MTL SW1500 test shots.

[JoeD]

Here are three shots of the shell with all the parts stuck on.  Clearly we have to address shrink and fit, but I thought you all might like another look.  Now that we have all the pieces I can start working on my New Haven de Mexico layout with New Haven equipment that operated out of Guadalajara during the 1950's. 

Joe

[Ed Kapuscinski]

*****. I'm happy with that!

Is that a full-cab weight?

Is that guy removable like the LL ones (for vanity photos)?

[JoeD]

It comes out just like the SW 1200 does.  I am looking at making a short weight to include with the engine so you can switch them out and still get good traction.  So far with testing, I am able to pull 22 40' cars with a little slipping on curves...without the weight I'm down to about 18....un scientific test at this point...just messing around on the layout.  More later.

Joe

[Chris333]

Hey why not a photo of the chassis that will be used in production.   

[Rossford Yard]

Looks good. And the cab is in my IHB colors, so maybe that tells us something?

One thing I notice is that I find the details don't look very crisp on nearly any unpainted model, but when they get painted, the details seem to get crisper. Anyone else notice that, or am I just different....don't answer that!

Looking forward to a much needed model, and yes, based on my experience with NW2, SW9 and MP15AC, please stack as much weight in wherever you can!

[Robbman]

Four-step stepwells, good.  I still say remove the molded on dropstep from the anticlimber and make ot part of the end handrails in the up position, at least for this sill version.  Allows for all the roads that didn't have dropsteps by just doing another end handrail.

[learmoia]

Are we still looking at the LL frame? Will the trucks have roller bearings?  I had the same feeling about the drop steps until I looked at photos.. and most photos showed drop steps down whether or not it was coupled to another unit.

~Ian

[Philip H]

Hubba hubba. That's gonna look nice in white.

[High Hood]

Ooo this is going to be a looker for sure!

[MRL]

Will it fit an Atlas MP15?
If it is a LLSW12 mech then will it fit on a Kato NW2 mech?

[packers#1]

Very nice sir, definitely going on the short list

[Dave V]

Looking very sweet!  I'll be looking to add a CR unit for Lewistown, PA.

There's quite a bit on that workbench behind the '1500 too!

[JoeD]

Yes, it's still the Life Like frame but we made changes at the factory to allow for isolating the motor from the frame, including wires with pins that fit into a socket on a modified board.  To go DCC you unplug, remove light board and drop in a decoder (Digitrax is working on one)  We are working on the alternative truck and then will follow with a new shell with the hand rail on the side of the shell plus SP light package.

I'll post shots tomorrow, but there's not much to see.

Joe

Are we still looking at the LL frame? Will the trucks have roller bearings?  I had the same feeling about the drop steps until I looked at photos.. and most photos showed drop steps down whether or not it was coupled to another unit.

~Ian

[Ed Kapuscinski]

It comes out just like the SW 1200 does.  I am looking at making a short weight to include with the engine so you can switch them out and still get good traction.  So far with testing, I am able to pull 22 40' cars with a little slipping on curves...without the weight I'm down to about 18....un scientific test at this point...just messing around on the layout.  More later.

Joe

Sweet. That's exactly what I was hoping. I really like the way that works out on the LL unit. There are options.

I can't wait now. Hurry up! I want my holy grails!

[brokemoto]

Now that we have all the pieces I can start working on my New Haven de Mexico layout with New Haven equipment that operated out of Guadalajara during the 1950's. 

Joe

Allright, but when are we going to see photographs of the version with the Rapido couplers?