So I email Athearn and ask them when they are going to release a version of the SD70M with flared radiators and a version with flared radiators and a “new” cab (the really boxy one with the taller nose door, I think only UP and NS have them). I just got my answer, they are not planning on it!?! So, I know I’m not the only one out there who wants this locomotive. OK, so I wasn’t planning on buying UP or NS (I would buy undec and paint them in my road, CP!) but come-on! I know I can buy the flared radiators in a kit, but the nose is a little harder to come by. I have one already, but it didn’t turn out too good. Any suggestions? Or does everyone just want to mass email Athearn and help them to decide to produce one!
I actually had the whole thing built for me from a stock SD70M from a guy in the eastern US. Not a very good model however, that’s why I’m still looking. The radiators and cab were poorly built.
Don’t give up! Model manufacturers unfortunately are forced to plan on manufacturer models based on extensive (and expensive) marketing research, mold making processes, etc,. What’s on your side is the fact that modern locomotives are quite popular and sooner or later someone will produce this model, the body, or a cab kit as it gains popularity. MIght not necessarily be Athearn. The loco you’re talking about though is a very impressive looking EMD. Keep checking with the manufacturers.
To illustrate a quick point:
Just a few years ago (not sure if it was 99 or 00) My wife’s cousin purchase a Rail Power Products SD70 type shell intending to turn it into a BNSF SD75, since nobody made one. He was going to show it off at train shows. To his delight & frustration, about a year later Athearn announced the Genesis SD75.
What about a SD70MAC like the new CSX engines with the flares and a SD70ACe. I want my railroad to look as clean as possible so have engines with flares that are made by Southeastern Prototype Models. Athearn i think would probably make the new SD70Ms but kato would be good for the Ph II SD70MAC and SD70ACe.
You won’t get a commitment from any manufacturer on a new unit for a couple of years, case in point is the SD50, which was what turned out to be a transition unit to the SD60.
This place sells the kit to modify the Athearn SD70M into the flared radiator version. They are planning on releasing a kit for the “new” cab as well sometime soon.