Just Wondering...

Classic Toy Trains Forum
1

I recently purchased a Lionel Norfolk Southern SD-80MAC model 6-28226. I’m new to the forum and have been reading up on some of the topics discussed here.

To start my model has the infamous blind drivers located on the inside axel closest to the fuel tank. [:(!] Why this might not bother some it irritates me esp. because I’m going for the scale look. I noticed though that in the lionel catalog and on there website the blind driver is in the middle. You can see this by looking closely at the picture on their website or by looking at the picture in the catalog if you have one.

Why is this?

Is my model an earlier run in the line and they later made the change?

If so do you think I could send the model to them and they could make the change?

Would it be worth it?

All opinions would be appreciated.

Second I would like some personal reviews of this model for anyone running one or along the same lines. Side by side the Lionel seemed to be the better choice in appearance compared to MTH’s Premier NS SD-80MAC, as I compared both at the dealer. Did I make the right choice? I’m running DCS with the TMCC cable and controler also so I can run both systems.

2

Brandon, welcome to the forum.[#welcome]

I’m not familiar with the engine but frequently the photos, or drawings, shown in catalogues are drawings or preproduction models. Due to some querks the manufacturer frequntly finds it necessary to make “adjustments” to the actual production. I have diesels with trucks having the blind axel inboard or in the mid position. I’ll take a guess that it has to do with the min. radius they want the engine to be able to handle.

3

Roger is correct about the minimum radius part. That locomotive is designed to handle a standard O gauge curve (31"). Another thing is that truck assembly is a standard part, and has been around for a long time. It is also possible that if there were flanges on the center wheel set, they would need to make the truck longer, because they might conflict with the outer wheels.

No offense, but if a blind wheel set bothers you, how do you feel about the grossly oversized flanges in the first place? Some sacrifices have to be made in order to get things to work properly for the most people.