Hi all. I'm on the fence about the new SW1500s that just came out. I already have the Atlas MP15DC and the old SW1500 that athearn made a long time ago. I went through all the trouble of hard wiring, and installing a beacon on the old athearn, plus if I got a new one to replace it, I don't think the old one would sell. However, I want to hear from those of you that are actually getting them on hand, are they spectacular enough to get one anyway? Ethan
I have a couple of the very similar SW1000s, lettered for BN. They run rings around the old BlueBox versions. Etched metal radiator grills; grab irons; MU hoses; nice windows; nicer paint jobs; VERY nice Genesis-quality motors. And don't forgot road-specific and even number-specific details. They are definitely worth getting. In fact, I'm still kicking myself that I only picked up 2 of the 3 SW1000s and none of the 3 SW1500s. Cheers, Colin
Ethan and All: Your concern is well understood as I also own and Atlas MP15 that Bob Wintle installed a TCS decoder and beacon into and it is probably my best running locomotive although it doesn't have sound. Even though I was instrumental in getting Athearn to produce another run of the SW1500 I have yet to purchase one as neither they or the MP15's worked the Wichita Sub. The quality of the new SW1500's can be compared to the Atlas MP15's but probably not to the older Blue Box Athearn SW1500's. Colin makes a great point in his assessment of the new one. I might add that they do have an NMRA decoder plug installed.
Ethan: I purchased one of them from the run about 2 years ago, (maybe longer) it is a Katy unit. I installed a TCS decoder in it and it runs nearly as smooth as any of my Atlas MP 15's. I too am considering purchasing a Frisco one but am going to have to wait awhile. Not doing much of anything Model RR related right now. Bob Wintle MMR 419
Even though I have only the old Blue Box Athearn SW1500 - I detailed it up extensively and it runs and looks darn good, and I helped Bob a bit with Athearn on getting the new SLSF SW1500 run underway, I, too, have yet to buy one. Keep the comments coming from those of you who receive them. I might just change my mind - after all, the Frisco had 46 of these things, used them almost system-wide, and they delivered excellent, trouble free service. What are the range of prices, and who is still selling them? Ken
I pre-ordered the new SW1500's when they were announced and they are apparently on the way from Toy Train Heaven. I was in the process of trying to convert an Athearn Blue box model to run on DCC at that time. I have given up the rewire attempt, and I have two of the original Athearn models that I will give to the first PM I get. I only ask that I be reimbursed for the actual Priority Mail cost. One unit is partially hard wired for DCC. The other unit is the original DC type. One is number 319 and the other is renumbered to 345. Keith
I decided to buy one last night. Got #346 from WST, plus a bay window caboose that was only $15. As long as someone else doesn't do it, and I have the time to, I'll post pictures to show the comparisons. Ethan
I got my SW1500 in the mail today. I must say I'm very impressed with it. Very nice paint and detailing. They added the roof beacon on in the factory (I thought they weren't going to). Below is pictures of it along side the new bay window caboose, and then a comparison photo. On left is Athearn BB SW1500, middle is Athearn RTR SW1500 and on Right is Atlas MP15DC. Ethan
This is off subject of Athearn's new SW1500, but I've been curious about something I saw in Mike Condren's web site of the 1500s. In at least two instances there were 1500s in multiple on road freights (at Rolla). I only assume these units were a local and if this the case did it run between St. Louis and Springfield and how often did it run in this configuration? Why send these on the road if a GP7 or a GP38 be more suitable...just curious. Larry F.
Here's how I would rate the 3: BB SW1500 - better than most BB engines. I've found that Athearn until the past 5 or so years was hit and miss on how well something worked because of those stupid motors they used. This loco how ever happens to run a little smoother and quieter than most BB engines. RTR SW1500 - Very smooth, almost as quiet as Atlas. Very impressed with what Athearn has done to improve them selves in the past few years. I still need to drop a decoder in it and reconfigure the beacon so it works. Atlas MP15 - It runs like all the atlas engines that we know and love; Smooth and no sound at all. If you ran it by its self, you would wonder if it was moving. Bottom line, if your looking for switchers for your layout, go pick up the Athearn RTR SW1500 while they are available. Some times you can find the Atlas MP15DC, but they can be a bit of a pain to add DCC and a roof beacon to. There also might be some more of the old BB SW1500s coming available now. They seemed to show up periodically. The BB version would work just fine if you want to save a few buck, but want to go through the pain of installing a decoder in it (I have a video on how to do that) or if you want the detailing challenge. As for which I like the best, its hard for me choose between the RTR and the Atlas. The RTR has more factory detail, but the Atlas running slightly better. I'll just call it a tie. Now, if Athearn hadn't announced two other things last month I would be out another $88 at wholesale trains to buy another SW1500 TBH, but I do value my life lol. Ethan
I took the shell off my new RTR Ath SW1500, and looks to me as they are using a different can type motor. It is very smooth and quiet.
I still have my BB SW1500 and am pretty satisfied with it, both in looks and performance. See my story on it in one of Richard's early "The Meteor" issues. Think I ought to go ahead and pick up a new one anyway? You guys sound happy with it. Ken
To All: Thanks to Ethan on behalf of the group for taking the time and effort to document both in print and pictures the differences between the three modern switcher models offered in the Frisco paint scheme. Most of you already know this but Ethan is one of our youngest members (recent high school graduate) and therefore represents the long term future of Frisco modeling. We need many more people like Ethan. Thanks again!
I have the BB model that I painted, detailed & decaled. It doesn't look bad, and compares fair to the RTR model. Were I modeling an area where these little beasties were used, I'd seriously consider getting the newer version, or even the Atlas MP15. IIRC, though, all five of the MP15s were based in Birmingham, so modeler's license (which I have used often myself) would be needed to justify such a diesel. And this coming from a guy with a 44-tonner, RS1 and Russian Decapod I've run on occasion with my 70s-era engines.....
If you need help justifying, I too run an MP15DC, a couple of steam engines, an e8 and some foreign power for kicks from time to time. Ethan
I like the model but need advice on installing a Tsunami. Very little room for decoder, capacitor and speaker. Help!