Product Review HO ScaleTrains C39-8 Locomotive

[@Form44208]

Hi Dan, got my first ScaleTrains locomotive, a C39-8 CSX #7488. I am really impressed. I have to give it an A. Details are great. Runs smooth and silent. I did bump up CV2 to 2 from 1. There is just the slightest jerkiness as it comes to a stop, it maybe that it needs more breaking in or CV tuning, but it is still great. This one has LokSound 5 and the PowerPack capacitors which is a huge plus. I have a ScaleTrains SD45 on order. I can honestly say they are my new favorite manufacturer!

[@DanielCortopassi]

Overall ScaleTrains makes very nice locomotives. Most of the stuff I take points for in the reviews would be relatively easy to fix. Thanks for watching!

[@AlikStansberry]

This is a solid Dash 8 model, but I will ask this: didn’t Dash 8s have floor lights? If so I would take points off because the model showcased doesn’t have them.

[@DanielCortopassi]

If you mean walkway lights, this model didn't have them. I'm not sure about the prototype. I don't think ScaleTrains was doing that, at least not on this model, at the time of the review. They have updated some of their models to add walkway lights, so if they do a re-run of.these and the real engines had them, then it's possible they might put it on the model too. Thanks for watching!

[@Form44208]

Hi Dan, I noticed on my ScaleTrains CSX C39-8 that the sanding tubing hits the trucks on turns. It's like they made them too long and they are too close to the trucks/wheels. There is a part that extends on the trucks which if that was removed there would be no interference. I don't want to cut the tubing back but it looks like that what I need to do. It's like that on every single sanding tube front and back. What do you recommend?

[@DanielCortopassi]

Well, as much of a stickler as I can be for detail, I always prioritize good operation first. I think if the sanding tubes are causing a problem, then taking them off or shortening them might be a good idea. On a couple of my ScaleTrains SD40T-2s, some of the sanders fell off on their own. They were just a push fit into the chassis from the side. It might be possible to just pull them off. It's a small detail underneath the engine where it's not too visible anyway, so it's up to you to decide how important it is. Thanks for watching!

[@Form44208]

@@DanielCortopassi Thanks Dan! ScaleTrains recommended trimming them also. First I tried tweaking the tips downward a bit (so they were angled slightly instead of parallel to the tracks). It may take multiple times to keep their shape. I am using a Kadee trip pin pliers. I really love ScaleTrains, their products are awesome and they reply to e-mails right away.

[@robertcupp5528]

Great review...Really enjoy your channel!

[@DanielCortopassi]

I'm glad you like the channel. Thanks for watching!

[@dave3156]

Another great review Dan! Nice loco appears well built. Keep em coming please!

[@DanielCortopassi]

This is a nice one. Thanks for watching!

[@donaldmoore8920]

Awesome review

[@DanielCortopassi]

Thanks for watching!

[@mgr_video_productions]

Great review Dan!

[@DanielCortopassi]

Thanks for watching!

[@nathanmcqueenalt]

Great video, Dan!

[@DanielCortopassi]

Thanks for watching!

[@J3scribe]

Very nice.

[@DanielCortopassi]

Thanks for watching!

[@apmazurka]

How do the Red Marker lights look?

[@DanielCortopassi]

I think they look good. They're dimmer than the headlights but that seems about right for marker lights. Thanks for watching!

[@JoeG-firehousewhiskey]

Very nice engine, thanks for the review.

[@DanielCortopassi]

You're welcome. Thanks for watching!

[@Form44208]

Thanks for the great review Dan! I was about to buy one, but it only has LokSound 4. The blue bleed through bothered me a bit, but the rest looks great. I really think capacitors should be standard equipment, very cool ScaleTrains included it. I have a few switchers that I upgraded with them, makes a big difference in running them.

[@DanielCortopassi]

The LokSound 4 series is still a good decoder. I have a lot of models with them installed and a few more decoders sitting on my shelf, and I plan to use them. It can always be swapped out for a 5, too. The capacitors do help, especially with small locomotives. Thanks for watching!

[@phillysub5115]

Excellent!

[@DanielCortopassi]

Thanks for watching!

[@travismcvey]

Does it belch black smoke, and flames when it recovers a heavy load wheel slip? If not it gets a big fat "0"!

[@DanielCortopassi]

Well, personally, even if the real ones do it I don't want my models to become miniature flamethrowers. Trying not to burn down the train room. Thanks for watching!

[@SGTGhost]

Great review Dan,

[@DanielCortopassi]

Thanks for watching!

[@darrinmckinley9795]

Wish me the best.

[@DanielCortopassi]

All the best. Thanks for watching!

[@tallmike6598]

Does the horn look bent ?

[@DanielCortopassi]

I had to go back and check my photo. Now that you mention it, one of the bells might be angled down slightly. If it's brass, it can probably be coaxed back into shape. I'll have to see about that. Thanks for catching that!

[@7kslair153]

I'm definitely going to get this in NS scheme, although I'll eventually get a Contrail one.

[@DanielCortopassi]

I'm sure the NS ones are nice too. Thanks for watching!

[@sparky107107]

very nice review Dan. only real difference you and I had was the pulling power. think you measured twice what i got.

[@FierroDuroRails]

As always great review Dan. I'm into n scale but regardless this is truly the greatest hobby on the planet hands down!!

[@DanielCortopassi]

+sparky107107 I ran several tests with my force gauge and took the best one. The engine really seemed to dig in and pull as it neared its top speed. In any case, it's got a lot of power. Thanks for watching!

[@DanielCortopassi]

+Jesus manuel salinas I like N scale, too. It's where I started. Thanks for watching!

[@savageboss2193]

0:15 It’s always the Southern Pacific. Always.

[@DanielCortopassi]

I love the SP. Thanks for watching!

[@darrinmckinley9795]

Yes. Because I'm trying to get a Conrail train layout set, and those Conrail locomotives will do nicely. LOL!! 😀👍

[@DanielCortopassi]

This is a really nice engine. Even though I mostly model west coast stuff, I also like Conrail. Thanks for watching!

[@epacm50]

Very Awesome Dan!!!! You need to move your operations to Columbus, Ohio. It is better up here.

[@DanielCortopassi]

I have not been to Columbus but I did visit Cincinnati a couple years ago. What I saw of Ohio was nice. Thanks for watching!

[@tp6212]

Brand new release (you must be one of the first?) and I heard the CR units are already short on supply... I hope this sets a new standard for the industry.

[@DanielCortopassi]

I pre-ordered mine from ScaleTrains, and I think I had it by the time I started seeing them for sale online. I also pushed to get the review done as soon as I could. It's a nice model. Thanks for watching!

[@AdamRud47]

I got 6007 and 6012 with ESU. 6007 had a broken handrail, peeled back radiator screen, and the sill was separated from the long hood where the coupler screws were tightened too much causing them to separate. The 7 on 6007 was a bit thin and showed blue. All easy fixes. 6012 had loose number boards on the rear. Easy fix. Overall, I love these models. Well worth the $250 each. The best part is the Conrail specific RS3L (CV48-2) which I heard on videos of Conrail in the 90s.

[@DanielCortopassi]

I'm glad you like your engines despite the quality issues. I guess I lucked out this time in that mine was pretty good. My biggest complaint with modern manufacturers is the quality control that could be better. If they could get a handle on that, I'm sure a lot of models would get perfect scores. Thanks for watching!

[@AdamRud47]

I agree 100% on the quality issues. Unfortunately, better quality things will cost more money. I've had really good luck with Atlas locomotives (old red box engines and new masters). I've been screwed on several Athearn RTR locomotives in the past. Poor connection, slightly off colors, unpainted section of a body, noisy operation etc. Intermountain on the other hand... No more of those for me.