Starting point for HO N&W SD40

[NW Modeling List]

I have five of the Athearn SD40s that were purchased in 2008 and 2009.  The 
dates on the dealer price tags indicate they stocked them in 2006, which 
fits with the Athearn "Road Diesel Collection" catalog, copyright 2007. 
They were produced in B&O, C&O, WM, and Chessie (the roadnames I have). Also 
CB&Q, BN, BNSF, CN, CP, CNJ, C&NW, Clinchfield, CR, IC, MRL, MPI Leasing, 
NdeM, PRR, SF, SP, and UP.

All of mine run fine, and the detailing on them looks good to me - separate 
grab irons, fan blades, bodies with or without brake ratchet, two styles of 
truck/brake details, fours sizes of fuel tanks, dynamic or non-dynamic brake 
housing, but, as is normal with Athearn models, no drop steps.  All are low 
hood of course.

Finding a model that has been out of production for eight years may not be 
easy, but knowing what roadnames were released may steer you 
(geographically) in the right direction.

Dick Dunford
Blacksburg, VA

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "NW Modeling List" <nw-modeling-list at nwhs.org>
To: "NW Modeling List" <nw-modeling-list at nwhs.org>
Sent: Wednesday, February 19, 2014 3:55 PM
Subject: Re: Starting point for HO N&W SD40



> Carl,

>

> I would start with the Kato SD40.  This is what I have/will use for all 

> four of my SD40's, 2 N&W and 2 Southern.  The N&W is the easier of the 

> two.  While all Kato's are DCC friendly the early versions require more 

> work as they have the old gray contact board.  There were two runs by 

> Kato.  It is pretty much a straight forward build for the N&W, using 

> Cannon cab and high hood kits.  I have not looked at the RTR Athearn made 

> from the RPP tooliing but it might be lacking.  Athearn cancelled a re run 

> of them last year due to "bad molds" needing retooling.

>

> James Wall

> Rural Hall, NC

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