An Electro-Motive Division NW2 has joined the ranks of the WalthersProto line. The newly tooled HO scale model, based on Phase I through IV prototypes, uses plastic and die-cast metal construction and features railroad-specific details, a factory-installed 11mm x 15mm cube-type speaker in both direct current and Digital Command Control versions, and body-mounted Proto-Max metal couplers.
Prototype history
Electro-Motive Division produced the NW2 from February 1939 through December 1949. During that time, more than 1,100 end-cab switchers were built for railroads in the United States and Canada. Production of the NW2 was paused between 1942 and 1945 by order of the War Production Board, but a few units were finished in 1942 and 1943.
The sample we received is decorated as Union Pacific 1064, part of the railroad’s 1001 through 1095 series. The full-size unit was built in May 1947 under order number E820. It was delivered in the railroad’s solid black switcher paint scheme, but repainted in the more familiar Armour Yellow and Harbor Mist Gray later in 1947. The end-cab unit was retired in December 1980. On March 27, 1981 UP 1064 was sold to Precision National Corp. in Mount Vernon, Ill.
Model features
Among the universal details on the WalthersProto EMD NW2 switchers are a five-pole, skew-wound can motor; a factory-wired speaker; constant, directional light-emitting-diode lighting; a six-louver battery box; a brass early cast-type bell; factory-installed and painted formed-wire grab irons; and a welded 600-gallon fuel tank.
From there, the details on the model are railroad specific. Our UP sample, based on a Phase III prototype, has modified rear cab handrails, a brass early cast Leslie A125-247 air horn on a bracket, cab armrests, and photo-etched metal rectangular sunshades.
Five tabs (two each on both sides of the long hood and one below the battery box step) lock into slots in the chassis. Before removing the shell, the handrails that go from the battery box to the chassis need to be released. Wires run from the motherboard to the cab, so use caution when removing the shell.
The motor, framed by two flywheels, is centered in the chassis. Above that is the motherboard, attached with two screws. An ESU LokSound V5 sound decoder is plugged into the motherboard. The speaker is located in a housing above the front truck.
To the test track
Our sample is painted in UP’s Armour Yellow and Harbor Mist Gray scheme. The yellow is even and opaque, the color separation lines are crisp, and the black outline around the red letters and numbers is in register.
Union Pacific adopted yellow and gray as its switcher paint scheme in 1947; the Road of the Streamliners slogan debuted the same year. The railroad switched from Harbor Mist Gray to aluminum on its diesel locomotive trucks between 1953 and 1957.
I compared the WalthersProto model to drawings published in the Model Railroader Cyclopedia: Vol. 2, Diesel Locomotives (Kalmbach Publishing Co., out of print). The major dimensions on the end-cab unit follow printed data.
Then I took the model to our test track, which is equipped with an NCE Power Cab. At step 1, the switcher crawled along at less than 1 scale mph. The NW2 reached a top speed of 72 smph at step 28. The prototype had a top speed of 65 mph. With a drawbar pull of 1.9 ounces, the switcher can pull 27 free-rolling freight cars on straight and level track.
For real-world testing, I used the NW2 to switch cars on our Winston-Salem Southbound Tar Branch. The model performed without issue, navigating a No. 4 turnout and 30-degree crossing with ease.
I’ve always had a soft spot for end-cab switchers, and count the EMD NW2 among my favorites. The WalthersProto model accurately captures the lines of the early production prototypes. Add in prototype-specific details and an ESU LokSound V5 sound decoder, and you really couldn’t ask for much more.
Watch the WalthersProto HO NW2 switch cars on our Winston-Salem Southbound Tar Branch layout.
Facts & features
Price: Direct current with factory-installed speaker, $219.95; with ESU LokSound V5 sound decoder, $319.95
Manufacturer
Wm. K. Walthers Inc.
5601 W. Florist Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53218
walthers.com
Era: 1939 to present (varies based on paint scheme)
Road names: Union Pacific; Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe; Indiana Harbor Belt; New York Central; Nickel Plate Road; and Southern Ry. Four road numbers per paint scheme; also available undecorated.
Features
- Body-mounted Proto-Max metal couplers, at proper height
- Metal wheel stubs on plastic drive axle gears, correctly gauged
- Minimum radius, 18”
- Weight: 8.2 ounces
