Curto, I am going to build a SP layout and the prototype used a pair of GP35R's on the local, you should really look at what you want to build.
The GP7/9 isn't that much longer than a SW type. Another option is a MP15DC if you want a more modern unit, or look for a Life-Like SW900/1200 with Rapidos. Note many of the locos with knuckle type couplers can be converted to Rapido and some come with Rapidos packed in a separate bag in the box.
GP7, overall length, 56'2" MP15DC overall length, 48'8" This is a 7'6" difference, or a real difference of .5625" in real size....
I will second this post, love the NW-2's, but maybe even a LL SW9-12 will work as will the Atlas MP15.
I like the look of the NW2's, and although being more expensive I'd rather pay double for something I'll get a lot more use and pleasure out of... even if it means waiting a week or 2 Can anyone advise how I'd replace the knuckle couplers with rapidos? I would go with making a couple of freight cars have different couplers on each end, but on this tiny layout that would not be practical.
Curto, For the electrical end of it, it was all just a matter of bending the metal a little more to get better connection. As for my Thomas, I got it on eBay and it was promptly converted to DCC. That little guy actually has a decoder in it! Anyway, if you decide that you are looking for a GP15, or something a little bigger there are a LOT of good locos out there for cheap. Atlas makes the best ones and Kato cant be beat for larger engines, but I personally despise Bachmann in almost all cases. Their locos are usually loud and don't perform as well. There are exceptions, but that's my opinion on the matter.
The MDT is a really bad idea, all those little six-wheel, short-wheelbase guys run like rockets and tend to stall. There are degrees of bad...bad, really bad, and unbelieveably bad, depending on Bachmann, newer Atlas, 1970's Atlas, and AHM or something. If you're actually trying to switch, you have another problem, and that's Rapido couplers being one of your qualifiers. That pretty much limits you to the 'five finger lift' for uncoupling. I was one of the last great holdouts - I used electric lifting ramps, and even MADE manual-crank lifting ramps from brass wire, tubing, etc. Fought it every inch of the way. I think I was the ONLY person I ever heard of that had a fully-Rapido equipped switching layout, at the price of over 25 B&R electric uncoupling magnet ramps - which cost me more than it would have cost to convert to MT couplers. Once I started MT couplers, I never looked back. Despite what you may hear, they work quite well for switching, with some tweaking. I have no confidence in Accumates; they couple but won't automatically uncouple reliably for anything. A lot of guys are perfectly happy with the manual 'picks' to uncouple, I'm not, I've got the in-track magnets working very well. So for now, I'd go along with the best Rapido-equipped switcher out there probably being the Life-Like SW-anything. If you include knuckle-equipped locomotives, I'd say the Kato NW-2 and the Bachmann 44-tonner and 70-tonner. Excellent low speed performance, pickup, pulling power for size. Great small-layout locomotives. Ironically, the best Rapido couplers I've ever seen were the ones on MT freight cars.
Although this is tiny, I have a larger one my son and i share and quite a number of cars that will be shared... and other locos that are rapido too. In a few years I'd like to dump all the old 'junk' and get a full new set... but for now this is what I have.
Reading all of the subsequent posts I must agree with all of the - get something else advice. While they do have their uses you really need to want to deal with or overcome their limitations.
If I was getting a small switcher, my first choice for myself would be an Atlas MP-15DC, or maybe a pair, probably in the BN green. Every Atlas loco I've owned (mind you, I've only got 5) has run pretty much flawlessly right out of the box. I really, really wish Atlas or Kato would do a SW-1500! I could by the SP, WC, CN, BN versions....
The MDT was upgraded around 2004: http://www.visi.com/~spookshow/bachmdt.html Does anyone here have a recent one to assess their performance?
Mine is the newer one. I put MT1015s on it. It pulls a handful of cars ok, fairly slow. Not as good as my GPs. Does have issues if crawling over swiches, a decent "jogging" speed is ok. Top end is high but contollable.
The Arnold S2 is a great switcher when you put in dcc, lights, new couplers and add the NWSL wheel conversion for running on code 55. (send me a message if you would like an article on the dcc procedure). The S2 is also a labor of love, so it may not be for you unless you have some attachment to a particular model. They are also heavier than any of the contemporary models, this is a huge plus. If I were to buy a recent switcher, it would be the Kato already mentioned by others. The problems with the little bachmann can also be overcome with dcc (heavy modification to the chassis), and a layout truly wired to entertain switchers-every single bit of track powered...all the frogs and the points (solder a single strand of wire from the stock to point rails, the code 55 turnouts generally don't make reliable enough contact.) My only issue with the recent dcc bachmann releases is that the are so light weight. I have not had a chance to check out one of the Atlas switchers. As has been said in the other posts...operating knuckle couplers are a must.
A Life Like SW switcher sound just what your looking for, I have see these several places and fairly inexpensive.
Hi I have one of these and on a flat track it is more than able to pull lots of british type wagons and mine has also pulled about 20 of them and three of the american type open wagons with them. but if you go to slow it will stall over points as already said. the other thing i did was remotor it with a new motor from bachman for £10
If you don't want to convert you current collection to micro trains couplers due to expense. There is another option that is much less expensive and will couple with any loco available today. Its red Caboose's ridged knuckle couplers. you can get enough for 4 cars for just a couple of bucks and they fit right into the rapido coupler boxes.
