Rapido Trains HO Alco FA1 and FB1 diesels

The Rapido Trains HO Alco FA1 and FB1 diesels are the subject of our latest Product Review video. Model Railroader Senior Editor Cody Grivno shares a brief prototype history of the freight haulers, points out the various factory-applied details on the units, and demonstrates some of the sound and lights functions on the ESU LokSound 5-equipped models. Then, sit back and watch the Union Pacific samples we received lead a short freight on our HO scale Beer Line sectional layout.

In addition to Union Pacific, the Rapido Trains HO Alco FA1 and FB1 diesels are decorated for Canadian National (green and yellow, single FA1 in four road numbers); Erie (black and yellow); Canadian Pacific (maroon and gray with script and block lettering); Great Northern (Empire Builder scheme); Lehigh & New England (black and white); New York, New Haven & Hartford (as-delivered and McGinnis schemes); Pennsylvania RR (Dark Green Locomotive Enamel); and Reading Co. (black and green). Unless noted, all models are offered as two single FA1 diesels and two FA1/FB1 sets (both units are powered).

Features on the HO scale (1:87.1) Alco models include an injection-molded plastic body; a die-cast metal chassis; a five-pole, skew-wound motor with dual flywheels; and a Mo-Power capacitor. In addition, the models are offered with or without dynamic brakes as appropriate; flat or angled number boards; etched-metal side grills and fan screens; operating headlights, class lights, and back-up lights; underbody piping and conduit; and freestanding grab irons and handrails.

Direct-current (DC) analog models with a 21-pin plug retail for $229.95 (FA1) and $429.95 (FA1/FB1 set). Locomotives with a dual-mode ESU LokSound 5 sound decoder are priced at $339.95 (FA1) and $649.95 (FA1/FB1 set).

Trains.com Product Review videos showcase the latest new items from manufacturers of products in Z, N, HO, S, O, and large scales. In the videos, you can watch locomotives in action, take a close-up look at details on freight cars, see kit components, and much more.

If you are a manufacturer and have products you would like reviewed, please email Senior Editor Cody Grivno at cody.grivno@firecrown.com for more information.