EMD’s E-8 (and successor, E-9) were the quintessential North American passenger locomotive of the 1950s through the 1970s. 450 E8A and 46 E8B units were produced, with an additional 100 E9A and 44 E9B locos following. The first E8s were delivered in 1949, with the last E9 being produced in 1964. These units pulled passenger trains from coast to coast, and later became the backbone of Amtrak’s fleet in its early days. Many more were later used in commuter service before being retired. Today several units live on in museums and tourist railroads throughout North America.
What makes Rapido’s E8 and E9 models different than every E8 or E9 that has come before? Simple – we’re doing it right. Every E8 model out there is a “best guess” as to the nose, roof and windshield contours of the real thing. At Rapido’s we don’t believe in making guesses. That’s why we commissioned a 3D laser scan of Union Pacific E8 #942 at the Southern California Railway Museum. A 3D scan ensures that we get those impossible-to-guess contours bang-on accurate. Our engineers trace the scan and shrink it down to HO scale.
Rapido’s E8 model features:
Below is a list of just SOME of the road-specific detail parts that we are producing:
Each E8A & E8B locomotive will have road specific details applied. Details are listed with each product. You can see a visual representation of the details by clicking the button below.
To help celebrate Amtrak's 50th Anniversary, we will be producing a limited edition version of Amtrak #4316.
This was the first unit painted by Amtrak, and was used to help launch the organization to the public on April 1st, 1971.
Order direct or through your favourite dealer.
Officially licensed by Amtrak. Amtrak is a registered service mark of the National Railroad Passenger Corporation.