Hello! today run on my layout SD 50 from Walthers Mainline UP scheme another SD comming in April 2021. Very smouth run and good sound. Happy new year to you and your family.
I just bought one and I’m impressed with how well it runs. I only have one concern about the sound, it’s not very loud especially in a consist. But still an excellent product.
Life like 2000 produced this version in 1999 or there abouts. Only thing was the Conrail version was used as a base for most paint schemes including UP. But it was a heavy model with a tractive effort equivalent to 80 plus cars or so. This is a good review of a much needed locomotive.
Just got my 2 NS schemed engines a few weeks ago. Ordered them back in March. Super smooth running, very closely speed matched right out of the box and generously detailed for the price. Video doesn’t do justice on the sound tho. They have pretty dang good audio in my opinion. Defiantly a good buy! Nice review James!
James, the SD60M was originally run by Life-Like in the Proto2000 series. P2K SD60s were famous for being "slow" (actually closer to prototype) and for being strong pullers. The good news about Walthers' Mainline series is that mechanism (at least the ones I have) have helical-cut gears and the units run smoothly and quietly. I have several of the "cousin" SD70ACes and they run smoothly for HOURS on my display layout. So for a reasonably street price you get a strong, reliable sound/DCC locomotive. Yes, they lack the fine details of other brands, but I enjoy doing some of my own detailing. It's kind of a throwback to the old Athearn "blue box" days where you got a basic loco and detailed it to match your prototype. By the way, James, YES an SD60M had sunshades! A-Line makes a nice brass sunshade that is an exact match for the type EMD sent out with SD60Ms.
Hi James. You do a great job on your reviews. However, wrt to the Walthers Mainline locos, I suggest that you should make it much more clear that this is an ESU "Essential Sound Unit" decoder that does not include all the normal ESU "full throttle" functions. I agree with other posts that the basic sound is very good to my ear but I was disappointed that it does not have a standard ESU feature set.
That should have been in the Proto* line. It's essentially a Proto 2000 without the details. ESU is by far the best decoder out there. They can be reprogrammed at any time, sounds are fantastic, easy function mapping, firmware can be updated, and the Loksound 4.0 decoder can be manipulated down to the sound clips in a .WAV file type. The 4.0 is pricey, but the 100% freedom to manipulate your sounds down to milliseconds is worth it. You can also add your own sounds as well.
Tsumani 2 has a more powerful amp and the prime mover sound changes automatically to the load on the loco. Both are very good ,but if you want to replicate load and power strain on the prime mover TSU 2 is the way to go .Don't need to reprogram to get it right just fine tune it with what is already on the decoder.
Glad you went with the Union Pacific version of the EMD SD60M James, my favorite roadname for this locomotive. Details (or lack of) aside, as much as Union Pacific is my favorite livery for an EMD SD60M, I wish they would have #2313 available in Union Pacific, because that's my personal favorite number for the Union Pacific version of this locomotive.
The budget ESU is way better sounding than the junk sound decoder in the 70 series before they switched to ESU. I enjoy my 70 but it sounds horrible for a leas unit. If it is a trailing unit in a consist no problem. Definitely like the fact that these models offer the hobbyist the option to add details. This should help out the dying detail market some.
@@spacecalander Its a train weight is good quality can pull not spin its wheels with 6 cars,even a switcher. Sorry traction tires not allowed and should be extinct.Bad for everything except for those who sell them.
Man that horn just made a sell for Walthers. Slap a keep alive, and some hoses, and grabs and what a beast. Hey Walthers start making modern locomotives in proto line please. Your pulling power is top notch so put so makeup on that girl. Why make a baseline locomotive, and not entice the customer on a showroom model. Love what you are doing, but step it up on the modern locomotive. Love you 💯
This is a Proto missing detail . No need for a keep alive with these at nearly 2 lbs and great drive-line. Waste of money with these. If your too lazy to clean your track ever ,better get one for everything then.Not like these new sound locos that say 18 ounces for a sd70 ace is heavy. That is a bad joke. They made some great dc locos and also some sound with the Proto line when Life like had them. Walthers just improved on them and gave a great option to keep the cost down by not detailing them like a proto . If your lucky you maybe find a 3 window proto 2000 all done up with the Athearn clone motor that will pull the house down and break bridges.
@@HARPO1ME Iam not lazy homie, I look at a keep alive like insurance, and my track work is on point 2 years any speed no derailments. I do what's good for me money is not an issue, and anything that's helps smooth running is smart model railroading. My layout is in a garage not a bed room.
I was very disappointed in this model and returned it today. The volume is very poor--nowhere near as good as it sounds in this video. In addition, there are no ditch lights and the programming capability is limited. I have two Walthers Mainline Montana Rail Link locos which are much better. They have ditch lights, better sound (SoundTraxx), and better programming capability.
Hello! today run on my layout SD 50 from Walthers Mainline UP scheme another SD comming in April 2021. Very smouth run and good sound. Happy new year to you and your family.
I just bought one and I’m impressed with how well it runs. I only have one concern about the sound, it’s not very loud especially in a consist. But still an excellent product.
I love the sound of the Horn .. Sounds like its to scale distance with a slight echo !!! Love it .. Great review as usual!!
John Schmidt Jr I know ! Definatly what is turned me to buy one
Beautiful horn with echo effect! ESU rocks!!! 😍
Life like 2000 produced this version in 1999 or there abouts. Only thing was the Conrail version was used as a base for most paint schemes including UP. But it was a heavy model with a tractive effort equivalent to 80 plus cars or so. This is a good review of a much needed locomotive.
Just got my 2 NS schemed engines a few weeks ago. Ordered them back in March. Super smooth running, very closely speed matched right out of the box and generously detailed for the price. Video doesn’t do justice on the sound tho. They have pretty dang good audio in my opinion. Defiantly a good buy! Nice review James!
James, the SD60M was originally run by Life-Like in the Proto2000 series. P2K SD60s were famous for being "slow" (actually closer to prototype) and for being strong pullers. The good news about Walthers' Mainline series is that mechanism (at least the ones I have) have helical-cut gears and the units run smoothly and quietly. I have several of the "cousin" SD70ACes and they run smoothly for HOURS on my display layout. So for a reasonably street price you get a strong, reliable sound/DCC locomotive. Yes, they lack the fine details of other brands, but I enjoy doing some of my own detailing. It's kind of a throwback to the old Athearn "blue box" days where you got a basic loco and detailed it to match your prototype. By the way, James, YES an SD60M had sunshades! A-Line makes a nice brass sunshade that is an exact match for the type EMD sent out with SD60Ms.
Planning on getting a BNSF version! Already happy with my Walthers SD70ACE!
That horn is amazing. Going to pick one up soon.
It's the old Proto 2000 tooling, minus the added on detail parts.
YA THAT IS A GREAT THING!
Hi James. You do a great job on your reviews. However, wrt to the Walthers Mainline locos, I suggest that you should make it much more clear that this is an ESU "Essential Sound Unit" decoder that does not include all the normal ESU "full throttle" functions. I agree with other posts that the basic sound is very good to my ear but I was disappointed that it does not have a standard ESU feature set.
That should have been in the Proto* line. It's essentially a Proto 2000 without the details.
ESU is by far the best decoder out there. They can be reprogrammed at any time, sounds are fantastic, easy function mapping, firmware can be updated, and the Loksound 4.0 decoder can be manipulated down to the sound clips in a .WAV file type. The 4.0 is pricey, but the 100% freedom to manipulate your sounds down to milliseconds is worth it. You can also add your own sounds as well.
Tsumani 2 has a more powerful amp and the prime mover sound changes automatically to the load on the loco. Both are very good ,but if you want to replicate load and power strain on the prime mover TSU 2 is the way to go .Don't need to reprogram to get it right just fine tune it with what is already on the decoder.
Glad you went with the Union Pacific version of the EMD SD60M James, my favorite roadname for this locomotive. Details (or lack of) aside, as much as Union Pacific is my favorite livery for an EMD SD60M, I wish they would have #2313 available in Union Pacific, because that's my personal favorite number for the Union Pacific version of this locomotive.
That horn sounds so good
Might need to get one these in NS paint. Wish someone made a more detailed triclops in NS paint. But I'll just have to detail it myself. 🤷♂️
The budget ESU is way better sounding than the junk sound decoder in the 70 series before they switched to ESU. I enjoy my 70 but it sounds horrible for a leas unit. If it is a trailing unit in a consist no problem. Definitely like the fact that these models offer the hobbyist the option to add details. This should help out the dying detail market some.
the 2 on the side of the loco looks like it chipped a little, Great vid James
Proto 2000 I know was the first plastic ones. I haven't seen a manufacturer make an HO one for a while!
I have this in proto 2000, way more deatailed, and super heavy, the smoothest runner at slow speeds possibly.
Great review! I may try getting the BN one at some point.
Does Walthers offer a complete detailing kit for it to bring it back to the Proto 2000 detail level?
Definitely would want to get one of these!
Hello! very nice locomotive I want 3 on my layout for next year.
Nicely done James
Got one in the CP paint and DC only
Very nice engine, especially for the price point.
It's a stripped down Proto 2000 model I bought several back in 2001
I’ve got a question, what kind of DCC controller do you use?
No ditch lights?
Why do people get caught up in the pulling power issue? If your train is too heavy add another locomotive
right?
@@spacecalander Its a train weight is good quality can pull not spin its wheels with 6 cars,even a switcher. Sorry traction tires not allowed and should be extinct.Bad for everything except for those who sell them.
What is 3.1 means like how many cars it could pull?
Typically 15 average freight cars per oz of pull. 3.1 would then be about 46 cars on straight and level track.
Man that horn just made a sell for Walthers. Slap a keep alive, and some hoses, and grabs and what a beast. Hey Walthers start making modern locomotives in proto line please. Your pulling power is top notch so put so makeup on that girl. Why make a baseline locomotive, and not entice the customer on a showroom model. Love what you are doing, but step it up on the modern locomotive. Love you 💯
This line of models is a stripped down version of the proto 2000 line.
stewarttrains98 just heard it! DAG
@@stewarttrains98 true
This is a Proto missing detail . No need for a keep alive with these at nearly 2 lbs and great drive-line. Waste of money with these. If your too lazy to clean your track ever ,better get one for everything then.Not like these new sound locos that say 18 ounces for a sd70 ace is heavy. That is a bad joke. They made some great dc locos and also some sound with the Proto line when Life like had them. Walthers just improved on them and gave a great option to keep the cost down by not detailing them like a proto . If your lucky you maybe find a 3 window proto 2000 all done up with the Athearn clone motor that will pull the house down and break bridges.
@@HARPO1ME Iam not lazy homie, I look at a keep alive like insurance, and my track work is on point 2 years any speed no derailments. I do what's good for me money is not an issue, and anything that's helps smooth running is smart model railroading. My layout is in a garage not a bed room.
oh my god i have the SAME engine with the SAME decoder but it is in SOO candy apple livery
Looks like N scale, cab windows are hideous and the lightning bolt is way too low but a nice touch with the see thru steps.
I also noticed quite quickly that the lightning stripe was too low.
@@martinmcdonnell8058 Both wrong!
I got this one in Soo Line #6058 with sound
Available on model trains stuff for 147 including shipping
Very nice !!
First
railroad was Baltimore & Ohio
Fourth. Great review James keep up the great work.
Love union Pacific
Nice.
I got to see the real one. I have drone footage of it.
Nice engine
Like most Loksound horns, that sounds pretty quiet. Glad I went with a Tsunami 2 for my Triclops
Grate loco!
I guess I'm the only one to say this: THANK GOD WALTHERS SWITCHED TO ESU LOKSOUND! IT SOUNDS BEAUTIFUL!! Good review
I'm OK with it being an ESU decoder as long as it's not there essential sound unit.
MSRP 99.98, with no detail. Athearn roundhouse MSRP 107, and at least has the grab irons installed.
I dont care if I'm not first, I'm giving the first 👍
I was very disappointed in this model and returned it today. The volume is very poor--nowhere near as good as it sounds in this video. In addition, there are no ditch lights and the programming capability is limited. I have two Walthers Mainline Montana Rail Link locos which are much better. They have ditch lights, better sound (SoundTraxx), and better programming capability.
Does the prime mover sound on this piece of shit bare any resemblance AT ALL to what the locomotive is actually doing?
FIRST!!!!!!!!
1st