Rapido Trains Inc. HO scale steam generator car

Featuring wisps of simulated steam escaping from under the carbody, this new HO steam generator car from Rapido Trains accurately models a prototype that kept passengers warm on Canadian railroads. Prior to the diesel era, passenger trains were heated by piping in steam from a locomotive’s boiler. Diesel locomotives used in passenger service had to be equipped with onboard steam generators. Separate steam generator cars allowed freight diesels to be used in passenger service and also supplemented the passenger diesels’ steam supply in the coldest weather.

The model’s steam generator operates on DC and DCC layouts. Using the included metal wand, I lifted off the B-end roof hatch, revealing on/off switches for the steam generator and exterior lights. Smoke fluid and a funnel are included. After I turned on the generator, the steam effect was visible in about a minute.

The Rapido model is based on a steam generator car built by General Motors Diesel Limited of Canada in 1958 and 1959. All the model’s dimensions match a GMDL builder’s diagram.

The HO car is built primarily of plastic and features an exceptional amount of separately applied parts, including a fully detailed underbody. Replacement windows and two user-installed steam connector pipes are also included.

Our review sample is decorated in Via Rail Canada’s blue and yellow 1986 paint scheme. All the printing is crisp and straight. There’s sharp color separation between the yellow stripes, and all the warning stencils match prototype photos.

Weighing 4.5 ounces, the HO car is .7 ounces too heavy according to National Model Railroad Association recommended practice RP-20.1. The operating Kadee-compatible knuckle couplers are at the correct height. The RP-25 contour metal wheels are mounted in gauge on plastic axles.

If you’re a subscriber, you can watch Associate Editor Cody Grivno demonstrate the steam generator car on our club layout.

HO steam generator car
Price: $59.95

Manufacturer
Rapido Trains Inc.
140 Applewood Crescent, Unit A
Concord, Ont.
L4K 4E2 Canada
www.rapidotrains.com

Era: 1958 to mid-1990s

Road names: Via Rail Canada; Algoma Central; Amtrak (Phase 1); Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe; Canadian National (1954), CN (1961); Chesapeake & Ohio; Denver & Rio Grande Western; Great Northern; Milwaukee Road (1950 and Union Pacific schemes); New York Central; New York, Ontario & Western; Northern Pacific; Ontario Northland; Pennsylvania; Southern; Union Pacific; Via-CN; Western Pacific; and undecorated.