Innovative, Detailed and Dangerous? - Unboxing and Product Review of Aurora's HO Scale CN SD60F!

Innovative, Detailed and Dangerous? - Unboxing and Product Review of Aurora's HO Scale CN SD60F!
Take a look at this incredibly detailed HO scale Canadian diesel!
General Motors Diesel, EMD’s Canadian operation, built a total of 64 SD60F units for Canadian National between 1985 and 1989.
Units numbered from 5504-5563 were classed GF-638b on the CN.
The SD60F was a Canadian variant of the EMD SD60, with a full width cowl body and wide cab. The body design included the “Draper Taper”, an angled section behind the cab for improved rearward visibility.
These units could be found throughout the CN system, and sometimes ventured into the US. CN retired the units in 2017.
CN 5543 was the last unit to be retired from active service.
This model has a couple new and innovative features that set it apart from many other DCC and sound equipped HO scale diesels.
As usual, Dan evaluates the model's packaging, prototype accuracy, paint & detail, and how well it operates and conforms to applicable standards.
Is this model groundbreaking? Is it hard to work on? Is it booby trapped? Did it make Dan bleed?
Find out in this unboxing and product review!
#train #modeltrains #hoscale #scalemodels #trainvideo #canada

[@joedelusso1415]

A short line here in NC called the Aberdeen, Carolina and Western have 15 of these units in storage,all built in 89 and still in CN "zebra" livery..

[@masongphotography]

Savage bought most of them, that storage line has been getting smaller and smaller

[@DanielCortopassi]

That's interesting. I didn't know much about these units before I did the review and did some research. Thanks for the info and for watching!

[@streetfightinmanrs]

I’m waiting for leave so I can try and catch a glimpse of the RJ Corman SD40T-2 that runs between Raleigh and Fayetteville.

[@streetfightinmanrs]

Great looking model. The fans are an interesting touch and I am a little jealous of CN modelers getting something so beautiful.

[@DanielCortopassi]

Aurora did a good job with the appearance. It's a pretty striking paint scheme, too. Hard to miss this one with all those stripes! Thanks for watching!

[@The_Duggler25]

Just wait for the next line with the SD50F. The fans are getting updated where each will be individually controlled and much quieter

[@thomasdarwin6174]

I agree about the couplers. Even if they were at the correct height you still need an easier way to replace couplers and maintain the model. One thing I really liked was the side view of the trucks with the simulated traction motor appearance. They looked very prototypical and I hope other mfrs try that too.

[@AllenCNW441]

Coupler height & replacement difficulty aside, why cheap/unreliable plastic couplers in the first place?

[@joedelusso1415]

A short line here in NC called the Aberdeen, Carolina and Western has 15 of these units in storage,but doesn't have this particular unit and all are still in this CN livery.. great video too..

[@DanielCortopassi]

Other than getting poked, the coupler situation was my biggest complaint with this model. I would like to see metal couplers, too. Plastic couplers on a locomotive aren't my first choice. The traction motor gearbox is pretty cool. Thanks for watching!

[@eth.wong04]

Rapido is doing the traction motor detail on their dash 8s coming out very soon

[@sixriversrail]

Finally, a model review by you that matches my profile colours, thank you. Your candid POV is always refreshing but the one point I disagree on is that scale buffer plates are needed more, not less. I have thirteen Kato SD38-2s and dread trying to figure out how to fix their own mess, Aurora just botched how they engineered the coupler mounting. That shouldn't be the case to discard the near scale front end and in time my belief is manufacturers will slowly get that refined. The Hill, it may have happened. Just saw Scott Kew's video on Dorris yesterday and to my total surprise 45R 7540 was leading BN 6754 and a LMX six axle Super 7 in 1992, so as we know Espee was so power short a 60F may have hit Roseville and we just never saw it being recorded. CP SD40-2s certainly made it to the yard then, whether they went east I do not know.

[@DanielCortopassi]

Maybe I should clarify. I was trying to say that if I had to choose between a scale sized coupler opening and one that was easy to deal with, I'd prefer the easier to deal with one. If they made a scale or near-scale sized draft gear box that would take a Kadee whisker coupler and also be easy to deal with, that would be great. I'll admit that the size of the coupler opening doesn't bother me too much (within reason). I haven't seen photo evidence of one of these on Donner in the 90s, but I have seen a lot of foreign road power, so it's definitely plausible. Thanks for watching!

[@John-bf4zt]

Thank you for the candid comments, I think I might just get one of these units but the issue of coupler replacement bothers me as well.

[@DanielCortopassi]

I'm glad you found the review helpful. The coupler situation is really the one big negative about this model (aside from the pointy thing near the fuel tank). Thanks for watching!

[@4everdc302]

Ben @aurora miniatures did a great job for his opening act. His containers are so accurate that you could build a real one from the model.🚂🇨🇦🇺🇲🙋

[@DanielCortopassi]

I have not seen any of the containers, but I'll keep an eye out. This is a really cool model. If they could redesign the coupler boxes a little, it would be outstanding. Thanks for watching!

[@williamflowersrailfannerpr3808]

What a beautiful model thanks for sharing Dan 👍 ❤

[@DanielCortopassi]

You're welcome. Thanks for watching!

[@KingTrump2024]

This model is many firsts in one package, First production rotating fans, First commercial SD60-F, First for accurate bogey/traction motor design ! Ben knocked it out of the park on this one !!!

[@DanielCortopassi]

It does have a lot of innovative stuff going for it, and it looks great. I just wish the coupler boxes were a little easier to deal with. Thanks for watching!

[@wayneyork2400]

lm8llplggm7😢​@@DanielCortopassi

[@J3scribe]

Beautiful model. I totally get your nits and picks, but hell, the detail is top notch. If only they made an undecorated version for our railroad of lies (like mine). Thanks Dan, insightful review, as always.

[@DanielCortopassi]

I'm glad you liked the review. It would be interesting to know how they'd package an undecorated unit. I'm thinking of some of the Athearn Genesis undecorated models that are basically kits. There would be a lot of small parts and such to attach on this one. Thanks for watching!

[@MMRails]

Another fantastic, thorough, and honest review. I have one and the fans don’t work. It also chugs. I fell for the marketing. Even if the fans worked, they’re a novelty but I’m with you, coupler height is more important than all else. Thanks for your “two cents.” It’s worth a lot.

[@simplsquam]

Jeez, I hope they fixed it for you

[@DanielCortopassi]

I'm glad you liked the review. I'm sorry you had issues with your model. I have heard some people comment about running issues. So far I haven't noticed that, but I've also only run it on the workbench. Thanks for watching!

[@trainOholic]

nice review dan :) speaking from personal experience, these are definitely a challenge to work on, especially with the couplers. sadly mine showed up with a chipped wheel, so i really had to dig down into the model to replace the wheel set, and now i have to do it again as it tends to lurch when running at medium speeds, which was a known issue that aurora will send out replacement truck towers for if needed, so i would test run your unit on a loop to see if this happen to your, but on a funny note, the new run of SD50F's the fans will feature individual control

[@DanielCortopassi]

I'm glad you liked the review. I'm sorry you had issues with your model, but I appreciate the information. That's interesting about the SD50F, too. I'm not sure if I want to spend more money to get one of those to review, but it would be interesting to see the fan setup. Thanks for watching!

[@wasatchrangerailway6921]

Creating rotating fans is not difficult. Pager motors mounted vertically with PWM controlling the speed, and resistors that start the fans up in sequence as the locomotive starts working harder. Also the dynamic brake fans can be handled the same way and utilizes a balance beam that remains in perfect level when the locomotive is working a grade. Opposed diodes tell the dynamic brake when fans to start regardless of direction.

[@simplsquam]

It's interesting to watch scaletrains implement the spinning turbine on their UP turbine and now this unit with just plain fans. I wonder if they'll be tried on more production models

[@DanielCortopassi]

That sounds interesting. I'd be interested to see how that would all work. Thanks for watching!

[@randallellison6421]

I also have one of these locomotives. The working step lights, gauges, and fans are really nice (by the way, I haven't had issues with motor noise from the fans on my unit), but I do agree there are instances where serviceability and operations should always be above all else, and if that means giving up some accuracy and maybe 1 or 2 features, so be it! That being said, this is still an amazing model, and a very strong debut for Aurora Miniatures. One last thing, I did test my locomotive on the club layout during the October display a couple of years ago. It was able to handle about 45 various sized cars without stalling, although this number may vary depending on rolling resistance and individual car weight.

[@DanielCortopassi]

That's good to hear that the engine did well in a "real world" test. I am going to do that in my reviews at some point when I get the layout going. That's a pretty good train for one engine. Thanks for the info and for watching!

[@iflyrattraps]

Looks like a great model. If you're ok with couplers 1/64" low, then it would have been 100. I think operationally the coupler height wouldn't have made much of a difference with decent track work. To each his own though, and I respect that coupler height is a concern for some. Looks like some great improvements in smoothness over the first run, and some great features that no other manufacturer has been crazy enough to try. I am excited to see what's next from Aurora. I think it's great that there are manufacturers willing to push the envelope rather than rely on 20 year old models where the only thing the update is their prices...

[@DanielCortopassi]

This is a neat model in many ways, and it's cool to see manufacturers trying new things. It'll be interesting to see what Aurora does in the future. Thanks for watching!

[@houseofrandomness]

Picked one up during the pre-release hoopla. It's a great looking model with a crap-ton of details. I understand what it is they were after. Im on the fence about it though. The fans are a great effect, but like you said about running it and watching the fans. Another was the traction motors. They fall into the "only time you'll see them or underside detail is during a derailment" category.

[@DanielCortopassi]

It sounds like your assessment is similar to mine. I've heard some people say they like the traction motor thing because you can see through the trucks more like on a real unit, at least if you're looking at it at just the right angle. I didn't try taking one of the trucks apart so I'm not sure if they would be more difficult to maintain because of that. Thanks for watching!

[@ADPeguero]

As for F10 not stopping the locomotive or acting as a brake, ESU LokSound Programmer makes it really easy to fix, as long as you have the program and the optional hardware PC interface. Under Brake Settings, Go down to Brake Functions and select the Brake you want to use. I use Brake Function 1 for F10. You set the "Maximum speed while brake function 1 is active". I set this to "0". That line says it's CV 182 so maybe you don't need the hardware after all since you may be able to set CV 182 to "0". I then go to Function Mapping and next to F10 I select "Brake 1" under Logical Functions. This will stop the locomotive when F10 is pressed and if the locomotive is stopped, it will keep it from running (just like brakes do). You can also make sure the Independent Brakes are set, which are usually under sound slot 11. I also set Brake 3 to Dynamic Brake with a maximum speed of 40. I set that one to F4, along with the Dynamic Brake Fan sound. I have nothing but ESU LokSound locomotives (N Scale), except for one BLI with Paragon 4 and one two Bachmanns using Econami and TCS WowSound. I bought the BLI one to try it out but ended up not liking BLI's Paragon 4 and the Bachmanns I bought since I wanted an Amtrak Charger and the other one, a GP40, I wanted to see how far Bachmann has come along since I left the hobby back in 2002. Anyways, my point is I have like 16 other locomotives that either came with ESU LokSound or I converted to ESU LokSound, so getting the $140 LokProgrammer hardware was a no-brainer for me. Good luck everyone.

[@DanielCortopassi]

I have a LokProgrammer so I'll have to try that out, though I don't use the brake function that much myself. I'm also a big ESU fan, and almost all my sound equipped locomotives have them (those that don't will eventually be converted). Thanks for the info and for watching!

[@YourLocalRailfan]

Awesome!

[@DanielCortopassi]

I'm glad you liked the video. Thanks for watching!

[@lucgagnon5241]

Hey Dan. Well for the first time, I don't agree with you on some features this engine has. For me, it is spectacular. Not a SD60F fan at all but in general, I would give it a 90 and more. Overall, you took 20 points out of the couplers. It's a lot to my point of view. I like everything on it. Considering the price for a DCC and sound HO scale unit, it's pretty interesting for all you're getting. Course, I'm a Quebecer and a Canadian citizen. You don't need to push hard on me to like the paint scheme. Even if you replace the couplers with KD units, I especially like the original ones. They look sharp and accurate. I'm glad you reviewed it. I didn't know Aurora manufacturer. Now I do. For me it's a nice and really sharp engine. And you know I'm pretty hard to satisfy so... Keep on your good work.

[@DanielCortopassi]

I do like this engine, and it is amazing looking and has some innovative features. I still think they could have done a better job with the coupler situation. I think a locomotive should have metal couplers, too, though Athearn also uses plastic. Apparently Aurora is also doing a CN SD50F, though they look to be sold out already on their website. Maybe they'll do more Canadian prototype models in the future. Thanks for watching!

[@lucgagnon5241]

@@DanielCortopassi Hey Dan. Thanks for answering. Told you, I'm not a SD60 fan. Never been. I'm a more serious modeler since 1995. I was then living in Quebec city. I was there for 13 years. At the end, I was part of Free-mo's trains club. I met a lot of modelers during those years. A pretty small community. Long story short, Canadian National is the main railroad up there. So most of people were modeling CN. I saw many SD60 models in that period of time. There were not that many options to do it back then. At the begining of 2000, a few very nice resin kits were offered to modelers. At the time, it was a revolution. Modelers had to fit a proper mechanic to it. Some very skilled guys were doing great. But compare to that Aurora model witch has EVERYTHING from accuracy, full detailing, all lightning functions, sound, working fans... BIG difference from what I was used to see... This engine is like a real miracle to me ! And I agree with you... Every engine should come with metal couplers... at the very least. Keep on your good work.

[@The_Duggler25]

Still my favorite locomotive to this day. So happy someone finally made a model of it. Really looking forward to there next release of the SD50F

[@DanielCortopassi]

It is nice to see a manufacturer going after something that hasn't been done before in plastic, rather than making yet another F unit or SD40-2. Thanks for watching!

[@The_Duggler25]

​@DanielCortopassi only thing I'll say is for how little the couplers were off, I'd say that be a 1 point then a 5 points off

[@northcoast261]

Aurora Miniatures is offering an SD50F model at some point later this year. They seemed to have been successful with their run of SD60Fs so I’m glad they’re sticking around and offering their advanced stock.

[@DanielCortopassi]

I saw that one on their website. It looks like it should be a pretty nice model, too. Thanks for watching!

[@petere4540]

I really like this model and the packaging. Thanks for a great review! Agreed these are not my favourite locomotives but the design of this model is better than the rapido cn c40-8 m for example

[@DanielCortopassi]

I haven't seen the Rapido model you mentioned, though I do have some of their other diesels. It's hard to draw conclusions from just one model, but if this one is any indication, Aurora is doing a pretty good job with their quality. My biggest issue with this one was due to the design of the coupler boxes, not because any parts were missing or broken. Rapido can be hit and miss in the quality department sometimes. Thanks for watching!

[@spikesp9223]

Spitters stay on for a few seconds after shut down

[@killersopinion1829]

I came here to say this as well. IRL my locomotives will spit air for hours after being shut down.

[@DanielCortopassi]

Yes, the LokSound decoders do that, and this one does too, but this isn't that noise. It's a rhythmic ticking sound, very faint. Unfortunately it's too soft for me to get it on video. Thanks for watching!

[@CentralJerseyRailfan]

@@DanielCortopassiIt appears to be the sound of the built in PowerPaks turning off

[@DanielCortopassi]

@@CentralJerseyRailfan Thanks for the info!

[@TrainQuest-Model-Railroad]

I like CN line..Aurora miniatures have done a great job……🚂…….!!

[@DanielCortopassi]

Overall I think so too. Really nice for a first offering. If they improved the coupler situation, it would be even better. Thanks for watching!

[@markhayes6407]

I think those fan blades moving was a cool feature but as a stock unit from any other manufacturer .. Like Athearn or Atlas probably not happening. The coupler was a pain and I think scaletrains has this arrangement as well along with a hard plastic coupler. I am a kadee all the way . I agree the change out was ridiculous.

[@DanielCortopassi]

It will be interesting to see if any of the other makers jump on the fan bandwagon. I have a bunch of ScaleTrains diesels and the coupler boxes are much easier to deal with, more normal. I prefer Kadees too. Thanks for watching!

[@craytum6945]

Amazing detail. For someone who has been removed from the hobby for approx 60 years, it is just mind blowing! Does this manufacturer offer anything in n scale? Thank you.

[@DanielCortopassi]

I don't see any N scale on the Aurora website. Maybe they will do some N in the future. Thanks for watching!

[@trapdriver7006]

A great review Dan which I enjoyed watching, I have an SD60F in the North American Paint Scheme which I think is a great model.

[@DanielCortopassi]

I really like the CN North America scheme. I don't think I have any models in that scheme, but it's cool. I'm glad you liked the review. Thanks for watching!

[@danielfantino1714]

It seems a gorgeous model. Less fuñny detail is for Canadian modelers who must pay in US $, at roughly 15% rate + rate for credit card for an item shipped from Toronto in Canada. The 300 $ is now 360. Then add 15% sale tax and it´s 414. I just would prefer 2 prices. In US and in Canadian $ Is it too hard for them to manage that ? When they´ll convert it in Canadian they also get charged. So them and us loose at the end. In actual harsh economy with inflation, that´s harder for new comer to join us and doesn´t help the hobby. Thanks Dan for that review of an impressive unit. Reliable ? Only time will tell.

[@DanielCortopassi]

That does seem convoluted. It seems like if it's already in Canada, they should make it easier for Canadian customers. Anyway, I'm glad you liked the review. Thanks for watching!

[@bigwoz78]

I actually wonder if a 147 coupler might’ve worked without doing any filing it’s an underset shank

[@DanielCortopassi]

It might. I have a personal aversion to the offset shank couplers, but it is an option. Thanks for watching!

[@tracynation2820]

Super. An awesome model. 💙 T.E.N.

[@DanielCortopassi]

I'm glad you like the model and the review! Thanks for watching!

[@Trains-With-Shane]

I once thought about adding a real small low speed blower and ducting to move the fans with real air. But since I work in N scale that's not only a pipe dream it's bordering on technological impossibility, Heck we can't even get capacitor banks :( Which are VERY much needed in N scale. Unless somebody has had success in squeezing in one of those ISE keep alives.

[@DanielCortopassi]

When I was a kid I wanted to build a live steam Nn3 DRGW 2-8-2. Needless to say, that went nowhere. Like your fan idea, I'm not sure it's even physically possible at that size, either. I would love to see some smaller capacitor units that could be used in N. I managed to squeeze a capacitor unit into the N scale Bachmann 2-8-0 that I want to use on the Siren Creek, and I'm really impressed by how well it works. I hadn't cleaned the track in months and it didn't even stall once. Thanks for watching!

[@markiewodi3371]

Hey Dan….. it’s a good thing I watched this, as I really wanted to get one. It’s so damn good looking though… Did you try using the offset kadees? I know in some brands or models (Walthers express reefers) it can be just enough for gauge.

[@DanielCortopassi]

I try to avoid using offset shank couplers unless there's really no other option. That might work, though. The offset shanks change the coupler height by quite.a bit, so on a model like this where they started out so low, it might be just about right. Thanks for watching!

[@ToadsTrainShack]

Yeah I don’t want to be dripping blood every time I try to disassemble a locomotive I’ll pass…but i’ll keep the rotating fans.

[@simplsquam]

I dont think it's too much of an issue, you could paint the tops of the sharp areas white if you're really worried

[@ToadsTrainShack]

True that

[@DanielCortopassi]

It's not so bad if you know to look out for them. I'm just not sure why they chose to do those pieces in exactly that way. Thanks for watching!

[@jnv4392]

Thanks! Great review

[@DanielCortopassi]

Thanks so much! I appreciate the support!

[@chrisdaniell2990]

For the price, I'd rather buy two slightly used Atlas models that have decent amount of detail and solid running characterisitcs than one Aurora model. (it's a shelf queen, not a runner)

[@DanielCortopassi]

I really like Atlas HO engines. The detail isn't quite as high as some, but they do run really well. Thanks for watching!

[@paulkirkmanMYTRAINS]

Sounds difficult to work on the inside. I really like the lights and other details.

[@DanielCortopassi]

I really disliked having to remove the shell just to fix the coupler height. Most diesels don't require that. It does look nice, though. Thanks for watching!

[@Denniss7420]

Well, what do you expect......you have a few of the loudest INTERNET complainers harassing Aurora founder Ben Wang over so called scale stuff. And you are correct, sometimes you just need usability & operations vs looks. Maybe Ben Wang needs to see this video.

[@DanielCortopassi]

Yeah, if getting something exactly to scale causes issues, then it might be better to back off a little. If they could have done the near-scale draft gear box in a way that was still easy to open up, then it would be better. Thanks for watching!

[@louisvillenashvillerailroa5269]

ive seen from above a trio of GP40s (one was a rdmt) and from above the rear most fan was spinning at its fastest speed -a blur, the second from the back at about half speed, and the front most (not dynamic) was spinning at a very slow pace, a good compromise would be to have a gearbox that gears the front and second fan down and the back fan at 1.1 so that it does mix it up and is prototypical.

[@DanielCortopassi]

That would be cool to have the fans able to rotate independently, or at least to simulate that. Thanks for watching!

[@louisvillenashvillerailroa5269]

@@DanielCortopassi thinking about it you could probably use the motors that smartphones have to vibrate them to turn the fans

[@danielfantino1714]

For someone that goes back to the blue box of the 80´ and slowly come back to the hobby, did you or someone else made a review on different sounf system ? What´s thebdifferences betwen Paragon, ESU, Soundtraxx, Tsunami and how many others ? Is it just sound quality, easyness of programming, price, reliability, compatibility ? Real railroads try to standardize. Those old enough to remember dieselization, there was so much MU incompatibility among models and builders that it was an headache. Baldwin being pneumatic couldn´t match with no one, except Baldwin. What are the differences in HO ? Thanks again for sharing your knowledges.

[@DanielCortopassi]

Those are great questions. I have standardized on ESU LokSound for all my models. They can be a little confusing to program if you don't have the LokProgrammer and software, which in my opinion is well worth it. With the software you basically just check boxes. I like them because I haven't seen another decoder that has as many features and does all of it well. The motor control, lighting effects, flexibility in function key assignments, and sound quality are all excellent. The new Tsunami II seems a lot better than the old Tsunami. I had a few of the original Tsunamis at one point, and I felt like Soundtraxx invested all of their effort into sound at the expense of not so great motor control. Paragon comes with the BLI sound equipped locomotives. I'm not a huge fan of it, though I have a few of them since they came with the engine. I'll probably change them out for ESU decoders at some point. All of the different decoders can be made to run together. I speed match all my models so that I can put them together in any combination. The way you do that can differ slightly from decoder to decoder, but most of them support CV2, 5 and 6, a simple three-step speed table that I've found to be more than adequate to speed match engines. I also try to standardize my function key assignments, which can be more difficult across brands. Again, one of the reasons I like ESU. My vision is to have cheat sheets available on the layout for guest operators that tell them what the function keys do. That way there's no guessing, and all the locomotives respond the same way. For example, I use F6 for ditch lights. If a locomotive doesn't have them, then that key does nothing, but I always assign it the same way. Anyway, I hope that answers some of your questions. Thanks for watching!

[@danielfantino1714]

Thanks Dan. Greatly appreciated. Old bones remember days of loco with a single motor inside. That´s it and a throttle transformer. The more volt the faster you go. Simple !! Then flywheels in loco for smoother operation. Then momentum was add on transformer for more realistic acceleration and slow down. At that time, your eyes were on train and basic transformer costs peanuts. Now with DCC and its so many function, even a small shelf layout cost far more with loco and transformer if you want the sound. In good old days, to stay in control you had the obligation to be physically stuck to your transformer. Then magic happened. You could unplug from transformer with your train still running, and plug somewhere else on layout to regain control. More complex system but more mobility. Radio wave control just like rc car, plane, boat came as a different option. No plug unplug, you were free. Then DCC...for better or worse .... Even if still on the market, old transfo 60 $ is gone. You open wide your wallet for Digitrax and others. Freedom in mobility you have as long as on big layout you had sort of repeater (i think) and you don´t watch your train anymore. You act like the dispatcher in next room looking at your command. On wich F push to horn, bell....oh ya of course you programmed before flashing ditch light when horn button is pushed. You really must wear your glasses just to read what´s written on your controler. Just after crossing an other F for braking or slow down, then a big upgrade, an other F to simulate sound of struggling engine..... Oh, where´s my train now ? I don´t know anymore. You unbox a new loco ? Don´t look at her too long. You must programmed it first ! On test track or layout. Each chip manufacturer, not mentionning number of pins, is different. And then it´s smart to add an app (and pay for it) for easier programming. Since modeler likes to have four times more loco on the layout than really needed, how many days they burn in programming ? NO, those old ones are not equipped....yet ! Those ? Well, bargain price, they´re DCC ready....but not esuipped. I will...in the future. Open wallet again. Visit hobby shop may be far from home....or mail order....wait.....hope to receive ordered part....in good working order.....dismantle loco, do tiny mini solder the fastest to avoid overheating chips, then program !! And one day, something fucked. It´s not running or not doing what´s is intended. You open the unit. If lucky you discover the fryied part. If not ? Send it somewhere for repairs and in the meantime order a new one... Gees....i just want to PLAY with my train. I don´t want to pilot space shuttle toward March !! Where are the good simpler days of "faster and stop" , "forward or reverse " and off button ??? The model you show us is so equipped that i fall on my butt. Well they could add inside hood lightning and sand application sound....and sparkling wheels simulating wheel sleep, exhaust smoke and heat wave over radiators fans, and warning low fuel, engine oil, water coolant, coupler sound, simulate emergency brake from broken air hose or coupler/draft gear. One day we will have to empty toilet tank ? and, and, and what next ?? Even if today equipment is really astonishing, can NMRA standardisation can be applyied ? Good bye days of Horn Hook or Kadee. Patent expired.... anf now anyone make couplers more or less compatible, metal or plastic.....but ALL on E model. No one makes F couplers for passenger equipments and hazardous material like tank cars (even there, 2 different styles) a tank car coupler SHOULD NEVER being coupled to passenger equipment (like in transit) withoud destroying vestibule passageway above coupler. God, help us. Pleeaase

[@Heavydieselloc1974]

The shy zebra paint sceme

[@DanielCortopassi]

It's very striking and distinctive. Thanks for watching!

[@johnnyjones-pf7pv]

I do believe this locomotive was in the Eugene Oregon yard a few years ago along with some other

[@DanielCortopassi]

That's cool. Seeing trains from other places is one of the things I enjoy when I go railfanning. I don't think I've ever seen one of these units in person. Thanks for watching!

[@johnnyjones-pf7pv]

Thanks Dan for the reply. I like your content that you and Nicole put out. It's very informal. Keep up the good videos. Johnny

[@d-rail7271]

Kinda crazy you'd put plastic couplers and at questionable heights if it's that hard to adjust them, all the more reason they should be metal and especially correct. They're far from the first company to have extremely difficult shell removal and other maintenance though. The fans are interesting I guess but everything else should be perfect before chasing gimmicky things like that.

[@DanielCortopassi]

I would like to see metal couplers on everything in HO, but especially on locomotives. A lot of people like Kadees, and I think if manufacturers aren't going to provide them, they should at least recognize that and make it easy to swap the couplers. Thanks for watching!

[@epacm50]

On my grading scale, it receives a 1.0 out of 4.0(F), like an average GPA off a school report card.

[@DanielCortopassi]

That's an interesting system. Thanks for watching!

[@epacm50]

This locomotive unit received an F for integrity from a previous review. I have this locomotive. The features are very impressive. If you don't like coupler configurations, please avoid this model.

[@DanielCortopassi]

I haven't seen the review you mentioned, but I agree, it does have some impressive features. The coupler situation is my biggest complaint. Thanks for watching!

[@epacm50]

Most of those reviews were private showings. They were once viewable by the public and shortly made private. Overall, most model railroad locomotive manufacturers improved over the last ten years. Inflation still haunts us every year.

[@robingagnon9659]

that is a first, loosing 5 points because you hurt yourself on a the model - you're funny :D nice review, I have the model and it runs perfectly. You are right for the fans, it is nice once to see it working but ya, it is super-flux :)

[@DanielCortopassi]

I am going to keep the booby trap deduction in reserve, just in case. Hopefully it won't happen again. Seriously, though, models aren't supposed to be hazardous. I think they could have done something else with that particular part, maybe make it part of the shell or something. Thanks for watching!

[@thecaliforniantrainchaser5620]

That’s a really great looking model, it’s too bad there’s a snag to having to put in the couplers you want. Also, this is the first time I’m hearing of this manufacturer, have they been around for awhile?

[@DanielCortopassi]

The Aurora website says they started in 2020. So far it looks like besides this model, they're doing an SD50F, some boxcars, and containers. Thanks for watching!

[@thecaliforniantrainchaser5620]

@@DanielCortopassi wow that’s so really neat, thank you for that!

[@CreamyPennePasta]

Dan, what do you do to keep dust off the unit? I see it on some units in your videos.

[@DanielCortopassi]

I have some of those cans of compressed air that can blow the dust away. A soft, clean paintbrush can also be useful. I try to use things that won't harm the details on the models. Thanks for watching!

[@solidcoldtwo]

Never have I seen a malicious HO Scale locomotive...

[@DanielCortopassi]

There's a first time for everything. Hopefully the last, too. I don't like getting poked! Thanks for watching!

[@Steve51983]

Their boxcars also have that difficult to get to draft gear box. 🙄😒

[@DanielCortopassi]

That's good to know. I'll probably pass on those then. Thanks for the info and for watching!

[@ZombieSlayer-dj3wb]

These things had problems to the point that the ones preordered for pwrs was canceled

[@DanielCortopassi]

That's unfortunate. This was a pretty ambitious model for a first effort. Hopefully future models from Aurora will be better. Thanks for watching!

[@ZombieSlayer-dj3wb]

@@DanielCortopassi Now there gonna make the sd50f , it should have been first given how problems it had

[@cnrailfan3590]

It wasn't just them, Credit Valley Railway was the first to have their preorders cancelled after asking them to hold on to them until they fixed the issues. Aurora publicly called them out on social media and said they were no longer an Aurora dealer with immediate effect. PWRS sent a similar request and a few weeks later, Aurora got back to them and said the models that had been allocated to them had been distributed to other dealers.

[@user-yq6xj1xo2b]

REALY .040 of an inch on the couplers leave it alone aint worth the work

[@DanielCortopassi]

I've had too many issues, so I always fix them. Maybe other people have better luck with mismatched couplers. Thanks for watching!

[@Railfan-uf9mw]

Yeah no I don’t like it at all and I’m sorry Dan you got hurt with that spike and I’m not at all going to get that model but I’m hoping for either scale trains or Athearn produce that model

[@DanielCortopassi]

Yeah, the getting injured part wasn't fun. I still like the model overall, but I guess we'll see if anyone else wants to make one of these. Thanks for watching!

[@epacm50]

Dan, you should have failed this locomotive review. You've over estimated it's value.

[@DanielCortopassi]

It would have needed more deductions for me to fail it with my scoring system, or it would have had to have been so bad that it wasn't useable. So far I've only failed one model, the Rapido flatcar that self-destructed. Thanks for watching!

[@user-yq6xj1xo2b]

WOW you want prototypical fans BUY AREAL ONE OMG

[@DanielCortopassi]

That wouldn't fit in my train room! Thanks for watching!

[@Lehighrailfanproduction]

No thanks aurora miniatures. I think I’m going to pass.

[@emd6459]

Thanks for sharing! I don't think they care since the model is basically sold out everywhere.

[@simplsquam]

If you dont want ill take it, this locomotive is lovely

[@Lehighrailfanproduction]

@@simplsquamI don’t even have the model

[@ZombieSlayer-dj3wb]

@@emd6459 pwrs pulled them

[@DanielCortopassi]

I hope you found the review informative. Thanks for watching!

[@KingTrump2024]

Looks like your missing a bearing cap...

[@DanielCortopassi]

It's not actually missing, because I thought that, too at first. I probably should have mentioned this in the review, but the bearing cap seems a little too small, and on the front truck it's recessed too far back from the sideframe. It looks like there's something missing there, but the part is on the axle. Thanks for watching!