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The Fleet - NKP #240
The Model:
Long before I began constructing the layout, I knew I wanted an end-cab switcher for the yard. The original plan was to get an EMD SW1 and paint it similar to the SW1s once used in my hometown. Unfortunately, as far as I can tell, there’s only ever been 1, maybe 2 SW1s released in N scale, and I couldn’t find any on the used market. So, I was looking at Kato’s NW2 for a long time before I came across the LifeLike SW9/1200. This one, I got for 1/2 the price of a Kato NW2, and it is a nice little locomotive.
I have had some problems with it. Converting it to DCC was interesting, since it’s not designed for DCC, and afterwards, the original plastic worm gears needed replacement because they were making a ton of noise. It is still very noisy, though thankfully doesn’t sound like it’s eating its gears anymore. The final problem I’ve had with it is that both strator magnets in the motor came dislodged and needing to be glued back in. Now, though, it runs good (though loud) and does a good job switching my yard, since I have replaced the original rapido couplers with MTL 1015s.
Lore:
Former Nickel Plate Road #240, an EMD SW9, was acquired from Norfolk & Western in 1964 following N&W’s merger with NKP. It spent most of its operating life on the former Pioneer Central assigned to Gamman yard. Following the 1976 separation from the parent company, it became the primary switcher in the yard as other switcher units were reassigned to road duty.
Briefly, in the 1980s, 240 was also reassigned to freight duty when an EMD FT suffered a critical engine failure, leaving the struggling Pioneer Central short on power. Nowadays, the locomotive remains at Gamman yard, as a reserve switcher. It is rarely used.
DJDano, LCTrains and 4 others1 Comment-
Looks like an awesome loco, nice that you found one after the long search!
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