Price: no. 20-20273 powered: $459.95, unpowered $269.95
Features: See review.
O gauge RailKing line SD70ACe diesel by MTH
Price: no. 30-20136-1 powered: $329.95
Features: See review.
Current Premier and RailKing line Heritage road names (SD70ACe): Erie, Illinois Terminal, Jersey Central, Lackawanna, New York Central, Penn Central, Reading, Savannah & Atlanta, Virginian, and Wabash
The advent of the Norfolk Southern Heritage series of O gauge locomotives allowed me to have two copies of the same model – but in different road names – on the test track simultaneously. The models we received are the Premier line Wabash Electro-Motive SD70ACe and the RailKing line Illinois Terminal SD70ACe.
Product line overview
The main difference between MTH’s Premier line and its RailKing line is the selective compression of dimensions of the latter (targeted primarily at operators of traditional layouts with O-31 curves).
While the major detail points are present on both models, the Premier line version may have, for example, a full set of add-on grab irons whereas the same details might be cast in on the RailKing model. The same details are there, but one is more finely replicated than the other.
Today’s RailKing locomotives are not digitally dumbed down when compared to the Premier line version. You get the full command and sound package with either locomotive brand. Under the hood the capabilities are the same: two can-style motors, speed control, coil couplers, sound system, and lighting.
Since I’ve reviewed this model in both product lines in the last few years, I’m going to take the occasion of the Norfolk Southern Heritage fleet to do something a little different. As a departure from my normal review format, I’m going to let the photos illustrate the models from the same angles and point out the key detail points to encourage you to gauge which model may be right for your railroad.
On the test track
With the exception of the Illinois Terminal model lacking rear ditch lights, the electronic features of both models are the same. Both locomotives were responsive to commands in both conventional and DCS/ProtoSound 3.0 command modes.
Sound reproduction was good; if anything, the warning buzzer at prime mover startup was almost alarming! Smoke unit output for both models was impressively cough inducing! The exterior lighting packages (headlights, ditch lights, and number boards) looked great.
Both the Premier and RailKing Heritage units demonstrated consistent and reliable performance.
The RailKing SD70ACe’s conventional low-speed average was 5.8 scale miles per hour, while the command-mode low speed was 4.9 scale miles per hour. Our high-speed average was 66.7 scale miles per hour. Drawbar pull was 2 pounds, 2 ounces.
The Premier line SD70ACe’s conventional low-speed average was 5.8 scale miles per hour, while the command-mode low speed was 2.9 scale miles per hour. Drawbar pull was 2 pounds.
The bottom line
Hats off to the Norfolk Southern Heritage locomotive fleet. It gives O gauge modelers the opportunity to add modern power to their fleet from favorites that vanished from the scene over the past 50 years. The MTH Premier and RailKing lines help you in making the choice based on the diameter of your track curves and the degree of scale fidelity you need. Both locomotives get two thumbs up from me. They deliver solid performance and sound, so you can, as the famous food chain suggests, have it your way with detailing and price.
