Milwaukee, Wis. - Walthers announces a new run of PROTO 2000 EMD SD7 diesels in HO Scale, arriving in October 2007. For the first time, these popular locos will be available in Quantum Sound and DCC Equipped versions (#920-40725 series, $224.98 each) and as Standard DC-powered models (#920-47725 series, $124.98 each). The models will be offered in six different roadnames, as well as undecorated versions.

Originally intended for use on branch lines, EMD introduced its Special Duty series in 1952 with the SD7. This loco also introduced the three-axle Flexi-Coil truck with its powered centeraxle. This was a major departure from earlier three-axle designs where an unpowered centeraxle was used to spread the engine's weight over more wheels, reducing the strain on the lighter rail and lower capacity bridges found on branches. EMD's design not only spread the weight but the extra traction motors provided a bit more power to get trains started. The SD's longer trucks required a longer frame, and buyers could also specify a heavier frame for engines working transfers and other low speed service. Somewhat underpowered with only 1500 horsepower (same as a four-axle GP7), only 188 SD7s were built from February of 1952 through November of 1953.

RS-2s have worked for Class I, shortline and industrial lines across the continent. The engines have been long lived, with one survivor still holding down daily freight duties in 2007. A few others still see service at museum and tourist lines.

Some of the many features on these new PROTO 2000 models include:
  • Prototype-Specific Detailing
  • Magnetic Knuckle Couplers
  • All Wheel Drive & Electrical Pickup
  • Dual Machined Brass Flywheels
  • Constant & Directional Headlights
  • RP-25 Contour Blackened Wheels
  • Heavy Diecast Chassis
  • Five-Pole Skew-Wound Motor

The models will be offered in the following roadnames and unit numbers:

Bessemer & Lake Erie (black, orange)
920-40725 #452 w/Sound & DCC
920-40726 #453 w/Sound & DCC
920-47725 #451 Standard DC
920-47726 #454 Standard DC

EMD Demonstrator
920-40727 #990 w/Sound & DCC
920-40728 #991 w/Sound & DCC
920-47727 #990 Standard DC
920-47728 #991 Standard DC

CNW† (yellow, green)
920-40729 #1661 w/Sound & DCC
920-40730 #1663 w/Sound & DCC
920-47729 #1660 Standard DC
920-47730 #1662 Standard DC

GN (Big Sky Blue)
920-40731 #561 w/Sound & DCC
920-40732 #562 w/Sound & DCC
920-47731 #569 Standard DC
920-47732 #570 Standard DC

PRR (Dark Green Locomotive Enamel)
920-40733 #8588 w/Sound & DCC
920-40734 #8589 w/Sound & DCC
920-47733 #8588 Standard DC
920-47734 #8589 Standard DC

Chessie* (orange, yellow, vermillion)
920-40735 #1827 w/Sound & DCC
920-40736 #1830 w/Sound & DCC
920-47735 #1826 Standard DC
920-47736 #1829 Standard DC

Undecorated
920-40737 w/Sound & DCC
920-47737 Standard DC

The PROTO 2000 EMD SD7 Diesels will be arriving in October. For more information on PROTO 2000 locos and other Walthers HO Scale products, or to locate a dealer, visit Walthers on the Internet at www.walthers.com. Call 414-527-0770 or write Walthers, P.O. Box 3039, Milwaukee, WI 53201-3039.

*CSX proprietary marks used by permission of CSX Transportation, Inc.

†Union Pacific licensed product