EMC NW2 and SW7s

Model Railroader Prototype information for the modeler
1

I’m aware of the internal differences but what are the external differences between an EMC NW2 and SW7 switcher? From simplistic scale drawings they appear essentially the same. Thanks.

Tom

2

Tom,

Whipping out my well-worn Diesel Spotter’s Guide, the most obvious external difference is that the NW2 had a half-height radiator grille, while the SW7 had a full height grille.

3

Thanks, Mike. [Y] I see that now from pictures I’ve found on Fallen Flags. The front railing is obviously different, too, because of the grill. The simplistic scale drawings in the book that I have only showed the side view; hence why they looked essentially the same.

Tom

4

The NW2 may also have a two step taper infront of the cab while an SW7 probably has a one step taper.

5

IIRC the later (like post WW2) NW2s had the same taper as the SW7s.

6

Yep, the postwar NW2 shared many of the same spotting features as the SW7, which is what makes them so similar. The pre-war NW2 has several minor and less obvious features that were apparently revised and standardized in common with the other EMD models when production switcher production resumed after the war.