The Lima LS 1200 has not been manufactured in HO, however, I really need to model a Wabash LS 1200 fomy Kansas City layout set in 1964.
Where would one start with a kitbash of this loco?
I’m afraid that . . . . . . . . . . and this is only an opinion . . . . . . . . . . there is really not a very good starting point for a kitbash that will render an acceptable rendition of this locomotive; Lima’s switchers may have followed EMD’s end-cab design but were, nevertheless, somewhat unique in appearance. I’m afraid that if you want a Lima LS1200 switcher you are going to have little choice but to scratchbuild it.
Let me give you a starting point:
in the April 1971 RMC there is an article dealing with scratchbuilding brass N-Scale passenger cars; in addition to passenger cars the author had built an SW1 switcher which appeared in one of the photographs accompanying the article. The procedures outlined in this article are applicable to any scale and, if he can scratchbuild an SW1, you can use these same procedures to scratchbuild an LS1200.
A company called JJL models produced a model of an LS 1000 back in 2006, I think… I don’t know if it is still available, but if one could be found, it would probably be the best option, but likely a bit pricey. If that is not available, then… I’d have to agree with R.T. Poteet… scratchbuilding might be the way to go.
Alco Models imported one back in the 1970’s but they are hard to find. I have seen them on the site that shall not be mentioned, but the price went up way to high for my blood.
Here is the website for for JJL Models and they still have the LS1200 available for $198.50 plus shipping. I think they use the Stewart (Bowser) chassis for this engine.
Rick
made link clickable
–Randy
I have the “Alco” brass version of the Lima switcher, it is great. They show up on EBAY about 4 times a year. Price is in the 250 to 350 range. They are well detailed and have a can motor. Mine was probably made in the late 80’s or 90’s. Again the details on these later ones are great.
I bought two of the Lima switcher carbodys from JJL and am planning to splice them to make the road switcher RS 1200. The JJL casting is quite good and is easily worked. JJL sold me the bodies and fuel tanks etc for less than 100.00 as I did not plan on making the switcher. The RS 1200 to my knowledge has not been done in brass or plastic. Mine will be the Penn Central version that was actually repowered in 1957? by EMD
Sound for the Lima powered ones will be interesting as they are not using a Baldwin diesel engine, they predated the merger. Someone may tape the existing 1000 HP and 1200 HP units that are still running out there.