Rapido, HO Scale, 28801, EMD E8A, with Head End Power HEP, Amtrak #497

DC/DCC/SOUND EQUIPPED MODEL
Amtrak #497 (Phase I; silver, red, blue, white, black; Large Arrow Logo)

The prototypes of the Rapido Trains HO Scale Rebuilt EMD E8A with Head-End Power HEP were remanufactured from older E8A diesels for continued service hauling electrically heated passenger cars. Burlington Northern received 25 units rebuilt by Morrison Knudsen and Amtrak received five rebuilt by Penn Central. The BN fleet operated in Chicago commuter service into the 1990s and a pair of the Amtrak units were sold to Conrail for their business train use, and one more went to Metro North. BN also rebuilt one for business trains. The HO Scale replicas feature appropriate detailing and applied details for their scheme including correct HEP muffler and hatch, multiple dynamic brake options and fans, sealed, twin-beam headlight configuration, modified pilots, blanked sides with appropriate grille work and more. The model features dual flywheels and magnetic knuckle couplers and comes equipped with an ESU LokSound V5 sound and DCC decoder.

What is Head End Power HEP anyway?

Head End Power (HEP) on an EMD E8A locomotive refers to the electrical power generated by the locomotive to provide heating, cooling, lighting, and other electrical needs for passenger cars. Essentially, it allows the passenger cars to have a comfortable environment without needing separate power sources.

Does that help clarify things?

Model features:
3D laser-scanned body shell
Accurate nose and roof contours
Unique nose with missing MU door
Correct back ends
Correct steam generator
Passenger pilot
Correct Farr side grills
Rebuilt sides without portholes
No fuel tank skirts
PRR-style nose lift lugs
Heavy die-cast chassis
Smooth running drive system with all wheels powered
Accurate E8 sounds provided by ESU LokSound
Complete lighting effects - headlights, class lights, backup lights, ground lights, cab lights, and more