Let's add a few more photos

Rivet Counter Southern Rwy SD40-2:

Operator Norfolk Southern SD40-2

A great base for modeling

The ScaleTrains SD40-2 is an excellent model out of the box, but it also makes a great base for modeling specific prototypes.  Here's an in-progress model that utilizes several Cannon parts (nose, grilles, fuel tank details), as well as other parts, to model a specific prototype.

They also run smoothly and quietly.  It's a bit tight on the inside due to the large weight, but I was still able to install a Railpro LM-3S, TCS KA-4, and dual sugar cube speakers.

I'm excited to see what other variants they release.  You really can't have enough SD40-2's.

-Kevin

I also..

Really like these. If in the future there is a paint scheme I need, I might just get more. 

A great investment

K

These units run very smooth and seem to be speed matched very closely out of the box. Would I buy more, YOU BETCHA! This unit is the rivet counter.....  

Kevin that BN unit looks tasty!

Tony the Chessie unit is the cats meow! 

I agree

Just wish they made the ATSF in the operator they definitely seem worth it maybe I'll just get the NS instead those look pretty good too.

Yep

Hope they have a pre-80s version coming in Union Pacific. 'Operator' would be fine. Some of the details move around a bit.

I like 'em

I picked up mine a few months ago and it's been in service for several op sessions now.  It runs well and crews comment favorably on both the appearance and running qualities.

One thing I did change was the front coupler.  The stock coupler proved unsatisfactory and was replaced with a long shank Kadee after this photo was taken (I retain trip pins on my rolling stock and the stock coupler is too short to keep them from hitting the plow).  The Scale Trains draft gear box will not accommodate a Kadee coupler without modification.  I used a standard Kadee type (i.e. not the whisker variety), and filed down the area on either side of the hole to keep it from interfering with the range of motion where it otherwise binds on the side of the box.  I used the Scale Trains centering spring.  This arrangement works quite well, but replacing the draft gear box is a miserable process with the plow in place, and I didn't want to risk damaging anything by attempting to pull the plow off.

The Operator version has the big anticlimbers UP didn't use, so adapting one would require a fair amount of kitbashing and repainting.

K-Pack

Do you have any photos of the LM-3S, KA-4 and sugar cube installation?

After I put the DIgitrax decoder in, I didn't have enough clearance to add one of DIgitrax's Power Xtenders, which was kind of annoying.

Did you use an adapter harness or hardwire everything?

I talked with them well

I talked with them well emailed actually and they said sales were low on the operator engines so it may not have many more road names I was hoping for the ATSF which is why I talked to them and they said it likely won't happen.

@Jeff

I hardwired everything.  With the factory board there isn't much room for anything at all.  I put the LM-2S module between two sugar cube speakers (tight fit!)....

...and used the speaker cavity in rear of the upper weight to install the KA-4 and bridge rectifier:

All buttoned up with plenty of room to spare.  Nice and tidy.

This was a tougher install, no doubt about it.  But that was mainly because finding a spot for the KA-4 was a bit of a challenge.  I should have removed the factory LEDs though.  They are way too dim.

-Kevin

Gah!

Man, those are beautiful!  I normally try to model my prototype as accurately as possible, but these open me up to all sorts of "what if" possibilities.  An ex-SOU NS high hood SD40-2 ran on the IAIS a few years ago.  Pretty sure I'll need to model that now.

Rob, that UP unit's just stunning!

And Kevin, Tony, and Jeff, those nicely weathered examples are beautiful in an entirely different way.  Well done, all of you!

@K-Pack

Tight indeed. That's a very professional looking install. Very neat.

Thank you.

@K-Pack

Yes, Impressive!!

@ Joe

Thank you Joe, very kind of you to say, I am liking where the high bridge is heading!

ScaleTrains SD40's

Beautiful equipment. Would have given the 5th star if videos were available. Let me know when they come out in SP either standard SD40 and/or Tunnel Motor versions. John Colley, Sonoma, CA