Con Cor NW2

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Has anyone had any experiance with the Con Cor NW2 that was made by Kato? Thanks

2

Con-Cor’s HO switcher went through two iterations, both using the venerable NW2/SW7 shell originally tooled by Revell. It’s a rendition of a Phase V NW2/Phase I SW7, of the same prototype as Broadway Limited’s more recent model. The shell is a little coarse, but useable. It has an unusual toolbox on the front of the hood that can be cut off, but leaves a hole that requires filling.

The first release used an Athearn mechanism, but the second used a Kato switcher mechanism not used in any other model. Though the Kato-powered version has traction tires, both versions benefited greatly from adding weight. With a little frame filing, the Kato mechanism can be used beneath the Athearn SW7 shell.

While the shell has the continuous taper of the Phase V NW2, It’s not hard to cut in the hood notch that distinguishes this model from the Phase IV NW2. There’s so little under the hood that doing this doesn’t cause any clearance issues.

I have one of these models stashed away to make one of the Manistee & North Eastern’s Phase IV NW2s some day.

3

Thanks Fritz, I saw one on E-Bay and I was wondering if I might be able to use the mechanisim for a Kato NW2 shell I have.

4

Con Cor SW7 shell, for anyone who may be wondering.

!(http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv233/GrandFunkRR/Trains of Olyville/IMG_4487.jpg)

5

I picked up one of these at a model railroad club flea market two years ago for $15.This spring, I have been working the shell to get it ready for a custom repaint job. Right off the vendor’s table, the unit ran like a Swiss watch. The Kato motor and gearing is quite and(on DC) throttles up very smoothly. If you can get one of these Con-Cor Kato drive units, don’t think twice- buy it! Cedarwoodron

6

Thanks for the info Guys, if the price stays low I’ll pick it up.