[LateStarter]

Looking but not finding
Except for Bachmann.

Is Bachmann the only producer of this diesel?
I'm finding them discounted to $35 and $40 with DCC On-Board, but their quality isn't all that impressive.
In fact, I haven't yet found one that isn't a noisy 'growler' out-of-the-box.

I have an important spot for one, but I guess I'll have to go the same route I did with the 44-ton, and customize it.

 

[wvgca]

they are actually not all that bad ... most, if not all the growl comes from the factory bachmann decoder, not the gear train as assumed ..
a change to an entry level digitrax took care of -most- of the growl .. except with 'crawling' speeds ..

 

[LateStarter]

I guess there's no end-cab 70-ton fans here...
Surprising, since they were very successful prototypes, and considered 'bulldogs' of their time.
The Southern Pacific had 21 of them, and a private road I'm modeling had six.

 

[Eilif]

I remember reading somewhere that an earlier version of this model had a different motor (maybe a pair of motors) that weren't as reliable as the current version.

I bought one of the green un-lettered versions. Haven't decided yet whether to mark it for a home-road or make it a fantasy Illinois Terminal Railroad loco.

 

[Waffen06]

Just curious where your finding the good deal? Im finding them for $60+

 

[LateStarter]

$49 at ModelTrainstuff.

 

[Eilif]

The SP is calling my name...

 

[LateStarter]

Thinkin' about doing this.
I don't believe Bachmann ever considered it.

 

[LateStarter]

I guess I shouldn't be surprised
It's all based on demand & popularity.

The model production ratio of SD40-2's vs 70 ton switchers is a zillion to one, whereas the prototype ratio was about 10 to 1.
Makes sense I guess.
Jeez.