EMD's SW1500, first introduced in 1966, succeeded the SW1200 in EMD's long line of switchers/light roadswitchers
dating back to before World War II. When production ceased in 1974, 808 of the 1500hp switchers had been built.
Most SW1500s are still in service, having been operated by major railroads, shortlines and industrial users.
Among the major roads operating SW1500s:
Burlington Northern Kansas City Southern Louisville & Nashville
Pittsburgh & Lake Erie Missouri-Kansas-Texas Frisco
Penn Central Southern Reading
Conrail Missouri Pacific Southern Pacific
Toledo, Peoria & Western Rock Island Chicago & Northwestern
Among the smaller roads and shortlines:
Apalachicola Northern Ashley, Crew & Northern Genessee & Wyoming
Alton & Southern Clarendon & Pittsford Indiana Harbor Belt
Sandersville RR Terminal RR St Louis Belt Rly of Chicago
Houston Belt & Terminal Kentucky & Indiana Terminal
St. Mary's RR Minneapolis, Northfield & Southern
Vermont Rly Union RR
Some industrial users:
Armco Steel Weyerhauser Timber US Pipe & Foundry
Terminal Rly Alabama State Docks EMD NASA
SOURCES
While information for this kit was drawn from many books and magazines, the key sources were:
1. Model Railroader Cyclopedia Vol 2- Diesel Locomotives p52 drawings and photos
2. Model Railroader: Dec 1976 George Drury's article and Elmer Cerny's drawings
3. Extra 2200 South: Issue 44 (Jan/Feb 1974) Final Roster by Dan Dover (Railfax)
4. Railroad Modeler: Apr 1974 "Know your Diesel - EMD's SW1500"
5. Southern Pacific Motive Power Annual 1974-76 (Chatham Publishing)
6. The Second Diesel Spotter's Guide and Update (Kalmbach)