Rapido Trains Inc HO 28304 DCC Ready Rebuilt EMD E8A w/HEP Locomotive Amtrak 'Phase II' AMTK #496

Rapido once again breaks new ground by announcing a first in plastic! Behold the HEP-equipped E-unit, used predominately in commuter and inter-city services.

Perhaps the most famous owner was the BN, with a fleet of 25 Morrison-Knudsen rebuilt E-9As for “suburban” service. Notable upgrades included; new 645EC prime movers pushing the horsepower output to 2400, Detroit Diesel HEP generators and the addition of dynamic brakes. The fleet would remain in service until the early ‘90s. Amtrak also owned five HEP-equipped E-units for inter-city services, which were overhauled by Penn Central at their Juniata Shops. These mainly operated in the Northeast/New England area, but could occasionally be seen in other areas. It was not uncommon to see them hauling the brand new Amfleet cars by, either solo or teamed up with an F40PH. 497 would later be sold to Metro North, while 498 and 499 would become part of the Conrail OCS fleet. Burlington Northern models will come one with one style of rear HEP hatch installed and the other in the parts bag. They simply clip into place. The nose-mounted red light will be included in the parts bag for user installation if desired. Once installed it will operate.