Ron, thank you for this very in-depth review of our Rivet Counter and Operator N Scale DASH-9 locomotives! We are really happy to hear that you are pleased with the product and look forward to seeing more content from you in the future. -Drayton
Thanks Drayton. I really do like both locomotives, and I am most pleased with the improvement to the couplers. This new version works swimmingly. Thanks for commenting.
Ron, Masterfull side-by-side comparison. Here it comes..... HOWEVER, the test I would have like to see you do, or maybe you would consider for future $Worth videos is to set up your test consist, of somewhat equal rolling stock, on side-by-side main lines. Back both Locos on to the consist. As you would for a coupling Ops. Session. Then not only focus on the Locos forward momentum, but also the rolling stocks hesitation from a cold start. Great video, Jim
Interesting suggestion. I certainly agree about the coupling test. I should have done that. I didn't compare pulling just because they are identical drive trains and the video was getting long. I will take that into consideration though. Thanks.
I plan on getting as many HO Scale Trains locomotives as fit with what I am modeling. A major selling point for me is they offer the NS standard cab Dash 9, and they really are pretty much the same price as any other manufacturer. But it is good to know that the Operator series has only a little less detail. So unless you look closely you wouldn't really notice, that will be a cost saving for some.
Hi Ron, Ironically I just picked up a half a dozen of these absolutely beautiful Scale Train Loco's. I wished I would of known earlier about the Operators version as I would of only purchased the Rivet counter ones. For the $40.00 difference it seems really worth the difference. But I am super glad that you did this video as the Scale Trains Website doesn't explain the differences like you did. Thank you , keep up the great videos.
It looked like the rivet counter version had some assembly issues. The radiator grill looked warped, and the HVAC cabinet looked skewed. Im impressed with the Operator version in all honesty.
Hey Ron, I have quite a few of the scale trains rivet counter loco's but they all have the bad couplers. How can I find the newer versions to replace them with.
I don't know for sure, but I would contact scaletrains and see if they will send you the newer couplers to replace the old one. You can also replace them with MTL couplers if you like. I planning to do a video on this soon.
I have an update to the answer I offered to your question. I spoke to the folks at scaletrains about this issue this week. They informed me that repalcement couplers would be available at some point, but are not available yet. It is a matter of getting the separage coupler production worked into the schedule of the manufacturing plants. ETA unknown.
So, your consensus is that the operator version is at least as good as the Kato locomotive, and at a slightly less price. That’s on par with what the industry as a whole is saying!
Hey Ron, I enjoyed the video -except- I would recommend uploading at least 1080 if your wanting to review the visual quality of the products. 720 was as high as it shows on my page which is the minimum for seeing small scale detail. I enjoy your video's though, keep up the great work.
Hi Ron, Very nice video and good comparison with those locomotives. Just friendly remind you that the noise is from the mic. It happen when you touch the metal rail. Tam
Nice comparison! N scale has been really improving the last couple of years. Seems like scale trains is continuing for locos and rolling stock what BLMA has started for railcars. I'm almost glad that most stuff from scale trains is too modern for me 🙃
If you're going to buy something new, I definitely recommend scale trains. I model both ho and N scale, and nothing I have will even touch them. Neither in detail nor pull ability. Out of the box that is. I have some athearn blue box and ready to run engines that I have put about a pound of weight in. They'll out pull scale trains, but only because I really worked on them.
Learn how to maintain and upgrade your existing locomotives with this video: ua-cam.com/video/dM8kDjS1yVo/v-deo.html
Ron, thank you for this very in-depth review of our Rivet Counter and Operator N Scale DASH-9 locomotives! We are really happy to hear that you are pleased with the product and look forward to seeing more content from you in the future. -Drayton
Thanks Drayton. I really do like both locomotives, and I am most pleased with the improvement to the couplers. This new version works swimmingly. Thanks for commenting.
Hard to top Scaletrains models right now.
Ron,
Masterfull side-by-side comparison. Here it comes.....
HOWEVER, the test I would have like to see you do, or maybe you would consider for future $Worth videos is to set up your test consist, of somewhat equal rolling stock, on side-by-side main lines. Back both Locos on to the consist. As you would for a coupling Ops. Session. Then not only focus on the Locos forward momentum, but also the rolling stocks hesitation from a cold start.
Great video,
Jim
Interesting suggestion. I certainly agree about the coupling test. I should have done that. I didn't compare pulling just because they are identical drive trains and the video was getting long. I will take that into consideration though. Thanks.
Thanks for the great review Ron, it's nice to see how Scale Trains responded to the couplers issues....thanks for sharing....Jack
Yes, they definitely deserve some kudos for fixing that major issue.
Ron, Nice to have you back with a very in-depth review of both of Scale Trains Dash 9 model's. Just what the Doctor ordered! Cheers, Chris Perry.
Hi Ron, Your review of these fine locomotives was spot on! Scale Trains has set the bar high! Mike
The Rivet Counter version has awesome detail for something that small. And no damaged parts out of the box. Nice job ScaleTrains
Yes, nothing damaged in packaging and shipping. 👍🏼
I plan on getting as many HO Scale Trains locomotives as fit with what I am modeling. A major selling point for me is they offer the NS standard cab Dash 9, and they really are pretty much the same price as any other manufacturer. But it is good to know that the Operator series has only a little less detail. So unless you look closely you wouldn't really notice, that will be a cost saving for some.
love it Ron !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The level of detail on the rivet counter is amazing. Can't do the operator, does not give you the see through grills, which is a must.
That is true, if that is the deal breaker for you. Go Rivet Counter.
Thanks Ron! I’m gonna get a Dash 9 in the Heritage Phase II now!
Hi Ron, Ironically I just picked up a half a dozen of these absolutely beautiful Scale Train Loco's. I wished I would of known earlier about the Operators version as I would of only purchased the Rivet counter ones. For the $40.00 difference it seems really worth the difference. But I am super glad that you did this video as the Scale Trains Website doesn't explain the differences like you did. Thank you , keep up the great videos.
Thanks for watching. I'm glad you found it helpful.
Hi Ron, nice comparison and review. Thanks.
Thanks for this Ron. I have one of the ScaleTrains Rivet Counters ES44AC's in CN Colours. This is good to know. :)
Awesome review and comparison, Ron. Thanks for your video. Take care. - Drew
Thanks for watching.
They definitely solved their coupler problem
Yes, they did great there.
It looked like the rivet counter version had some assembly issues. The radiator grill looked warped, and the HVAC cabinet looked skewed. Im impressed with the Operator version in all honesty.
Great review Ron. Bob
I usually run all Kato locomotives for my N layout. Thanks for the great review! Looks like I’ll be ordering a Dash 9 through Scale Trains.
Very nice review, Ron!
Thanks, and thank you for watching.
Does using a 3d pen be used instead of soldering?
Hey Ron, I have quite a few of the scale trains rivet counter loco's but they all have the bad couplers. How can I find the newer versions to replace them with.
I don't know for sure, but I would contact scaletrains and see if they will send you the newer couplers to replace the old one. You can also replace them with MTL couplers if you like. I planning to do a video on this soon.
I have an update to the answer I offered to your question. I spoke to the folks at scaletrains about this issue this week. They informed me that repalcement couplers would be available at some point, but are not available yet. It is a matter of getting the separage coupler production worked into the schedule of the manufacturing plants. ETA unknown.
@@RonsTrainsNThings sounds great thanks for all your efforts stay safe and healthy. Tim
So, your consensus is that the operator version is at least as good as the Kato locomotive, and at a slightly less price. That’s on par with what the industry as a whole is saying!
Yes. The original MSRP for the operator series was 124.99, $15 more than the Kato, but then they reduced that to $99.99, $10 less.
Hey Ron thanks for the info. I'm just starting to purchase some Engines
Very nice comparison, not a bad price either.
Is rivet counter front truck got a piece of broken plastic lower left?
No, that is the design. They all look like that.
Coupler height seems off in the video. Is the boxcar off, or the locomotives?
It must be the camera angle. I we t back and rechecked and all of the coupler heights are perfect and match up exactly.
Hey Ron, I enjoyed the video -except- I would recommend uploading at least 1080 if your wanting to review the visual quality of the products. 720 was as high as it shows on my page which is the minimum for seeing small scale detail. I enjoy your video's though, keep up the great work.
Hi Ron, Very nice video and good comparison with those locomotives. Just friendly remind you that the noise is from the mic. It happen when you touch the metal rail. Tam
Yes, I had the DCC system on for the headlights. I didn't realize the problem until it's too late. Won't make that mistake again.
TKS FOR THE PRICE, TRAINS R REALY NICE.
Good review
i have not heard from you in a while. where have ya been?
I had some major work and personal issues/conflicts but I've been back at it here for about a month.
Compare the Scaletrains Rivet Counter with the Kato.
Nice comparison! N scale has been really improving the last couple of years. Seems like scale trains is continuing for locos and rolling stock what BLMA has started for railcars.
I'm almost glad that most stuff from scale trains is too modern for me 🙃
Lol, I understand the temptation there. Thanks for watching.
Nice review, however i checked their website and they don' t offer CSX.disappointed because they do have NS,UP,BNSF and others.
Perhaps they will in a subsequent run.
They will not do CSX since CSX D9s are D8 carbodys
Thanks, Not that I will buy scaletrains, but if I do, it would be the operators versions.
If you're going to buy something new, I definitely recommend scale trains. I model both ho and N scale, and nothing I have will even touch them. Neither in detail nor pull ability. Out of the box that is. I have some athearn blue box and ready to run engines that I have put about a pound of weight in. They'll out pull scale trains, but only because I really worked on them.
Couplers are much better than earlier version
Yes they certainly are.