Hi all, does anyone know if a sw900 has ever been produced in n scale? I can't seem to find one... I'm thinking I may need to get a SW9 and do some modifications... I'd like to create one of these: This is a SW900 OBPA 14 (Ogdensburg Port Authority) from Ogdensburg NY (I took this photo on Saturday) http://www.bing.com/maps/?v=2&cp=rf...81495&sty=b&where1=Ogdensburg, NY&form=LMLTCC
The LifeLike/Walthers have been called SW8, SW900, SW9, SW1200. It depends on what they want it to be. Anyhow there is a new batch of these due in Dec and they are supposed to be DCC ready this time... http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/920-80150
John, You are right, I forgot they did two different bodies for the loco... http://www.visi.com/~spookshow/llsw.html
Looks like you want to model an SW8. The Life Like model would just need changing the horn as well as a paint job Ken
It does look like a SW8, but they look like a real PITA to install a dcc decoder in... I might be better to get the SW9 and plan on a little extra surgery From what I'm reading over on the atlas forums, the new run of sw9's are supposed to be a clip in board... easier to convert to dcc. http://www.walthers.com/exec/search?instock=Q&quick=sw9&start=180 Now to decide what roadname to reserve... I'll be repainting it anyway lol
Another course is to take the Kato NW2 and adapt the LL SW8 shell. I have done this with the SW9 shells and it is fairly simple. Then you will already have DCC capability and a proven mechanism. I am anxious to see the new LL SW9, but not holding my breath. If they don't fix the power pick-ups and use a light board that is unlike any of the present decoders, DCC could be a wait (think of the re-release of the GP20 that was in this boat).
Do you know if the shell would fit? Actually the NW2 doesn't look too different... a few modifications and a coat of paint and you could fool most people
The shell will fit with slight modifications. I prefer to use the Kato sill and notch it to take the LL body. By the way, I just called Digitrax and TCS to check on decoder status for the new Walthers GP20 and they are still working on it (no target date). I wouldn't take a chance on waiting for the new SW9, it may wind up in the same black hole.
I would recommend the parts department at Walthers. They have a fair share of these sitting dead for problems relating to the plastic worm that they are cannabilizing for parts. If you can't get one there, I have one I would part with to help you with your project.
FWIW, according to The Diesel Spotter's Guide, the only visible difference among the SW8, SW600 and SW900 is the number of louvers on the battery box. Early production SW8's had five louvers, while later production and all SW600's and SW900's had six. The LL model has six, so you'd be set, even if that detail matters to you. The differences between the NW2 and the SW900 are too noticible for me--especially the front grill area--but I know that someone has put a LL SW shell on the Kato mechanism, with a bit of work. If I were to undertake your project, I'd wait and buy one of the new run LL SW's and put an SW8 (SW900) body shell on it. But if you're like me, you wouldn't want to wait that long!
Just curious about a facet of the LL SW1200. I have 4 of them and, just like the warnings say, I managed to knock some of the handrails off of them. I have heard that Gold Medal Models did a brass handrail set for retrofitting these locos, but I am having trouble finding anything. Has anyone else heard of it?
I do not think that GMM has a set specific to these locos, but I could be wrong. They have the generic stanchion set that could probably be used to come up with something that would work. Athabasca (sp?) Scale Models had a set for the SW9/1200 that emulated the outside oriented arrangement (versus the stock handrails that hug the long hood) found on CN-prototypes among others I think. It is very nice if it fits the prototype you are modelling but it is different than some...particularly the D&RGW unit I was trying to model had a different handrail arrangement.
Thanks, I did check that out. A little bit pricey, but there are the correct still I was looking for for my BCHydro units. What I'm also wondering is where to get some .010 and .015 brass wire for the rails and stanchions the way randgust described it in his tutorial, although I imagine that would be pretty tedious for something as small as an SW9.
This search should yield what you are looking for... Tichy Phosphorbronze wire - http://www.walthers.com/exec/search...rds=restrict&instock=Q&split=30&Submit=Search It is stronger and easier to solder than brass.
Thanks! I will keep that in mind, and maybe give a try for some other locos I want new handrails for. For these little guys, though, I am seriously considering saving up to buy a few Athabasca sets... I do have one more small question though: if one of the little copper contacts becomes dislodged, what is the best way to reattach it to the chassis-frame?
