There is someone who can tell me which are esthetic differences between the Spectrum 8-40CW (like CSX version item 86016) first release and its last release, please?
The older ones (early 90’s to about 2003) had a simple split frame design and enough detail to look good but still be cheap. The drives were smooth and quiet and it had the simplest directional lighting board ever.
The newer ones (around 2003 to now) have a single piece frame, new trucks that don’t extend into the cab inside, Much more detail like see through vents on the sides, a cab interior with a crew and MU cables. They are also DCC ready. I believe they also have all wheel electrical pickup instead of 8 wheel pickup like on the old ones.