Saturday, October 22, 2016

Sunset Models Southern Railway SD9's, SD40-2's, and E8's Pre-Production Updates


Been busy working on the house over the last year, so I haven't modeled anything in a long time.

I figured I would update folks on three brand new models coming out in 2R O-scale for Southern Railway modelers…lots of photos that you can click on for high-resolution.

First up are the SD9's.  Ignore the spec sheet, they are shipping to customers in November.  Can't wait to get my Southern units.  The SP sample was nice, so I expect the others to be too.

Here is a photo essay on a sample SD7 unit in SP flavor.

  • Note that the DB section comes off to reveal controls for the 3R modelers.  2R won't have anything there.  
  • Also, you will note this unit has one side with a 3R coupler and the other with a 2R coupler.  The part is removable to allow full 3R lobster claws, but can be inserted to allow both 2R and 3RS modelers the ability to put on kadee couplers.  Every 3R box will have these included. 2R will have them equipped already.  I thought it was clever.
  • The 2R/3R models both share the wipers on the back of the wheels.  This will improve ground connectivity for 3R modelers and all-wheel pickup (very necessary) for the 2R modelers.
  • Can't see the ball bearings, but the lateral play of the wheelsets looked good to me when Scott showed me.
  • Obviously, the 3R pickups in the middle of the trucks are only on 3R models.
















Second are the E8's…here are some photos of the body sample. Sunset Models has confirmed that the Southern Crescent units are a go including the rooftop tanks.







Third are the SD40-2's…

Sunset Models announced that they are creating the tooling to do high hood SD40-2 units.  Southern, N&W, NS, and even second-hand CP units can now be done.  Be sure to check out their website and place your orders in for these.