IM SD40-2

Looking very sharp. I

Looking very sharp. I was going to say you already have the perfect SD40-2, as its already in UP colours. So you would say a Kato performs better than an IM? But the IM is better detailed?

Regards Phil

SD40-2s

LOL...we think a lot alike. 

Personally, I don't think my Kato SD38-2s have anything on the IM SD40-2s regarding performance.  The IMs seem every bit as smooth and quiet.  

I've heard reports that the IMs are bad pullers due to a weak motor and/or light weight.  Personally, I've seen no evidence of that, but I run them in pairs, and my trains are typically 15-18 cars max on a 1% max grade.  The same person who mentioned them being bad pullers also said they were "super light", but I weighed mine and they came out exactly the same as my Kato SD38-2s - 14oz.  That leads me to believe that perhaps they were referring to the earlier IM SD40-2Ws, which I understand WERE light, and bad pullers as a result.

Glad to see

 Your work and the ease to a very good model.  Like you, I have seen a lot of rocks thrown at IM engine models.  I think people tend to get carried away over very little from time to time.  

I have shied away from IM test subjects because of all the negative impact.  As I've indicated in my blogs, engines designed for sound tend to be power short.  This lack of power shows up in speed and maximum draw bar force

Power make noise and will compete with the sound program.  Some are doing better than others, but all are down from the pre-sound days.  

Your work is encouraging and I will be on the lookout for a representative model.

Intermountain

Thank you Larry.  I'm glad to hear that.

Located a test subject

I got a new DCC ready Santa Fe unit.  I have completed a number of tests.  It is a unique model.  The results are interesting.  I will summarize the results on the forum in a few days.  

At this point I will say the draw bar competes with other recent models.  The electronics keep the motor from turning until just short of 7 volts on the power supply.  I'm not sure what voltage the motor is actually seeing.  Even at 16 volts the speed has not achieved the an average level.  The model sets the standard for lowest starting velocity without a decoder.  I measured 0.7 SMPH at 6.9 volts on 4 consecutive tries.  The torque wobble is virtually nonexistent.

The early UP SD40-2s had a

The early UP SD40-2s had a different end plate arrangement than the later ones.  This unit was UP 3186.  It's probably not feasible to put the upper corners back in.  

Traction motor color

Replacement traction motors aren't always black.  

The other side is a different color as well.  Not sure of your era, but some of these early UP SD40-2s went through a rebuild program, and the EPA retention tank was cut in on the engineer's side of the fuel tank as shown here.  

I have a fair number of close-up pictures of this unit if you desire more.  

Thank you!

Thanks very much for those pics Mike!  About the pilot corners, yeah, I chose to ignore that on all four of these units.  Couldn't think of a way I could correct it properly on a painted, detailed model.  Regarding the retention tanks, the 3034, 3053, and 3273 had the type that attach to the rear of the tank, while the 3149 had the one shown in your photo.  I scratchbuilt the former, but used a Hi-Tech Details part for the latter.

I'm planning to weather the 3034 and 3053 this weekend, and will post more pics when they're done.  Might get a start on the 3149 and 3273 as well, but they're likely going to take much longer, since both were victims of that poor quality paint used in the 1980s that flaked off in a sort of "camo" pattern, much like the 4010's paint seen in your first and third photos.  I haven't attempted to model that before, so this should be interesting. 

I really appreciate the photos, and the offer of more.  I'd love to see whatever you'd care to share.

Picture link and other thoughts

Here are my crummy shots of most of the WSOR engines:

  http://s184.photobucket.com/user/MFJ_album/library/WSOR%20engines?sort=3&page=1

I have arranged them by engine number.  I try to get them as delivered, then as repainted and so forth.  

4010 is the unit in the pictures shown.  There are a few more overall shots, and after the Imron overhaul.

I'm not sure of when the switch occurred, but  the former UP 3442 (now WSOR 4008) has a more easily modeled end plate, having the cutouts to grab the pinlifter from the steps.  The former 3389 (WSOR 4007) has the old style yet.

4007 & 4008 used to have snoot noses and wheel handbrakes, but the old boss wanted them to match the 6 ex-CRIP SD40-2s that had 81" noses and ratchet handbrakes.  No wheel handbrakes have been removed since then.  

I think Hi-Tech makes all the retention tank styles.  Not sure of the room available on the IM engines, but Athearns don't have room for the tanks that fit on the back of the fuel tank, account a slightly shorter spacing between bolsters to get them around 18" radius turns.  

Photos

Great photos Mike!  Thank you!  I especially appreciate the roof detail shots.

Glad to be of service.

Glad to be of service.

First two finished

This morning I finished weathering my first two IM SD40-2s, ex-CNW units that became UP 3034 and 3053.  These two led an eastbound UP detour over the IAIS on May 5, 2005, as seen in this Andy Brown photo at an undisclosed Iowa location.  

 Details added to both units include cab roof vents, EOT antennae at the left rear of the cab roof, Sinclair radio antenna, a numberboard grab iron, and gong bells.  I also added a waste fluid retention tank to the rear of the fuel tank on both, scratched from styrene, relocated the right side cab vent to the rear, and removed the class lights.  Factory "UNION PACIFIC" lettering and cab numbers were all removed using MicroSol-soaked tissues, then replaced with Microscale decals, as the Intermountain letters were too tall.  Weathering on both is primarily PanPastels, with a bit of oils to simulate the marks on the left side of 3034's cab.

First up, UP 3034.  Primary differences between this unit and the 3053 are the silver gong bell and horn on the 3034.

 Next, UP 3053, with the standard gray horn and yellow gong bell.  Hood lettering placement was less condensed than on the 3034, so I cut each letter from the Microscale decals and applied them alphabet-style.  Andy Brown prototype photo at Wilton, Iowa:

Very Nice

Thank you

Thanks very much C.M.  Your message reminded me that I've never completed my fourth SD40-2, UP 3273.  It's got another variation of peeling paint, but on a snoot that looks like it's had its nose repainted at some point.  However, I managed to break one of the ditch lights while relocating them and have never gotten back to fixing it and putting it all back together.  I'll have to do so one of these days when I can pull myself away from scenery work.

So is or has IMR fixed the

So is or has IMR fixed the gap behind the cab on more recent runs?

Cab gap

I don't recall seeing that Jim, but I could be wrong.  If it's still there though, it'd be about a 3-minute fix with some strip styrene and paint.  Likely invisible under that DRGW black paint, or tunnel soot for your SP units. 

It's a shame if they didn't. 

It's a shame if they didn't.  I have been aware of IMR's reputation for making running improvements so it seemed reasonable to expect , especially for the price point. 

Of course D&RGW and SP didn't have any SD40-2's  (theirs were tunnel motor config) so it's moot.  However, I do have a couple of KATO SD40-2's (BN and UP), both pooled over the D&RGW route on coal trains or the occasional mileage equalization freight.

I was just wondering in case I got to adding any more; my budget is pretty much spoke for for the next 6 months or so anyway!

Good Question

I will attempt to ask Intermountain about their upcoming release.  Maybe call them. 

Yes I can fix problems, but it would be beneficial for them to offer them correct from the factory, and let modelers know if they have.

SD40T-2s

Understood.  Given your fondness for those two roads, I was assuming you were referring to IMRC SD40T-2s.

I don't think the IMRC's

IIRC the IMRC's SD40T-2's are not out yet so I don't know what they are like or if they have the same flaw as the already produced SD40-2's.  As it is I have some 17 D&RGW and 10 SP/SSW tunnel motors, and don't really need many more, not to mention ability to afford them.  In addition, generally I don't like to mix diesels of the same type from different manufactuers because you can see the subtle differences between them when side by side. Switching from Athearn to IMRC would be a major hassle and be expensive as well, something I can't or don't want to budget for.  

I think the Athearn tunnel motors are quite good and have always stood up well to the afficianado's - thats why I'm puzzled as to why IMRC is offering tunnel motors in HO.  Usually when there is a very good version of a diesel on the market, there is little incentive to go to the expense to tool up and offer one from another company.  But, in general, choice is a good thing.  Interesting times we live in.

I don't have any from this

I don't have any from this maker. I did have a GSB, and I own several Athearns. I'm heavily modifying a Kato right now. Of course, mine all have high hoods. Here's one of mine with an Athearn SD-40. I also have an SD40-2 in the Southern scheme.

IM SD40's Performed Well

FWIW, I have a few IM SD40's, as well as a Kato, a Broadway Ltd. SD40 and a few Athearn SD-50's.  About a week ago I had an open house that last 12 hours.  At the end of the day, I was most impressed with the IM units.  They ran the smoothest and most consistently throughout the day.  One of my IM units was purchased in the ONR scheme.  it took a bit of work to get the details and paint correct, but for the price, it is a very good unit.

I do not have one of the new Bowser SD40's, but I do have a few Bowser C630's and am not impressed with how they run. Mine are very noisy.

Regards,

Steve J

Steve

It's great to hear about your experiences Steve.  I think the IM units are real bargains!