Bi-Level Commuter Cars and the GMD F59PH
Rapido, HO Scale, 146015, Bi-Level Commuter Car, TriRail, Set #1, (Cab: 501 Coaches: 1003 & 1012)
Regular price $319.95 Sale price $284.99The current Bilevel design, although largely originating in Europe, found its ways to North American rails in the 1970s and has since been put to use by dozens of commuter agencies all across Canada and the United States. Originally designed by Hawker Siddeley Canada, the cars have been manufactured over the years by Hawker Siddeley, Urban Transportation Development Corporation (UTDC), SNC-Lavalin, and today, Bombardier. The cars have always been built at the original Canadian Car & Foundry (CanCar) factory in Thunder Bay, Ontario.
The Bilevel Commuter Car was originally designed in the mid-1970s at the request of the Government of Ontario (Canada) to develop a higher-capacity solution for their GO Transit commuter trains in the Greater Toronto Area. The commuter trains had grown to 10-car single-level trains during peak times and it was felt that the ideal solution was to increase the height rather than length of the trains. Designed by Hawker Siddeley Canada and Dofasco with input from GO Transit, the first coach models entered service in 1976, while the first cab cars entered service in 1983.
In 1989, the first Bilevel cars were introduced to the United States by Tri-Rail in the Miami area. In 1992, Metrolink in the Los Angeles area introduced the design to the West Coast. This spurred further orders in California including Coaster of San Diego, and Altamont Commuter Express (now Altamont Corridor Express) of San Jose. By the 2000s, more agencies across North America began using the Bilevel Commuter Cars for start-up commuter operations, such as Sounder in Seattle, FrontRunner in Salt Lake City, RailRunner in Albuquerque and West Coast Express in Vancouver, just to name a few. As of late 2020, 14 agencies across North America operate fleets totaling almost 1500 Bilevel Commuter Cars.
The Rapido model aims to finally bring museum-quality details, improved operations and prototypical accuracy to this long loved and under-appreciated mode of (commuter) transportation.
Features:
Rapido, HO Scale, 146005, Bi-Level Commuter Car, GO Transit - Early: Set #2 (Cab: 213 Coaches: 2121, 21)
Regular price $319.95 Sale price $259.99The current Bilevel design, although largely originating in Europe, found its ways to North American rails in the 1970s and has since been put to use by dozens of commuter agencies all across Canada and the United States. Originally designed by Hawker Siddeley Canada, the cars have been manufactured over the years by Hawker Siddeley, Urban Transportation Development Corporation (UTDC), SNC-Lavalin, and today, Bombardier. The cars have always been built at the original Canadian Car & Foundry (CanCar) factory in Thunder Bay, Ontario.
The Bilevel Commuter Car was originally designed in the mid-1970s at the request of the Government of Ontario (Canada) to develop a higher-capacity solution for their GO Transit commuter trains in the Greater Toronto Area. The commuter trains had grown to 10-car single-level trains during peak times and it was felt that the ideal solution was to increase the height rather than length of the trains. Designed by Hawker Siddeley Canada and Dofasco with input from GO Transit, the first coach models entered service in 1976, while the first cab cars entered service in 1983.
In 1989, the first Bilevel cars were introduced to the United States by Tri-Rail in the Miami area. In 1992, Metrolink in the Los Angeles area introduced the design to the West Coast. This spurred further orders in California including Coaster of San Diego, and Altamont Commuter Express (now Altamont Corridor Express) of San Jose. By the 2000s, more agencies across North America began using the Bilevel Commuter Cars for start-up commuter operations, such as Sounder in Seattle, FrontRunner in Salt Lake City, RailRunner in Albuquerque and West Coast Express in Vancouver, just to name a few. As of late 2020, 14 agencies across North America operate fleets totaling almost 1500 Bilevel Commuter Cars.
The Rapido model aims to finally bring museum-quality details, improved operations and prototypical accuracy to this long loved and under-appreciated mode of (commuter) transportation.
Features:
Rapido, 19019, GMD 59PH, Metrolink, #853, DCC Ready
Regular price $335.95 Sale price $274.14GMD F59PH
DCC Ready -- Metrolink 853 (Ribbon Scheme)
The first F59PHs were delivered in 1988, and over the next six years 33 more of the successful locomotives were delivered. The later units had a few design upgrades including larger fuel tanks and altered rear grilles. The final four units were delivered in 1994, but the Government of Ontario was in a financial crunch and quickly sold them to Trinity Rail Express in Dallas, Texas. Several surplus units were leased to West Coast Express in Vancouver, British Columbia, and Metrolink in Los Angeles. Metrolink was also a large purchaser of the F59PH units with 22 units delivered in 1992 and 1993, and the agency also leased three ex-GO units in 2018. Former GO units, available after GO began replacing them with new power in 2007, have been sold or leased to AMT Montreal, Metra, North Carolina DOT and RB Railway Group. A few are still in service on GO.
Features of the GMD F59PH include phase-specific details, directional headlights, metal grilles, lighted control stands, cab interior details and lighted numberboards and class lights. The smooth-running drive features a coreless motor, dual flywheels and the model comes equipped with Macdonald-Cartier knuckle couplers compatible with all magnetic knuckle couplers.
The GMD F59PH standard DC locomotive is DCC ready and equipped with a 21-pin decoder interface for easy conversion to DCC when you're ready.
Rapido, 19011, GMD 59PH, Chicago Metra, #98, DCC Ready
Regular price $225.00 Sale price $183.90GMD F59PH
LokSound and DCC -- Metra 98 (2017, blue, black, orange, red)
The Rapido Trains HO Scale GMD F59PH diesels are based on popular passenger locomotives constructed in Canada for use on commuter railroads across the continent. In the mid-1980s, GO Transit was looking to replace its aging loco fleet with power designed to meet growing demand for Toronto area commuter service. The new diesels needed quick acceleration, while pulling up to 10 Hawker-Siddeley-UTDC bi-level coaches, and to save on fuel, a separate HEP generator. GMD developed the F59PH. It was equipped with a turbocharged 12-cylinder two-stroke diesel prime mover (12-710G3A), a full-width North American comfort cab and HEP provided by a smaller 600hp GM 8-cylinder diesel.
The first F59PHs were delivered in 1988, and over the next six years 33 more of the successful locomotives were delivered. The later units had a few design upgrades including larger fuel tanks and altered rear grilles. The final four units were delivered in 1994, but the Government of Ontario was in a financial crunch and quickly sold them to Trinity Rail Express in Dallas, Texas. Several surplus units were leased to West Coast Express in Vancouver, British Columbia, and Metrolink in Los Angeles. Metrolink was also a large purchaser of the F59PH units with 22 units delivered in 1992 and 1993, and the agency also leased three ex-GO units in 2018. Former GO units, available after GO began replacing them with new power in 2007, have been sold or leased to AMT Montreal, Metra, North Carolina DOT and RB Railway Group. A few are still in service on GO.
Features of the GMD F59PH include phase-specific details, directional headlights, metal grilles, lighted control stands, cab interior details and lighted numberboards and class lights. The smooth-running drive features a coreless motor, dual flywheels and the model comes equipped with Macdonald-Cartier knuckle couplers compatible with all magnetic knuckle couplers.
The GMD F59PH standard DC locomotive is DCC ready and equipped with a 21-pin decoder interface for easy conversion to DCC when you're ready.
Rapido, 19025, GMD 59PH, Trinity Rail Express-TRE, #120, DCC Ready
Regular price $225.00 Sale price $183.90GMD F59PH
DCC Ready -- Trinity Rail Express, TRE #120, Dallas (solid blue, red, white)
The Rapido Trains HO Scale GMD F59PH diesels are based on popular passenger locomotives constructed in Canada for use on commuter railroads across the continent. In the mid-1980s, GO Transit was looking to replace its aging loco fleet with power designed to meet growing demand for Toronto area commuter service. The new diesels needed quick acceleration, while pulling up to 10 Hawker-Siddeley-UTDC bi-level coaches, and to save on fuel, a separate HEP generator. GMD developed the F59PH. It was equipped with a turbocharged 12-cylinder two-stroke diesel prime mover (12-710G3A), a full-width North American comfort cab and HEP provided by a smaller 600hp GM 8-cylinder diesel.
The first F59PHs were delivered in 1988, and over the next six years 33 more of the successful locomotives were delivered. The later units had a few design upgrades including larger fuel tanks and altered rear grilles. The final four units were delivered in 1994, but the Government of Ontario was in a financial crunch and quickly sold them to Trinity Rail Express in Dallas, Texas. Several surplus units were leased to West Coast Express in Vancouver, British Columbia, and Metrolink in Los Angeles. Metrolink was also a large purchaser of the F59PH units with 22 units delivered in 1992 and 1993, and the agency also leased three ex-GO units in 2018. Former GO units, available after GO began replacing them with new power in 2007, have been sold or leased to AMT Montreal, Metra, North Carolina DOT and RB Railway Group. A few are still in service on GO.
Features of the GMD F59PH include phase-specific details, directional headlights, metal grilles, lighted control stands, cab interior details and lighted numberboards and class lights. The smooth-running drive features a coreless motor, dual flywheels and the model comes equipped with Macdonald-Cartier knuckle couplers compatible with all magnetic knuckle couplers.
The GMD F59PH standard DC locomotive is DCC ready and equipped with a 21-pin decoder interface for easy conversion to DCC when you're ready.
Rapido, 19516, GMD 59PH, Metrolink, #857, DCC & Sound
Regular price $335.95 Sale price $274.14GMD F59PH
LokSound and DCC -- Metrolink 864 (Stripe Scheme, white, blue)
The first F59PHs were delivered in 1988, and over the next six years 33 more of the successful locomotives were delivered. The later units had a few design upgrades including larger fuel tanks and altered rear grilles. The final four units were delivered in 1994, but the Government of Ontario was in a financial crunch and quickly sold them to Trinity Rail Express in Dallas, Texas. Several surplus units were leased to West Coast Express in Vancouver, British Columbia, and Metrolink in Los Angeles. Metrolink was also a large purchaser of the F59PH units with 22 units delivered in 1992 and 1993, and the agency also leased three ex-GO units in 2018. Former GO units, available after GO began replacing them with new power in 2007, have been sold or leased to AMT Montreal, Metra, North Carolina DOT and RB Railway Group. A few are still in service on GO.
Features of the GMD F59PH include phase-specific details, directional headlights, metal grilles, lighted control stands, cab interior details and lighted numberboards and class lights. The smooth-running drive features a coreless motor, dual flywheels and the model comes equipped with Macdonald-Cartier knuckle couplers compatible with all magnetic knuckle couplers.
The GMD F59PH standard DC locomotive is DCC ready and equipped with a 21-pin decoder interface for easy conversion to DCC when you're ready.
Rapido, 19512, GMD 59PH, Metra, #99, DCC & Sound
Regular price $335.95 Sale price $274.14GMD F59PH
LokSound and DCC -- Metra 99 (2017, blue, black, orange, red)
The Rapido Trains HO Scale GMD F59PH diesels are based on popular passenger locomotives constructed in Canada for use on commuter railroads across the continent. In the mid-1980s, GO Transit was looking to replace its aging loco fleet with power designed to meet growing demand for Toronto area commuter service. The new diesels needed quick acceleration, while pulling up to 10 Hawker-Siddeley-UTDC bi-level coaches, and to save on fuel, a separate HEP generator. GMD developed the F59PH. It was equipped with a turbocharged 12-cylinder two-stroke diesel prime mover (12-710G3A), a full-width North American comfort cab and HEP provided by a smaller 600hp GM 8-cylinder diesel.
The first F59PHs were delivered in 1988, and over the next six years 33 more of the successful locomotives were delivered. The later units had a few design upgrades including larger fuel tanks and altered rear grilles. The final four units were delivered in 1994, but the Government of Ontario was in a financial crunch and quickly sold them to Trinity Rail Express in Dallas, Texas. Several surplus units were leased to West Coast Express in Vancouver, British Columbia, and Metrolink in Los Angeles. Metrolink was also a large purchaser of the F59PH units with 22 units delivered in 1992 and 1993, and the agency also leased three ex-GO units in 2018. Former GO units, available after GO began replacing them with new power in 2007, have been sold or leased to AMT Montreal, Metra, North Carolina DOT and RB Railway Group. A few are still in service on GO.
Features of the GMD F59PH include phase-specific details, directional headlights, metal grilles, lighted control stands, cab interior details and lighted numberboards and class lights. The smooth-running drive features a coreless motor, dual flywheels and the model comes equipped with Macdonald-Cartier knuckle couplers compatible with all magnetic knuckle couplers.
This sound-equipped GMD F59PH is equipped with a full-featured ESU LokSound and DCC decoder with accurate sounds recorded from the prototype.
Rapido, 19527, GMD 59PH, Trinity Rail Express-TRE, #122, DCC & Sound
Regular price $335.95 Sale price $274.14GMD F59PH
LokSound and DCC -- Trinity Rail Express, TRE #121, Dallas (solid blue, red, white)
The Rapido Trains HO Scale GMD F59PH diesels are based on popular passenger locomotives constructed in Canada for use on commuter railroads across the continent. In the mid-1980s, GO Transit was looking to replace its aging loco fleet with power designed to meet growing demand for Toronto area commuter service. The new diesels needed quick acceleration, while pulling up to 10 Hawker-Siddeley-UTDC bi-level coaches, and to save on fuel, a separate HEP generator. GMD developed the F59PH. It was equipped with a turbocharged 12-cylinder two-stroke diesel prime mover (12-710G3A), a full-width North American comfort cab and HEP provided by a smaller 600hp GM 8-cylinder diesel.
The first F59PHs were delivered in 1988, and over the next six years 33 more of the successful locomotives were delivered. The later units had a few design upgrades including larger fuel tanks and altered rear grilles. The final four units were delivered in 1994, but the Government of Ontario was in a financial crunch and quickly sold them to Trinity Rail Express in Dallas, Texas. Several surplus units were leased to West Coast Express in Vancouver, British Columbia, and Metrolink in Los Angeles. Metrolink was also a large purchaser of the F59PH units with 22 units delivered in 1992 and 1993, and the agency also leased three ex-GO units in 2018. Former GO units, available after GO began replacing them with new power in 2007, have been sold or leased to AMT Montreal, Metra, North Carolina DOT and RB Railway Group. A few are still in service on GO.
Features of the GMD F59PH include phase-specific details, directional headlights, metal grilles, lighted control stands, cab interior details and lighted numberboards and class lights. The smooth-running drive features a coreless motor, dual flywheels and the model comes equipped with Macdonald-Cartier knuckle couplers compatible with all magnetic knuckle couplers.
The GMD F59PH standard DC locomotive is DCC ready and equipped with a 21-pin decoder interface for easy conversion to DCC when you're ready.
Rapido, 19526, GMD 59PH, Trinity Rail Express-TRE, #121, DCC & Sound
Regular price $335.95 Sale price $274.14GMD F59PH
LokSound and DCC -- Trinity Rail Express, TRE #121, Dallas (solid blue, red, white)
The Rapido Trains HO Scale GMD F59PH diesels are based on popular passenger locomotives constructed in Canada for use on commuter railroads across the continent. In the mid-1980s, GO Transit was looking to replace its aging loco fleet with power designed to meet growing demand for Toronto area commuter service. The new diesels needed quick acceleration, while pulling up to 10 Hawker-Siddeley-UTDC bi-level coaches, and to save on fuel, a separate HEP generator. GMD developed the F59PH. It was equipped with a turbocharged 12-cylinder two-stroke diesel prime mover (12-710G3A), a full-width North American comfort cab and HEP provided by a smaller 600hp GM 8-cylinder diesel.
The first F59PHs were delivered in 1988, and over the next six years 33 more of the successful locomotives were delivered. The later units had a few design upgrades including larger fuel tanks and altered rear grilles. The final four units were delivered in 1994, but the Government of Ontario was in a financial crunch and quickly sold them to Trinity Rail Express in Dallas, Texas. Several surplus units were leased to West Coast Express in Vancouver, British Columbia, and Metrolink in Los Angeles. Metrolink was also a large purchaser of the F59PH units with 22 units delivered in 1992 and 1993, and the agency also leased three ex-GO units in 2018. Former GO units, available after GO began replacing them with new power in 2007, have been sold or leased to AMT Montreal, Metra, North Carolina DOT and RB Railway Group. A few are still in service on GO.
Features of the GMD F59PH include phase-specific details, directional headlights, metal grilles, lighted control stands, cab interior details and lighted numberboards and class lights. The smooth-running drive features a coreless motor, dual flywheels and the model comes equipped with Macdonald-Cartier knuckle couplers compatible with all magnetic knuckle couplers.
The GMD F59PH standard DC locomotive is DCC ready and equipped with a 21-pin decoder interface for easy conversion to DCC when you're ready.
Rapido, 19525, GMD 59PH, Trinity Rail Express-TRE, #120, DCC & Sound
Regular price $335.95 Sale price $274.14GMD F59PH
LokSound and DCC -- Trinity Rail Express, TRE #120, Dallas (solid blue, red, white)
The Rapido Trains HO Scale GMD F59PH diesels are based on popular passenger locomotives constructed in Canada for use on commuter railroads across the continent. In the mid-1980s, GO Transit was looking to replace its aging loco fleet with power designed to meet growing demand for Toronto area commuter service. The new diesels needed quick acceleration, while pulling up to 10 Hawker-Siddeley-UTDC bi-level coaches, and to save on fuel, a separate HEP generator. GMD developed the F59PH. It was equipped with a turbocharged 12-cylinder two-stroke diesel prime mover (12-710G3A), a full-width North American comfort cab and HEP provided by a smaller 600hp GM 8-cylinder diesel.
The first F59PHs were delivered in 1988, and over the next six years 33 more of the successful locomotives were delivered. The later units had a few design upgrades including larger fuel tanks and altered rear grilles. The final four units were delivered in 1994, but the Government of Ontario was in a financial crunch and quickly sold them to Trinity Rail Express in Dallas, Texas. Several surplus units were leased to West Coast Express in Vancouver, British Columbia, and Metrolink in Los Angeles. Metrolink was also a large purchaser of the F59PH units with 22 units delivered in 1992 and 1993, and the agency also leased three ex-GO units in 2018. Former GO units, available after GO began replacing them with new power in 2007, have been sold or leased to AMT Montreal, Metra, North Carolina DOT and RB Railway Group. A few are still in service on GO.
Features of the GMD F59PH include phase-specific details, directional headlights, metal grilles, lighted control stands, cab interior details and lighted numberboards and class lights. The smooth-running drive features a coreless motor, dual flywheels and the model comes equipped with Macdonald-Cartier knuckle couplers compatible with all magnetic knuckle couplers.
The GMD F59PH standard DC locomotive is DCC ready and equipped with a 21-pin decoder interface for easy conversion to DCC when you're ready.
Rapido, 19528, GMD 59PH, Ex-GO Transit, DCC & Sound
Regular price $335.95 Sale price $274.14GMD F59PH
LokSound and DCC -- Ex-GO Transit Leaser No Number (green, white, no logo)
The Rapido Trains HO Scale GMD F59PH diesels are based on popular passenger locomotives constructed in Canada for use on commuter railroads across the continent. In the mid-1980s, GO Transit was looking to replace its aging loco fleet with power designed to meet growing demand for Toronto area commuter service. The new diesels needed quick acceleration, while pulling up to 10 Hawker-Siddeley-UTDC bi-level coaches, and to save on fuel, a separate HEP generator. GMD developed the F59PH. It was equipped with a turbocharged 12-cylinder two-stroke diesel prime mover (12-710G3A), a full-width North American comfort cab and HEP provided by a smaller 600hp GM 8-cylinder diesel.
The first F59PHs were delivered in 1988, and over the next six years 33 more of the successful locomotives were delivered. The later units had a few design upgrades including larger fuel tanks and altered rear grilles. The final four units were delivered in 1994, but the Government of Ontario was in a financial crunch and quickly sold them to Trinity Rail Express in Dallas, Texas. Several surplus units were leased to West Coast Express in Vancouver, British Columbia, and Metrolink in Los Angeles. Metrolink was also a large purchaser of the F59PH units with 22 units delivered in 1992 and 1993, and the agency also leased three ex-GO units in 2018. Former GO units, available after GO began replacing them with new power in 2007, have been sold or leased to AMT Montreal, Metra, North Carolina DOT and RB Railway Group. A few are still in service on GO.
Features of the GMD F59PH include phase-specific details, directional headlights, metal grilles, lighted control stands, cab interior details and lighted numberboards and class lights. The smooth-running drive features a coreless motor, dual flywheels and the model comes equipped with Macdonald-Cartier knuckle couplers compatible with all magnetic knuckle couplers.
The GMD F59PH standard DC locomotive is DCC ready and equipped with a 21-pin decoder interface for easy conversion to DCC when you're ready.
Rapido, 19001, GMD 59PH, GO Transit (As-Delivered; green, white), #520, DCC Ready
Regular price $225.00 Sale price $183.90