Rapido HO 48002 GE 44-Tonner Diesel, Sante Fe (Zebra Stripe) #465

Also commonly called “44-tonners,” these locomotive’s compact design was driven by a 1937 labor agreement with the railroad unions that specified that all locomotives over 90,000 pounds required the use of a fireman. At a target weight of 44-tons (88,000 pounds), these diesels allowed the railroads to use only an engineer, thus saving crew costs. They were perfect for light switching, industrial and shop use.

Built in several variations between 1940 and 1956, more than 300 GE 44-ton locomotives were produced. The 44-tonners saw service throughout North America (Canada, USA and Mexico), as well in Australia, Cuba, India, France, Saudi Arabia, the Dominican Republic and Uruguay. The United States Navy and Air Force also owned a number of these locos. Many continued in operation with successive owners in industrial and shortline service. Numerous examples have been preserved.

Rapido’s HO model features all-new tooling and represents units from Phase Ic, Phase III and Phase IV, most never offered before in a plastic ready-to-run model.

Features:
Multiple phases and detail variations
Phase Ic (never offered before in plastic) both with and without lighted hood side number boards
Phase III with positionable top hood hatches
Phase IV
Heavy, die-cast chassis and fuel tank
Correct fuel tank skirting in two styles
Separately-applied door latches
Full cab interior
Photo-etched cab steps
Smooth running, strong coreless motor with dual flywheels
DC models are DCC ready with NEXT-18 decoder socket and speakers