OK, why not one more SD70MAC thread!? Here's my question....with all(?) SD70MACs having above-porch ditchlights, how will Kato approach this? Will they put them on the pilot face so they can operate much like the C44-9W's and SD80/90MACs? Or, will they not include operating ditch lights with this model (since above-porch ditchlights in N would be a daunting task at best)? What do you think Kato SHOULD do?
I had thought about this too Russ. Now seeing how Kato is pretty advanced with using little fiber optic methods (like with the ditch lights on the -9's, SD90MAC's, etc.), they might realize there IS a way to make working porch mounted ditch lights, though they may not be as bright as the regular headlight. Here is what I am talking about. Suppose they use basically the same below porch ditch light configuration like the SD90's had but instead of letting the fiber ends protrude out the model, have them stop JUST short of the pilot. They could cast ditch lights in clear plastic with a long stem so it would be up to the modeler to stick the stem in the whole, which would keep the ditch light in place and allow light to shine up through the ditch light. This COULD work, but will it happen? Who knows..... These are going to be SWWWWWWEEEEEEEEEEEEETTTTTTT, none the less!
Craig, I concur with your idea. I made the suggestion some months back (on the Atlas board, I think) that ALL manufacturers should equip late generation diesel locomotives with a "ditch light receptacle" that stops behind the pilot. Then, third party companies (or the manufacturers themselves) could supply a detailed, prototypically accurate ditchlight "plug". Depending on the prototype practice, the "plug" would either extend out the front of the pilot or encompass optics to route the light out the top to porch-mount ditch lights. Dimples inside the shell would provide a drilling guide for the respective mounting position(s). The only caveat would be the method of routing the light for the porch mount, and this is where third parties could spend a little more to get a brighter light, smaller size, better detail, etc.
Interesting results so far! I'm actually suprised at what folks think on this. I like your ideas, Craig & Doug. I suspect that would not happen though (although it has essentially been done in HO scale). Russ [ 19. July 2002, 19:25: Message edited by: tehachapifan ]
Hello Guys, I think Craig's idea is a pretty darn good one! With the wonderful jobin the tooling of the SD80/90MACs, I'm sure KATO could do this one. In fact, it should be factory installed on the pilot. This way when the shell is mounted on the chassis, the ends of both light pipes line up and little or no light loss should occur. This is such a good idea. I just may try it on my own!
