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Technical Data |
808 units of the SW1500 were produced between June 1966 and January 1974. The SW1500 succeeded the SW1200 in the EMD product line (produced between 1954 and 1966) and the SW1500 was itself succeeded by the MP15DC (produced between 1974 and 1980).
Originally intended for short distance switching duties, the bulky EMD SW1500 was close to road switcher abilities and in many cases operated in this role for branch line services.
Production of the SW1500 peaked in 1972 with 189 units produced but the model became a casualty of 1970s skyrocketing inflation shortly after. With costs spiraling, a unit dedicated primarily to switching was not proving to be cost effective. Instead the design was revamped and evolved into the MP15 which could be used both for yard and road service.