SW9 Verses SW7 - Physical Appearance Differences - Inquiry

Brandon -

Both the SW7 and the SW9 were 1200 horsepower locomotives up from the 1000 horsepower NW2s that came before them.

There were some body differences between the SW7 and SW9. They include the following:

- The SW7 had a row of three louvers that ran above the FRISCO lettering on the side of the hood; the SW9s louvers were all below the FRISCO lettering. Also note Frisco added to both model units extra doors with ventilation louvers at the main generator.

- As delivered, the SW7s had a large barrel single beam headlight. Later on, some of the SW7s were fitted with a flat faced round adaptor plate with dual sealed beam lamps. The SW9s came with Pyle National dual sealed beam wedge shaped headlights.

- The SW7s did not have MU capability. The end handrail was flat along its length. The SW9s were equipped with multiple unit (MU) controls, except for the last one, SLSF 314. The SW9 ends were fitted with raised drop steps and the end railings had a distinct upward angle toward the crossover step. In addition, they had electrical connection stands and MU air hoses on the pilots.

- The buyer had a choice of stack types. As far as I know, the Frisco opted for the same conical stack on both the SW7s and SW9s. Both models has the same exhaust stack spacing as they had the same 12-567-b engine.

Ken