The Rapido Trains HO scale Budd Slumbercoach features:
Designed from original blueprints
All models based on the as-built steam heat-equipped cars
Full Rapido level of underbody detail including separate pipes and conduits
Full multi-color interior detail including roomette doors
Constant track-powered interior lighting (DC and DCC)
Accurate GSC 41-NDO-11 trucks with disc brake detail
Etched-metal end gates and sprung diaphragms
Rapido’s renowned stainless-steel finish
Separately applied name boards
Multiple paint schemes as well as a generic painted model ready for custom liveries.
Prototype History:
In the mid 1950s, with passengers quickly switching to airline travel or the private automobile, the Budd company devised the Slumbercoach as an economical way to attract overnight passengers back to the rails. With a capacity of 40 passengers in a 24 single room plus 8 double room plan, the Slumbercoaches offered a lower cost alternative positioned between coach seating and a first class bedroom on overnight runs. A single aisle in the center of the car was flanked by the single and double rooms on each side.
With 18 cars built new between 1956 and 1959, these cars with their distinctive staggered windows could be seen on some of the USA's most famous trains such as the North Coast Limited, Denver Zephyr, National Limited, Texas Eagle and many more.
As delivered, the 18 car Slumbercoach fleet comprised of the following:
Baltimore & Ohio, 5 cars
Chicago, Burlington, and Quincy, 4 cars
Missouri Pacific, 1 car
New York Central, 4 cars
Northern Pacific, 4 cars
Later, in 1964 the NP would take ownership of the B&O and MP cars and at least 2 cars ended up with BN lettering briefly in 1970-71. The entire fleet would end up with Amtrak in the 70s and 80s with all cars converted to head end power. Most lasted into the mid to late 90s when they were finally retired and replaced with more modern equipment such as the Superliner II and Viewliners. Most of the fleet still exists today in various states including in museum collections and in private ownership. One car – Loch Ness – has been fully restored by Webb Rail and is operated as a private car.