So I have the oportunity to get my hands on a Rogue GP-38 diesel. Is this engine worth getting? I don't see these very often (at least not for sale) Should I take advantage of this oportunity? Thanks Gordon
I would say yes. These are RARE locomotives. There is no official number of how many were produced. They have been highly collectible for many years. Do not expect it to run well. If it does, that is a bonus. There early runs did have some bugs that needed worked out. The most common roadname was released was the SP. This was available in upwards of three roadnumbers. The extremely rare SP version was the Ztrack subscriber special loco. It actually has Ztrack and a sn# stamped on the bottom of the chassis. Only 26 were produced. The next rare roadname is BN followed by Conrail. Both were only available in one roadnumber. Note, the GP38 shell does not fit on the MTL GP35 without modification. The 38 is longer and the shell is wider towards the interior. You will need to modify the shell in order to use the MTL chassis. Rob Kluz
I wouldn't purchase it for running, only because they don't run as well as the MTL GP35's. I seen Alan Borg's GP38 shell casting, and it is just as good as the Rogue shell, but I am not sure on his release plans yet. I also heard Mark4 Design is supposed to come out with a shell as soon as he gets setup in his new home, and it should look better than the Rogue shell. So if I were to purchase a Rogue locomotive, it would only be for the collectors shelf. I think you might need to purchase a handrail kit from Micron Art to complete the apperance of the model too. -Robert
Here is a good link on Rogue. I have thoughts about buying one, but I didn't want to bother with all the trouble of getting it to run right. web page
I am less concerned with it running in the same league as MTL GP-35s or the always excellent (so far) ATL motors ... than the overall collectability of it. I think I have only seen one for sale in recent history ... and if it doesn't run well it would look great on my desk at work in a mini-display case that I have (trust me a BN SD-45 with one car and a caboose looks a bit overdone ... a GP-38 though would look much better) anyway ... thank you for the honest opinions here. G
