icemorons

How about using a 2x2 turntable plate as the pivot point? Experiment with its offset from the centerline of the wheel axle. Those standard wheelsets are 3 studs long, so a 2x2 turntable place could produce an offset pivot as small as 1/2 stud...

I've found some recently (both halves) on the Pick and Build wall at local Lego Stores. Threw like 50 pairs of them in a PAB large cup, and still had room for loads of other parts. Perhaps you can find some, too?

Sadly, according to any leaked materials I've been able to see, neither 60197 (passenger train) nor 60198 (cargo train) appears "classic diesel" in design. Both look euro-centric, especially the cargo (double-ended cab, but considerably different in design than 7939 or 60098). I hadn't thought of the bluebonnet, but I can see now how the same technique might be used for creating a similar line. The original Santa Fe Super Chief 10020 did a decent rendering of the side paint scheme, but I've never liked the blocky front. There's another recent thread on Train Tech where a MOC of 10020 was done with much smoother lines using modern slope parts. Check it out.

Does anyone have a good reference for the retirement timeframe of 60051 and 60052? They can't be around more than 3-4 more months with 60197 and 60198 about to be introduced in 2H18... I'd like to pick up at least one more copy of each, but haven't seen any retailers with discounts on them since ~July 2017. They stayed at or near MSRP all through the holiday season, unlike previous years when they were discounted considerably.

I've always found the most lacking thing in the switch track inventory to be turnouts. Some of the 3d-printers have addressed this, especially in modular versions, but a molded R40 turnout would have the robustness I'm looking for and be suitable for those without acres of space. Thx.

What a great take on the Super Chief. I've always admired the original, except for the blocky nose. Love what you've done to smooth it out some! Great job!

If the PF battery box is going to be in the tender, you'd best also integrate the PF motor into the tender also. Otherwise you'll have the same problems that 10254 suffers from--no weight over the driven axles, and chronic wheelspin. By integrating the PF motor into the tender, you'll get the benefit of the battery box's weight being directly over the driven axles. It also won't affect the aesthetics of the locomotive. Granted, you'll likely need to build a custom frame for the tender, to accommodate the bulky motor, and its top pin... That's the direction I'd go. I integrated a PF train motor and PF battery box into the Emerald Night tender in this way, and had pretty decent results. OR, you could use the Green Passenger car 10015, and integrate PF into that...

If TLG wanted to do something new, but still iconic, why not the Southern Pacific's GS-4 in Daylight livery? Although it would be a real challenge to ensure it could navigate the R40 curves, a 4-8-4 is possible, using a pair of blind drivers on each side... It wouldn't be that much longer than an Emerald Night. Just a suggestion.

Here's a MOC I built last night of the (presumed) 60197, based on the leaked video. Obviously I had to brick build the front, so that leaves the aesthetics questionable in that area. I was limited by bricks and colors on-hand, but mainly wanted to concentrate on the side details and overall color scheme to get a better idea on what we MIGHT be seeing in 2H18... I cannibalized the wheelsets from the rear car of 60051, as they appear to be the same as what's in the video. I welcome constructive criticism. Can't wait to see what TLG actually releases for 60197 and 60198!