4
PROTOTYPE HISTORY
What exactly does the “SW” mean?
Simple answer: SWitcher. Pretty easy, eh? The 1200 part denotes “1200 horsepower.”
As produced, the EMD (Electro-Motive Division of General Motors in La Grange, Illinois)
SW1200 was one of the finest switch locomotives produced. Over 700 of these versatile
locomotives were built, starting in January 1954 through May of 1966.
As dieselization progressed, many roads found themselves in need of a compact,
lightweight locomotive to replace steam power on branch lines and other over-the-road
assignments (freight and passenger) not requiring a full-fledged mainline road switcher.
The SW1200 combined the right size and muscle for these assignments. The SW1200
was available with both Type A and Flexicoil trucks, and the Rapido model represents
those options. Other features available on the SW1200 include different fuel tanks,
unique spark arrestors, MU cables, folding end-platform drop steps and different lighting
options as specific to each road.
Flexicoil or Type A?
You’ll notice the SW1200s were built with Type A or Flexicoil trucks. But, what’s the
difference? After polling 10 experts, 9 of them loudly proclaimed they’ll take the Flexicoil
for its ride equality. The 10th person never showed up. In reality, it would depend on the
road that placed the order. Many claim the ride quality of the Flexicoil trucks was better
than the Type A trucks, as well as more versatility on road assignments. If you and your
friends would like to debate the truck styles in British Parliament-style, we would be more
than happy to watch, just tell us when!
BREAK-IN
Don’t break in to anyone’s layout room to steal their SW1200. Just buy more for yourself.
But this isn’t about that kind of break-in.
Every locomotive needs a break-in period. Your SW1200 has been tested at our factory
for about two minutes. That is not enough time to get the gears to mesh nicely or to even
out any jerky operation in a new motor. We suggest that, after reading this manual, you
put your SW1200 on a test loop and just let it run in each direction for an hour or two.
Fast and slow.
There already should be enough grease in the gearbox so you don’t need to add any.
Just let the thing run.
HOW TO HOLD YOUR SW1200
The SW1200 has numerous very delicate parts. If you want to back date it to be the
quality of a model produced in 1978, then rip all the parts off and handle it like a
