Intermountain N Scale SD40-2 In Cando Livery. Is it a good runner mechaniclly?

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

For a first N scale locomotive I am interested in this Cando livery SD40-2 in N scale by Intermountain, as I like the slogan that the name implied, being that the railroad “can do the job.”

I have heard they are bad runners, but good in sound and detail. I have to ask how recently was this livery was included in what recent run, and if anyone owns one of the same example I linked. I was told if it was assembled it was a good runner. It says it has sound and dcc installed, but why mention its assembled in th first place?

2

I’ve got 3 SD40-2s (I believe the same chassis as the SD40-2W linked) and they are quite good units. I also own Kato units, and it’s a pretty direct comparison. Katos are frequently regarded as top tier units, and Intermountains are almost as good! Excellent low speed control. Lots of detail, although it can be a bit fragile. I haven’t seen them described as assembled before, but maybe the undecorated ones come without the railings on?