New Kato SD 40-2s

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Has anyone purchased or planning to purchase one of the new Kato SD 40-2s? How is the quality? MSRP is $180, what prices have you guys seen? Did they apply the hardwire kit or use the SD 38 trucks?

I am not a fan of blinky lights but this does look kind of neat. I have 4 of the first run in SOO paint of course.

http://www.katousa.com/HO/SD40-2/index.html

Jim

2

Jim,

I have both of the SD40-2 mid’s decorated for the CN/IC, and paid about $135 USD each. I also have a couple of the SD38-2’s, and while I haven’t done a detailed comparison, I’d have to say the chassis is at least very similar. The trucks are wired, because Kato probably learned their lesson with the brass strips. The SD40-2 mid’s also have the speaker cavity and speaker wiring channel.

HTH,
Steve