ScaleTrains.com will expand its Rivet Counter collection of N scale offerings with Norfolk Southern’s (NS) C40-9 “Top Hat” diesel locomotive. This new addition will come equipped with a DC/DCC-ready “Next 18” connector and with factory-installed ESU-LokSound 5 Micro DCC and sound electronics with cube-type speaker. Norfolk Southern was a holdout on the move to wide-nose buying and had General Electric build 100 spartan-cab Dash 9s for its roster. In addition to the traditional cab design, these Dash 9s were set with a 4,000 rpm rate; these variations made these C40-9s units different externally and internally from the many wide-nose C44-9Ws operated on other North American Class 1 railroads. In recent years, C40-9 survivors received makeovers that included the addition of a safety cab and AC traction motors.

Above: Norfolk Southern 8888, a Dash 9-40C, was at Harrington, Del., in July 2004. Previously produced in HO, ScaleTrains.com will bring this unique prototype to N scale. — Kevin EuDaly collection

ScaleTrains.com will produce for its N-scale Rivet Counter series this interesting NS prototype with reproductions presenting the look of the units from delivery in 1995 through the mid-2010s. This was NS’ 8764–8888. The fully assembled model will include accurate spartan cab with rooftop air conditioner unit, dual Motorola ASP-16 “Firecracker” antennas, Nathan “AirChime” K5LAR24 air horn, and flat-top low hood. This highly detailed reproduction will include “nub”-pattern walkway tread surround the hoods, four-step stepwells, tall snowplow with openings for MU hoses, early flanged exhaust stack housing, “bathtub”-style exhaust silencer, high-mounted rear sandfiller, early lift lugs on ends of radiator wings, and more. The model will ride on correct Hi-Ad truck sideframes with non-cantilevered struts on all four sideframes with a 5,000-gallon fuel tank between the trucks with single fuel fills per side.
ScaleTrains.com plans six road numbers (8765, 8772, 8791, 8835, 8840, and 8888) decorated in Norfolk Southern’s Thoroughbred livery. You’ll be able to purchase any of these announced road numbers in DCC-sound or standard DC version.

For additional information, check with your ScaleTrains.com hobby dealer or visit the manufacturer’s website. Reservations are being accepted now for an expected June 2021 delivery of this latest addition to the company’s Rivet Counter series of high-quality N-scale diesel locomotives.

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