Just received one of the new SW1 switchers. It's my first new MTH engine in a few months. Upon unpacking, I noticed that the cutout in the styrofoam cradle looks like it was carved out by hand - very uneven and rough. It did the job protecting the engine, but it looks really sloppy. A pic is attached. Is this the new normal?
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That seems to be the norm for Railking switchers made in the last few years. The GP9 I bought in 2020 and the RS1 from 2019 both came in that kind of packaging. Both engines were well protected but the boxes don't survive much handling-- the front foam blocks are flimsy and easy to crack or tear when you're opening them.
Not normal.
Mallard4468, there are no dashes in EMD model numbers. I fixed your post and also set the image to display within your post.
That cutout sure looks bad to me.
@Rich Melvin posted:Mallard4468, there are no dashes in EMD model numbers. I fixed your post and also set the image to display within your post.
That cutout sure looks bad to me.
FWIW, the label on the box says "SW-1" (see pic), which is why I expressed it that way. While I understand that it's not correct, if someone is searching the MTH website for that item , that's the way they would need to look for it. Hooray for consistency!
UPS just dropped off my latest SW1 (Union RR). I have not had a chance to open it yet, but will report what I find when I do. Small switchers--regardless of whether they are steam, diesel, or electric--rank among my very favorite forms of motive power.
I emailed the seller. His reply (sic): "All of these SW-1 engines were like this".
I hope that they all arrive without damage.
This one is from a 2013 catalog. It’s just the way they are. They either don’t have a mold for an SW1 or they’re pulling them out before the foam sets. I dunno, but it’s held up fine 
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