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 contoursFlat or angled number boards as appropriateDynamic and non-dynamic brake versionsEtched side and fan screensHeavy, die-cast chassis5-pole motor with dual flywheelsOperating headlights, class lights and back-up lightsFull underbody piping and conduitsSeparate grab irons and handrails
Note: Pictures may be of another Road Number.