95% of all my engines, SD40T-2, GP30, SD45, C44-9, and several cars…….all are made by Scaletrains and are superior to all other manufacturers. Excellent customer service and warranty. Easy to contact and get the assistance needed. ESU , sound quality and running performance is outstanding with great pulling power. Numerous videos out there of scaletrains pulling and pushing long trains effortlessly. Thanks for the review 👍🚂
Glad to hear it. I have 7 Scale Trains locomotives (and 3 on pre-order), this is the only one I've had any issues with. I sent an email to support, so I'll see what they say when they get back to me. I'm sure they'll take care of it. Thanks for watching!
Thanks for the review! This one's on my list too. That's tough luck on a "lemon" out of the box. Hopefully they are good to work with on returns and get it back to you quickly. Or better yet, just send you a new one!
It is a good-looking model! I'm sure they'll take care of me. Kind of a PIA shipping it back but it is what it is. I expect they'll fix this one and return it vs sending me a new one. I have 2 other Scale Trains Rio Grande locomotives on pre-order. Once I have the 3 Rio Grande locos on my roster I think I'll be good for D&RGW. Thanks for watching!
Just receiced #5331. Haven't fully inspected it, but the detail realy is nice. My first new from SXT loco (SD38-2) did't last two days on club layout before the motor failed. Wasn't about to send it back, but SXT did ship a motor under warranty after a few emails. As much as I enjoy SXT they aren't always perfect and do require some tinkering. Its all part of the hobby.
After talking to Josh at Scale Trains, I'm going to send mine back for repair. For the cost of mailing the locomotive back ($15), I'll just have them fix it. Yes, I've gotten a couple bad locomotives and bad cars over the past 3 years, but the manufacturers always made it right. I'm not angry, they'll fix it, I'll get it back and it'll be good to go. Good luck with 5331, I hope you enjoy it!
Nice looking locomotive Steve. Im sure they will get it fixed for you service is pretty good there. Interesting to see the next video up and running 👍 Till then keep up the great work enjoy the weekend
Thanks Mike! I'm sure they'll take care of me. It's a hassle to send it back, but I expect things like this pop up when hundreds are made and assembled by people. I appreciate you watching!
Very impressive and handsome model of the emd sd45 from Scaletrains, I might decide to purchase a few of these sd45 models for myself later on in the future and the Rio Grande paint scheme is attractive with the black/ orange striping along the body. I am really interested in the Burlington Northern, Rio Grande and C&NW examples of the sd45 model that Scaletrains is currently offering in their current run ; hopefully in the future I would really like to see Scaletrains produce an sd45 model available in the Southern Pacific 9000-9151 class series, I am a big fan of the sd45 model locomotive.
I agree it is a beautiful model and the SD45 was a powerful machine in its day. If you want one of the current SD45's you should consider getting one before they sell out. Once these sell out it may be a while before they do another run. Scale Trains did a run of SP SD45's in 2021. Hard to say when they'll do another run.
Hey Steve, sorry to hear you had some trouble. Beautiful loco. I’d been thinking about picking up DRGW but wasn’t sure which to grab. I have a SP 45X and pre-ordered a WP GP40 so far. I’ve been watching your playlist of your layout a lot. Both as an SP fan, but also because it’s down right amazingly well done. Really appreciate the way you walk each aspect of the build. As a newby to the hobby I’m going to start a small modular layout soon, the tips and technique guidance you give I’m hoping to put to good use.
Thanks, I'm pleased that you have found the videos useful! I ran my SD45X consisted with my SD38-2 for a couple hours 2 days ago. Both are nice models and run great. I've been considering a WP Geep. Once my pre-orders come in, I'll see how much cabinet space I have for additional locomotives, but the WP is high on the wish list. I appreciate the kind comment about my layout, and a modular layout would be a great idea. Thanks for watching!
I bought 5 D&RGW ScaleTrains SD45's. Four seem to be working fine so far, but one made a high pitched sound and after that none of the lights work. I did try a reset on the decoder but it didn't fix the issue. I also have two D&RGW ScaleTrains GP30's which won't respond to programming so 3 locos went back to ScaleTrains for repair.
@@SPSteve Pretty much. I heard there was a bad batch of ESU decoders and if so, that isn't Scaletrains fault and they will replace them. So far they have had good customer service.
@@riogrande5761 As long as the models get fixed and work like they should I'm OK with it. I finally mailed my SD45 back this morning, $19 with $300 insurance. As long as problems aren't a common occurrence I can live with it.
Hey mate I asked Scale trains FB page and Logan from SCT replied the couplers on the Rivet counter models are metal scale couplers painted red!! not plastic like the Athearn Mchenry's....
Good to know. No need to replace them right away. I don't plan to do any weathering or coupler change-outs until my layout is closer to being finished.
I have 2 Rio Grande's SD45s on the way to join my DRGW fleet taking the fleet to (currently) 5x SD40T-2, 3xSD45s, 7x GP40s, a GP60 and a GP9, plus assorted UP and SP locos
Sweet! That's a heck of a roster! I have a Scale Trains Rio Grande GP40 pre-ordered and 2 Scale Trains SD40T-2's pre-ordered. One SP, one D&RGW. Enjoy that mountain railroading! Thanks for watching!
@@SPSteve Just got my pair of Sd45s #5327 and #5330 One large with Large Rio grande and one with small Rio grande. I have 2 Gp40s on Preorder it works out cheaper on postage to Oz than buying just one (atleast thats how I'm justifying it!!) and a pair of SD40T-2s too (a Rio Grande and a 123"nose SP unit)
@@Wolfe351 Nice! I still need to box up my Rio Grande SD45 and send it back for repair. I keep looking to see if the GP40's have arrived. I have 1 Rio Grande GP40 on pre-order. I also have 2 SD40T-2's on pre-order, 1 Rio Grande and 1 short nose SP. I wanted a "snoot nose" SP but they aren't making them in As Delivered paint this run. Enjoy your new models!
I don't know but I doubt it. Or if they do it is probably limited. I bought 2 GP9's from Walther's Proto a couple years ago and both were bad and had to go back for warranty repair. One had a bad motor and didn't even run. Overall, I've had pretty good luck, but I've had some lemons. Thanks for watching!
Yea na.I doubt it .That has been a pet peave of mine, for some time.There would be little to no warranty returns if they did.Even if they put another $5 on the cost.
Had to send my new Rio Grande SD45 #5327 in for service/ replacement. Day 1 my front Number Boards didn’t work & the class lights were crooked. Then i had a hiccup w/ Cust. Service. Hope ST’s QC is Ok.
That stinks! Maybe this run has a bunch of issues? I'll have to check my number boards, I know the class lights work. What was your issue with customer service, if you don't mind me asking?
@ So ST said they were sorry for the inconvenience and would email me a return shipping label. Called 5 Business Days later 3x. Talked to my guy again. Said call me back if it’s not there by 3:00. Called 20x @3, and no answer. Just paid my own shipping. Wondering why i waited 5 days for? Disappointed…
MikeReed has the solution ;) All my SCaletrains unit are great and any support I needed was answered within 2 business days. All my issue were fix by me with their guidance, great guys! here is some info about 5334 DRGW bought in April 68 and retired in 9/10/1996 and it went To Helm Financial Corporation, HLCX #6522, 3/26/1997 and Rebuilt by Boise Locomotive Company, 11/15/1997 - Nice model I didnt get this one, I am waiting for their GP40s
That info is good to know! I was concerned about violating my warranty, but if it is approved by customer service I don't mind fixing it myself. Thanks for the 5334 info! I lost track of it and couldn't find out what happened to it. I've had GP40 3088 on pre-order since February. Hopefully have it in about a month. I also have 2 SD40T-2's on pre-order, 1 SP, 1 DRGW. Thanks for the info and thanks for watching!
@@SPSteve no problem, I think they will show you how to do the fix. They even sent me a decoder and board diagram once to fix an electric pickup issue.
I think they'll take care of it. I should hear back from them next week and I'll see how things go. And yes, at $300 it should be running on the layout!
Manufactures making all these really nice and pricey locomotives but still insist on cheap plastic couplers. With other manufacturers would follow Rapido and use metal couplers
Yes sir,. My only complaint about ST is their cheap plastic couplers. I had to learn the hard way that ST locos & freight cars only accept the KD whisker couplers in their draft boxes.These are serious models made for serios modellers & the question has to be asked, how many owners of ST equipment, change the couplers out???
This is not the first time I’ve heard of scale trains being problematic out of the box. For what they’re charging that locomotive should have been thoroughly tested and tuned. I will likely not buy anything from them. This review reinforces that. It looks great but I’ve got an Athern blue box that’ll negotiate 18 inch curves that looks almost as good.
Having problems with a new $300 locomotive is certainly frustrating. I expect they'll take care of it, but it is a hassle to send it back. It'll run fine on my layout once the front truck is fixed. Nothing wrong with running the classic Blue Box stuff. Thanks for watching!
I live in NZ & the price of these locos can exede $500 NZ $. $close to $600 with shipping.Buying a new loco & having an issue under warranty, is a huge issue, in itself as shipping it back to the manufacturer/hobby store......well you get the picyure. It just aint happening. I grit my teeth & try to fix issues myself. If models/locos were actually tested before they shipped, would stop 95% of issues under warranty.
@@SPSteve Yea, I think you could be right, but buying from a hobby store could be a different matter. I havnt bought a loco, new for several years, & I have been buying off ebay, quite a bit. & that also has its risks, but a lot of the locos are NOS, & these older locos dont have the issues that these new locos have. New locos with electrical /decoder issues just dont seem to happen, as older locos are only DC/DCC ready. I , too, model SP/UP & the occasional DRGW. Thankyou for the review
NO a Rio Grande wouldn't be a no brainer. Depending on what part of the country your rail was dedicated to would depict the road name or names you would choose. Such as for myself I'm doing southeast usa, so my roadname locomotive i chose was Norfolk Southern a line that's out of Mobile,AL... and so on for other parts of the country.
This is the technology is worth the investment n money n I'm an ho person n and o gauge, o scale, s scale, n garden scale n the one you can ride on like at the amusement park n zoo's to
That's a nice loco, I love the Rio Grande Paint scheme
Good looking locomotives for sure!
95% of all my engines, SD40T-2, GP30, SD45, C44-9, and several cars…….all are made by Scaletrains and are superior to all other manufacturers. Excellent customer service and warranty. Easy to contact and get the assistance needed. ESU , sound quality and running performance is outstanding with great pulling power. Numerous videos out there of scaletrains pulling and pushing long trains effortlessly. Thanks for the review 👍🚂
Glad to hear it. I have 7 Scale Trains locomotives (and 3 on pre-order), this is the only one I've had any issues with. I sent an email to support, so I'll see what they say when they get back to me. I'm sure they'll take care of it. Thanks for watching!
Mark in customer service will take care of you 🚂100%
@@SPStevesharp looking Rio grande locomotive you have their
@@kcgrailgilbert8466 Thanks! It is a good looking machine! A nice addition to my roster.
5334 according to train orders 19 years ago went to the central oregon and pacific railroad
Great information! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for the review! This one's on my list too. That's tough luck on a "lemon" out of the box. Hopefully they are good to work with on returns and get it back to you quickly. Or better yet, just send you a new one!
It is a good-looking model! I'm sure they'll take care of me. Kind of a PIA shipping it back but it is what it is. I expect they'll fix this one and return it vs sending me a new one. I have 2 other Scale Trains Rio Grande locomotives on pre-order. Once I have the 3 Rio Grande locos on my roster I think I'll be good for D&RGW. Thanks for watching!
Just receiced #5331. Haven't fully inspected it, but the detail realy is nice. My first new from SXT loco (SD38-2) did't last two days on club layout before the motor failed. Wasn't about to send it back, but SXT did ship a motor under warranty after a few emails. As much as I enjoy SXT they aren't always perfect and do require some tinkering. Its all part of the hobby.
After talking to Josh at Scale Trains, I'm going to send mine back for repair. For the cost of mailing the locomotive back ($15), I'll just have them fix it. Yes, I've gotten a couple bad locomotives and bad cars over the past 3 years, but the manufacturers always made it right. I'm not angry, they'll fix it, I'll get it back and it'll be good to go. Good luck with 5331, I hope you enjoy it!
@@SPSteve Looking forward to first run.
@@sean911sc5 Enjoy! It'll look great on the layout. The GP40's should be shipping in a few weeks.
Nice looking locomotive Steve. Im sure they will get it fixed for you service is pretty good there. Interesting to see the next video up and running 👍 Till then keep up the great work enjoy the weekend
Thanks Mike! I'm sure they'll take care of me. It's a hassle to send it back, but I expect things like this pop up when hundreds are made and assembled by people. I appreciate you watching!
Very impressive and handsome model of the emd sd45 from Scaletrains, I might decide to purchase a few of these sd45 models for myself later on in the future and the Rio Grande paint scheme is attractive with the black/ orange striping along the body. I am really interested in the Burlington Northern, Rio Grande and C&NW examples of the sd45 model that Scaletrains is currently offering in their current run ; hopefully in the future I would really like to see Scaletrains produce an sd45 model available in the Southern Pacific 9000-9151 class series, I am a big fan of the sd45 model locomotive.
I agree it is a beautiful model and the SD45 was a powerful machine in its day. If you want one of the current SD45's you should consider getting one before they sell out. Once these sell out it may be a while before they do another run. Scale Trains did a run of SP SD45's in 2021. Hard to say when they'll do another run.
Hey Steve, sorry to hear you had some trouble. Beautiful loco. I’d been thinking about picking up DRGW but wasn’t sure which to grab. I have a SP 45X and pre-ordered a WP GP40 so far.
I’ve been watching your playlist of your layout a lot. Both as an SP fan, but also because it’s down right amazingly well done. Really appreciate the way you walk each aspect of the build. As a newby to the hobby I’m going to start a small modular layout soon, the tips and technique guidance you give I’m hoping to put to good use.
Thanks, I'm pleased that you have found the videos useful!
I ran my SD45X consisted with my SD38-2 for a couple hours 2 days ago. Both are nice models and run great. I've been considering a WP Geep. Once my pre-orders come in, I'll see how much cabinet space I have for additional locomotives, but the WP is high on the wish list.
I appreciate the kind comment about my layout, and a modular layout would be a great idea. Thanks for watching!
I bought 5 D&RGW ScaleTrains SD45's. Four seem to be working fine so far, but one made a high pitched sound and after that none of the lights work. I did try a reset on the decoder but it didn't fix the issue. I also have two D&RGW ScaleTrains GP30's which won't respond to programming so 3 locos went back to ScaleTrains for repair.
It seems to be hit and miss. Since everything is built offshore I imagine QC is an issue. Not much we can do other send them back for repair.
@@SPSteve Pretty much. I heard there was a bad batch of ESU decoders and if so, that isn't Scaletrains fault and they will replace them. So far they have had good customer service.
@@riogrande5761 As long as the models get fixed and work like they should I'm OK with it. I finally mailed my SD45 back this morning, $19 with $300 insurance. As long as problems aren't a common occurrence I can live with it.
Hey mate I asked Scale trains FB page and Logan from SCT replied the couplers on the Rivet counter models are metal scale couplers painted red!! not plastic like the Athearn Mchenry's....
Good to know. No need to replace them right away. I don't plan to do any weathering or coupler change-outs until my layout is closer to being finished.
dam, I hope it gets fixed asap for you.
I'm sure they'll take care of it. It's a hassle sending it back though. Thanks for watching!
@@SPSteve I have to agree 100%, when I order something new I expect it to perform as such,,, and I'm fairly sure you share that feeling.
@@southernprojectsyt6340 Yes, other than the inconvenience, I'm sure it'll get taken care of.
I have 2 Rio Grande's SD45s on the way to join my DRGW fleet taking the fleet to (currently) 5x SD40T-2, 3xSD45s, 7x GP40s, a GP60 and a GP9, plus assorted UP and SP locos
Sweet! That's a heck of a roster! I have a Scale Trains Rio Grande GP40 pre-ordered and 2 Scale Trains SD40T-2's pre-ordered. One SP, one D&RGW. Enjoy that mountain railroading! Thanks for watching!
@@SPSteve Just got my pair of Sd45s #5327 and #5330 One large with Large Rio grande and one with small Rio grande. I have 2 Gp40s on Preorder it works out cheaper on postage to Oz than buying just one (atleast thats how I'm justifying it!!) and a pair of SD40T-2s too (a Rio Grande and a 123"nose SP unit)
@@Wolfe351 Nice! I still need to box up my Rio Grande SD45 and send it back for repair. I keep looking to see if the GP40's have arrived. I have 1 Rio Grande GP40 on pre-order. I also have 2 SD40T-2's on pre-order, 1 Rio Grande and 1 short nose SP. I wanted a "snoot nose" SP but they aren't making them in As Delivered paint this run. Enjoy your new models!
Wonder if the manufacturers test run their products before packaging…
I don't know but I doubt it. Or if they do it is probably limited. I bought 2 GP9's from Walther's Proto a couple years ago and both were bad and had to go back for warranty repair. One had a bad motor and didn't even run. Overall, I've had pretty good luck, but I've had some lemons. Thanks for watching!
Yea na.I doubt it .That has been a pet peave of mine, for some time.There would be little to no warranty returns if they did.Even if they put another $5 on the cost.
Had to send my new Rio Grande SD45 #5327 in for service/ replacement. Day 1 my front Number Boards didn’t work & the class lights were crooked. Then i had a hiccup w/ Cust. Service. Hope ST’s QC is Ok.
That stinks! Maybe this run has a bunch of issues? I'll have to check my number boards, I know the class lights work. What was your issue with customer service, if you don't mind me asking?
@ So ST said they were sorry for the inconvenience and would email me a return shipping label. Called 5 Business Days later 3x. Talked to my guy again. Said call me back if it’s not there by 3:00. Called 20x @3, and no answer. Just paid my own shipping. Wondering why i waited 5 days for? Disappointed…
@@beedizzl1 that sucks! I'll see what they say. I might do like you and pay to send it back so I can get it going.
MikeReed has the solution ;) All my SCaletrains unit are great and any support I needed was answered within 2 business days. All my issue were fix by me with their guidance, great guys! here is some info about 5334 DRGW bought in April 68 and retired in 9/10/1996 and it went To Helm Financial Corporation, HLCX #6522, 3/26/1997 and
Rebuilt by Boise Locomotive Company, 11/15/1997 - Nice model I didnt get this one, I am waiting for their GP40s
That info is good to know! I was concerned about violating my warranty, but if it is approved by customer service I don't mind fixing it myself. Thanks for the 5334 info! I lost track of it and couldn't find out what happened to it.
I've had GP40 3088 on pre-order since February. Hopefully have it in about a month. I also have 2 SD40T-2's on pre-order, 1 SP, 1 DRGW. Thanks for the info and thanks for watching!
@@SPSteve no problem, I think they will show you how to do the fix. They even sent me a decoder and board diagram once to fix an electric pickup issue.
@@robingagnon9659 As long as I don't need any parts I don't mind doing it myself. Good to hear they were helpful in solving your problem!
Have scale trains fix that locomotive you spent good money on the locomotive it should be running on the layout
I think they'll take care of it. I should hear back from them next week and I'll see how things go. And yes, at $300 it should be running on the layout!
Manufactures making all these really nice and pricey locomotives but still insist on cheap plastic couplers. With other manufacturers would follow Rapido and use metal couplers
I agree, metal couplers are certainly preferred.
Yes sir,. My only complaint about ST is their cheap plastic couplers. I had to learn the hard way that ST locos & freight cars only accept the KD whisker couplers in their draft boxes.These are serious models made for serios modellers & the question has to be asked, how many owners of ST equipment, change the couplers out???
This is not the first time I’ve heard of scale trains being problematic out of the box. For what they’re charging that locomotive should have been thoroughly tested and tuned. I will likely not buy anything from them. This review reinforces that. It looks great but I’ve got an Athern blue box that’ll negotiate 18 inch curves that looks almost as good.
Having problems with a new $300 locomotive is certainly frustrating. I expect they'll take care of it, but it is a hassle to send it back. It'll run fine on my layout once the front truck is fixed. Nothing wrong with running the classic Blue Box stuff. Thanks for watching!
I live in NZ & the price of these locos can exede $500 NZ $. $close to $600 with shipping.Buying a new loco & having an issue under warranty, is a huge issue, in itself as shipping it back to the manufacturer/hobby store......well you get the picyure. It just aint happening. I grit my teeth & try to fix issues myself. If models/locos were actually tested before they shipped, would stop 95% of issues under warranty.
@@michaelcudby787 In your case I would send Scale Trains a message and ask them to test it before shipping. I think they would probably do that.
@@SPSteve Yea, I think you could be right, but buying from a hobby store could be a different matter. I havnt bought a loco, new for several years, & I have been buying off ebay, quite a bit. & that also has its risks, but a lot of the locos are NOS, & these older locos dont have the issues that these new locos have. New locos with electrical /decoder issues just dont seem to happen, as older locos are only DC/DCC ready. I , too, model SP/UP & the occasional DRGW. Thankyou for the review
NO a Rio Grande wouldn't be a no brainer. Depending on what part of the country your rail was dedicated to would depict the road name or names you would choose. Such as for myself I'm doing southeast usa, so my roadname locomotive i chose was Norfolk Southern a line that's out of Mobile,AL... and so on for other parts of the country.
I live in the west, SP country.
This is the technology is worth the investment n money n I'm an ho person n and o gauge, o scale, s scale, n garden scale n the one you can ride on like at the amusement park n zoo's to
You, sir, are an enthusiast!
That is one beautiful piece of equipment !!! It is almost more sexy than most women 😊 !!!!
It is a good looking machine! :)
scale trains over rated; ill stick with other brands ; have never bought scale trains yet; i wish less people would buy scaletrains
We're fortunate to have choices in the hobby and several quality manufacturers. Thanks for watching!
Sounds like you’re just a SC hater!!!😂