scale flat cars. The load consists of 32 “panels” of lumber which
can be stacked together to form units and stacks of lumber in
a variety of different arrangements. All parts are cast in a light
cream-tan color which is a good starting point for weathering
and adding wood grain effects. Although specifically designed
to fit the class F-70 series flat cars (ex-Red Caboose) sold by the
Southern Pacific Historical Society, the load will fit several other
flat cars including Walthers/Proto2000’s 53 footer, Bowser’s
class F30A, Tichy’s 53 foot GSC, and Athearn Blue-Box 40 foot
and 50 foot flat cars. The lumber load is available through the
above website.
Rapido Trains Inc.
) has announced plans to
produce an HO scale EMD FL9 locomotive. Built between 1956
and 1960, the FL9 was a dual-power locomotive able to oper-
ate as a traditional diesel-electric as well as on direct electric
power. This allowed it to handle New Haven Railroad’s passen-
ger trains in and out of New York City’s Grand Central Terminal
without the need for an engine change. This is the first time a
plastic version of this unique locomotive has been produced.
Rapido is cutting new tooling for the models that will include
authentic details for both the first and second delivery groups
of locomotives including third-rail shoes and pantographs
where appropriate.
The HO scale models
will be available with
factory-installed ESU
LokSound DCC/sound
decoders or as DC mod-
els (DCC-ready). The
MSRP will be $249.95
Photo courtesy of Mike Schafer
