On the heels of the highly successful ALCo/MLW FPA-2 and FPB-2 locomotives, Rapido Trains is pleased to announce a conditional run of the unique MLW FPA-2u and FPB-2u in HO scale.

In 1955, Canadian National ordered six pairs of FPA-2 and FPB-2 locomotives from Montreal Locomotive Works (MLW), under license from the American Locomotive Company (ALCo). These were steam-equipped FA-2 and FB-2 locomotives that produced 1,600 hp from their ALCo 244 V-12 engines. The addition of the “P” to each name stood for the “Passenger” equipment that they had installed.

In 1958, wanting to improve reliability and operations, Canadian National rebuilt two pairs of FPA-2 and FPB-2 units with brand new 1,800 hp ALCo 251 V-12 engines, as well as enlarged fuel tanks and other visual improvements. These units were given the designation FPA-2u and FPB-2u and were numbered 6758/6858 and 6759/6859. All 4 units would survive into service with VIA Rail Canada and FPA-2u 6758 would go on to live beyond its VIA years with the New York & Lake Erie Railroad.

The two rebuilt A-B sets would become the prototypes for the production of the MLW FPA-4 and FPB-4 locomotives, built in 1958 and 1959, one of the most iconic locomotives operated in passenger service by CN and VIA Rail Canada.