Northeastern Scale Lumber HO 3002 1″ .012″

The Rapido Trains HO Scale EMD FL9 Rebuilt/Modernized Version is based ondiesels which were designed for use on conventional and electrified linesso power wouldn’t have to be changed at the end of the electrifieddistrict. The FL9 was a critical locomotive for operations out of GrandCentral Terminal in New York City. Originally operated on the former NewHaven lines the fleet’s operating area spread under Penn Central andConrail/MTA to include the former New York Central lines north along theHudson River. With no direct replacements on the horizon, in the 1980s thedecision was made to rebuild and upgrade many of the original FL9s.Rebuilding typically included the addition of HEP (Head End Power) toreplace the older steam heat boilers, as well as upgraded braking systemsand electronics. These rebuilds were done in several batches for MetroNorth and Amtrak. Notable among these rebuilt units were those which weresold to the Connecticut Department of Transportation and were rebuilt byMorrison-Knudsen in 1984-1985. Owned by ConnDot, they were operated byMetro North. The units re-entered service wearing their original New Havenblack, white and red livery. These feature a different HEP fan arrangementand nearly flat rear-end. The Rapido model features railroad andera-specific details, etched-metal grilles and details,roadname-appropriate lighting packages and Rapido semi-scale knucklecouplers on both ends. The model also features the appropriate body stylefor rebuilt units. The smooth-running drive features a five-pole motor withdual flywheels, backed up with the MoPower capacitor system foruninterrupted operation. This standard DC model is DCC ready with a 21-pininterface for easy conversion. The EMD FL9 is part of the line of Rapido Trains HO Scalelocomotives.