Review by Harry K. Wong
In January 1972, EMD launched its new “Dash-2” line of locomotives. Bucking the inclination to increase horsepower output in the “horsepower wars” that previously defined the U.S. diesel locomotive marketplace, the primary objectives of the new Dash-2 line were instead to increase reliability and ease of maintenance. Notable changes included modular electrical components that promised shorter downtime for repairs, new truck designs and numerous other incremental improvements. The SD40-2 from this “Dash-2” product line became one of EMD’s greatest successes, with nearly 4,000 units built by the mid-1980s.
Recently, ScaleTrains has delivered a new crop of SD40-2s for HO and, for the first time, N scale SD40-2s. Whether HO or N, both models are part of its premium highly-detailed “Rivet Counter” product line. Echoing its HO scale release, ScaleTrains’ first production of N scale SD40-2s all feature road-specific and unit-specific details and lettering, including 81” high and low noses, 88” low noses and 123-inch “snoot” nose lengths where appropriate, separately applied MU hoses, grab irons, sunshades, cab mirrors and windshield wipers, full underbody details including the frame rail with separate air filters, plumbing and traction motor cables and more, just like their bigger HO scale sisters. Notable for N scale are the see-through dynamic and radiator fan housings with separate fan blade assemblies underneath, and finely scaled flexible plastic handrails and sanding hoses tucked behind the stepwells.
The N scale version of ScaleTrains’ new SD40-2.
Our N scale example represents Burlington Northern 7035—a member of the two groups of SD40-2s (7029-7048 and 8010-8029) delivered to the BN in 1978. Specific details on this model include a “turbo” exhaust stack, 88-inch short nose with brake wheel, large front anticlimber, standard-range dynamic brake housing, a low pilot plow, and BN-specific locations for the horn, radio antenna and rotary beacon.
While the grab irons protrude a tad far from the hood, the overall proportions of this SD40-2 in terms of correct frame height and overall fidelity to the prototype are the best seen so far in N scale. The lift rings on the roof are absent, however, a detail perhaps left off so as not to appear grossly oversized on the N scale model. Lettering and paint separation lines are crisp without any noticeable flaws. Features never before seen on N scale diesels until now include separate air and sanding lines around the trucks, tread plate pattern on the walkway surfaces, and the tiniest etched metal windshield wipers! All said, the N scale Rivet Counter SD40-2 feels more like a magically shrunk-down version of ScaleTrains’ HO RIvet Counter SD40-2 than a typical N scale loco with chunky renditions of details.
A model of Burlington Northern’s unique SD40-2B locomotive.
