PROTOTYPE INFORMATION: EMD’s E-8 (and successor, E-9) were the quintessential North American passenger locomotive of the 1950s through the 1970s. 450 E8A and 46 E8B units were produced, with an additional 100 E9A and 44 E9B locos following. The first E8s were delivered in 1949, with the last E9 being produced in 1964. These units pulled passenger trains from coast to coast, and later became the backbone of Amtrak’s fleet in its early days. Many more were later used in commuter service before being retired. Today several units live on in museums and tourist railroads throughout North America.
Rapido’s E8 model features:
3D laser-scanned body shell
Accurate nose and roof contours
Seven different noses
Three different back ends
Two different sides – with and without lifting lug covers
Three different steam generator options
36” fan, 48” fan or non-dynamic brake options
Single- or dual-headlight configurations
Freight or passenger pilots
Three styles of side grills
Original porthole sides or rebuilt with blanked sides (including unique variations)
Skirted or non-skirted fuel tanks
Original square and sloped or Hyatt roller bearing journal boxes
Heavy die-cast chassis
Smooth running drive system with all wheels powered
Complete lighting effects – headlights, class lights, backup lights, ground lights, cab lights and more
Numerous road-specific detail parts in both plastic and etched metal
2021 marked the 50th anniversary of Amtrak, the US national passenger network. Amtrak has defied all the odds to reach this incredible milestone, and it’s important that we celebrate this tremendous achievement. In celebration, Rapido is honored to offer a special LIMITED EDITION model of Amtrak #4316, the first E-8 that Amtrak painted in what would become a one-off paint scheme. The E8 was the backbone of Amtrak’s early locomotive fleet, and what better way is there to celebrate America’s national passenger railroad? Each sound-equipped model of 4316 will be packaged in an engraved wood presentation box and include a unique enamel pin as well as a numbered certificate of authenticity signed by Rapido president Jason Shron and Amtrak’s Matt Donnelly. What makes Rapido’s E8 and E9 models different than every E8 or E9 that has come before? Simple – we’re doing it right. Every E8 model out there is a “best guess” as to the nose, roof and windshield contours of the real thing. At Rapido’s we don’t believe in making guesses. That’s why we commissioned a 3D laser scan of Union Pacific E8 #942 at the Southern California Railway Museum. A 3D scan ensures that we get those impossible-to-guess contours bang-on accurate. Our engineers trace the scan and shrink it down to HO scale.
