SW 1200 / 1500

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Hi guys, got an Athern SW 1200 / 1500 for christmas. Not sure if they were built by GM or EMD, but could someone tell me when the real engine was produced. Thanks…Jamie

2

EMD,Electro Motive Division of General Motors.
The plant was in LaGrange Illinois, 18 or so miles So.West of Downtown Chgo.
SW9/1200, 1213 units made between 1957/66
SW1500 807 units made between 1966/74

This list of HO diesels manufacturers was published by MR June 2000, obviously not all inclusive. Also gives model manufacturers. Should
you want a copy of this, I can mail you an extra.

3

Jamie, just realized you didn’t specify the scale.
MR did a June 2001 publication of N scale,

4

Thanks Charles for the info. It’s just what I wanted to know. Scale wasn’t important for what I was asking, But I believe Athern only makes HO stuff. But I have been known to be wrong before. Thanks, Happy New Year, and I just picked up an N scale Life-Like diesel set today to start a new adventure. Thanks again…Jamie

5

Don’t know the N-scale model was you picked up,but
MR did a review on the LifelikeSW9/SW1200 switcher
in Feb 98. If you want a copy of it, I can mail you one.

6

Thanks Charles, don’t need a copy, but I really appriciate the offer. Was just looking for when the real ones were built which you answered with a better answer than was expected. I live not far from the Cleveland LTV steel mills were they use these engines alot. (or they used to now that they just shut them down to a hot standbye) There are verious short lines in the area that use them also. If you look around you will even find an occasional SW 2 around. But you don’t get to talk to the crews enough to find out certian info. But I thank you for the info from you and I hope your New Year has “clear tracks”. …Jamie

7

Jaime,here’s somemore historical infor.
Originally when the SWs were manufactured the S stood for six hundred horsepower and the W stood for
welded frame versus the cast frame.
SW8=800HP, SW9=900,SW1200=1,200
In later years the letter S came to denote Switcher.
These models were popular with industrial companies and with railroads having need for locomotives that could work in confined areas or small yards.
Happy railroading.

8

Thanks for the History on the SW. If you wouldn’t mind, could you send me your e-mail address. I have a question to ask, since you have alot of info there, but would like to do it off this sight. I’m at…
ktrucking@visn.net …thanks…Jamie

9

Jamie,
I’m at locomotive3@prodigy.net
Charles

10

Do you still have that review?