EMD FT A-B Set - Sound and DCC -- Reading #258A, 258B (black, green)

The Rapido Trains HO Scale EMD FT A-B Set is based on diesels which were truly game changers in terms of locomotives. They could well be considered the first successful diesel road locomotive, and initial success with FTs convinced many steam-era railroads to start retiring steam and dieselize their fleets. The FT introduced EMD's iconic bulldog nose to the world, a design that would carry over onto thousands of E- and F-series locomotives, as well as others worldwide. Although demonstrators were built in 1939, the first FTs for a customer were built for Santa Fe at the end of 1940 and early 1941. Additional units were delivered to US railroads across the country until production ended in 1945. During its production life 555 FT A-units were built along with 541 FT B-units, with many lasting in service into the 1960s. Equipped with EMD s 567 prime mover, each single unit was rated at 1,350 horsepower. Most ran as semi-permanently coupled 2,700 horsepower A+B sets, but some roads (like the Santa Fe) had couplers installed on both ends of all units for maximum flexibility. Like many locomotives, the FT fleet underwent numerous modifications and rebuilds during its service life. Many road-specific changes would appear, including changes to number boards, pilots, cooling systems The Rapido model features prototypically accurate details with correct class detailing, roadname-specific detailing, roadname-specific body style, etched-metal grilles and details, full multi-colored cab interior, directional headlights and working ditch and coupler or drawbar couplers between A and B units. Both A and B units are powered. The smooth-running drive features a five-pole motor with dual flywheels, backed up with the MoPower capacitor system for uninterrupted operation. This sound-equipped EMD FT A-B set is equipped with a full-featured ESU LokSound and DCC decoder fro realistic sound and control. The EMD FT A-B Set is part of the line of Rapido Trains HO Scale locomotives.