Well though I'm dissapointed as to what model they chose, maybe they will use it as a basis for S-8s and S-12s to be released in the future.
Ahhhh I love Atlas! They seem to remember who the Southern Pacific Railway was and what a huge contributor they were to the world of transportation. Thank you Atlas! Espeeman
Dad gummit, ya beat me to the punch!! Anywho, I got an email from Atlas, and from what I've seen, the model looks like a winner! There were enough VO1000s made, and they'll fit a niche in the transition-era diesel roster. Also, think of the kitbashing possibilities (convert to an EMD-repowered Baldwin, much like Frisco had). Could this be the beginning of more minority-builder diesels? I hope so!
The pre-production photos sure look good to me! Milw units will be gladly accepted here. Now, if only they will do some Northern Pacific! BoxcabE50
I have seen pictures of them (SP) in books/web. should be a good addition to any large yard opperations.
The VO 1000 is a model I have been wanting for a very long time and I have a feeling that the ATSF & SP versions will sell out fast. Thank you Atlas
The Lehigh Valley made the cut this time--gotta like that. Now let's hope we get the new Atlas decoders from Digitrax some time soon.
Meanwhile, over on the "Whine List" (oops, I meant the Atlas forum ), the usual hue & cry is heard about this or that pet locomotive not being released. The VO100 wasn't what I was looking for, either, but I can see one on my Paris & Mt. Pleasant (maybe two, as we're a shortline), even in Frisco colors. Hmm, wonder what two of 'em would look like hauling a long cut of woodracks to the paper mill.........
Nice engine! I can see some freelanced for shortlines after they had outlived their usefulness on the major roads. Are they considered "road switchers"? Was there such a term used back in the '40s?
I see some customers being dissapointed with the inability to convert to rapido couplers. Not a big problem though, I guess they can buy a few MT trucks w/ couplers and add them on to one end of a car w/ rapido couplers and then hook em up to the VO. Dave
I can't answer the first question. Will bet that intended or not, they did get out on the road for some companies The term was used in the 1940's. For instance: ALCo had their S-1 and RS-1 models. The S-1 being "switcher." RS-1 being "Road Switcher." BoxcabE50
WHEEWW, finally a locomotive that I don't need. I am saving up for the wide cab dash 8's and some T motors... ...well I could kitbash the BEEP... Brian
Very cool, to say the least. A nearby grain elevator uses a Baldwin S12 to shuffle cars around on its tracks; this is close enough for me to replicate such an operation on my N scale layout. Way to go, Atlas! Here's some food for thought: Now that Atlas has a switcher frame in their lineup, wadaya think we'll see from them next.
Well, without some specs at hand to see how close their respective truck centers, etc, might be... I'm dreaming of the EMD SW1!!! BoxcabE50
The first Fairbanks Morse M H10-44s (you know, the ones with the cab roof overhang like a steam locomotive) were built on the same cast frame as the VO1000s....later frames looked the same except were welded. The later H12-44s (the one that Aurora/MiniTrix attempted) are the same size. SWs and NWs ride on the same trucks and truck centers as the LifeLike switcher, although that drive isn't set up to do anything older or smaller than a SW7 (no NW2 or SW1s). I don't think Atlas will compromise to make any other switchers, so if you look for one on that mechanism, you are looking for something from Beloit......although I haven't checked out the Lima switchers, but that would be a real stretch as so few big roads had them!!! Charlie
Charlie, I know the SW1 had a shorter hood centered on the frame due to the smaller engine (8 cylinders compared to 12), but how is an NW2 smaller than an SW7? Dwight
Well with the Baldwin VO-1000 I'll have the all the PRR major switcher builders covered. Not sure if I'll wait for the PRR livery release or just paint and decal an undecorated? I have the FM switcher from Minitrix along with the newer Alco S2 and EMD SW9/1200. Sounds like a good time to start planning a bigger yard layout....hummmmm. I can even mix a few 0-6-0 steam in there for some transition effects. And I don't want to forget the electrics...I may take my DD-1 and use it like a B-1 switcher and move some passenger cars around. ...Eddie
FYI, the Nevada Northern has VO1000 number 801 stashed away in its Ely shops. For a pic, go to Railroads of White Pine County . It's a ex-Kennecott Copper unit, and its sister Baldwin is an S12, number 802. Now, with mines and steel mills (not to mention the EJ&E) using Baldwin switchers, surely this little guy can find a home on most layouts. [ 13. August 2002, 03:36: Message edited by: friscobob ]
