Has Lionel Ever Made an SW-1 Diesel Switcher?

MTH has made and re-cataloged them in the most recent catalog. I've got one - a Chessie version. They are scale and nicely detailed. Nothing amazing sound wise but good little engines that pull and run great and fit just about anywhere thanks to their size. 

 

Below is a photo of mine with the real one. Pere Marquette #11 started life on the Pere Marquette than became C&O 8401 and later Chessie 8401 before retiring to the B&O Museum in Baltimore (it is still operable) where it was restored to PM 11. My MTH model models the PM 11 as Chessie 8401 near if not exactly. Not often you can take a model and set it on the exact one it is modeled after right down to the road number! When I ran it with the National Capital Trackers at the museum last Christmas, many long time volunteers and the engineer on the excursion train checking out our layout got a kickout of seeing the PM 11/Chessie 8401 running on the layout while the real one sat just a few feet away. 

Lionel never did an SW-1 that I am aware of.   

 

Their original switcher was a pretty good rendition of an NW-1 which is the 900 hp switcher marketed at the same time.    The SW-1 was 600 hp.   

 

Most switcher migrated to the 900-1000 hp range after WWII.

Would there be any reason for Lionel to match MTH?  Some MTH diesels are pretty darn good, from a scale model standpoint.  I know nothing about the electronics, but it would seem that a conversion could be done.

The most pleasant cab ride I ever had was a number of years ago on an SW1 operating on the Adirondack Scenic RR It was a hot summer day and the line had just been extended north out of Thendara, therefore there were a large number of balsam trees which had been cut down. The combination of the temperature and all of that fragrant balsam sap together with favorable winds and that "Glass wall"* was AWESOME!!! It was the only diesel cab ride that I ever had that didn't smell like diesel exhhaust.

 

*Obviously, an EMD switcher running cab first has incredible visibility.

SJC,

I've been looking for a small diesel.  The SW1500 Demo unit that I had hoped to get is nowhere to be found.  So, I decided to go with a RailKing SW1.  After seeing your above photo and information, I am much happier with my choice.  In fact I may repaint mine to PM #11.  Pere Marquette is one of my favorite roads.  Thanks for posting that photo.

I liked my Railking C&O switcher so much I had it converted from PS1 to PS2.  It has two motors and is extremely powerful.  I think mine is an SW2 though.

.....

Dennis

 

My pleasure Keith. It is a neat little engine, both the model and real. The museum doesn't run the real one anymore, something about it being all original (engine, wiring, etc) from circa 1942 when it was built. It is still operable, just needing the batteries and fluids put back in. Once in a blue moon they fire it up and move it around to just to keep it running. I remember many years riding behind it as a kid. 

 

Usually they use an ex-NYC Switcher, Chessie GP38 and B&O GP30 with the switcher being the go-to engine. My understanding is they use that to keep the mileage off the operable B&O, C&O & WM diesels. 

If it was originally PS1 then it couldn't be a SW1, as they only started being produced in the PS2 era.  What you may have is either a NW2 or SW7.

 

Stuart

I really would like to have an SW-1 in the NYC or PRR livery and as noted above they are being offered in the current MTH catalog.  Currently I only use Lionel TMCC.  Can anyone suggest someone who could make the electonics conversion to TMCC if I were to purchase one of the MTH models?  Bo 

 

 

Visit my website Bo's Trains at http://www.bostrains.com

One option would be Weaver..

 

http://www.weavermodels.com/page30.html

How about some details on that? What, specifically, is off on the MTH model? I don't have one, might get one someday if it ever comes out in the old solid-black Milwaukee Road paint, or if I ever get the time to repaint one. 

How about some details on that? What, specifically, is off on the MTH model?

well for starters, the MTH model should not be bigger in height than the atlas O Sw8/9.  NOR should it be wider as well.

Gilly@N&W,  I'll give Weaver a call.  I also appreciate the information from everybody about the MTH model.  I don't have either the MTH SW-1 or the Atlas SW8/9.  Is the hieght and width of the MTH model that far off that it is really noticeable?  Bo 

 

 

Visit my website Bo's Trains at http://www.bostrains.com

Here is a picture of it.  I don't remember what it is but I like it.  The box it came in is in storage out in my garage attic, so I can't go look.  Maybe you can tell me what it is.

.....

Dennis

 

Dennis,

 

You have an NW-2.

 

Chris

LVHR

Thanks Chris.

.....

Dennis