Dash 8-40CW's announced at Atlas

Thinking ahead, I have three of the Dash 8-40C models (no DCC) on order for November arrival, and I'll probably get at least two of these new Dash 8-40CW whan the arrive in May. I wonder if the NCE decoder will work in the non-wide cab version and, if so, how difficult it would be to retrofit them with ditch lights? I certainly don't want to equip these three I get next month with DCC if it makes sense to wait until May and go NCE across the board (plus a "little" work to get ditch lights installed on the standard cab models). Jamie

 

On that note, I may have one or two of the "ditch-lit" mechs (black trucks/fuel tank and/or possibly silver) available for sale for someone wanting to try and retrofit the spartan cab Dash 8-40C's. We would need to come to terms before the first pre-orders are due though. PM or E-Mail me if you are interested...I have a "wanted" post in Trainstore as well.

 

Why soooo Expensive? Has our great prices come to an end??????

 

Rising labor costs in China and the rest of the world.
Rising materials cost.
New loco with new tooling.
Released in 3 unique versions at the same time.
Ditchlights with individual lighting.

Just to name a few.....

 

I would think good old supply & demand comes into play as well. The new Dash 8-40C models are also a bit higher than usual, street price of about $105 for the DCC model while the Dash 8-40CW will be about $115. Atlas probably feels the demand for these will be high, there is new tooling, and the extra cost for the DCC/electronics for the ditch lights. These will be the top of the line models in N. Will be interesting to see how Kato responds. Sound? Jamie

 

Well, it did take Atlas over 10 years to come up with ditch lights after Kato did the original -9. Kato's latest SD40-2 come with working ditchlight like the -8, but the alternating feature also work in DC. I just glad they are finaly doing them since this is the biggest hole in my CSX roster and the Bachman units are not an option. Wish they were cheaper but I understand why they cost more.

 

to be fair, this feature is only working in the H0 version...

 

I am SOoooooooooooooo biting my tongue. I have my theories but last time I said anything...I kinda got raked over the coals...so I will be quiet now...:tb-mad::tb-hissyfit::tb-wink:



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Thanks mate, that what I was thinking but did not type it.