First taste of MTL SW1500

[James Costello]

Flexicoil trucks and light package for the SP, plus the alternative version with the handrail on the shell is phase two. 

Runner Pack? 

Looks nice Joe.

[learmoia]

Nice.... Very Nice.......

Looking forward to a pair of Conrails.. And 'Phase 2'

~ Ian in Iowa

[ryan_wilkerson]

Runner Pack? 

Looks nice Joe.

yeah...and a graffiti special edition? Plenty of photos of some rough looking SP switchers!

[daniel_leavitt2000]

Ok a few questions. Will the hood be scale width? If you are using the Walthers SW1200 mechanism, then is would be way too wide. Are you making your own frames and using the Walthers running gear?

Second, what about the roller bearing ARA trucks? Will you be making these as well. The only SW1500 with friction bearing trucks were ones that used trade-in trucks which was relatively uncommon.

Three. If you are unable to tool the tread walkway on your models, might I suggest you print them using the same technique as you for your graffiti cars. You can build up layers of paint to imitate the diamond tread pattern without having to tool it.

The side looks very good except for the fuel tank and friction bearing trucks. I would love to see some end shots as well.

[wcfn100]

Second, what about the roller bearing ARA trucks? Will you be making these as well. The only SW1500 with friction bearing trucks were ones that used trade-in trucks which was relatively uncommon.

But still wanted.

http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=2150252

I don't think Transfer had enough locomotives to trade in for 7 SW1500's with friction trucks.  I'm dubious about that information.

Jason

[daniel_leavitt2000]

They may have been trade-ins from other railroads. I think a few were even based on Baldwins with new mounting hardware.

[peteski]

Hmm... Digitrax decoder.  Not very good. While I have no problems with their motor control, their Lighting FX do not play well with LEDs. At least up to the 5th generation of the decoders (as in DZ125).  And light bulbs are so 20th Century...    Their 6th generation supposedly is LED friendly, but none of those are made for N scale.

This brings up a point of how many functions will the decoder have?  Many of these switchers had all sorts of flashing and non-flashing lights and beacons added by the railroads. If the decoder only has 2 functions, then what you do when you want to add a beacon or another light?  Are you SOL?  Or do you attempt to shoehorn another decoder in, just for the lights?

[Rich_S]

I'd like to see some Union Railroad



and Pittsburgh & Lake Erie Railroad







SW1500's, Just saying 

[Rich_S]

Hmm... Digitrax decoder.  Not very good. While I have no problems with their motor control, their Lighting FX do not play well with LEDs. At least up to the 5th generation of the decoders (as in DZ125).  And light bulbs are so 20th Century...    Their 6th generation supposedly is LED friendly, but none of those are made for N scale.

This brings up a point of how many functions will the decoder have?  Many of these switchers had all sorts of flashing and non-flashing lights and beacons added by the railroads. If the decoder only has 2 functions, then what you do when you want to add a beacon or another light?  Are you SOL?  Or do you attempt to shoehorn another decoder in, just for the lights?

What about the DZ143? I've not had any issues with Digitrax decoders and LED's, when it comes to head lights. Are you having a issues when using LED's for ditch lights or strobes and a Digitrax decoder?

[spookshow]

Why do people keep assuming that this model has anything at all to do with the LL/Walthers SW? 

Cheers,
-Mark

[Robbman]

Get rid of the molded in lowered drop-step.  You can mold it into the end handrails (in the raised position) for the units that have them, with the corresponding chain.  Then have another set of end handrails without chain and drop-step.

[johnh35]

Why do people keep assuming that this model has anything at all to do with the LL/Walthers SW? 

Cheers,
-Mark

Hmmm...maybe the trucks and tank? Maybe the alluded to "modified" mechanism? Dunno....just asking if they are sharing components.

[Chris333]

Get rid of the molded in lowered drop-step.  You can mold it into the end handrails (in the raised position) for the units that have them, with the corresponding chain.  Then have another set of end handrails without chain and drop-step.

If that's all Robb has to say then I guess they look pretty good

[Chris333]

Why do people keep assuming that this model has anything at all to do with the LL/Walthers SW? 

Cheers,
-Mark

Because that looks like what the shell is sitting on with no explanation.

[Spades]

Why do people keep assuming that this model has anything at all to do with the LL/Walthers SW? 

Cheers,
-Mark

Spookshow

What a great resource your website is.  To answer your question. 1.) Fuel tank and truck look like LL's SW which has the right length but is a little too wide. 2.) Mirco Trains sells and uses LL locomotives. http://www.micro-trains.com/pl-NLocos.php 3.) I am the ultimate Nostra dumb a$$ at predicting this stuff, but I will buying some SP units.  Just to give Joe comfort SP owned about 30% of the SW1500 production and I am sure they will sell, but I really hope the hoods  are scale width.

G