Micro Trains BN SW1500s

[learmoia]

I think they look just fine..




Black is more or less black so it's not an issue here.. but is it reasonable to request for outer cab windows to be painted when appropriate?


It appears BN plated over windows on 322 leaving no signs of the window..

Now for Conrail (Hint Hint )


~Ian

[nkalanaga]

As far as I can find the BN units were delivered with glass in all four windows, so your best bet would probably be to paint them.  BN 311, at least, came with the windows, and it was purchased at the same time, in 1973.

[wazzou]

What are those, 48" wheels?   

[nkalanaga]

I think they're supposed to be standard 40 inch.

[daniel_leavitt2000]

Bad angle on the MTL shots... the wheels are proper sized. I have two shell kids on order from MBK. Can't wait to paint them up in CR.

[u18b]

I think they look great.

Some have complained about the ugly pickup..... But all it would take is to pull the shell off and use a permanent black marker to make most of that shiny brass go away.

[Chris333]

Those wheels are much better than the first LifeLike SW release.

[Denver Road Doug]

I think they look pretty good.   I really want to get one but it's probably not in the cards right now.   But I'm glad to see them in cascade green!

[Ed Kapuscinski]

They don't look bad, as long as you don't look at them from the front!

I too can't wait to get my hands on some in blue.

The window thing is tricky. As delivered, I think most had all four windows. On Conrail, at least, over time they got replaced to vary degrees. First with just a quick patch, like on 9594 up there, but then, later they got more thorough replacements, like on 322.

I think MTL did the smart thing here. It's easier to patch them up than have to add windows in.

[Denver Road Doug]

The window thing is tricky. As delivered, I think most had all four windows. On Conrail, at least, over time they got replaced to vary degrees. First with just a quick patch, like on 9594 up there, but then, later they got more thorough replacements, like on 322.

Here's an idea for Joe.   After every, say, 5-10 releases or perhaps once a year....create a decal set with color-matched panels for the previous x-number of releases, so that we can easily "paint over" the windows that aren't legit for the particular locomotive we're trying to make.

[tom mann]

@Shipsure should be congratulated here.  This BN release is significantly better than the sample photos posted a long time ago (that was at the wrong height, wrong trucks, wrong fuel tank...).

Keep up the tweaking!

[RSWController]

Yes I think they look nice. I am leaning towards taking the plunge myself and paint up my first IHB black unit... Unless they are coming down the pipe soon. Hey Shipsure, care to divulge any plans? And by soon I mean sometime in the next 9-12 months. Like after the KCS and Reading units.

[Denver Road Doug]

Question: Is the mech identical to the LL SW9/1200?  I know there was discussion on this, and I know it was *derived* from the LL/Walthers mech, but specifically could I take an existing LL shell in place it on this mech?

I agree, Joe deserves some attaboys.  I get it that it has concessions but...it's definitely an good option for an SW1500 that is here NOW.  And if I can use the mech "dual purpose" for my SW1200 and for the BN unit too that would be a justifiable purchase for me.

[Philip H]

Question: Is the mech identical to the LL SW9/1200?  I know there was discussion on this, and I know it was *derived* from the LL/Walthers mech, but specifically could I take an existing LL shell in place it on this mech?

I agree, Joe deserves some attaboys.  I get it that it has concessions but...it's definitely an good option for an SW1500 that is here NOW.  And if I can use the mech "dual purpose" for my SW1200 and for the BN unit too that would be a justifiable purchase for me.

Based on the one I have in hand, you could do a straight shell swap.  According to @spookshow (http://www.spookshow.net/loco/llsw.html) its the same mech.

[Catt]

I'm waiting for the CSX version in YN-3 .