Of all the many EMD switchers rostered by the NYC, the NW-2 was the most numerous. They bought 135 new, then in 1957 added 17 more second-hand from the NYO&W. That makes a grand total of 152 - all built in 1948-1949 (Phase IV or V). Note that Kato mentions Phase I with regard to the riveted fuel tank. This is indeed an early phase NW-2 - with NO LOUVERS in the hood sides. Phases I-II had no louvers. Phase IV (the most numerous) and V had 6 columns of louvers with a letterboard area dividing the columns of louvered vents. Phase III had 6 columns of louvered vents with no letterboard gap. These louvered vents (or lack of them) are among the prime spotting features for your railroad. NW-2 production in 1949 reverted to production of the SW-7 which had the same louvered vent configuration as the Phase IV-V NW-2.
Mike, you may have talked me into buying one. It may be louvers that have caused my avoidance of modern diesels. Remind me of a row of gym lockers. Ben
I predict multiple roadnames being announced shortly after this release. The DCC issue - KATO typically allows for a replacement light board to be developed by digitrax, once released. Digitrax did not get an advance SD40-2 model and their decoder took about 45 days to reach market after the SD40-2 was released so I would expect the same on this release. I will bet that there will be NO room under the shell to hard wire a decoder without doing any frame cutting. I am quite interested in the mechanism that they have designed for this release as well as the truck design. I am not a real fan of their re-designed mechanisms as I hate the way those trucks "snap" in but I presume that this is going to be the norm for all future releases. This release will tell. Brian
I predict longer. The SD40-2 decoder only required changing the LED type to surface mount. The NW2 decoder will probably have to be designed from scratch. Am I the only one who thinks there's nothing wrong with the SD40-2 design, and kindof even LIKES it? Seriously, if you're out there, chime in. As for future releases, I don't think there is any reason to presume an new norm based on a single new mech, and I don't know that a switcher mech will tell us alot about future six-axle road units, but I agree it will give us some clues.
Well, I talked to the Kato folks at the WGH today in Pittsburgh. They didn't have much there...some HO stuff, and an Amtrak Superliner train on an oval of Unitrack. So I asked the guy what's up with the NW2. He wondered how I'd heard about it, and seemed surprised that the word was out. Anyway, he reaches under the table and pulls out an NW2 - undecorated, on a dummy chassis. So, I don't know how they'll run, but I know the shell looked very nice, with crisp detail and a nice wire railing. There will be room for a drop-in decoder, which he said is forthcoming from someone (I'm guessing Digitrax). Also, I was told that a small piece of fiber-optic cable is being used to provide working front and rear directional headlights. Finally, when I asked about performance, he was honest and told me that he hadn't seen one run yet, but he was told they'll be all slow creep and no high speed. It looked nice. We'll see. Ray
Jason, thanks for pointing out my error. I went back and corrected the spotting features - Phase III does indeed have louvered vents without the letterboard gap.
I like the new sd40-2s, i have 4 of them and 5 of the old run and they all run together very well no problems at all
This NW 2 is a great little switcher. I'm not really in the market for a switcher but the price isn't bad. I'll bet it would look good wearing kodachrome!
I believe the last 3 (rebuilt) NW2s left Santa Fe's roster in 1984 so probably didn't see the kodachrome scheme, but they would look good though. Did any of SP's last long enough?
Original Cotton Belt four SW2s delivered in grey/yellow scheme in May and Nov, 1949. Espee SW2s delivered all black scheme in June/July 1941. Total purchased SP/SSW/T&NO: 54 Some were rebuilt in 1971/1972 (Bloody nose scheme); I couldn't find any Kodachrome pictures. Many were sold to other companies and some may survive today?
Bob, Not sure of the tone present here, but... I didn't state in my post to use a LL mech. I don't care for the contacts falling off all the time. I also won't use the old Con Cor mech and reverse engineer the whole thing. I merely was stating the measurement of the truck centers and added that a good running mechanism (given Kato's track record it may) for switchers would make excellent kitbash material. That was my "logic talking". I also will judge the mechanism when I get it in my grubby little hands and I'll try not to speculate until I do. Chuck
Well I'm glad I reserved mine. It may be one that I actually get in my lifetime. And I applaud Kato for its business acumen. They may step on some toes with their choice of models. But they know what sells and that may be what will give them the finances to eventually produce what will salve the wounds of those whose toes were stepped on. Sure beats those whose cavalier attitudes toward delivery schedules cause us anxiety and may just contribute to the demise of dealers whose livelihoods depend upon models actually being produced. Ben
The Kato website has been updated with a picture of the NW2. It also has a second picure with it. Jim http://www.katousa.com/
Has any one had a view of the internals? Will it be an easy DCC conversion? Oh yea for you Sd40-2 guys more ATSF and BNSF versions coming out, however I could have used a couple more White face units. If any one has the info on the DCC side let me know.
