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Genesis MP15AC and RTR SW1500 Switchers

Jesse asks:

“I have been looking at HO Athearn switchers online but the Genesis MP15AC and RTR SW1500 both seem pricey. It might be just me but they seem to have got more expensive? Anything comparable that’s cheaper?”

3 Responses to Genesis MP15AC and RTR SW1500 Switchers

  • Stew says:

    Hey Jesse, I actually have one of each. But I have had them for a long time and they were not so exp. I run DCC. They are good pullers for switchers though. Everything has gotten exp. And people on Ebay sometimes think older stuff is still worth a lot. Good luck

  • Bill says:

    Jesse,
    How much you want spend on those locomotives will depend on how much work you want to do yourself. If you look on line at eBay you can find older ones that are fine runners for much less than new ones. If you are patient you can find some very good bargains. Go to a train show or 2 and look. If you are willing to paint and decal then you have a much better chance of finding something to your liking. The same goes with DCC if you are using DCC then install it yourself and you can add the additional lights to make your locomotive unique.
    As encouragement my last 4 locos were purchased for $55 or less. They were Atlas undecorated with Kato drives. I added DCC and ground lights, class lights and a cab light along with sound. My total cost for each one is under $200. An investment of some time but my time has no cost to me.

  • Dale says:

    I don’t know what your desired price range is but I would expect to pay around $130-$150USD for a DCC-ready version and $250-$270USD for one with DCC and sound if you are buying new. Of course, used items will be significantly cheaper as would straight DC versions, if you can find them.

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