For the first time in plastic, a General Motors Diesel Division SD40-2F is available as an HO scale model thanks to Bowser Trains. We tested a version that came factory-equipped with an ESU LokSound decoder. Watch as we put this Canadian freight hauler to work on the Model Railroader staff’s layout, the Milwaukee, Racine & Troy.
Video: Bowser Trains HO scale GMDD SD40-2F
By Angela Cotey | May 10, 2016
| Last updated on February 11, 2021
The Bowser HO scale SD40-2F comes equipped with an ESU LokSound Digital Command Control (DCC) decoder
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It could just be me, but I’m worn down with Dana’s review of DCC motive power, not that he should be to blame, it would seem each ‘new releases is as predictable as the last new DCC release , and I’m sure no order of F-keys activations could changed it up one way or the other? I’m feeling the power of ‘sound’ is just not so impressive any more? I could go out on one more limb,, a few sd40-2 and handful of Gp 38 humming away at local yard.. more than I need to hear. just darn right distracting for the model RR… I at one time could follow my F9ABBA in complete silence for hours!
I own two of these and they look fantastic (and they have a nice detailed brake chain). My only beef with them is how low the sound is even when maxed out. The unit is sealed with no place for the sound to escape.
Robert, other than Bowser only Rapido, a Canadian company is making truly Canadian prototype locos. Sure you might find some Canadian road names in other manufacturer’s lineup, but they are usually not quite “Canadian”. Keep up the good work Bowser and make me a Canadian RS 18. I am good without the crew in the cab for my locos. It is a glass half full sort of thing because if they have a crew then it looks silly when you MU them. I have this loco and it is one of the strongest pulling ones on my layout.
Very nice model and it sounds great except for the bell. I’ve never heard a prototype bell start with a double ding, have you?
Is it possible to get rid of the double ding. It seems like most of the decoders that they produce suffer from this malady, not for all , some reason but most of do.
Bill
Bowser deserves a lot of credit for leaping into a marketplace that has heretofore been under-served, primarily by fooby repaints, with only a few credible exceptions (Intermountain comes to mind). While it was likely spurred by the 2009 collapse of demand in the USA, nonetheless Bowser did it. The -2F isn’t of interest for me, but I’ve a stable of other Bowser units, SD40-2s and 636s, all of which are executed brilliantly. With homegrown Rapido complementing the Bowser production with other Canadian gems, it’s a fine time to be a Canuck HO modeller (mind you, my CFO tells me “NO MORE” on a regular basis – good thing we’re married!).
ACR Forever!
There certainly seems to be a fascination with Canadian power lately. This is a nice looking unit. Guess it must be one of those remote controlled ones, as there was no crew in the cab. In the head on shot leaving the yard, noticed a bit of flicker in the ditch lights; but did not see them flashing during the grade crossing shot.
Nice weathering job on the plate girder bridge on the quarry branch, by the way.