exhaust stacks on the end; GPB-17a - #6600-6610 as rebuilt with
plated-over exhaust holes on the end, rounded steam generator
exhaust stacks on the roof, and large winterization hatch ; GPB-
17c/d -#6614-6630 with small winterization hatch and squared-off
steam generator exhaust stacks on the roof; and GPB-17e - #6631-
6637 with 48” fans and squared-off steam generator exhaust
stacks on the roof.
Rapido will offer both powered and non-powered versions
of the F9B. Powered models will be available for DC opera-
tion or with DCC using Rapido’s distinctive 567C sound record-
ing as used on Rapido’s FP9A. Click here to see and hear
Rapido’s FP9A in operation:
Late last month
Tangent Scale Models
introduced an all-new HO scale model of a General Steel
Casting 60’ flat car. Here are more details on this exceptional
model that replicates a prototype with a one-piece cast steel
frame developed in 1956 by GSC. The model is currently available
in six prototypically accurate decorating schemes including
Wabash in the road’s 1956 brown scheme with white lettering.
An Atchison, Topeka, & Santa Fe class FT-7 version comes in the
original 1956 paint scheme with white stencils on a red car body,
an Illinois Central car in the original 1962 paint scheme with white
lettering on a brown body, and a Pennsylvania Railroad version in
original F47 red paint from 1965.
January News column - 13
versions of the Long Island cars, as well as Penn Central cars, are
expected to be available next month.
Rapido is progressing well in the development of a Canadian
National F9B unit. Among the many unique features of the CN
locomotives are the single louver rather than a center porthole,
correct roof-mounted coils (different for each locomotive num-
ber), distinctive roof and end generator details, see-through
non-warping etched metal grilles (backed with visible free-stand-
ing coils), uncoupling bars, steam blowdown valves, and metal
Macdonald-Cartier couplers. Additional features include separate
grab irons, and stainless-steel wheelsets.
In order to accurately replicate each of CN’s four F9B units, Rapido
is preparing tooling for four different shells. They include GPB-
17a/b - #6600-6613 as built in 1954-55 with large steam generator
MRH-Jan 2013
