Rapido HO 28306 Rebuilt EMD E8A with Head-End Power HEP, Metro North #497 (Standard DC)

The prototypes of the Rapido Trains HO Scale Rebuilt EMD E8A with Head-EndPower HEP were remanufactured from older E8A diesels for continued servicehauling electrically heated passenger cars. Burlington Northern received 25units rebuilt by Morrison Knudsen and Amtrak received five rebuilt by PennCentral. The BN fleet operated in Chicago commuter service into the 1990sand a pair of the Amtrak units were sold to Conrail for their businesstrain use, and one more went to Metro North. BN also rebuilt one forbusiness trains. The HO Scale replicas feature appropriate detailing andapplied details for their scheme including correct HEP muffler and hatch,multiple dynamic brake options and fans, sealed, twin-beam headlightconfiguration, modified pilots, blanked sides with appropriate grille workand more. The standard DC model is DCC ready and features a 21-pin socketand the mechanism features dual flywheels and magnetic knuckle couplers.EMD E8As with HEP are part of the extensive line of Rapido Trains HO Scalelocomotives.