Dwight- The frame is the same, but the hood has that stepped taper in front of the cab, which the way the LifeLike mechanism halves are designed would not work with the step in the frame (if I remember the clearances when I analyzed it for a stillborn Kato project). BTW, the SC s have a shorter hood as well, so there is another EMC/ EMD switcher that can't be done one the same mechanism. Charlie
I guess I wasn't implying that Atlas would fudge a future release. What I meant is that now that they have one switcher under their belts designing future models won't be hard to do.
While it is true they now have the trucks, the rest of the loco would have to be brand new, even for an SW7. Plus there is no guarantee that the next model will come from the same builder...... The VO-1000 and FM H10-44 and H12-44 have higher hoods, allowing a taller mechanism. The LifeLike unit crams the mech into the shell with no wiggle room..... the frame is scooted around the motor rather than the motor inserted in a frame.... I proposed doing a switcher at Kato but it really would require a new, smaller motor.... which would take years of development for the factory. The new outsourced motor used in the new Japanese Class 9600 2-8-0 really isn't the answer as it is wider than the stock GM-5 N Scale motor, although it is slightly shorter in height. I hope the Atlas units sell very well..... switchers tend not to sell in spite of the fact that everbody should need them and there are so few good ones on the market. I plan on standardizing on the VO1000 for my G&S but would gladly set them aside in a couple of years when a good USRA 0-8-0 becomes available that can bump them to other duties! Charlie
Sure is great having you around Charlie for all the great insight into manufacturing and design. Thanks!
Found this while looking at George Elwood's Fallen Flag RR site: It was taken in December 1968 by Dave Goss in Birmingham, AL. Well, this makes my painting job easier- N scale Frisco decals are made by Microscale, so I'm in business
Oh, these babies are definitely not road switchers. They aren't meant to do more than 20, and that's a stretch. Besides, they ride rougher than a corn cob (personal experience).
