Does or did anyone produce a HO scale NW2?
Why, yes! Kato did. And Broadway Limited does a late one. And I’ve got an old Revell one. And a Varney. But those two probably don’t count.
Ed
I’ve had an Athearn NW-2 for over 30 years.
I don’t recall Athearn making an NW2.
They do make an SW7 and have since the early '60’s (though it was erroneously called by Athearn an SW1500 for most of that time). Well, that’s not totally correct–the last time they released one was 10 years ago; so it’s been awhile. I SURELY DO wish that Athearn would re-issue it to the standards of their SW1000 and SW1500.
the Kato NW-2 is, in my opinion, the smoothest running and best pulling HO scale yard engine available. if you can still find one, you will be happy with it’s performance. it is the ONLY locomotive that will do the job required switching for me short of an Atlas GP-7. if you don’t need the car handling capabilities, i require, then the other manufacturer’s NW’s and SW’s will probably serve you well.
grizlump
The Broadway limited paragon 2 version is probably the most recent. I’m pretty sure they were released and if so should be available somewhere. Try google.
Here’s the link on their page.
Ditto the remarks of a previous poster about the HO scale Kato NW2. Absolutely the best switcher I have. There are several available on eBay but be careful to get the scale you want since many are N scale models.
Also, fitting a decoder in the HO scale models is a challenge. The shell fits very snugly over the weight with very little room. I am generally up to the challenge to install decoders but I deferred to Litchfield Station for this one.
Good luck!
I bought one of the first run NW-2’s from BLI, and it’s operation and sound quality is excellent…
Bob
Bob,
I also have one of the early BLI NW-2’s. It is a nice loco with nice sound but my vote goes to the Kato model
Roger.
Thanks guys.I will look
The Kato HO NW-2 is terrific, if you can find one. It’s the best running loco I own.
I would go with both Kato and BLI they both have great motors and pulling power and they both have the same amount of detail.
I have two Kato Canadian National NW2 locomotives.One of my favourite locomotives.Great working and running machines.
The Kato is by far the best running early NW2 around, and they are still available on E-Bay. I put a Tsunami sound system in mine and its my favorite engine by a long shot. If your looking for a early NW2 and want to cheat on putting a sound system in it you can use a Broadway-limited chassic and with a just little work a Kato shell will slip on it. The Kato is still the best bet.
Depends on what road you want. I looked on eBay and the first listing is a steal, at $70 for a SF NW2 by Kato. Used, but well running, according to the description.There’s also an ATSF model, also Kato, that is gonig for $126.66.
I like mine, but it is kinda light. It won’t pull much up any kind of grade at all-- I mean if the track even looks like it might be hard to climb, it’ll stall. Other than that, its very nice. I love the sound. And it runs well on level track.
John
I have an older B&M unit. [:-,]
Sean