Walthers N Scale SW-1200 announced.

Should I trust that these are superior to the predecessor LL SW9/1200 models and DCC ready, are able to be adaptable to be DC only? If so I’ll take 2!

Tom

 

I'm hoping that parts will be available....

 

The Walthers SW's would make a good stand in. Milwaukee used SW1's. Would have to try to find the Arnold SW1's and then paint them. Using the Walthers would be easier and quicker.

 

I did an article for N Scale Railroading on painting the Arnold SW1 for the Milwaukee Road.
Use the Western Maryland Minuteman version which has the correct windshield and headlight.
Leave the top portion black and paint the lower portion orange. You only need to tape off three lower windows on the back of the cab and don't need to remove the glass.

 

I'll have to pick that up. I've seen you can get the sw-1 shells for cheap on Ebay.

 

K-59,
I think it was the June 2016 issue of N Scale Railroading.

 

Beautiful loco! I just ordered the issue off ebay, thanks!

 

I used to watch the four/five unit SW1 consist in Austin, MN back in the sixties when the Milwaukee road still had a sizable yard, engine house, and ice facility there. The pedestrian bridge, built in 1895, over the yard was still there and I would sit for hours up there on my bike and watch the crew switch the yard.

Then, when a train was ready to depart, I would hurry down and get to the end of the yard to watch it leave town. Being right next to all that power as they revved the locos up was a real thrill.

They looked just like J Starbuck's and there were frequent F units there too. And, of course, the Baldwin S-12 switcher. At the time, I didn't know why it whistled when revved but knew it had to have something to do with the engine. Learned later it was turbocharged.

Doug

 

So as to not derail the SW1200 thread, here's a LifeLike that I renumbered and detailed.

This was the loco responsible for me getting back into model railroading. It was my first train purchase since 1974 and what a difference!
I hardwired a TCS Z2 decoder and put in an 0603 LED for a rear cab light.
It got brass worms and turned down flanges which the new Walthers releases already have.
The board replacement decoders by Digitrax and TCS work well. You just need to solder motor lead wires but all in all a pretty simple install.

 

So, the M/T shell actually fits the LL frame?

 

Yes, I have done it. Works both ways (MTL shell on LL chassis / LL shell on MTL chassis*).

*Walthers supplies all the chassis.

 

Thanks Ryan. That is some good information.

 

bremner, Nobody or company is perfect! If everyone and all companies were perfect it would be a Hell lot more complicated these days!

Tom