Good review, appreciate the time and detail you spent to tell us about it.

The sd40-2 is by far my most favored train engine. I have a kato with lok sound that i installed. I dont run it much because of the tinny sound that you described. But scale trains installing rear ditch lights is a step above. I plan on getting one.

Thanks for this nice comparison! It was nice to see the BLI since I do not own one. I received my 2 Scale Trains SD40-2s this past week and your review was spot on. I run Loksound but did not order sound-equipped engines since Scale Trains does not understand speakers and speaker enclosures. They still put holes in the fuel tank to let the sound out which is the last thing they should be doing. I will install sound but it will take some major work to get a decent, properly-enclosed speaker in these engines. Atlas has certainly figured it out. The best N scale sound-equipped engine I have is the Rapido Dash 8-40CM. No tinny engine sounds, no reedy whistle. Rapido got it right on those. Thanks again for your video!

Nice review and beautiful layout. I've got my SC BN livery in the box, just waiting to convert my new layout to DCC. Liked and subscribed!

Thanks for the in-depth review and comparisons. Some other reviews mentioned an issue with the clearance between the bottom of the fuel tank and the top of the rails. However, from what I gather, this issue seems limited to sharp changes in the track grade. Nice model otherwise.

Killer layout man u got everything in the right amount of spacce

Great review. Good thing is as for the sound if you have a lok programmer you can take care of the tinny sound and add more tremble and bass

I'm disappointed with ScaleTrains that they didn't add working ditch lights to this model. Not sure if they will but they should've done a BNSF H3 SD40-2 model as well. I re-badged my old Kato SD40-2 BN model and also converted it to ESU LokSound 5 with a LokSound speaker and it looks great. I added modern, white, rooftop AC units plus PTC antenna stands and the remote control whip antennas with their stands as well plus lift rings, rear view mirrors, wind deflectors and sun visors plus MU cables and hoses. I also moved the horn to the middle of the long hood. Now I need to figure out how to add ditch lights to them.

That was a great review, I really liked the comparison with the Kato and BLI! I was wondering if you’ve had a chance to look at modifying the beacon or work on the “tinny” sound? Thanks again for the review and you have a great looking layout.

Great video!! I didn’t realize you worked for electro motive! One of their facilities was right down the road from where I grew up!

This was a Good video 📹 Engines sounded good I'm an N scale owner as well & Scaletrains hits the ball outta the park when it comes to details & running with others my little Scaletrains SD40-2 is Southern Engine 3221 it's a sharp Engine i like how the cab sits but at same time its a little challenging though to operate because of the cabs position but it's all in the fun of running trains makes me love the hobby more.!

It's also worth noting the V5 equipped SXT and Kato SD40-2s you have use different soundfiles, S0845 in the ST and S0508 in the Kato...speaker baffle also plays a role

Nice review. Good thing Sharpie makes a ultra fine point black marker, lol. The handrails, grills and roof fans on the ScaleTrains SD40-2 are very nice. Hopefully it runs at least as well as a KATO. I'm waiting (patiently, hopefully) for ScaleTrains to make a HO Alco switcher, but the Cleveland Indians will probably win the World Series before that happens.

I'm waiting, and waiting, for the Scale Trains GE ES44AC Iowa Interstate with sound. I recently picked up an Atlas GE Dash 8-40B and I think it sounds amazing.

They sound great

You are dead on with what I thought about mine. Mine is not so tinny. I can fix the brass pickup. But I wish there was a way to get the beacon to work. Thanks for sharing.

I ended up buying the CSX SD40-3. Very pleased with it! The visible contacts don't bother me. I don't see them at all while running. I am waiting eagerly for the Norfolk and Western ones. I haven't decided which paint scheme I want yet. I think I'll just buy the big NW scheme. I recently bought both conrail C39-8 paint schemes so I don't think I can afford another double purchase at this time lol

I’m someone who does HO but DANG, that’s got the same amount of detail as my HO model!

A very nice detailed review. You certainly know your stuff Eric.

You have to love the rivet counter models. I do have to agree with you concerning the power pickups in the trucks. On such a perfected model, that is a surprise. I’m thinking you might be able to mitigate the issue with some artistically applied paint, not to interfere with pickup but to disguise what must have been an oversight. Not something I’d be thrilled about having to do on such a fine model, but something to consider. The speaker issue could be another place that could be improved, but I’m not much of a sound girl, to be honest. Other than that, it’s a super example! Brooklyn

Super nice 👍

I am curious if you were to swap speakers out if the tinny sound would go away. In my installs I use a Soberton 8mm x 12mm “ sugar cube” in a 3d printed enclosure. I have also used the ESU 9x18 speaker/enclosure with good results. Question, in the kato unit, which speaker is used? Overall throatiness sound goes to the BLI loco. If ST came out with Soo deuces I would in serious financial trouble. 😮 I already have two Milwaukee on pre-order. Thanks for making the video. I don’t care for the contact strips. That is why they make paint and brushes. When I get mine,, I will paint them.

16:49 Kaito does make speakers and radios in edition to their trains, so not surprised the Kaito beat the Scale Trains in sound.

many of BN's RS3K horns had a whiny sound, so it sounded normal to me.

Nice review, there's one problem though, it's not painted for Conrail!! 🤣🤣🤣🤣

There’s My next Engine.

I Might Get the Milwakee Road Engine.

The tank is problematic though.