Just wondering- Has anyone done an NW2? Using a Life Like SW9/1200 as a basis.? What did you do.? The most obvious thing I spot, is the NW2 single bulb headlight. Versus the SW9/1200 dual headlight housing. Anything else??????? Boxcab E50
Wow! With all the NW2's that once were out there, I kinda though perhaps someone else might have thought about this idea..... Boxcab E50
Sorry that it took so long for me to come across this post Boxcab, but to answer your question, Yes, someone has done an NW2 already, at least a kitbash of one. It was in one of my N-scale Railroading mags. As soon as I find the issue, I will let you know. Russ
There are differences in the doors and panels on the sides, but the obvious spotting differences are the two stepped slope from the hood top down to the front cab windows, the size and shape of the front cab windows, and a shorter radiator intake grille on the front of the unit. NW2s were also delivered with single reflector headlights. The headlights are the easiest to modify. The LifeLike twin beam version is a separate casting which can be easily be popped or sliced off. The radiator grill is a redetailing issue with Evergreen styrene or copy castings. The cab windows can be opened up to the new NW2 contour front and rear. The window castings will now no longer fit so making good looking replacements will be a problem. The step on the shell would require filling the inside of the shell to allow material to file down to the correct contour. This would require cutting down the frame halves to clear the new inside contour of the step. Be carefull here; there may not be enough material to do the job as the frame is minimal on this unit. I would just wait for one of the manufacturers to do a factory version of an NW2....with the releases coming out as fast as they are it can't be too many years away! Charlie
Charlie- Many thanks for the comparison. I was afraid that getting an end product to be close, would be a chore. I hope that someone will do an NW2. I need Milw, NP, & M&St.L............... Boxcab E50
Am scanning backwards up the columns today.... If you come upon this article, please let me know what issue? I'm curious as to how much of a major product it was to get a viable appearing NW2. Hopefully it was done starting from a LL unit? Thanks- Boxcab E50
Not all NW2s had the stepped slope. Some had a constant slope like the SW9. Refer to pictures of the prototype that you are modeling. Also, the pattern of louvers on the doors is different. John
What about SW 1500's? Has anyone here 'Bashed one? BLMA has a retrofit nose detail for them, but how do you do it? Craig?
I haven't tried a 1500 but am doing an SW1001 from a lifelike 9/1200. To do it I removed the front stack and filled in the hole. I puttied near the cab to get the more appropriate square body and next I have to make railings for it. I will post a pic when done. Russ P.S. I am still looking for the article on the NW2. It has been a while since I have cleaned my spare room!
I finally found the above mentioned article. I am sorry to say though that it was an NW5 kitbash and not an NW2. It appeared in the September/October 2002 N-scale. It was done with a LifeLike chassis. If you are still interested, I could email you a copy. As for the NW-2, I can offer you this advice using Lifelike: 1. Half of the front grill (bottom front) needs to be removed. 2. Under the aforementioned grill, an electrical box needs to be made. 3. The headlight needs to be changed from straight up and down to sideways. 4. Depending on the road modeled you would need to add the appropriate stack extensions (spark arrestors) and maybe even paint the 2 middle cab windows (Conrail did this on several units) The best way to do this model (a pretty easy bash) is to get a picture of an NW2 from the road that you want to model and study the details. Hope that this helps!!! Russ
Rush2NY, NW-5's were GN-specific units, and fairly obscure too. Can you email me the plans? I have an undec SW9, and it'd look great wearing GN orange and green!
