I have couple C44-9 shells (with trucks) and would like to purchase mechanisms for them. I've head that the SD70MAC mechs are the same as the C44-9... is this the case? Also, do the newly released AC4400 have the same mechanism? My plan is to have 2 AC + 2 C44 running together and would like to use all the same mechanisms if possible to keep things running smoothly together.
yup, SD70MAC, C44-9W and the new AC4400 have all the same split frame drive but different trucks and fuel tanks...
So all the trucks, frames, and fuel tanks are interchangeable? Has the frame been updated for DCC or any other improvement for the AC4400?
The Dash 9 and 70MAC's were always DCC ready. Same with the AC4400. Digitrax made the DN144K originallly for the Dash 9. It has been superceded with the DN163K1A. The new dedcoder requires shell modification for the Dash 9 and as I understand it, for the AC4400 also. I am using DN144K's for my Dash 9 and AC4400's Hope this helps,
Form Kato's website: Mechanisms: #925090 C44-9W #925170 SD70MAC Part# NYA AC4400 Does Kato just give these parts different part numbers to fool us or are they slightly different but functionally similar enough to work for all 3 models? Rich, thanks for the DCC info...definitely helpful down the road.
Come on Steve, the SD-70MAC and AC4400 frame are not identical. The SD-70MAC frame is longer and the truck spacing is different. They are all split frame. Jerry
Actually, they are all the same frame. The number stamped on the frames is the same. Attached is a picture of a C44-9, SD70MAC, and AC4400. When I examined them, they are all the same. [ 31. August 2004, 14:55: Message edited by: SD70BNSF ]
I went upstairs and pulled the shells on the SD-70MAC and the AC4400 and yes the frame is the same. The difference is in the truck centers or truck spacing. (It looked as if the SD-70MAC was longer when I tried to match up the trucks.) Jerry
Do not get get confused re: numbers molded into Kato parts.... The numbers are arcane factory codes (they may refer to tool inserts or perhaps even mold base families) and have little to do with Part Numbers or Assemblies for particular models. Sometimes the same numbers appear on quite different moldings.....they have some meaning to the factory but should not be used for identification of repair or replacement parts at the consumer level. Charlie Vlk
