OK folks, pile on with your prefered switchers. But PLEASE, keep it to BASIC, core version (e.g. SW1500), not road, era or location differences PLEASE. Volume is king so there has to be a core model ! Also, number of units (total) of that core model. I don't want to get into 'there was only 1 ever made' when there where 480 built on that chassis and 'basic' body. I am thinking: GE 70T cab center SW1200/1500 (the later, more produced version of the SW1/2) MP15, 1500, etc. (a bit more modern version of the SWs) U-30C (or 32C) Don't ask me why, just let me see some numbers made. Biggest one may win (something). .
The U30C is a Mainline Road Engine, not switcher, but hey, I want it! I want it bad! Let's think along the lines of an SW1200-1500 type for switcher, and a U25-33C type Mainline haulers!
My choice for Z scale Baldwin VO-1000 548 units Baldwin S-12 451 units Id prefer the S-12, but the VO-1000 has more possible paint schemes, and a longer wheelbase making it easier to produce in Z Of the models mentioned, Id prefer the SW1200/1500. Produce engines that are not available in N scale to get people to convert.
if you make the SW1200/1500 you can use the chassis and shell for other variations. MP15 is maybe more attactive for manufactures, as they already have the blomberg trucks for them, and could save the costs of new tooling for another side frame type (though a new sideframe would be a boon to modelers). i'd take and SW1200 or 1500, or an Alco S2. dave f.
Not to be difficult, but how many GE 70 tonners were cab center? I know the NYC had a few, but other than that, I don't know of any. EMD SW1- It was long lived, started in 1938 and quite a few made it into the 80s on class 1 roads. But I hesitate for 2 reasons. Lajos made a nice kit of this loc, and the UP didn't buy any new. EMD SW9- Still early enough to cover transition era, wide variety of road names. EMD SW1200- Same reasons as the SW9 EMD NW2- Another long lived loc. Started production in 1939, many saw service on class 1 roads into the 70s. Used on many roads. Baldwin VO-1000- The world needs a Z Baldwin. They saw service on roads from east coast to west coast. Many were repowered by EMD and saw service into the 80s. Anyway, that's my wish list in no particular order. Dan S.
EMD: SW1 661 SW7 489 SW9 815 SW 1200 1,056 1954-1966 SW 1500 808 1966-1974 MP15 246 1984-1987 Alco: S1 550, S3 292 S2 1502 S4 797 For samples, an N scale Alco was done by Arnold. N scale SW's were done by Lifelike. If you can manage a metal diecast shell over a mechanism, you may be able to get enough weight to have a decent switcher. I'd like to see an Alco. I'd also like to see an Alco FA1 or FA2 replace the EMD F unit in the lineup. Anything in black would be fine.
The first, most expandable design toward the switcher evolution should be the NW-2. From there you can have dozens of switchers and slugs. Lajos :0)
Jim, I believe SP&S had several of the VO-1000s. They also had quite a few NW2s. I agree with Lajos, the NW2 would be a nice starting point. The switcher I really like is the NW5 which was really a road switcher and was even used for passenger service. I think less than ten were made for Great Northern. When I was doing HO, I had a brass NW5 and darn it was good looking - ran like a dog though. Here is a pic of the real thing. You could probably kitbash one of these if you had a NW2 to start with. John
Thanks John, I'm reserving my right to change my mind. For the good of Z scale I'm going with Lajos. NW-2. Cheers, Jim CCRR
Glen, you da man. Thanks everyone. Your data will be most valuable in about 2 weeks. I'll let you know what I can do. Now, even if you didn't get your 'favorite' but say got any one of these smaller switchers, would you at least start with that while maybe another model came out ? Could be almost a year for the other model though. You know how tough it is in Z. Have to sell several hundred, at least, just to sorta break even. .
Jeff, Come on! You start making. We'll start buying. I would say an RW-2 or SW-1200, or even and SW-1 would sell around a 500 units each in the first three months. Road names would be nice but not mandantory. Cheers, Jim CCRR
I'd say I'd like to see the SW1200s the most but there is the fact that the NW2 was EMD's best-seller with 1143 units produced. I think either design would be easily expandable to the others. The major differences I see being the number and location of door louvers, the taper of the hood (depending on early vs. late model NW2), front grill on the long hood, and cab windows. However since I find it easier to remove door louvers than trying to add them, so I will stick to asking for the SW1200. ~Paul
I am surprised no one made the center cab, using the mechanism from the marklin center cab, maybe a simple body change. I still would like to see the SW-1500. And I agree Lajos SW-1 is absolutly fantastic. JD
Center cab... Since I'm not an expert like so many of you here... but, my preference would be a center-cab switcher. But, whatever is made... I'll be in line to buy one or more, depending on available road-names. THANKS!
I'll pre-order a few of what ever switcher is made to barter with Rob Ray as hes off the pre-order system.
