Finally a Good SP Switcher? - Unboxing and Product Review of Walthers Proto's HO SW1200 Model Train!

[@davidl.miller8168]

Dan, Nice review. I remember seeing videos from the early 80s where these little guys and SW1500s were mixed in the consist with large road power. It definitely was an interesting lash-up. I was able to get a good look at the SSW 2293 in the early 2000s as it ended up here in Ohio on the Ohio Central property for a while. Keep up the great work!

[@DanielCortopassi]

I'm glad you liked the review. I have seen photos of consists like that. I think it would be fun to do that on the layout sometime. I remember seeing a couple like that in person on UP trains, too. Thanks for watching!

[@chrisdaniell2990]

I like how you authentically grade models as opposed to other KZbinr's who just highlight details and are afraid of offending their sponsors.

[@Steamer96]

Yeah I'm critical too of importers of model trains, I will not allow any Rapido junk on my layout and I use Mantua and Bowser steam engines.

[@Bigboyy-dd7fd]

My exact comment a couple of years ago when Dan reviewed the Rapido B36-7. Most reviewers are way too concerned with being a internet celebrity and sucking up to the manufacturers. Dan speaks the truth, good and bad.

[@chrisdaniell2990]

I like Rapido locos, they look good. They're not as good performers as say Atlas or Kato, but they have nice detail. I can't stand the personalities attached to Rapido and they do more to hurt the company than help [in my opinion]. Nice products, weird company.

[@DanielCortopassi]

I'm glad you like my approach to reviews. Rapido has been a little hit or miss. I do like a lot of their products, but they have had some issues. I strive to be as consistent as possible with all my reviews, and hold every model to the same standards. Thanks for watching!

[@randallellison6421]

Nice review, Dan! Gotta love SP and their insane light packages, lol!

[@DanielCortopassi]

I'm glad you liked the review. The lights definitely made SP locomotives distinctive. Thanks for watching!

[@conrailfan6277]

Nice review Dan, that switcher will look good working your yard on your layout!! Hope your trip with Nicole went great!!

[@DanielCortopassi]

I'm glad you liked the review. Nichole and I had a good time with our friends. Thanks for asking and for watching!

[@pennsylvaniarailroadrailfa7805]

1:16 if you think that’s bad you should see how Walthers used to package their n scale rolling stock lol. Great review of a unique switcher, loved seeing all the prototype reference photos!

[@DanielCortopassi]

I do N scale too so I remember those packages. I think I might even still have one somewhere. I'm glad you liked the review. Thanks for watching!

[@mgr_video_productions]

Great review Dan! Walthers rarely disappoints.

[@DanielCortopassi]

I'm glad you liked the review. Thanks for watching!

[@Jabond07]

Lovely 🫶🤩🤩🧑‍🎄

[@DanielCortopassi]

Thans for watching!

[@michaelmcdougall4527]

Hello Dan ,as usual your spot on and thank you very much🎩🎩 off to you for all you do for the railroaders

[@DanielCortopassi]

I'm glad you liked the review. Thanks for watching!

[@rickdee67]

Enjoyed watching this video, pretty locomotive. What decoder do you plan to install?

[@DanielCortopassi]

I'm glad you liked the video. I'll probably use a LokSound 5 Micro, whichever version comes with the right connector. Thanks for watching!

[@williamflowersrailfannerpr3808]

Awesome small but powerful great work ❤

[@DanielCortopassi]

I'm glad you liked the review. Thanks for watching!

[@rebelalliance77]

I have several of these models and they’re good operators.

[@DanielCortopassi]

It does run well, as much as I was able to test it on the workbench. Thanks for watching!

[@berkeleygang1834]

If you do upgrade this model, I'd be interested in how you do it. Grterat review! Keep up the good work.

[@DanielCortopassi]

Maybe I'll do a video about it when I get around to it. Thanks for the suggestion and for watching!

[@Beux3751]

great review Dan!

[@DanielCortopassi]

I'm glad you liked the review. Thanks for watching!

[@debbiemilka2251]

I bought the Atlas MP15DC and like it a lot. I really enjoyed your review of this Wather's SW 1200. Fantastic price too. If you successfully light those number boards on the top of the hood I hope that you will do a video on that too. I would love seeing it. Areal treat.

[@DanielCortopassi]

I'm glad you liked the review. A few people have asked about a video for this one, so when I get around to doing the DCC install I'll be sure and document it. I will probably address the number boards and detail issues at the same time. Thanks for the suggestion and for watching!

[@walterr9453]

Another great video Dan, Thank you as I really look forward to your Sunday format. In regards to Walthers use of numbers for its locomotives, I am especially happy they make 4 separate numbers and that two are DCC/ the others two are DC. {So why?} I usually use three engines on a road train, and with Walthers I get two with sound & the other DCC ready. I then install a DCC Function decoder in the third, and place that engine between the sound loco's On the main with two engines roaring away that third would be just another noise maker, so for me it is great way to go and a wee bit softer on the wallet. Yard switchers most usually use the lowest setting on their headlights while working, with exception if they trek onto the main for a wee bit - so the low light would be accurate when drilling the yard

[@DanielCortopassi]

I'm glad you liked the review. That's a good point about the non-sound DCC decoder. I put sound in almost every locomotive but I know some people like to just have one or two sound equipped units per consist. Thanks for watching!

[@CentralJerseyRailfan]

You also made a pretty damn good call going for the analogue versions of these Proto 1200s. I have heard from a number of good sources that the factory installed Loksound 5 Micro DCC decoders on the sound versions were problematic. Do you have plans to review the Atlas U28C as well?

[@DanielCortopassi]

I'm glad you liked the review. I hadn't heard that about the decoder equipped versions. I'll probably use that same decoder in this one. Hopefully the regular aftermarket ones don't have issues. I probably won't get a U28C since I'm modeling the 1990s. I think most of SP's were retired in the 1970s. Thanks for watching!

[@CentralJerseyRailfan]

@@DanielCortopassiThe aftermarket Next18 Lok 5 DCC decoders I have heard are generally more reliable. From what I heard the factory installed N18 deocders were duds… Given that you’ve reviewed an Atlas Trainmaster H24-66 which didn’t last into the 90s the U28C does not seem too far out of reach.

[@marka87]

Good review, thanks; the model looks pretty reasonable, certainly a lot better than the Atlas MP15DC where they haven’t even bothered to fit an SP light package

[@DanielCortopassi]

I'm glad you liked the review. I have a couple of the MP15DCs in SP. I need to add the light packages to both, which is going to take a bit of work to say the least. They run really nice though. Thanks for watching!

[@marka87]

@@DanielCortopassi I’d like to see a video of how you do that because I’m planning on doing mine eventually; I agree they run well which makes it disappointing the espee details are missing.

[@RonMontagueSWRR]

That's a great engine review. Thanks for sharing 👍🏾

[@DanielCortopassi]

I'm glad you liked the review. Thanks for watching!

[@markjuett1106]

Nice review Dan

[@DanielCortopassi]

I'm glad you liked it. Thanks for watching!

[@echohunter4199]

Thanks again Dan. I bought both models as you discussed in this video and it’s a tough call, I like both of them as each has pluses and minuses. One thing that stuck out to me was the top and front radiator screens on the Walthers model, if I could swap the screens from the Rapido onto the Walthers, I’d be a lot happier, lol. I do advise folks to be cautious when handling the model as the number boards on the top of the engine hood for the Rapido model is more fragile than expected. You may find some other details that you like or dislike but my view may be different than others. A lot of my friends agree with me that the SP light package really stands out on this switcher and the engine sound adds a more unique experience to what we’re used to on the layout.

[@DanielCortopassi]

I'm glad you found the reviews helpful. I like the unique light packages on these SP switchers, very different than their other units. The Rapido unit was better in some ways, but it also had too many issues for me. Thanks for watching!

[@echohunter4199]

@@DanielCortopassi nice to chat with you Dan, you’re welcome to come visit our club if you’re ever in San Antonio, TX. SAMRA is a great little club of around 125 members and our layout is high quality and still expanding. We also have two other model railroad clubs here that you’d enjoy. As for switch engines, I’m an SP fan and lately I’ve decided to acquire all the diesel switchers SP used over the years and I quickly realized it’s not an easy prospect to complete, lol, so far I’m up to 8.

[@Trains-With-Shane]

Looks like they did a pretty good job on this one. Hope to see the DCC and other upgrades on video.

[@DanielCortopassi]

I think it's a pretty good start. I'll do a video about it when I get around to doing the DCC install. Thanks for the suggestion and for watching!

[@johnniewelbornjr.8940]

Well-stated points... For this kind of money, I am one of those that would expect FAR better detail accuracy, though. I'd almost prefer an old blue box that I knoooow I am going to have to shave everything off, honestly (that was modeling back in the 70's and 80's, though lol). Seriously, though, I expect far better molding in this day and age. That bell alone looks rather clunky... Numberboards should be lighted... So on and so forth... Thanks for sharing an honest review - well done.

[@DanielCortopassi]

I'm glad you liked the review. I agree that this one could have been a little better, but most of the issues are fixable. I also agree that it would be better if the number boards were lit. Thanks for watching!

[@yardhog]

When I modeled in HO, Athearn blue box was what we had to go with. I'm not dating myself am I? VBG Soon after I hired out on the WP, I didn't have time for modeling so I was out of hobby for many years. What a change in quality came about during that time. Off the shelf, out of the box and onto the layout with a B- grade, pretty darned good if you ask me. Nice review and what shortcomings it has operationally look to be easily rectified.

[@DanielCortopassi]

I'm glad you liked the review. Models have come a long way in recent years. I've detailed a few blue box models, but it's nice to not have to work that hard sometimes. Thanks for watching!

[@devernepersonal3636]

it is interesting that Rapido (which prides itself i think on attempting to be as good as scaletrains) could fall short on a simple detail like the triangular piece. And it makes it all the more impressive that a Walthers model would get it right. Question, do you have a video about dusting off locomotives?

[@conrailfan6277]

I just watched a video last night of an N scaler using a cordless air brush just for that purpose, I'm going to order one myself!!! 👍👍👍👍👍

[@Steamer96]

I'm more impressed by an Athearn bluebox than anything Rapido can do.

[@DanielCortopassi]

I haven't done a video on dusting models, but that's a good idea. I'll add it to the list. My two main methods are to use one of those cans of compressed air for dusting off electronics, and a very soft clean paint brush. Thanks for the suggestion and for watching!

[@raymondstewart5414]

Rapido consistently falls short in alot of areas they claim to be the best. Be it locomotives or rolling stock. As they make one shell that fits the majority of what they will offer and some items may not be correct. Many manufacturers are provided documentation and photos from various sources and have chosen to ignore that and do it their way instead. Then wonder why people bash them so badly.

[@Steamer96]

@@raymondstewart5414 Yes! Remember their Hudson model? I hear those things have their eccentric cranks snap. I'm not gonna pay $600 for a piece of junk model that is gonna break itself.

[@Jeremiaha284]

Dan, did the SP have any SW7's ? Also I found the Model Master Stelth Gray a good match for SP Gray.

[@berkeleygang1834]

SP proper, - no. Cotton Belt had 4. 1054-1057 renumbered 2200-2203 in 1965.

[@DanielCortopassi]

Looks like @berkeleygang1834 answered before I did. I'll have to keep that gray in mind if I run out of my current stash of out of production paints. Thanks for watching!

[@croasdail]

Love your reviews, though I think some of the nits are a bit much. I appreciate the level of detail you go into, but I view my trans running from feet away, not inches, and none of these details being "right would improve the illusion much. None of my scenery is prototypical correct, less alone my trains... just love running them. So appreciate the detail you give, and insights on how to fix them if they warrant the effort of fixing. Keep it up... I would rather have the option to ignore some things rather than be disappointed in some like the Atlas Trainmasters missing key SP details.

[@DanielCortopassi]

I'm glad you liked the review. I get down in the weeds with details because most of the models I review tend to be the higher end ones and I think people who want those models expect the details to be right. I totally get it, though, about wanting to step back and look at the bigger picture. I've been thinking about that very thing a lot lately with regard to layouts, where because of space restrictions its often not possible to model with 100% accuracy. Thanks for watching!

[@croasdail]

@@DanielCortopassi Thanks Dan, keep rocking what you do..

[@struck2soon]

Your comment about the different construction compared to the usual P2k locos got me thinking. The die-cast chassis is what the basic Walthers SW1200 locos have, is it possible they have just upgraded their own basic Mainline version to bring it up to P2k standards?

[@DanielCortopassi]

I wasn't aware that they had a Mainline version of this, so I can't really answer that. I have one of the old Proto 2000 SW1200s and it has a plastic sill and body over a metal chassis. That threw me for a while when it came time to take the new one apart. Thanks for watching!

[@JRPRailways]

How do you feel about prototype inaccuracies that you can't fix, do you just roll with it and not let it bother you?

[@DanielCortopassi]

I guess it depends on how noticeable something is and how difficult it would be to fix it. I sold the Rapido version of this model because I didn't think that correcting the shape of the triangles near the steps was worth it, and to me that was a glaring error. I have an early Athearn Genesis SD70M lease unit that has number board outlines on the rear of the long hood that shouldn't be there. I thought about it and eventually decided to leave it alone, because it's barely noticeable and I didn't think it would be worth the effort. It would be easy enough to sand them off, but then I'd have to touch up the paint and decals, and I'd have to try to match the unusual burgundy paint color. Thanks for watching!

[@JRPRailways]

@@DanielCortopassi Thanks for your perspective!

[@XBOXShawn12thman]

That is BEAUTIFUL 😍

[@DanielCortopassi]

I'm glad you like it. Thanks for watching!

[@josecarlospereiramachado2016]

Muito bom, gosto de sua precisão em jugar os modelos.

[@DanielCortopassi]

I'm glad you liked the review. Thanks for watching!

[@williamkolina3988]

You are one tough grader I wish you were an O gauge person Your knowledge is something Why did SP renumber their locomotives?

[@DanielCortopassi]

I do have a little bit of O scale in our game room. There's a video series about building that display layout here on the channel if you haven't seen it. The SP Diesel Locomotive Compendium has a write up on the 1965 renumbering that's fairly long, but if I'm understanding it right it was done for two main reasons. One was to consolidate Cotton Belt and Texas & New Orleans diesels into the same numbering system SP used. The other was to try to make the numbers make more sense, though it sounds like that effort was less successful. Thanks for watching!

[@lucgagnon5241]

Hey Dan. I thought that this SW Walthers unit would do a lot better. The small door missing at the bottom of cab side, handrails supports on the body, mold markers, tank fuel missing detail, no see thru top front body grill... That's a lot for a model that should be to prototype ! Walthers-Proto's engines are like the others... expensive ! That engine should definitly be better to my point of view. Hope you're right about front light and DCC conversion that can cure the problem ! I'm not optimistic as you are about the issue. No, I'm finally desapointed. I would also give it the green signal BUT with a slow down order at the same time. There are more good than bad on this engine but still desapointed. Thanks for sharing with us. Keep on your good work.

[@DanielCortopassi]

My overall feeling is that while this model is by no means perfect, it is correctable. I hope I'm right about the lights, too! Otherwise there are a lot of extra wires in there for no reason. For now I'm putting it aside until I'm ready to do the DCC install and make some detail corrections. Thanks for watching!

[@lucgagnon5241]

@@DanielCortopassi Hey Dan. Thanks for answering again. Well, I hope you're right about fixing issues with DCC but still I thought that Walthers-Proto SW1200 would be at another level and more to prototype. You point out a lot of inaccuracies that left me wondering if they seriously did their researches on that engine before making them on large scale. With all today's tools, it's unacceptable for me. Short cuts... You know what I would REALLY like to see ? That same engine in witch you will put sound. It would certainly help modelers to make the right choice over all DCC and sound options. I herd that Loksound 5 version is not that great. Up to you. Unless putting sound in that Walthers engine is a hard task... It would make a very interesting review. Again, many thanks for sharing your work with us.

[@lucgagnon5241]

@@DanielCortopassi Hi again Mr.Cortopassi. Dan, do you know a bit about Loksound 5 in Walthers SW1200 ? I'm asking because I would like to buy a Milwaukee Road unit for a long time. If LokSound is kind of a pain in the a** I will buy the DC version and put sound in it myself. Unless you don't recommend doing it. Do you already know the type of sound you want to put in yours ? Thanks for answering.

[@DanielCortopassi]

@@lucgagnon5241 I use LokSound decoders in all my locomotives. I don't think they are a pain, but I also have the LokProgrammer. It makes it much easier to program the decoders and take advantage of everything they can do. If you are trying to program them using only your throttle to edit CVs, that might be a pain. I will probably use a LokSound 5 Micro in this model when I get around to it.

[@lucgagnon5241]

@@DanielCortopassi Thanks a lot Dan. I'll watch the video again to see what you will do about putting sound in SW1200 engine. The last thing I want when installing a sound decoder are problems.

[@riogrande5761]

I have the Rapido and the Walthers SW1200 in D&RGW, and I did buy the Rapido SP SW1200 as well, but I've bought too many items so I'm selling it off - HOSWAP and asking well under that Ebay has listed the lowest price.

[@DanielCortopassi]

I haven't tried selling anything that way. Maybe I'll have to check it out since I've been selling off some stuff too. Thanks for the tip and for watching!

[@riogrande5761]

@@DanielCortopassi I sold on Ebay more than 15 years ago but have been selling on HOSwap since. Sometimes it takes a few months but eventually items sell. Cheers.

[@shipbuilding1000]

Disappointing about that rear mars light. They lit them in both directions on their SD9E’s but like your model, they’re dim unless you look at them from track level. Thanks for the review

[@beeble2003]

I wonder if the LED's dead or a wire's disconnected or broken. It seems really weird to have one work but not the other.

[@DanielCortopassi]

It is a little disappointing. I'm not sure if it's supposed to be like that or if something might be disconnected. It does seem a little odd. I assumed it was intentional, that it's more economical for Walthers to put the same headlight clusters on both the DCC and DC versions rather than engineer and manufacture two different parts. It will be interesting to see if I can activate the lights when I get around to installing DCC in this model. Thanks for watching!

[@MILW199]

@@DanielCortopassi I'm 95% sure the full light package is installed and functional when a decoder is installed and set up. Having both ends with Mars lights on analog might be possible, but I feel most customers might not like it. I didn't see any wires to the number boards, though.

[@markhayes6407]

I had purchased the Rapido model and it is way wrong. The number boards were supposed to light and they didn't this model doesn't either. The sound was barely audible. I'm not sure this model from Walthers will be much better. I think I will skip this and wait for Athearn to make one with soundtraxx in Genesis.

[@DanielCortopassi]

I think this model's flaws are more easily corrected than the Rapido. I don't know if Athearn is planning something like this, but I'm sure it would be nice. Thanks for watching!

[@dexecuter18]

Yeah, the whole thing with detail is the same way I prefer in N scale using Kato models as a basis if possible. Takes less than 5 minutes to scrape off molded grabs. Which is a far cry easier than prying out Free standing wire grabs that are in the wrong locations or are oversize.

[@DanielCortopassi]

Sometimes models that have less to remove are better starting points for detailing projects. Thanks for watching!

[@John-bf4zt]

Neat model but at that price point it should be closer to a 90 to 100 score in my opinion

[@DanielCortopassi]

I'm glad you liked the model. Thanks for watching!

[@trapdriver7006]

👍😃😃😃🇬🇧🚂

[@DanielCortopassi]

Thanks for watching!

[@WJP1361]

Guess nobody can properly get SP's style of SW's right at this point, hopefully athearn can cook up a good model and blow these two put of the park.

[@DanielCortopassi]

Is Athearn doing one of these? Someone else mentioned them too. I hadn't heard about it. Thanks for watching!

[@adrtplayhouse4240]

No thanks. I'll take 3 or 4 old blue box units instead for that price.

[@DanielCortopassi]

Some of the old blue box units can be nice with some work put into them. Thanks for watching!

[@badboy10350]

Rapido brags on their detail, it is funny that they screwed up on their SW1200. But Rapido is all about "trying" to be funny, instead of quality control.

[@DanielCortopassi]

I agree about the quality control. I think Rapido would be amazing if they would just get the details right and make models that don't self-destruct. Thanks for watching!