For the benefit of those of us unfamiliar with Q NW-2 phases, will you give us the spotting features for the five phases or point us to a reliable reference? It would also be helpful to know which road numbers were included in each phase. I’d really like to see a Bulletin on Q Switchers with the depth of coverage given to the SDs. So far, the Alco S-2s are the only switchers covered in Bulletins.
Andy Sperandeo wrote an article for Model Railroader some years ago on cutting an Athearn SW-7 shell to form the stepped hood of an NW-2. As I recall, that shell wasn’t really an SW-7, but I don’t remember what it was. I’ve considered doing that on the BLI model. The cosmetic frame modifications should be relative easy, but louvers are a bit more complicated to change.
Nelson Moyer
From: CBQ@yahoogroups.com [mailto:CBQ@yahoogroups.com]
Sent: Tuesday, September 06, 2016 9:48 AM
To: CBQ@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [CBQ] Re: BLI NW-2 Issue 2946 and 2947
That's not the only discrepancy. Leaving aside the straight frame skirts (which are incorrect for all NW2s and did not appear until the SW9 in 11/50), the BLI model is clearly a Phase V NW2 (built between 2/49 and 12/49), which does not have the frame "falsies," does not have the flat area on the hood in front of the cab, but does have the six sets of 4/13 hood side louvers. CB&Q 9244 and 9245 were Phase II NW2s built 8/46, and should have the flat step on the hood, frame "falsies," and no hood side louvers.
The BLI model would be correct if numbered 9248, CB&Q's only Phase V NW2.