Switchers are awesome, and the NW2 design is especially good-looking. Even at age 37, I still love imagining myself in the cozy cab of an NW2 on a snowy day moving cars around in the yard - or removing snow - with the engine roaring, couplers clanging, wheels a-movin', all among the backdrop of the beautiful mountainous northwest.
Wow the video quality is amazing I really like the new look. I really appreciate all the work you put into producing great content. I have learned a ton from you I'll be putting it to use on my new basement layout!
Although I still haven't built a new layout since I moved, every time I get the itch, I watch a few videos on this channel. DIY & Digital Railroad is definitely one of the best!
I have a sound equipped one on pre order with Lombard Hobbies. I'm glad to see that it's a good model and am definitely looking forward to getting that email saying it has been delivered!
I had really hoped that Kato would have released the locomotive with different road names this time. NYC, PRR, B&O, C&O, Milwaukee Road, anything really.
A lot of times there's just something about tiny that is quite satisfying. Even though my favorites have always been passenger power and larger units, I've always really really enjoyed little shunters as well. I have some little shunters in my fleet such as an NW2 and some SW1500's, and every time I run them I always really really enjoy them!
Nice model. :-) One of my three power units is an SW-1500, in Southern colors. It goes well with the SD-9 and GP-38 high-nose locomotives I run. And every once in a while it gets out of the yard and gets to run a boxcar or two down to the transload facility in Danbury. ;-)
As much as larger engines are amazing to look at, there's something lovable about smaller engines. Switchers and medium sized engines are a delight. Also geared steam engines. Oh and because many of us got into trains via thomas, I found out last night that Britt Alcroft has died 😢
I used to see small switchers running cab forward leading an older road loco switching industries alongside Amtrak's NE Corridor in Pennsylvania. I'm not sure if it was for visibility or if it helped with switching operations. I liked the look though. Please cover a hand-me-down loco getting rebranded when it fits into your production schedule.
I'm planning to build an N Scale layout with a fully functioning yard next summer and I'm going to get one of these as the main switcher for shunting the cars around. Its a nice, inexpensive locomotive that is close enough to the SW-1 switchers they used in my hometown when I was a kid (I might even get a spare shell and custom paint them with the scheme of those locomotives). I don't currently plan to run DCC on the layout, but having the option of a very quick & simple conversion is nice in case I ever decide to dive down that rabbit hole. I'm going to focus my money on getting the layout built first though, cause its going to be a huge investment.
Your videos truly helped me in starting my first layout. The videos you’ve been posting have been great inspiration for new model railroaders like me! By the way, how many cars can a single loco pull up your grades? And what % are the inclines on your layout? I’m trying to get a good frame of reference for my planning. Keep up the great work!!!
Great video quality - the ability to get that close and maintain good depth of field requires a bit of effort - Nicely done. As for the Kato I love these little underdogs and will have to find a way to add one or two to the collection. "N+1" where N is the current number of locomotives you own...
Your videos are excellent ja informative as a new railroader. Checking your latest video here in snowy Finland and drinking Finnish Juhla Mokka coffee, which is a fine and full-bodied 100% arabica coffee blend and traditional light roasted version. Keep up the good work.
I was born in Charlotte, North Carolina in 1976 and continued to live there until 1986. I was accustomed to seeing a variety of GP and SD units operated by Southern/Norfolk Southern and Seaboard System/CSX Transportation. As much as I appreciated these impressive locomotives, everything changed during a trip to the North Carolina Transportation Museum in Spencer in the late 1990s. It was there that I uncovered a powerful fascination for smaller switchers myself. In October 2023, I was fortunate to have purchased the last HO scale Walthers Mainline EMD NW2 - Phase V in stock from an onlline retailer for less than $200.00 as Walthers had discontinued their run of the model. It would be perfect for a 1940s-era switching layout shelf layout that I plan to construct.
Still laying in bed as I watch this but when I do go get breakfast and make coffee it'll probably be some of that huge starbucks Milano Luna stockpile I have
Hi Jimmy, I feel the same. I have more switchers than any other loco in my collection. I have two HO scale Kato NW2s in the Canadian National livery. They are awesome.
I've got the Northern Pacific liveried version of Kato's NW2, such a smooth runner at such a compact size. I can say that it's worth having as a locomotive for switching in the yards, industrial layouts, or for a branch line.
I was really glad to get these. I have a BLI that I put back in the box because it just wouldn't run through the turnouts properly and I gave up on it. I got two of these KATOs and the AT&SF I converted to DCC and is on my main layout and the green BN stayed DC and is relegated now for my Christmas train diorama. Runs KATO perfect!
Great video Jimmy!! It’s been a while since commenting on one of your videos. Just retired last month. More time for the great hobby in the world. We’re drinking Starbucks Winter Blend this morning. It’s very cold here in Winnipeg this morning. Keep up the great work. ❤
Good morning Jimmy, today I’m drinking coffee from my glass jar ( instant coffee) no time for breakfast. I’m going out to my shed and I will be working on my layout. I spent 8 hours working on scenery yesterday… I do have one question though. In your video when your train rolls over the double crossover, it runs sooooo smoothly. How do you get such a smooth ride? My cars rattle around quite a bit
Hello! New to your Channel, Notify and Subscribe is on! 😂 I have N scale equipment, sadly in boxes but in the upcoming Weeks, I'll be putting down track to begin with a small track. I see all videos show up close. But I also enjoy seeing them in a way that shows the layout and how they look, small and their scale. Lastly, I have DCC engines (just 3) and wondering does all DCC Controllers work with all boards? My other 2 or 3 engines are not equipped, so I can have my hobby store install one and I watch, learn and duplicate? So many questions.. Thank you for your Channel and Happy New Year!! Coffee- from Mexico during our last cruise, Med Roast.
I am sure you have many who watch your videos that have never seen or held an N scale engine or rolling stock, and I must say your photography makes them look MUCH larger than they really are. Those things are small!!! lol
@@DIYDigitalRailroad ZIMO has developed the new sounddecoder for KATO. Therefore, only KATO receives them from ZIMO. The NW2 sound in the sounddecoders has been newly created by ZIMO.
Wish Kato did a better job of matching the plastic pieces (here the handrails) to the body paint. The pea green handrail is not a great match with the BN green. I think it's a significant flaw in this and other Kato locomotives.
Jimmy, if you like switchers, I'd suggest a small HO switching layout -- go DCC w/protothrottle and a Scale Sound Systems speaker, then run it like molasses...very cool!
Jimmy, as a long-time Model RR hacker and lurker, i am amazed at all the work you put into your models, your 🙂layout and you videos. You skills as a video producer show, but still you do excellent work. Thank you from contributing to the hobby, and inspiring even layabouts like me to continue dreaming.
Jimmy! KATO N scale switcher, straight DC for $335 is fairly INEXPENSIVE?! I've said it before - this is becoming an exclusively rich guys hobby. Either that or these companies are literally trying to put themselves out of business. 😢
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #60 РОЖДЕНИЕ ЛОЛОЛОШКИ [Финал] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YoR0pAV9FVQ/mqdefault.jpg)
Switchers are awesome, and the NW2 design is especially good-looking. Even at age 37, I still love imagining myself in the cozy cab of an NW2 on a snowy day moving cars around in the yard - or removing snow - with the engine roaring, couplers clanging, wheels a-movin', all among the backdrop of the beautiful mountainous northwest.
Wow the video quality is amazing I really like the new look. I really appreciate all the work you put into producing great content. I have learned a ton from you I'll be putting it to use on my new basement layout!
Although I still haven't built a new layout since I moved, every time I get the itch, I watch a few videos on this channel. DIY & Digital Railroad is definitely one of the best!
Very nice loco! Have been looking at them myself. Love your new sign too! The perfect gift for the guy who has everything. Thanks for sharing!
Jimmy, the new camera work looks great and I’m excited to see more this year!
I have a sound equipped one on pre order with Lombard Hobbies. I'm glad to see that it's a good model and am definitely looking forward to getting that email saying it has been delivered!
I had really hoped that Kato would have released the locomotive with different road names this time. NYC, PRR, B&O, C&O, Milwaukee Road, anything really.
Nice switchers for sure! I've got a BLI and an upgraded Atlas switcher. Super fun! Great vid
I also like the little switch locomotives! I have several Southern and a couple of Central of Georgias.
Wow the video quality is so good. You made n scale feel like HO scale.
A new run? Let's hope I can get my hands on some here in Europe!
I love these Kato NW2's. I already had 2 from previous runs, and this run is every bit as good as earlier ones.
A lot of times there's just something about tiny that is quite satisfying. Even though my favorites have always been passenger power and larger units, I've always really really enjoyed little shunters as well. I have some little shunters in my fleet such as an NW2 and some SW1500's, and every time I run them I always really really enjoy them!
That is a HUGE mug you have there! I'm having my usual, unsweetened Tetley British Bland in a Christmas mug.
Nice model. :-) One of my three power units is an SW-1500, in Southern colors. It goes well with the SD-9 and GP-38 high-nose locomotives I run. And every once in a while it gets out of the yard and gets to run a boxcar or two down to the transload facility in Danbury. ;-)
Please make a video showing how you remove the factory decals/lettering. Always wondered how to do that and not mess up the paint. Thanks.
I'll second that! Some of the ideas I have would definitely require me to get creative in that department.
As much as larger engines are amazing to look at, there's something lovable about smaller engines. Switchers and medium sized engines are a delight. Also geared steam engines.
Oh and because many of us got into trains via thomas, I found out last night that Britt Alcroft has died 😢
I used to see small switchers running cab forward leading an older road loco switching industries alongside Amtrak's NE Corridor in Pennsylvania. I'm not sure if it was for visibility or if it helped with switching operations. I liked the look though. Please cover a hand-me-down loco getting rebranded when it fits into your production schedule.
I have the BLI version of it in CN and CP livery. Love them
Nice looking engine. What decoder did you out in it?
Came here to ask the same question. Mine is out for delivery from Midwest Model RR!
That looks like the TCS K3D3. I used it in mine, works great.
I used a Digitrax DN123K3. I just updated the description with a link.
I used a Digitrax DN123K3
Would be nice to have Conrail at that price point
I'm planning to build an N Scale layout with a fully functioning yard next summer and I'm going to get one of these as the main switcher for shunting the cars around. Its a nice, inexpensive locomotive that is close enough to the SW-1 switchers they used in my hometown when I was a kid (I might even get a spare shell and custom paint them with the scheme of those locomotives). I don't currently plan to run DCC on the layout, but having the option of a very quick & simple conversion is nice in case I ever decide to dive down that rabbit hole. I'm going to focus my money on getting the layout built first though, cause its going to be a huge investment.
Your videos truly helped me in starting my first layout. The videos you’ve been posting have been great inspiration for new model railroaders like me! By the way, how many cars can a single loco pull up your grades? And what % are the inclines on your layout? I’m trying to get a good frame of reference for my planning.
Keep up the great work!!!
Those small switcher like that i consider them the work horse or the railroad. Strong and mighty!
Great video quality - the ability to get that close and maintain good depth of field requires a bit of effort - Nicely done. As for the Kato I love these little underdogs and will have to find a way to add one or two to the collection.
"N+1" where N is the current number of locomotives you own...
N=31
Your videos are excellent ja informative as a new railroader. Checking your latest video here in snowy Finland and drinking Finnish Juhla Mokka coffee, which is a fine and full-bodied 100% arabica coffee blend and traditional light roasted version. Keep up the good work.
I was born in Charlotte, North Carolina in 1976 and continued to live there until 1986. I was accustomed to seeing a variety of GP and SD units operated by Southern/Norfolk Southern and Seaboard System/CSX Transportation. As much as I appreciated these impressive locomotives, everything changed during a trip to the North Carolina Transportation Museum in Spencer in the late 1990s. It was there that I uncovered a powerful fascination for smaller switchers myself.
In October 2023, I was fortunate to have purchased the last HO scale Walthers Mainline EMD NW2 - Phase V in stock from an onlline retailer for less than $200.00 as Walthers had discontinued their run of the model. It would be perfect for a 1940s-era switching layout shelf layout that I plan to construct.
Still laying in bed as I watch this but when I do go get breakfast and make coffee it'll probably be some of that huge starbucks Milano Luna stockpile I have
Hi Jimmy, I feel the same. I have more switchers than any other loco in my collection. I have two HO scale Kato NW2s in the Canadian National livery. They are awesome.
I've got the Northern Pacific liveried version of Kato's NW2, such a smooth runner at such a compact size. I can say that it's worth having as a locomotive for switching in the yards, industrial layouts, or for a branch line.
I’ve been looking for small switchers like this one for a while - my layout runs best on these small four axle engines. Glad you found this one.
Just got the UP. It is fantastic.
Thanks for sharing...I'll need one of these for sure. Going to a train show on Saturday in KC with my grandson (get out the wallet pawpop...).
I was really glad to get these. I have a BLI that I put back in the box because it just wouldn't run through the turnouts properly and I gave up on it. I got two of these KATOs and the AT&SF I converted to DCC and is on my main layout and the green BN stayed DC and is relegated now for my Christmas train diorama. Runs KATO perfect!
Happy New Year Jimothyieaux
Great video Jimmy!!
It’s been a while since commenting on one of your videos. Just retired last month. More time for the great hobby in the world. We’re drinking Starbucks Winter Blend this morning. It’s very cold here in Winnipeg this morning.
Keep up the great work. ❤
What a cool little Switcher!
My preorder of this switcher recently came through my credit card! Can’t wait for Royal Mail to drop this off (hopefully tomorrow)!
Happy New Year
Received mine a few weeks ago just a beautiful looking model ATSF bookends.
I have 2 Kato GP35s in HO from mid 90s when they were still making HO. Great engines.
The quality is amazing man!Hey I have one question will a dcc locomotive run on a dc controller?
Today’s a Starbucks homemade cold brew day using French roast. New electric burr grinder has been great so far.
Good morning Jimmy, today I’m drinking coffee from my glass jar ( instant coffee) no time for breakfast. I’m going out to my shed and I will be working on my layout. I spent 8 hours working on scenery yesterday… I do have one question though. In your video when your train rolls over the double crossover, it runs sooooo smoothly. How do you get such a smooth ride? My cars rattle around quite a bit
Jimmy, I love the videos, but having to sit through almost a minute and a half of essentially ads to get to the content is rough.
I am still working on the best way to insert ads.
If it funds such good content though, surely its worth it!?
@PhilipKett Especially if the ads are train related, they can be fun to watch.
To be fair. This was a really cool ad for a complete novice like me.
At least the ad is related to the content provided...
Fantastic!
my first N scale loco is an NW2, not the Kato one, but an NW2.... I may someday have to snag up one of these ones...
Looks great do you know if it's a good puller on a 4% grade?
These locomotives do or do not come with factory installed decoders?
Assuming these have Karo couplers? How well do they play with MicroTrains couplers?
THANKS
just opened the very same switcher last night
I have 4 Kato NW2 HO locomotives, great locomotives
Awesome thank you for sharing
wish they made a switcher in a CSX roadname
Blackout Morning Reaper!
How do you purchase 3D files to be able to print a 3D image? I am looking for files to construct Trailers ane also the Tractors that pull them.
Hello! New to your Channel, Notify and Subscribe is on! 😂 I have N scale equipment, sadly in boxes but in the upcoming Weeks, I'll be putting down track to begin with a small track. I see all videos show up close. But I also enjoy seeing them in a way that shows the layout and how they look, small and their scale. Lastly, I have DCC engines (just 3) and wondering does all DCC Controllers work with all boards? My other 2 or 3 engines are not equipped, so I can have my hobby store install one and I watch, learn and duplicate? So many questions.. Thank you for your Channel and Happy New Year!! Coffee- from Mexico during our last cruise, Med Roast.
I am sure you have many who watch your videos that have never seen or held an N scale engine or rolling stock, and I must say your photography makes them look MUCH larger than they really are. Those things are small!!! lol
Say, I'm drinking Peets dark roast! 😋
Is there a DCC Sound board that fits?
I have been trying to find one. I haven't yet.
@
What DCC Board did you drop in then?
I did a digitrax dn123k3
@@DIYDigitalRailroad ZIMO has developed the new sounddecoder for KATO. Therefore, only KATO receives them from ZIMO. The NW2 sound in the sounddecoders has been newly created by ZIMO.
Great running locomotive but weak on pulling power. Mine will only pull about half the number of cars as the earlier SW1500/1200 series motors.
I can design the Decals if you need help getting them made!
Wish Kato did a better job of matching the plastic pieces (here the handrails) to the body paint. The pea green handrail is not a great match with the BN green. I think it's a significant flaw in this and other Kato locomotives.
Hermosa
Jimmy, if you like switchers, I'd suggest a small HO switching layout -- go DCC w/protothrottle and a Scale Sound Systems speaker, then run it like molasses...very cool!
Jimmy, as a long-time Model RR hacker and lurker, i am amazed at all the work you put into your models, your 🙂layout and you videos. You skills as a video producer show, but still you do excellent work. Thank you from contributing to the hobby, and inspiring even layabouts like me to continue dreaming.
Jimmy! KATO N scale switcher, straight DC for $335 is fairly INEXPENSIVE?! I've said it before - this is becoming an exclusively rich guys hobby. Either that or these companies are literally trying to put themselves out of business. 😢
May I ask where you are looking? The link I provided was right around $100 and even the MSRP is $135. I would suggest looking at other vendors.
@DIYDigitalRailroad actually, that was your link. They had two units on sale for $104 but the rest of the stock was clearly priced @335