Rapido once again breaks new ground by announcing a first in plastic! Behold the HEP-equipped E-unit, used predominately in commuter and inter-city services.
Perhaps the most famous owner was the BN, with a fleet of 25 Morrison-Knudsen rebuilt E-9As for “suburban” service. Notable upgrades included; new 645EC prime movers pushing the horsepower output to 2400, Detroit Diesel HEP generators and the addition of dynamic brakes. The fleet would remain in service until the early ‘90s. Amtrak also owned five HEP-equipped E-units for inter-city services, which were overhauled by Penn Central at their Juniata Shops. These mainly operated in the Northeast/New England area, but could occasionally be seen in other areas. It was not uncommon to see them hauling the brand new Amfleet cars by, either solo or teamed up with an F40PH. 497 would later be sold to Metro North, while 498 and 499 would become part of the Conrail OCS fleet. Burlington Northern models will come one with one style of rear HEP hatch installed and the other in the parts bag. They simply clip into place. The nose-mounted red light will be included in the parts bag for user installation if desired. Once installed it will operate.
The Rapido Trains HO scale Rebuilt E8 w/HEP locomotive features:
- Correct HEP muffler and hatch
- Multiple dynamic brake options and fans
- Sealed, twin-beam headlight configuration
- Modified pilot
- Blanked sides with appropriate grille work
- Skirted or non-skirted fuel tanks
- Hyatt roller bearing journal covers
- Heavy die-cast chassis
- Smooth running drive system with all wheels powered
- Accurate E8 sounds provided by ESU LokSound
- Complete lighting effects – headlights, class lights, backup lights, ground lights, cab lights, Stratolite or beacons and more. *Not all lighting features will work in DC mode.
- Numerous road-specific detail parts in both plastic and etched metal.
Conrail Executive Units
Conrail was well known for their iconic blue locomotives, “can opener” logo and hot intermodal services. But perhaps the most elusive and best-dressed operation they ran was their Office Car Specials, complete with a trio of Pullman green E-units.
Numbered 4020 through 4022, these were the backbone of many OCS trips, right on up till the final day in 1999. The 4020 and 4021 were equipped with HEP, while the 4022 retained its steam boiler. Other spotting features included: porthole removal, lack of skirting, mini anti-climbers, dynamic brakes (sans the 4022) and cab mounted Leslie RS3L air horn. Despite lacking a HEP generator, the 4022 did carry HEP pass-through receptacles, making it capable of trailing or leading.
The Rapido Trains HO scale Conrail OCS E-unit locomotive features:
- HEP muffler for 4020-4021 and steam generator details for 4022
- Dynamic brake options where appropriate
- Sealed, twin-beam headlight configuration
- Modified pilots
- Correct side grilles
- Rebuilt blanked sides (portholes removed) in two variations
- Non-skirted fuel tanks
- Three chime RS3L and Hancock air whistle air horns included
- Hyatt roller bearing journal covers
- Heavy die-cast chassis
- Smooth running drive system with all wheels powered
- Accurate E8 sounds provided by ESU LokSound
- Complete lighting effects – headlights, class lights, backup lights, ground lights, cab lights, Stratolite or beacons and more. *Not all lighting features will work in DC mode.
- Optional user-installed ditch lights.
CN & IC Executive Units
Even more executive E-units? Why of course! Rapido once again delivers the goods. This time we are proud to present the Illinois Central and Canadian National executive E9As. When Metra retired the last of their E9As from commuter service, IC bought four for their executive fleet. Numbered 100 through 103, only 100 and 101 were painted in the special silver, white and black IC scheme. Eventually numbers 102 and 103 would be transferred to CN when IC was taken over. 102 and 103 would first receive a green and black heritage scheme, reminiscent of their 1954 passenger train paint scheme. Then later on, the two were repainted into a version of the current red, black and grey scheme. The four E-units share many of the same features of their BN siblings, but with added ditch light cut-outs in the nose.
The Rapido Trains HO scale CN & IC Executive E-Unit locomotive features:
- Correct HEP muffler and hatch
- New nose with inset ditch lights
- Modified pilots
- Correct side grilles
- Blanked sides with appropriate grille work
- Hyatt roller bearing journal covers
- Heavy die-cast chassis
- Smooth running drive system with all wheels powered
- Accurate E8 sounds provided by ESU LokSound
- Complete lighting effects – headlights, ditch lights, class lights, backup lights, ground lights, cab lights and more.
- *Not all lighting features will work in DC mode.
- Numerous road-specific detail parts in both plastic and etched metal.
Ever experience a loss of power? Experience it no more with the all-new "Mo-Power" capacitor.
Designed by Rapido with the guidance of ESU LokSound, this handy electrical component, which is integrated with the main PCB board, ensures you run uninterrupted from a momentary loss of track power. It will provide anywhere from two to five seconds of juice, depending on the Rapido locomotive.
Become a Master
The EMD E8 & E9 Master Class showcases the owners, history, detailing variations of and changes to the various locos over their service lives.
Order your E8 w/HEP now!
Order direct or through your favorite dealer.
