my ESPEE MODELERS ARCHIVE

California's Railroad to the U.S. 1861 - 1996

Cotton Belt SW1200

17 units delivered

Cotton Belt took delivery of 8 true SW1200's #1062-1069 (as distinct from later rebuilt SW7/9's) in 1963. These were the first SSW switchers delivered in the Blood Nose paint, as well, they were delivered with roller-bearing trucks suitable for road service and standard 'switcher' headlight and roof mounted rotary beacons, as against an SP light package.

Another 4 identical units #1070-1073 were delivered in 1964.

Yet another 5 were ordered for 1966, tentatively #1074-1078, however, these were delivered as #2289-2293 as per the 1965 systemwide renumbering.

Of this last order, #2289 and 2290 were delivered as per SP specs with the 'Frog Eye' light package, 930 gallon extended fuel tank, hood mounted numberboards and 15" Cotton Belt lettering.

Due to forward vision problems with the 'Frog Eye' light package and hood mounted numberboards, the final three #2291-2293 were delivered with a light/numberboard package similar to what would be standard on the later SW1500 models.

Both SP and SSW units have full length handrails fitted.

References:

• Cotton Belt Locomotives by Strapac - page 184-187
• SP 1987/88 Motive Power Pictorial by Joe.W.Shine, Page 90.
• SP.....into the '90's by Joe.W.Shine, Pages 163.- also has photo's of these units.
• SP 1995 Motive Power Annual by Bill Shippen - Four Ways West Publications.