Trains.com

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Modeling Differences of EMD switchers

2006 views
7 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Modeling Differences of EMD switchers
Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, June 18, 2002 10:32 AM
I would like to know what the differences are of a NW2 and a SW1200. Would it be hard to take a model of a NW2 and kitbash it in to a SW1200? I can't see any major exterior differences in two different photos. Is the only difference the horsepower ratings of the two engines?
Thanks
Craig
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, June 19, 2002 11:26 AM
There is a Height difference in the radiator.It is only one half as tall on SW1200 as the NW2.might be few more slight louver differences.
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, June 22, 2002 2:47 AM
There was an article published on just this project in Model Railroader magazine, I think it was in the Dec. '79, od '80 issue. A call to Kalmbach customer services should hook you up with the right back-issue. I have converted a few Athearn SW-7,s into NW-2,s using this article as reference. Mainly, the difference is a curved upper front window line, and a two-step taper in the hood right before the cab. Also, the radiator is shorter in the front. Get a hold of that article, and it will explain all the different variations with hood louvers, etc.
Hope this helps! Todd C.
  • Member since
    January 2001
  • From: US
  • 263 posts
Posted by tankertoad70 on Saturday, June 22, 2002 7:05 PM
I am not certain what manufacturer's model you are starting with, but a much simpler conversion is taking the Athearn SW7 and converting it. It has basically the same carbody style as the 1200 except for the louvers along the side. Removing the upper row of louvers would yield a close model of an SW1200 without having to change the radiator on the front, or replacing the arched cab windows.
Don in 'Orygun' City
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, June 23, 2002 7:13 AM
while on the subject of modifying EMD switchers, what changes should be made to an Athearn SW7 to make it into an SW9?

thanks
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, June 23, 2002 1:05 PM
Oops,I was wrong.Only a phase5 NW2 has a tall radiator.I found a site that has good drawings of EMD switchers,anyone want the address?
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Friday, June 28, 2002 11:15 PM
Joseph
I would like that address. Thanks
Craig
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, June 29, 2002 8:22 PM
Hi Craig.It's a long address,hope I got it right:www.cyberus.ca/~yardlimit/emd/spotting/index.html

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Users Online

There are no community member online

Search the Community

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Model Railroader Newsletter See all
Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter and get model railroad news in your inbox!