New Lionel SW1 question.

Only the shells are MTH. Drive is not.

Pete

Awesome info.

Thanks.

Its supposed to have a drive similar to the Alco S2s. Single horizontal motor between the trucks. Fixed pilots so 054 minimum.

Pete

I am also thinking about an SW1 for a repaint. If the performance is anything like the Lionel S2 or NW1, you will be very happy. These engines are visually the best performing engines I have for slow, smooth switching and that included engines from K-line, Atlas, MTH and 3rd Rail.

Charlie

This is a great Question, I’m thinking it will operate like the latest release of the SW8 diesels in the Legacy command system. The drive train like Norton discussed.   Happy Railroading Everyone

@Charlie posted:

I am also thinking about an SW1 for a repaint.

Was having a similar discussion at our LHS yesterday...

Wouldn't it be feasible for a "Built To Order" product to be offered the option of skipping a couple final finishing steps...e.g., final color painting and pad printing??  After the primer is applied, make the final assembly and offer it with a suffix designation...e.g., "UF" (UnFinished)...for painted but not printed, or separate part number for primer-only, for those like Charlie that would appreciate NOT having to strip/re-prep a brand new product just to achieve their personal preference??

I mean, you can order a hamburger at a counter and leave off the onion and tomato, if you chose.  Why not final paint/pad printing on a BTO lokey?

Notice I didn't even suggest that the manufacturer charge a lower price for the option.  After all, it's worth something to a buyer of the same 'UF' BTO to NOT have to undo a couple steps, ...IMHO, of course.

FWIW....

KD

We've had similar discussion.  Atlas at one time offered non-painted models. They had to be pre-ordered, similar to all other offerings.  I purchased (4)units, note: the price was the same as a finished model.  I had additional cost, MU end hand rails, which were not the standard offering.   Add the painting, and decals, the cost exceeds, an offering.

Lionel seems to be have rarely done undercoated models except for the "pilot" steam locomotives which are shipped with a gloss finish.

An unpainted model still has its own part number. It is still another set of parts that need to be accounted for through production and assembled by hand by someone.