Hello everyone and welcome to another edition of Switcher Saturday, the thread where all the bonus points are made up, and the gauge doesn't matter. (sorry folks, I was watching whose line is it anyway and just couldn't help myself)
Back to business.... Switcher Saturday is a weekly thread were we celebrate Switching Locomotives of all kinds, regardless of make, scale, gauge, motive source etc. All locomotives used specifically to kick the cars, switch the yard, work the local, or make the tight turns at the docks are welcome here. While there is an obvious heavy helping of 3 rail O gauge, this thread has always been open to everything from Hongz thru 12" to the foot. If you like road switchers, docksiders, transfer diesels, Plymouths, Alco's Baldwins Geeps, Porters, steeple cabs etc., then this is the thread for you.
Last week we had a very successful tribute to @MTH, and since then some great news came out. This timing is purely coincidental. With MTH as we know it is shutting down, there are several special run loco's coming out in a last chance blitz from MTH, sponsored by various hobby shops. One of those shops is forum sponsor @PATSTRAINS, who is sponsoring a group of SW-1500 diesels. When I saw the latest announcement, I realized Pat might have just as easily reached through the screen and taken the money right out of my wallet. The machine that caught my attention was the PP&L SW1500. 30-20829-1
I don't generally highlight models for sale, as this is a thread to celebrate all switchers, not advertisements, so why, oh why do I bring this up? Well the prototype for this loco is usually parked about 1000 steps from my desk. The real engine spent many years in working for PPL in Coalstrip Montana, inspiring the stylized mountain paint scheme. But now it is at my plant in south central PA. So when the promo showed up on my screen, I had to get some pictures. She's recently been splashed by scrubber slurry so please excuse the mess.
I actually have more pictures of the inside of the cab, but I left them at work - I guess you'll have to what til Monday for those! You eagle-eyed switcher fans may have noticed a few things are a little different than as delivered spec, so I will bring them up.
First the very obvious extra lights on the side of the cab. Those colored lights are related to remote control operation. That's right - its a big toy remote control train! The lights have to do with indications of the locomotive being in remote control mode and what direction it might move next.
Then take a look at the coupler cut levers. There is an air cylinder set up to work the cut levers. Yup, proto-couplers eat your heart out.
The engine is also hooked up with a circulation system that keeps the block warm with umbilical power.
Then look on top. There's some type of aftermarket bulbous box on the hood and a single flapper exhaust. And of course - horns. There is about 700 horns mounted on top of the cab. I am pretty sure they all work.
Like I said earlier, I will post pictures of the cab interior next week.
No specific theme this week, but I suppose bonus points to anyone who has a SW1500 to show off.
Remember that everyone plays nice and everyone abides by the OGR tos regarding pictures.
Thanks folks, and everyone have a great weekend!
Today the FSJR photographer has been out and about the system snapping photos of 44 tonners, SW1, A5, and an 0-8-0. All doing their various switcher chores.
