HO SD40T-2 “Tunnel Motor” by ScaleTrains.com

[@echohunter4199]

I’m a 58 year old retired Army Grunt and now I have more time to pursue interests at this stage of my life. As I watch this, I wonder how Paul must’ve felt when the team at Scale Trains finally produced the “holy grail” of the tunnel motor that other model companies gave up almost completely. So let’s imagine young Paul at a train show looking over the new model line of tunnel motor units and being disappointed at seeing the truck gear tower assembly through the grating. Who would’ve guessed that he’d be a big part of doing better where others lost interest. I’ve followed these men from the beginning and was one of the first customers that bought the Big Blow and she never fails to awe people. And today everyone will point to Scale Trains as the standard every other model is graded against, what an amazing journey and I can imagine the immense amount of sacrifice and stress but they kept moving forward and reached their goal. I’m grateful for an affordable and high quality model that they produce, can’t wait to see what they have planned next! I’d love to see the U50C and/or the DD-35 come to market but who knows. Thanks for bringing up the quality of our hobby.

[@ovationpdh]

Awesome Shane! Living in Louisiana I would see these tunnel motors all the time. I have great pictures of them at the SP yard in Lafayette.

[@404BOOMER]

Amazing.detail. I ordered the Rio grande sd40t-2 today. Cant wait to see it. I love the Rio grande paint. Keep up the excellent work on these incredible models.

[@Blacktopmafia660]

I want to know who gave this video a thumbs down. Anyways, thanks Shane and crew for providing us with a very informative video. I’ll be placing my order for the rio grande. I model NS and CSX. But phew...that’s a gorgeous looking engine dying to get under my airbrush for some weathering.

[@billmahan6898]

Trainfreak 1218 maybe it was Athearn😂

[@Denniss7420]

It was Intermountain....It seems like it has been 10 years since their announcement :(

[@TrainTrackTrav]

Kudos to Scale Trains for bringing something to the model railroad community that we've been greatly missing: an over scripted conversation between two men. ;) Nice tunnel motor too!

[@Scaletrains]

More like cow manure than over-scripted. These guys are full of hot air! Thanks for the SD40T-2 kudos TrainTrackTrav. Shane

[@chefjavier]

I agree the SD40-2 is the foundation for sure. Great job on the SD40T-2

[@dave6695]

Since this model is the SD40T-2 me thinks maybe the SD45T-2 might be in the future.

[@riogrande5761]

I'd wonder that as well. But here it is 6 years later in late 2024 and still no SD45T-2 has been announced. I still have my "pretty good" Athearn RTR SD45T-2's on hand should ScaleTrains never get around do doing them. But you never know.

[@espeescotty]

Drooling already! I've already ordered 4 of the SP units. Another detail that goes unmentioned in the video and on the website, but can be seen in the still photos at the website, are the condensation drainage pipes for the A/C units on the roof. Just as on the prototypes, this pipe runs down from the bottom of the number boards straight under the headlights, then makes a right-angled turn towards the engineer's side of the nose, then goes over the edge of the nose at the engineers window and heads down the side of the nose. A detail that almost no one ever notices on the real units, but it is here now in HO scale! And how about that square speed recorder drive lug dead center of the bearing hubs or even the Fresnel style lenses in the class lights...holy cow! Attention to details with the Scale Trains guys isn't a catch phrase or a joke! I bet we are just a few years shy of dynamic brake and radiator fans that actually randomly spin at differing speeds. I can't tell you how many rivets there are here or there, but I sure do have an eye for details, and you guys sure don't disappoint.

[@streetfightinmanrs]

I just ordered one of your tunnel motors! I’m so excited!

[@Scaletrains]

Awesome! Thank you! -Drayton

[@lakeshoremodelrr]

Unexpected release slid in there :-) Looks like another great looking product!

[@tunnelmot]

Hell yeah. I love my Athearns, but looking forward to seeing this version.

[@WestCoastRails]

I was hoping to see the AC4400 / Dash 9 models. I was really hoping to add some Scale Trains high quality detailed CP / BNSF units to the fleet. Plus they have see thru grilles too, and this would also qualify for the See Thru the Difference campaign. :) Maybe next year (fingers crossed) … But on a positive note...that is a great looking locomotive guys!!

[@hansfriess]

WOW very impressive!! Scale Trains keeps hitting it out of the park!!

[@metalmike669]

Awesome! I talked to these guys in person this past June at the BAPM show, really pushed for a decent tunnel motor to be made as there are a bunch of other road names besides SP and D&RGW that they can print out to to make the masses even more happy about it. Now I really hope they also do them in N Scale! hint hint, wink wink, nudge nudge.....

[@jimthomefan50025]

Shane, very cool new model. I model chessie in the midwest, now i have to figure a way to have this as a visiting locomotive on the layout lol. Still holding out hope for a gp39 in chessie eventually or a gp38/gp40 with early and late production runs. Could do lots of roads with those. Thanks again, Todd

[@fritzd2116]

Those look very nice, fellas!

[@joevidal7616]

oooooooooooooOOOOOOweeeee, those SP units are BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!

[@allegheny1633]

Very fond of the Espee, may have to order one of these. I do hope you will later offer these in second owner liveries - like KCS for example!?

[@RGS25]

How about some SD40Rs and possible Kodachromes.

[@markhayes6407]

I hope you do them in the future in Nscale.

[@Denniss7420]

Definitely like this. Still hoping for the GE version of SD40-2 ~ The C30-7. Atlas model is dated and handrails are not matched (black only) and the BLI model is lacking.

[@Scaletrains]

The C30-7 is on our list of potential new locomotives. Shane

[@StevenKCRailfan]

Awesome model! They look really nice!

[@2toady]

Wow! very cool announcement, not my era, but exciting news, especially with all the detail variations. Now if you do these in N Scale, I'm in deep do-do!!

[@SD10s4ever]

I’ll definitely be buying one of the DRGW models. You guys should consider a GP30 (in DRGW). Not many other manufacturers make them.

[@WhiteRiverRails]

Great video and awesome model! I may have to get a Rio Grande one.

[@richardcolemanjr3749]

Fantastic model for the SP & RIO modelers. But PLEASE PLEASE MAKE THE DASH 9 & AC 4400. I must have NS's C40-9 standard cabs in as delivered and horse head paint schemes. Those units are almost gone. By the way the AC44C6M rebuilds would be nice too.

[@Scaletrains]

Thanks for the kudos Richard. Both the DASH-9, AC4400CW, AC44C6M are on our potential new locomotive list. Shane

[@centralohiorailfan]

Sd40t-2?!??!? AWESOME!!!!

[@Rochester_Sub_Productions]

IKR

[@2011Maynard]

Please release these units only with keep-alives/current-keepers or whatever you want to call them!

[@Scaletrains]

2011Maynard: all of our Rivet Counter and Museum Quality locomotives include ESU's PowerPack super capacitor technology. We're the first and only manufacturer to offer this. Shane

[@Mumbles19852007]

I would love to see a Chessie SD18. Its a very unique locomotive shape. One I have seen a pic of had a 3 axle offset center axle truck.

[@steiger256]

Nice job. I would like to see you do a Milwaukee SDL39

[@Scaletrains]

Thank you. The SDL39 is on our list of possible projects. Shane

[@zurekc]

Wow! Just wow!

[@StevenKCRailfan]

Thinking about getting the DRGW because 5401 which is a new edition to the Colorado Railroad Museum inspired me to get the DRGW unit. What about SP Kodachromes for a future run?

[@mcutube2011]

How about a steam locomotive, maybe the New York Central Hudson? Either way, brilliant job on this new model ScaleTrains!!

[@daylightbigboy]

Ever thought about old brass? Tenshodo J1es are dirt cheap on eBay.

[@Rochester_Sub_Productions]

HOLY MOLY THIS IS AWESOME!!

[@kenneymitchell1525]

The SD40-T2 is a very beautiful model as is all of the models you produced in the rivet counter line. I can almost understand why they cost the way they do. Even though I'm remodeler in N scale the turbines that I have are incredibly detailed. I just wish you guys would do the SD40 - 2 and SD40-T2 in N scale.

[@Scaletrains]

Thank you for your confidence in our ability to deliver top shelf locomotives in N Scale Kenney. The SD40-2 and SD40T-2 are on our potential new projects list. As you mentioned, Rivet Counter N Scale models are more expensive (all of those unique details cost extra to create). We need to increase our unit sales of current models before we decide to spend more on new N scale locomotives. We would appreciate your help spreading the word about our N scale lineup. Shane

[@kenneymitchell1525]

@@Scaletrains, don't get me wrong, I do understand the pricing on a lot of these units. Mainly because of the detailing involved. I'm a person who used to Super detail all of his engines when I was in HO scale. I was getting the amount of money then that you guys are charging now for a rivet counter unit. But your engines come with sound and are DCC equipped. Now I am into N scale and I was on eBay yesterday and I had seen two Overland N scale 3 unit gas turbine for Union Pacific. One was going for $1,100 and the guy was in England and the other guy was in Japan selling his for $3,000 and both of these were and US dollars. Where it ask for a review, I asked them do they know anything about scaletrains com. In it I said, the day of the brass engine is basically over, except for maybe Steam engines. Then I showed him some photos of the three gas turbines that I have from scaletrains.com and I went on to tell him that my units look as good if not better and run as good if not better and have way more functions than brass ever thought of back then. I told him the guy in Japan that I would give him $600 for his $3,000 gas turbine. Needless to say I haven't heard from you. Well, when you guys start doing SD40 - 2's, both regular and tunnel Motors, also SD40 and SD45 and some more old school diesels, I'll be waiting. Don't get me wrong Kato is nice oh, it will be nicer if they came detail already oh, but that's another story for another time. One last thing, what is up with all these GE units folks are doing! It's almost as though someone has a fetish for GE units, LOL. Anyway thanks for let me vent a little bit and tell Marlin I said hey I'll be calling him in a little bit about buying more stuff. So I will see you guys at the show in Novi Michigan later this month. You'll know it's me because I will be asking the hard questions. Take care.

[@Track10TrainsRailfanning]

Man I need me one of these!!

[@daniellucas6573]

I was wondering if you guys would take a stab at making the SC-44 Passenger locomotives.

[@tropicalrailroadproduction5028]

Yes now I want one

[@scorelett4416]

Hope to see second owner paint schemes!

[@Scaletrains]

The Squished Hat: stay tuned for future SD40T-2 offerings. Shane

[@miachevydude]

Oh well,was hoping for the GE AC4400,or a Alco RS1 in different phases(Grand Trunk,Canadian National,Ann arbor,etc

[@TristanMorrow]

Nice details, but got working illuminated step lights yet? ;-) Okay, Esspee modelers are notoriously difficult to please.

[@Scaletrains]

Tristan: we're always working-on adding new features to our models. Maybe someday... Shane

[@CentralIndianaRailfan]

Are you planning to do an elephant ear style of the SP?

[@Barney-hk3es]

Very nice. I ordered me an SP

[@calebkemplay6040]

What speaker is being used for the sound equipped models?

[@spacecalander]

i am gonna need one of those

[@rolandlawrence2654]

I would be very interested in purchasing these in N Scale. Do you see these in N Scale in the near future?

[@Scaletrains]

Roland: an N Scale SD40T-2 is not in our short term plans. Shane

[@jessedax7333]

Excellent! I'd really love to see what you'd do with a steam engine. something great, no doubt.

[@spacecalander]

WHAT ABOUT THE SD45T-2? 20cyl. beast!

[@Scaletrains]

Spacecalendar: the SD45T-2 is on our potential new locomotive list. Shane

[@daylightbigboy]

The perfect locomotive to join the ever growing of fine models by ScaleTrains! Even though I don't run DCC or really anything made in the last 40 years, I think I'll just have to order a pair. One question though, in the vast majority of sound systems I've seen; the Nathan P3 horn is very lacking and unrealistic. Will the SP version's custom programming include the unmistakeable SPTCo P3? That would be the icing on the cake! Big fan of your line of trains, I'll have to own one soon. I don't know if you're taking suggestions for new models but one thing I'd like to see you guys do is a General Electric U33C. The only company to put one out in recent years was Atlas yet that was some time ago and the prototypicallity is quite lacking. One from you guys in bloody nose would be out of this world!

[@Scaletrains]

Thanks for your excitement about our models Peter. Paul says the ESU-LokSound P3 horn is exactly as he remembers. We appreciate your suggestion on the GE U33C too. We've added it to our list of possibilities. Shane

[@daylightbigboy]

Sweet! I'll be looking forward to seeing these units in action! One more question just came to mind; how many of these are you producing for the first production run? My biggest fear is they will turn into unobtanium when it comes down to purchasing one as I probably will not be getting one until Christmas time or even later.

[@Scaletrains]

Peter: we ordered about 500 extra units to sell after the preorder deadline. We're continuing to accumulate preorders every day so we encourage to preorder soon. BTW: the l Tunnel Motors are due in early 2019 and payment is not due until they arrive. Shane

[@elr2141979]

WOW 😱

[@Trashman702]

Nice model but I'm a contemporary guy. I was hoping for Tier 3 GEVO or Dash 9. t least there as more Tier 4G GEVO numbers

[@Barney-hk3es]

Aaron Roberts -- I am too but I loved the SP detail so much I had to get one

[@vena.sera4237]

I.. am... bought...

[@AlexTraxxas]

I wonder how this brand will be 10 years from now

[@Sparky0566]

Do you not answer your eBay questions/mail.... 🤬

[@Scaletrains]

Hi There, Sorry you were not replied to on eBay. If you have any questions please end them to [e-mail]. Thanks

[@Hunter_Dawso]

SHUT UP AND TAKE MY MONEY!!!!

[@jacjac5761]

Why didn't you do the GP35, 38, 39, or the 40 or something that everyone will like. The SDT40-2 is not what I like how about a dash 9 or the 60 or 70Macs. Come on Scales Trains I'm like a few that like switching! MAKE SOME SWITCHERS PLEASE!