Another SP Switcher Kitbash Started, But Which One? (Updated 3/6)

[tehachapifan]

I started another cab for an SP switcher kitbash. Not sure if this will go on another SW1500 or an MP15AC this time. I have the parts for another SW1500 but an MP15AC would be cool too! Whatcha think I should do? ??? If I did an MP15AC, I would just use a drive from a DC unit as I believe the truck centers are only 6" off (which is close enough, in my opinion).

I took a different approach with the SP light package install this time. After studying numerous photos of SW1500's and MP15AC & DC units, it appears that the visor over the lights in the nose was also used on the cab as seen here.....

http://espee.railfan.net/picindex/mp15ac_walkaround/rs_mp15ac-y.html

So, I did the same and cut the front visor (and marker light housings) off a scrap Atlas MP15DC shell and spliced it into position on the cab. Opinions welcome.

[C855B]

My opinion? Ya gotta do an S-6!  ;D

[GaryHinshaw]

AC!  That way we get both a 1500 and an AC in RTR next year. 

Of course it will be cool either way.

[stuntman]

 You did the 1500 already... Go for the AC!

[TiVoPrince]

1500's
seldom ran single.  Completing a pair should gaurantee an immediate Atlas announcement.  The MP15AC certainly has the 'mini tunnel motor' look that just shouts SP...

[Philip H]

Go AC or go home . . . .

[sirenwerks]

Go AC or go home . . . .

Get there quick before the snow hits and don't forget to pick up toilet paper and milk.... seriously, I like the S6 idea best, even if it wasn't an option.

[jmlaboda]

"The MP15AC certainly has the 'mini tunnel motor' look that just shouts SP..."

As well as Family Lines (not very pretty in ribbons), Seaboard System (very sharp units), Milwaukee Road, Canadian Pacific...

[tehachapifan]

It's been a while since I replied to this thread. I decided that I couldn't decide between doing another SW1500 or an MP15AC, so I'm doing both!

Here are some photos of recent progress on my SP15AC kitbash now that my parts from Atlas arrived. The radiator exhaust section was taken from an Atlas GP15-1 shell and the intake grilles are from an etched set for tunnel motors. The forward walkway section, which still needs a lot of stepwell work in these first 2 photos, was taken from an Atlas SD50 walkway. The distance between pilot faces came out to be exactly 18" longer than my MP15DC model, which I understand is correct for the AC.





Here's a photo of the forward stepwell mods. Looks way better in person...these close ups are brutal!



Here's a shot of the second SW1500 next to my original. I happened to pick up enough parts from Atlas to do a third too.



Russ

[jnevis]

Well if you're building them, how about sending one this way?   I have what I think are all the parts, I just can't find Daniel's article anymore.  I had planned WP units, but CCT still has ex-SP SW1500s.

[Spades]

Russ

Excellent modelling.  If you want to expand the mle product line, the cab number boards and SP light packages, would make a great addition.

Greg

[packers#1]

are you using the MP15 chassis for the SW1500 as well?
Fantastic work!

[tehachapifan]

The SW1500's ride on a (modified) Con-Cor/Kato SW1500 chassis, which entailed milling away the part of the frame that surrounds the motor in order for the narrow shell to fit.

I thought about doing the numberboards as an etched product but have not so far. I would love to do light packages but have done nothing in the casting arena yet at all.

[TiVoPrince]

Wondering 
if the front radiator section would also be a good etching candidate?  Availability of an easy to install etched part would strongly motivate me to build an MP15AC or three...

[tehachapifan]

I can't do the grilles as I would end up with hundreds of the things!

I added the electrical cabinet and stepguard to the engineer's side tonight. Might shorten those louvers next to the cab so there's a little space in between...