HO ALCo FA-1 + FB-1, CPR – Block Scheme #4012, 4410 

Between January 1946 and October 1950 a total of 440 FA-1s and 240 FB-1s were built by ALCo and their Canadian subsidiary, Montreal Locomotive Works (MLW). They were originally sold to twenty-five railroads in the US, Canada and Mexico. The FA-1 (and booster FB-1) were rated at 1500 horsepower and was designed primarily as a freight hauler.

In a market that was becoming dominated by EMD products, the FA-1 came in a distant second due in part to reliability issues with its 244 prime mover. Still, they were popular with several roads and could be found at the head of freights into the late 1960s.

Following on to our FPA-4, FA-2 and PA loco models, the new FA-1/FB-1 models continues the Rapido tradition for accurate ALCo cab units with unsurpassed detail.

The Rapido Trains HO Scale FA-1 locomotive features:

• Correct nose and windshield contours
• Flat or angled number boards as appropriate
• Dynamic and non-dynamic brake versions
• Etched side and fan screens
• Heavy, die-cast chassis
• 5-pole motor with dual flywheels
• Operating headlights, class lights and back-up lights
• Full underbody piping and conduits
• Separate grab irons and handrails