O Gauge Wisconsin Central SD24 by MTH
Price: $519.95 (no. 20-21330-1)
Features: O-36 operation, two can-style motors, two remote couplers, smoke unit, add-on snowplow for pilot in box, ProtoSound 3.0 sound and command systems, conventional, command, or app control capability.
Low speed (Cmd): 3.8 scale mph
Low speed (Conv): 4.1 smph
High speed: 66.2 smph
Drawbar pull: 1 pound, 8 ounces
Current-production road names: Burlington Northern, Chicago & North Western, Erie-Lackawanna, Fox River Valley, Union Pacific, and Wisconsin Central (exFox River Valley).
The FRV and neighboring Green Bay & Western were absorbed by the Wisconsin Central, giving the unit its “WC” identifier on the cab side. The WC eventually became part of Canadian National.
An interesting design element is the alternating silver striping along the frame that simulates reflective safety marking.
The locomotive also comes with plows for the front and rear, which we’ll leave to the new owner to apply.
On the test track
Firing up the model, you’ll hear a robust EMD diesel prime mover. The horn and bell are loud and clear, and the smoke unit fogged up my basement in short order.
The model also has crew chatter and the odd clanks and thunks that make today’s sound systems so neat.
Response to commands was near instantaneous, although in one backing move I was a bit slow in issuing the right directional command and things went bump in the daylight.
The SD24 handed all loads very well. This included a passenger train that began at a nearly 4-amp load before the O gauge locomotive started up!
Low speeds were well below 10 scale miles per hour. The drawbar pull was a solid 1 pound, 8 ounces.
The MTH SD24 may look like a Geep, but the six axles, good performance, and interesting liveries will make this a workhorse on your railroad. – Bob Keller
Model courtesy of Sommerfeld’s Trains & Hobbies, Butler, Wis.