If there was an SD70ACE and a SD90MAC I would choose the SD90MAC I always go with the latest. However I would go with the vendor that produces a better quality model. i.e. Kato SD70ACE over MTH SD90MAC. MTH makes SD70ACE while Kato makes SD90MAC. Which one should I go with? Who makes a more detailed locomotive?
Kato has a reputation for building smooth running, well detailed locos. Caboose Hobbies sells the SD70MAC for $ 99,97, whereas the MTH SD70ACe goes for 149,49. Both locos are DCC ready. Whether the extra 50 bucks for the MTH model are justified - I would not want to judge.
I´d go for the Kato loco.
I would go with Kato because of their smooth operation.
I would go with Kato, good products. - Peter
Kato has a reputation for good products and smooth operation. I would go with Kato.
Besides, MTH always seems more expensive on comparable products,
Or wait a few months and get the Athearn SD70ACE. However, if you want something immediately, it all comes down to whether you want the absolute newest power that the prototype RRs are running on your layout. As others have said, the Katos are smooth runners. However, I’ve seen the MTH locos running as well and they would be a good choice too.
Ricky
The protoype SD70ACe is ‘newer’ than the SD90MAC. In HO, Kato has imported SD70MAC engines, and MTH has a SD70ACe. That said, Athearm should be releasing their HO model of the SD70ACe yet this year. The current Kato offering is a smooth running engine.
Jim
Is the DCC ready MTH on sale yet? I know it was announced but, as we know, announced and delivered are 2 different things[:D].
As for the OP’s question, for a DCC ready loco I’d go with the Kato SD70 or SD90. Actually I have both of these loco’s along with a Kato AC4400, SD40, GP35, and F40PH. I would recommend any Kato locomotive, as the above loco’s are my best runners. Smooth, quiet, and powerful regardless of the speed. I’ve seen the sound equipped MTH’s and they look very nice, but with the sound system you can’t hear wether or not the mechanism is noisy [:-^]. If you shop around you can get a SD70 for $70-$80 and an SD90 for $90-$100, unless you get lucky and find a great amazing deal like I did on my SD90 ($60 new[swg]).
Just my [2c]