Has anyone purchased the new Scaletrains Dash 9 Operator?

Martin Station Oct 26, 2019

  1. Martin Station

    Martin Station TrainBoard Member

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    Hi all, just wondering if anyone has purchased one of these in the Operator line? Was wondering how they look, and if the add on details that come with it (multi-unit hoses and coupler cut levers) are painted and easy to install. Also is the bell on the front of the lefthand side fuel tank included? In the Scaletrains website photos it does not appear to be but these were pre-production photos. And last I believe the packaging is supposed to be different. I gave serious thought to ordering a BNSF one but wanted to wait until I seen a review.
    Thanks,Ralph
     
  2. catfan

    catfan TrainBoard Member

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    I have 3 in route. We can take a look at them when they get here, 3-4 Days.
     
  3. Martin Station

    Martin Station TrainBoard Member

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    Great! Looking forward to it.
    Thanks, Ralph
     
  4. DarylK

    DarylK TrainBoard Member

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    I have two in route. I'm planning to do a video review on my YouTube. Channel next week zometime.
     
  5. Martin Station

    Martin Station TrainBoard Member

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    Good deal, I've seen one posted on YouTube so far but it was the Rivetcounter and it looked really good.
    Thanks
     
  6. catfan

    catfan TrainBoard Member

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    Hey Martin,

    Finally got to open my three models I will see if I can help you.

    Personally I think they look great. They are not the brands Rivet Counter but you are not paying for such. The grabs are molded in compared to the higher end units but I'm good with that. I have several of the Rivet Counters and they can do the lead when I MU.

    All the tiny accessories are painted and ready to install. MU's have silver tips, Cut levers have yellow grabs. Easy to install? I will say that the holes are already drilled for installation. I used a micro brush and a small amount of gap filling CA and it worked fine. I don't know what adhesive they suggest for this. I did look at the website but there are no instructions that I could find.

    There is a bell molded to the front of the fuel tank on by 3 NS units. Of course it's black and will have to be painted for super detailing.

    I used an ESU Lokprogramer to set the address and top speed with no issues.

    These things do have a little buzz at low speed steps. I'm hoping that will work it's way out after breaking them in.

    Hopefully Daryl will get something up in video fairly soon, I know there is at least one review one Youtube already.


    Mark
     
    Martin Station and BNSF FAN like this.
  7. Martin Station

    Martin Station TrainBoard Member

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    Mark,
    Thank you! This was exactly the information that I was looking for. I saw two Youtube videos with only one ( DaBob's ) showing the Operator locomotive and only showing the add on parts in the bag but not covering the install process or showing them installed. He also covered a problem with the bottom of snow plow rubbing the top of the rails on the Rivit Counter locomotive and I saw that someone else had that issue also. Does your plow clear the rails ok?
    Thanks again, you have been a big help!
    Ralph
     
  8. freddy_fo

    freddy_fo TrainBoard Member

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    Did your units come with sound too or just DCC?

    Since you have the lokprogrammer I was wondering if the ditch lights are on their own function and if they can be programmed to flash. I'm thinking of picking one up but if the sound/dcc is locked down or not wired/lit for separate functions then maybe just get the DC version and put my own decoder in it.
     
  9. catfan

    catfan TrainBoard Member

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    Ralph-

    I do not have issue with the plow rubbing the rails as DeBob mentioned. I've only installed the details on one of the three so far but the plow is the last part I did install so adjusting shouldn't be an issue.






    Freddy-

    I opted for the non-sound version on these. I haven't really been concerned with function mapping the ditch lights since these won't be lead units.

    I can tell you the front LED board is wired similar to my sound units.

    Btw- the fuel tank is also set up to receive a sugar cube speaker.
     
  10. freddy_fo

    freddy_fo TrainBoard Member

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    Thanks Mark. I wasn't even aware of the brand till I came across this thread as I've been distracted by other hobby's for the last 5 or so years. Looking around at Scale Trains offerings I'm really drawn to the rivet counter C45AH with all the extra detail such as applied grabs. If I didn't already have 3 of the Dash 9 in my collection already one would be on the short list for sure.
     
  11. WFOJeff

    WFOJeff TrainBoard Member

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    Last 3 scale trains rivet counters purchased; all defective out of box :(

    1. SXT31026 GE TIER 4 GEVo C45AH with Square Exhaust, Union Pacific RD# 2570 LokSound = [Dead] sent it back for repair, works fine now.
    2. SXT31510 GE DASH 9-44CW, NORFOLK SOUTHERN RD# 9598 LokSound = noisy buzzing and speed steps 1 - 10 jerking badly- still waiting on this repair...
    3. SXT31528 GE DASH 9-44CW, Union Pacific RD# 9646 LokSound = same troubles - noisy buzzing and speed steps 1 - 10 jerking badly - still waiting on this repair...

    I did perform steps through CV54 for the jerking and no luck.

    Summary:
    7 Scaletrains Rivet Counters and 4 have had to go back for repairs. That's not good odds...
    I Have to say if not for the great visual product - I''d never buy another.
    My collection of hoppers no issues.

    I put the brakes on another DASH9 purchase...
     

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