD40-2s recently from Zscalemonster and they seem to run fine. The detail on the shell looks slightly less crisp than some of my early ones but other than that I'm quite happy. One is a chassis donor for the BN one that donated its chassis to the Deltic. The body off that one is going to be converted into a BN SD40-2B. I'm very tempted to wind a few people up by doing the other in a fictional Nickel Plate Road colorscheme! Kev
There has been a considerable discussion on the AZL Forum (?!?): http://www.azlforum.com/thread/1297/new-mtl-sd40-2-issue Kev so far is the only person who is happy with them. From Joe's comments, I don't believe there was any intentional changes to the SD40-2 from the original production and I expect the new ones to run the same, although I've yet to receive anything from the new run. Ken I haven't heard anything about MTL bringing back the GP9/35. So what do you know?? Mark
Hi, I also got my undecorated sd40-2. It also runs good. Right now I am figuring out how to convert it into a sd40t-2. Have to extend the bolster centers for a couple of mm and must design a new end part for the high hood. Etc. /Frank Verstuurd vanaf mijn ANE-LX1 met Tapatalk
It looks like there are some issues using the Rokuhan Controller with the constant light. Makes sense. Not MTL's fault using a good motor that reacts to very little current impulses..... Frank, you mean one of those I guess ;-)
Like Jon Snow, I know nothing. I just assumed they would eventually remake all their stuff. The old ones are some of the best running locos I have, so I guess that was just wishful thinking.
I've just as well received a sample (undec). Exactly the same as first batch that was available a few years ago. Same (excellent) running caracteristics. BTW, I didn't hear anything about releasing the Geeps again. Dom
Like to see solid blue that was used on your past GP 35 B&O paint scheme used on a GP 9 . Plus Chessie System paint scheme on the GP 9. As for my old first run SD 40 never has run that good when using it on a rokuhan power pack .
Just fitted Digitrax decoders to both undec SD40-2s and they run fine. I think they are the same as the first runs as the plows scrape the Marklin turnout motors in the hidden yard same as before (these are the turnouts where the motor cover sits slightly higher than some of the others) no complaints from me. I'd love to see the GEEPs again. The GP35 as a donor chassis has been really versatile (PA1s, U.P Turbine etc) and I want to do a couple more NKP GP9 Torpedo boats when I get the chance Kev
The MTL Geep chassis was a great chassis for building other power, I certainly have used it for numerous projects, so I hope to see a few more Geep shells in my project box. Never had any problems with original MTL SD40-2s just shaved a bit from bottom of plow and good to go, most of mine are now DCC equipped
