Now that Athearn seems to be on hold and since I haven’t heard too much about future availability of their products, who else makes diesel switchers? I am specifically looking for SW7(calf units specifically), SW9, SW1000, SW1001, SW1200 or SW1500 in any CSX paintscheme. I picked up the '05 Walthers catalog, and only found one manufacturer that makes anything remotely close to these, and these switchers were S12’s primarily, which is too early an era for me, since I’m modeling present day CSX.
Also, does anybody know what’s going to happen with Athearn? I’ve heard bits and pieces… what’s the scoop?
I belieive that Broadway Limited is/was supposed to be coming out with an SW7. It was supposed to be released last summer but I think folks are still waiting on it. Proto 2000 makes a sweet S1, if you are looking to add an early diesel to your collection. Does Stewart carry some of the others you mentioned?
Athearn does still offer the SW7 in cab and booster units. Most hobby shops still have them in stock. Life-Like has a SW8 & SW9/1200 EMD switcher. BLI will have a sound equipped NW2 & SW7 in the near future. Athearn also offers a SW1000 & SW1500. There are quite a few EMD switchers still available.
Walthers made an SW1 that is pretty sweet, but I’m not sure if it is still in production. And I have yet to see any place that doesn’t still have Athearn SW7’s in stock.
Athearn has been making SW1000s and SW1500s recently. I just bought a SP SW1500 at a local hobby shop today that they did not have the last time I went there. They also had a few others.