Can someone please give me their opinion on what Lionel SD-40 is the best for running, least breakdowns etc, or one to avoid. I am looking to buy one that was still made in the Detriot plant. I do not care about the investment or collectible part, just a good running locomotive. I thank all that reply.
I am looking to do the same. What are you asking, just so I will understand any replies.
Other than road names what are your choices?
New, used, post war used, TMCC, etc.
I’ll thank for replies also.
I am looking for SD-40models, made between 1985-1999. The reason I post this is that I heard from a friend that there are some problems with the earlier models (1987 Conrail comes to mind), and would like some advice on what years are good or bad. I do not care about road names.
Thank you to all that take the time and reply.
Don’t know about early SD 40 problems,
but I would not hesitate to buy one from that era, dash 8 etc. Weak points to me would be the flimsy wiring and old grease. I find that engines that sat in a box for 20 years tend to have hard grease and usually need a good cleaning and grease job. In fact all the 80’s engines I have bought were like that and once cleaned run liike champs. If you can live with that, I wouldn’t be afraid of an early SD-40. I would bet you will have trouble fixing a defective TMCC or railsound board in a newer one… although you could simply remove the offending electronics providing the price of the loco is right. Thats how I got my Lionel K4.
I would stay away from any engines that had the sheet aluminum frame staked together ala mpc geeps etc. my .00025 cents
Thanks for your reply.
I would like to buy the 1985 Burlington Northern SD-40 set or the 1995 Rio Grande set with the rail sound. I am just trying to find the pro’s and cons of these models.