Rapido HO GE 44-ton diesel locomotive

The much-anticipated Rapido HO GE 44-ton diesel locomotive recently arrived at our headquarters. Model Railroader Senior Editor Cody Grivno provides a brief history of the center-cab switcher and Milwaukee Road 992; points out the various details on the diesel; and demonstrates the sound and light function on the model, equipped with an ESU LokSound V5 sound decoder. Then watch the diesel switcher work industries on our Winston-Salem Southbound Tar Branch layout.

The first release of the Rapido HO GE 44-ton diesel locomotive features models with multiple phase and detail variations. Road names on Phase Ic models include Milwaukee Road; Boston & Maine; Denver & Rio Grande Western; New York, New Haven & Hartford; New York, Ontario & Western; Northern Pacific; and Southern Pacific. Phase III units are lettered for Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe and Southern Ry. Road names on Phase IV switchers include Canadian National, Pennsylvania RR, and Union Pacific. The GE 44-ton diesel locomotive is offered in one to three road numbers per paint scheme. Painted but unlettered models in yellow (Phase Ic), red (Phase III), and blue (Phase IV), as well as undecorated models in all three phases, are also available.

Product features on the Rapido HO GE 44-ton diesel locomotive include an injection-molded plastic body; heavy, die-cast metal chassis and fuel tank; a coreless motor with dual flywheels; a detailed cab interior; and photo-etched cab steps.

Direct-current models with a NEXT-18 decoder socket and speaker are priced at $189.95. Versions with an ESU LokSound V5 sound decoder have a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $299.95.

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.