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.

The Rapido Trains HO scale Rebuilt E8 w/HEP locomotive features:

• Correct HEP muffler and hatch
• Multiple dynamic brake options and fans
• Sealed, twin-beam headlight configuration
• Modified pilot
• Blanked sides with appropriate grille work
• Skirted or non-skirted fuel tanks
• Hyatt roller bearing journal covers
• 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, Stratolite or beacons and more. *Not all lighting features will work in DC mode.
• Numerous road-specific detail parts in both plastic and etched metal.