TT scale trains and models

Hi everybody, I've had the SDP40F on my mind lately because Amtrak used it, and we have no US passenger stock in TT (that I know of anyway). Although I've been quiet on this board I've been lurking, enjoying seeing what you all are up to. Yesterday we ran the TT train for Thanksgiving guests!

Anyway, regarding this locomotive the additional advantage is that it was used by freight lines through 2001, according to Wikipedia.

So it's very versatile, could be used for passenger or fright.

Thinking of drafting this prototype in CAD for:

Phase I - Use in a computer game and eventually

Phase II - Once it's sufficiently refined, creating a physical TT scale model (Phase II of the project).

Doing something like this for me could easily become a lifetime project; already such projects are time consuming; in my case further slowed down because I'm new to all the techniques and skills needed: being proficient at Blender (my CAD/CAM program), molding with resin, etc.

EDIT: Meant to say, I'm looking for feedback on the feasibility of the project and whether this is an appealing direction (or not). Particularly, does anyone have pictures and dimensions of the prototype? Whatever I do, I want to get the nose right, I want a faithful representation of the prototype for these purposes.

Personally I'd like to see an EMD E A&B unit for a passenger train.

Bernd

I can't remember without digging out some magazines, but aren't they pretty close to the FP45's? If they're the same (or the CAD can be modified a bit) that might give you a couple more options? Or shorten it up a bit and do an F45 too?

I would be interested in a SDP40F, especially if cars that match it could be made.

areibel wrote:I can't remember without digging out some magazines, but aren't they pretty close to the FP45's? If they're the same (or the CAD can be modified a bit) that might give you a couple more options? Or shorten it up a bit and do an F45 too?

From examining 2 photos of the right side of each locomotive, it appears as though there is a rear access door on the FP45 situated over the wheel truck; a similar door is further forward on the SDP40F.

Amtrak's model, the SDP40F had some cylinders in the motor deleted and used the extra space for additional water storage. Maybe that explains the different configuration.

But you're right, I can see no differences in the shape of the cowl, it looks the same aside from one or two minor modifications.

Bernd wrote:Personally I'd like to see an EMD E A&B unit for a passenger train.

Bernd

I believe the EMD E8 looks really good with passenger cars and always enjoyed my H0 model ages ago. Do you know when the last one was retired from freight service? It's not obvious from my perusals.

AstroGoat760 wrote:I would be interested in a SDP40F, especially if cars that match it could be made.

We do need passenger cars. Since it hauled freight as well, if you have any freight cars from the period in question they would go with it.

WillYart wrote:I believe the EMD E8 looks really good with passenger cars and always enjoyed my H0 model ages ago. Do you know when the last one was retired from freight service? It's not obvious from my perusals.

Have no idea when they were retired. I've never followed any of the info in rail fanning or model railroading as it's unimportant to me.

Bernd

WillYart wrote:

Bernd wrote:Personally I'd like to see an EMD E A&B unit for a passenger train.

Bernd

I believe the EMD E8 looks really good with passenger cars and always enjoyed my H0 model ages ago. Do you know when the last one was retired from freight service? It's not obvious from my perusals.

Guys, this topic is for SDP40F. If you want to discuss a different prototype, start a new one pls.

WillYart wrote:I'm looking for feedback on the feasibility of the project and whether this is an appealing direction (or not).

It does not appeal to me. And according to wikipedia it didn't appeal to Amtrak either, and they replaced it with the F40PH. There are a number of freight locomotives in the works for TT scale, hopefully, so the option of SDP40F for freight doesn't outweigh the need for a good passenger locomotive in TT. I rode the Empire Builder frequently and now ride VIA. For sentimental reasons alone I would buy the F40PH in TT if it were available, but not the SDP40F. Then I could make a train for Amtrak and/or VIA. This isn't an expert opinion, of course.
-Terry C