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Post by mountaingoatgreg on May 11, 2009 9:02:32 GMT -5
Honest opinions PLEASE!!
I am back to working on my SDP40 and was trying to get a feel for what people thought about some specific components on Kato vs. the Cannon replacements.
I already plan on replacing the nose,cab, sub-base, turbo hatch and fans with cannon. My question is, how much better are the radiator section, inertial filter and dust bins. I am not displeased with the Kato radiator grills just trying to justify the added time and expense of these components.
I am trying to make this model as accurate as possible but don't want to spend a bunch of money on parts that are nearly identical.
Thank You all for your help and I will be posting some update pictures soo!!!
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Post by johnnetzlof on May 11, 2009 10:32:47 GMT -5
My only real problem with Kato is their radiator and dynamic brake fans being 4 feet tall* sure, the cabs can be somewhat clunky but its not horrific.
*exaggerated
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Post by Randy Earle on May 11, 2009 10:58:59 GMT -5
I would only make changes if installing a high hood. I'd use the Cannon sub base and cab with the high hood to have a complete unit.
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Post by graftonterminalrr on May 11, 2009 11:18:12 GMT -5
In his SD35 build up, Bob Harpe replaced the as-cast Atlas inertial filters and hatch with Cannon parts. The Atlas shell is on par with, if not better than, Kato's tooling standards. I think it's a personal choice.
I can tell you that the Cannon inertial filter hatch is quite nice and provides a "floating" look that a cast-on piece can't replicate. Plus, if you're already replacing your turbo hatch, using the Cannon inertial filter hatch would provide equality of detail.
Brian Banna kept the Kato stock cab when doing up his ex-CNJ SD40 (http://www.6axlepwr.com/CLASSIC_EMDs_P01.html). "I chose to stick with the Kato
cab. It is not a bad cab at all. It fits the model well and for reasons of simplicity in assembly, I chose to not replace it."
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Post by mountaingoatgreg on May 11, 2009 11:59:13 GMT -5
I had surgery last Friday so I have been recovering, which has alowed me some time to work on some projects. Well I have spent most of my morning working on putting together the cab, sub-base, and nose and I am really impressed. I have had to modify the Kato frame a smidge to get things to fit but it looks great.
With how great the cab looks I am definatley going to change out the turbo stack. Kris I think that I will go ahead and change the inertial filter and hatch as I think you are right about the added detail.
Thanks again for your guys added opinions I will be posting pictures soon!!
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Post by cannon on May 11, 2009 13:38:16 GMT -5
Honest opinions PLEASE!! I am back to working on my SDP40 and was trying to get a feel for what people thought about some specific components on Kato vs. the Cannon replacements. I already plan on replacing the nose,cab, sub-base, turbo hatch and fans with cannon. My question is, how much better are the radiator section, inertial filter and dust bins. I am not displeased with the Kato radiator grills just trying to justify the added time and expense of these components. I am trying to make this model as accurate as possible but don't want to spend a bunch of money on parts that are nearly identical. Thank You all for your help and I will be posting some update pictures soo!!! I think you should replace everything ;D<G>. Honest opinion, but slightly biased. Dave Hussey Cannon and Company www.cannonandco.net |
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Post by Randy Earle on May 11, 2009 13:41:12 GMT -5
Yeah...listen to Doctor Dave, he knows what's good for us.  Doctor Dave....when do we get some ALCO parts, huh huh huh...pretty please?  |
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Post by superfleet93 on May 11, 2009 15:11:17 GMT -5
Greg,
In my opinion, I would replace as much as you can. Some of Kato's factory parts do not have the correct relief, but the Cannon parts do. If you have the parts on hand, you can compare those parts and the difference is noticeable. Just my 2 cents!
Perry
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Post by mountaingoatgreg on May 11, 2009 15:47:45 GMT -5
Dave
Well if Dr. Dave says so then of course I will replace everything... I do agree I think Cannon needs to make a line of ALCO parts but I know its going to be awhile just to get what he already has in the pipeline. I have been eyeballing that cab interior on the site and I think my SDP40 is going to need one!!! I think you also need to make a steam generator set. All the ones that are available are mediocre at best.
Well I better start ordering parts so Dave can start paying for more R&D!!
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Post by wvsecondary on May 11, 2009 19:13:12 GMT -5
Where ever practical replace with Cannon. Sometimes not worth the extra work but always looks better and you know you built it so it must be better.
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dtinut
Chairman
Modeling the DT&I of the 60's & 70's
Posts: 661
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Post by dtinut on May 11, 2009 21:03:23 GMT -5
I think the Kato cab is pretty nice. (better than the old BB Athearn cab for sure, unless you need the vent and armrests) I tend to use the Canon cab when I want to model an open door on the cab, and is when I appreciate the flexibility of the Canon kit the most.
Their fans are hard to beat also...
Brian
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Post by mountaingoatgreg on May 11, 2009 22:06:34 GMT -5
I made a spreadsheet for my parts for my SDP40, not including the original Kato SD40 it will only cost me $197.31 to do both units. What a Bargain...lol Anyone want to buy some Kato cabs and subases??
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Smoke
Chairman
The Ski Train!!!!
Posts: 753
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Post by Smoke on May 12, 2009 13:48:05 GMT -5
I made a spreadsheet for my parts for my SDP40, not including the original Kato SD40 it will only cost me $197.31 to do both units. What a Bargain...lol Anyone want to buy some Kato cabs and subases?? The nice thing about a lot of the Cannon parts is that one package contains enough for two units. The intake grilles, dustbins, blower housings, turbo hatches, and electrical filter boxes all have parts for two locos. This turned out to be a good thing for me, since I messed up when mounting the blower duct onto my SD45 recently.  And IIRC, the sub-bases have parts to do two as well, but with different phases. The sub bases do not have enought to do two sub-bases. The thin wall cabs or noses do not have enough parts for two either. -Andrew |
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Post by rdg5310 on May 12, 2009 21:41:54 GMT -5
I'm sure we all agree that Cannon makes some superior parts. Kato does do a nice job on their productions. If your replacing the sub base on the Kato to match a prototype, you might as well do the cab and nose. But as far as replacing other cast on parts....It's just a personal choice. Money and time play a major role in what we model today. Now, If your doing a RPP shell, well that's another story. Cannonize that sucker.
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Doctor Dave....when do we get some ALCO parts, huh huh huh...pretty please? 
