GMD F59PH - LokSound and DCC -- Chicago Metra #97 (2017; blue, black, orange, red; United States Flag)

The Rapido Trains HO Scale GMD F59PH diesels are based on popular passenger locomotives constructed in Canada for use on commuter railroads across the continent. In the mid-1980s, GO Transit was looking to replace its aging loco fleet with power designed to meet growing demand for Toronto area commuter service. The new diesels needed quick acceleration, while pulling up to 10 Hawker-Siddeley-UTDC bi-level coaches, and to save on fuel, a separate HEP generator. GMD developed the F59PH. It was equipped with a turbocharged 12-cylinder two-stroke diesel prime mover (12-710G3A), a full-width North American comfort cab and HEP provided by a smaller 600hp GM 8-cylinder diesel. The first F59PHs were delivered in 1988, and over the next six years 33 more of the successful locomotives were delivered. The later units had a few design upgrades including larger fuel tanks and altered rear grilles. The final four units were delivered in 1994, but the Government of Ontario was in a