The WalthersMainline HO EMD NW2, an end-cab diesel locomotive based on a Phase V prototype, switches cars on our Winston-Salem Southbound Tar Branch project layout in our latest product review video. Model Railroader Senior Editor Cody Grivno provides a brief history of the switcher and Great Northern No. 158; points out the various detail parts on the Mainline-series model; and demonstrates the sound and light functions on our review sample, which has ESU Sound & DCC.
In addition to Great Northern (Omaha Orange and Pullman Green), the WalthersMainline HO EMD NW2 is decorated for Baltimore & Ohio (blue and yellow), Indiana Harbor Belt (orange and Brunswick Green), Penn Central (black and white), Rock Island (red and yellow), and St. Louis-San Francisco (Frisco, Mandarin Orange and white) in four road numbers per paint scheme (two each in direct current and ESU Sound & DCC). In addition, the switcher is available painted yellow and black but unlettered and undecorated (direct-current only).
The end-cab switcher has an injection-molded plastic body, die-cast metal chassis, Proto-Max metal couplers, and RP-25 contour metal wheels. Additional features on the Phase V model include louvered radiator grills; tall, conical exhaust stacks; a small front radiator grill; a single, straight hood-to-cab transition; six louvered side doors with letterboard gap; and large center cab windows. The NW2 has prototype-specific headlights and is offered with or without footboards as appropriate.
Direct-current models with a Next18 DCC plug are priced at $154.98. Models with dual-mode ESU Sound & DCC retail for $209.98.
Trains.com Product Review videos showcase the latest new items from manufacturers of products in Z, N, HO, S, O, and large scales. In the videos, you can watch locomotives in action, take a close-up look at details on freight cars, see kit components, and much more.
If you are a manufacturer and have products you would like reviewed, please email Senior Editor Cody Grivno at cody.grivno@firecrown.com for more information.
