Modeling an MP15AC

[Anonymous]

I'd like to model a Milwaukee Rd MP15AC. I don't know of a commercial model available other than brass. Would an Athearn SW1500 be a good starting point? To my "untrained" eye I can't tell too many outward differences. What are the cosmetic differences between a SW1500 and the MP15AC?

[trolleyboy]

I'm not super up on the modern switchers but with some work snd detail parts you could use the 1500. If you are really lucky Concor imported an mp-15 model a few years back some of them had a Kato built motor as well. This was before Kato stopped producing models for other manufacturers. I have seen some of the concors at local swap meets and on ebay. TB

[ericsp]

I know Con-Cor built, or had built, MP15 (DC version). I do not recall an AC version. The biggest difference would be the radiators, followed closely by the trucks (althought the trucks are the same as on the MP15). Also, the hood just ahead of the cab is different. The Southern Pacific MP15ACs and MP15s had a fuel capacity 200 gallons greater than the SW1500 (1300 gallon and 1100 gallon), so the frame would probably be longer because of that. Also, it looks like the MP15ACs might (I am not sure) have some more room between the ends of the locomotives and the trucks.

If you wanted to make a fairly close stand in from the Athearn SW1500, you will have to change the front end around (cab is considered the back end) and replace the side frames with Blomberg B (Athearn makes these). You may also choose to modify the hood by the cab. If you start with the Con-Cor, you could make a standing by modifyng the front of the hood.

http://espee.railfan.net/spmp15ac.html
http://espee.railfan.net/spmp15dc.html
http://espee.railfan.net/spsw1500.html

[jrbernier]

The MP15AC and the SW1500 are different. I suspect the cab and part of the hood are usable. The problem is that the MP15AC is much longer. You will need to fabricate a new section to go between the cab and hood, and also fabricate that long extension with the 'tunnel motor' radiator section atthe front of the engine.
As for the drive, it will have to longer and you will need to get rid of the flexicoil switcher trucks, and substitute standard EMD blomberg trucks.
The Con-Cor MP15DC is not a real good model, but the trucks may correct. Again you have to lengthen everything as you will need to add that long radiator section.
A good MP15DC(3 versions) has just been announced in N scale by Atlas; maybe they will do a HO version. It alsways seems that as soon as you finally get one built, a new model is released!

Jim Bernier