Atlas SP mp15

Guess I never realized that the SP purchased any MP15AC units. I know that SP had lots of SW1500 and MP15 units though.

HW,

 

I'm sure you're correct about which exact MP15's and or SW1500's units SP did or did not own. Frankly it doesn't matter to me one way or another - I just want an Atlas O scale SP MP15 period!

Expensive, but effective - put an ad in MRR.

Well then, I suggest that you be more specific, as the EMD MP15AC model looks COMPLETELY DIFFERENT than the "regular" MP15 model. Also, has Atlas O ever even PRODUCED a model of the EMD MP15AC? I model steam locomotives so I don't follow model diesels that much.

       
       


That's what Johnson and Seacrest did for years. They managed to find everything they ever wanted.

To avoid any confusion this is the Atlas SP switcher I'm looking for:

 

 

Good! Definitely NOT an EMD MP15AC, but certainly looks like a VERY nicely done model of the MP15.

http://www.atlaso.com/omp15dc.htm

NEW MODEL!

O MP15DC LOCOMOTIVE

3rail          2rail

1809-1

Southern Pacific† #2693

3809-1

 

 

I just looked and I've got this BNSF 2rail w/ tmcc

BNSF #3501

5140-1

I also have the MTH CP MP15AC 3 rail

http://mthtrains.com/content/30-2812-1

 

         Not to hijack your thread but I thought this would be a nice, yet pricey addition

    to an SP layout.

 

     http://www.ebay.com/itm/MTH-Pr...;hash=item3a9bee1585

Jeoff,

No problem. Thanks for thinking of me but I'm really not a collector of diesels except for the yard switcher.  I now know thanks to Hot Water the little switcher I've been searching for is an MP15.

The switcher you are looking for is actually an "MP15DC".  It differs from the MP15AC in that the DC version has a DC main generator, while the AC version has an AC main "alternator".  The AC and DC versions are also very different on the outside.  The easy way to tell the AC version is that it has see-through radiator intake grills low on the sides, instead of in front, akin to a SD45T-2/SD40T-2 tunnel motor.

 

The traction motors; however, on both versions were still DC motors, not to be confused with today's AC traction motor equipped locos, like the SD70ACe.  EMD was using the DC/AC suffix on their model designations at that time since it was a transition period when AC alternators were starting to appear as an option on their locomotives that were once produced with either DC main generators or AC alternators.  They also used this suffix on their GP38AC units. 

 

Overland may have produced an SP detailed MP15AC in brass but they are going to be more rare than the Atlas MP15DC version, that's for sure .

 

Here is a link to more detailed info on the MP15DC.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EMD_MP15DC

 

Also, in this issue of OST there is a great article on weathering the Atlas SP MP15DC and it is free to download.

http://www.oscalemag.com/docs/ost_44.pdf

 

Good luck in your search.  The SP version is definitely a looker in my book.

 

Scott K.

Austin, TX

Scott,

SP MP15DC it is and I can't thank you enough for telling me about the excellent article in 'O Scale Magazine' - very impressive indeed! Frankly, I had absolutely no idea this particular little SP yard switcher was so popular or desirable in the O scale 2-rail community. Devoting and entire detailed article to weathering this diesel came as a complete and pleasant surprise to me.

FWIW .... months back I inquired at Atlas about MP15's. I don't have the email and I don't remember who it was at Atlas, but I was told that they were going to do another run of them after the latest batch of SW's, which are due in March.

 

They were going to do new roadnumbers of previously run roadnames, but they did not know which roadnames.

 

 

"Guess I never realized that the SP purchased any MP15AC units. I know that SP had lots of SW1500 and MP15 units though."

 

Maybe I'm wrong, but I think the big majority of SP MP15's are AC units.

 

 

Then you would be wrong.

 

MP15DC  12 units  #2690-2701

 

MP15AC  58 units  #2702-2759

 

That's not correct?

What a great article. That SP MP15ac switcher looks great!!

 I'm building one for myself. So I have to study the differences!

 

That would be great! Now that I have dcc, I would grab at least 2 or 3!

 

nyccollector1, have you tried Norm's O scale? Not too long ago they had a BN listed

Hey Joe now that's cool.

 

If you find your SP MP15, Irish Tracklayer markets the unique SP light package In brass (You would need two kits).   I still need to convert mine so I'm not sure yet how much carving of the shell is needed.  

If it was either  AC or DC version wouldn't bother me. I am no rivet counter and many many aren't. Truefully, How many people would know the difference. As long as it is painted SP and the superstructure is darn close I'd be very happy to have an engine to run in the yard.  BUT,  I have seen them on the main line pulling freight in a big engine consist on the Beaumont hill I think back in the 90s. Was an interesting consist but power is power. Not trusting what some manufactures say about what they will do, having been disappointed over the years for what they say. i possibly buy any road name and paint it SP grey and tape off the ends and spray SP red. I don't see too many problems as no fine lines to paint, pin stripes, I'd be very happy.

Phil

 

I believe you are mistaken, Hot Water.

 

Most of Southern Pacific's MP15's were AC units.

 

SP bought 12 MP15DC's from EMD  1974 and 1975

SP bought 58 MP15AC's from EMD  1975

Hi

I was just wondering if you had called pd hobbies to see if you found your mp15 yet?  If I ever come across one I will keep you in mind.

Don

Back when Atlas ran that run of MP15 diesels they were still going strong with Sanda Kan so probably a minimum of 250 to 500 of that road name were produced,I do not know the breakdown of 2 rail/3 rail units. Those I believe were the requirements for a special run for dealers or interested parties. Today of course Build To Order is standard practice and if the numbers are not there road names or in some cases whole runs are not produced. My feeling is most of us especially 2 railers buy plastic to own not to resell, so the secondary market can be very lean for finding certain older nodels.JMO