I have a BN SW1000 Athearn dummy I would like to have powered that I picked up for near nothing on EBAY.
Would like to find a powered unit for a low price and switch it out.
Does anyone know or have the SW1000 by Athearn? Is it interchangeable with the SW1500 pwd frame?
I know the SW7 does not fit just curious about the SW1500, was hoping to find a powered unit on EBAY or a train show and if they both work on each others frame it would be easier to find I think.
if i remember when they first came out with the sw 1000/1500’s the difference was in the body itself. an sw 1000 body should fit on a 1500 frame. i have two of the 1500’s and they have two exhaust stacks. the 1000’s only have one.
In general with Athearn BB, if the frames aren’t interchangable, the parts are within engine types (switchers/road switchers/road units). One might have to get different sideframes (flexicoil vs blomberg vs AAR,etc.) to match the model.
The SW100 and SW1500 models by Athearn have the same frame. The dummy frame can also be equipped with a motor and drivetrain if you so desire - would need new trucks too. You can also get a chassis from PPW.
they are interchangable but i’ve always had trouble with the Athearn SW1500…it doesn’t have a lot of power and can only pull about ten cars before it starts to slip…they also have bad derailment problems when running in a consist with a larger diesel… i’ve gone thru 4 of them over a 20 year period and I think it’s my last…Atlas just came out with the MP15DC which was a larger yard switcher and I’m going to give them a try as soon as my LHS calls me and lets me know they have finally arrived…chuck