not sure if 1015 is the right one. recent katos (sd40-2, c44-9w, ac4400, sd70, sd90) used 2004 or 2003.
I'm happy with it biggrin: I'll be even happier when I get my hands on a TCS K1D4-NC for it. I'll also get a couple extra to replace the faulty Digitrax DN163K1c in my CN SD40-2 - they went wrong a week out of warranty. Figure it'll be cheaper to just cut my losses on those.
Coupler for the ACes Had both of the couplers (1015 and 2004) available, a quick test showed the 2004 as the better option, it matches the MT height gauge almost perfectly (Installed them in a 1015 box for ease of assembly though). The 1015 coupler head is very low, covering only about two thirds of the height gauge's coupler head.
I love that C&NW sd70ace I will get one and change the others 4 or 5 sd70ace to CSX. I really don't have any CSX locomotives except (1) AC4400CW and a dash8 40C
Those Rio Grande locos are SWEET! You know something? I don't understand why Kato can't factory paint the handrails on the ends like Atlas can. Both of them charge about the same for locos but it seems Atlas continually beats Kato to the punch with extra details on the paintschemes (red caps on the fuel tanks and small lettering elswhere as well as painted ends of handrails are examples). Why can't Kato provide it's customers with those extra details? I'm happy they're releasing big modern locos like this and will even pick up a few myself, but when you pay 100.00 for a loco, factory painted handrails and more small prototype details (like high voltage signs on doors) aren't too much to ask.
Unfortunately, I think this mind set is a few months or a year past it's time. Bus fare here in SF went up to 2 bucks per ride, fast food is about 10 bucks a meal and 100 dollars can now be compared to a simple dinner and a movie date (and that's with out popcorn and drinks). Sure, it wouldn't be too much to ask for, but be glad they did what they can to keep the cost down as is. Next round we might not be so lucky.
But until the Dash8-40CW which is just out, Atlas didn't do working Ditchlights whereas Kato do. And back in 2005 Atlas didn't paint the handrails on the GP40-2 and as I bought the CSX Dark Future, that was a real bummer as I still haven't located the correct colour paint over here in the UK. Personally, given the option of painted handrails and non operating ditchlights or working ditchlights and paint-your-own hadrails, I'll take the ditchlights and paint-your-own handrails. Not sure painted handrails and working ditchlights is worth an extra US$30 though (Atlas Dash8-40CW US$140 v Kato SD70ACe US$110)
Not any more. I think you will find the new Atlas releases are now considerably more expensive than the new Kato releases. But yes, I do agree that Atlas has taken the lead as far as details go. I still think the Katos are the better runners though. VERY close in both categories. Jamie
With a touch of paint I can fix Kato's unpainted handrails, but there's no way I can get an Atlas mechanism to equal a Kato. It's just a pity we can't have some magical manufacturer that's able to do both.
I was just checking the M.B. woo woo woo website and noticed they have the second run of SD70ACe available. 2 UP (flag) and the SP & CNW retros. Jamie
The SP is out of stock, I got their third last one, the CNW's don't seem to be moving as fast. After my Rio Grande unit arrived I decided I had to get the rest. They'll join the rest of the stuff that I've got to explain being in Texas in the 1950-60's.
Keep and on woo woo woo, they will get more like they did with the DRGW units. The DRGW units keep selling out but somehow they alway seem to get more.
Kato are doing a second run of the DRGW's in November/December as well, I'm sure they will follow with the others if sales are as good.
