HO PA-1 + PB-1 Locomotive Set, ATSF #51A, 51C

HO PA-1 + PB-1 Locomotive Set, ATSF #51A, 51C Overview

The popular Alco PA and PB series returns for a second run! Following the success of the first run, Rapido is pleased to offer new schemes and a twist: ATSF 51A, B and L! These were the three Santa Fe PAs that were repowered in 1954 with 567C prime movers putting out 1750 horsepower. To adjust for the extra space needed to house the EMD power assemblies, the middle of the carbody was raised with the addition of dual exhausts and four button-top EMD style fans. This endeavor proved to be unfeasible and not repeated on any other Alco PA.

Rapido Trains is also excited to offer the red Alco-GE and the short-lived MLW-GE demonstrator in the Canadian National scheme, in addition to the new schemes being offered. As usual, the Alco PA and PB Locomotives feature the highest quality, road-specific details, silky smooth drives and razor-sharp paint and printing.

Possibly the most unique Alco PA and PB Locomotives in history were Santa Fe's three repowered locomotives, 51L-A-C. In 1954, an experiment was put into motion to repower two PA-1s and a single PB-1 with EMD 567C prime movers. The 567Cs were taller than the Alco 244s originally installed, so the locomotive bodies were modified with a hump in the roofline along with EMD-style fans and dual exhausts.

51L-A-C quickly became the most famous of Santa Fe's PA/PB locomotives, a status aided by the fact that they often pulled fan trips. No model train company has dared to bring out a model of 51L-A-C in plastic because these engines were just too weird. So they were an obvious choice for us!