The FPA-4 an FPB-4 are unique to CN, combining the rugged looks of the FPA-2 with the reliability of the Alco 251 prime mover. They were delivered from Montreal Locomotive Works over two orders in 1958 and 1959 and soldiered on Canadian and American mainlines until 1989. Following retirement, the FPA-4 and FPB-4 locomotives were given new life on tourist railroads across the United States. Many are still in service today.

Produced exclusively for MLW (but available through all regular Rapido outlets), the FPA-4 is guaranteed to have the first-ever 100% accurate Alco FA locomotive nose in any scale. We performed a 3D scan of the prototype, locomotive #6765, at Exporail, Canada's national train museum.

Not only did we go to extreme lengths to make the nose accurate, we also went a great distance to make sure that the sounds were correct - all the way to the New York and Lake Erie Railroad in Gowanda, New York! There we recorded the sounds of FPA-4 #6764 working hard, starting, stopping and more. Find out more about this recording trip here.

Our FPA-4 and FPB-4 locomotives feature the usual extreme level of detail up and down, including separate pipes and conduits under the frame. Here's a complete list of features:


    * DC (DCC-Ready with 21-pin quick plug) or DCC/Sound installed
    * Sounds recorded from the real FPA-4 number 6764
    * Rapido's highly-respected 5-pole, skew-wound motor for excellent slow-speed performance
    * 100% accurate dimensions taken from a 3D scan of the prototype
    * Complete underbody including all pipes, frame members and even brake chains
    * Operating dual-beam headlight, ditch lights, class lights and rear lights
    * Full cab interior on the A unit
    * Two styles of truck journal covers
    * Multiple road numbers plus unnumbered for each scheme
    * All locomotives come with decals for new numbers, logos and safety marks.
    * ESU Loksound decoders loaded with original Rapido sounds
    * Solid nickel silver wheelsets
    * Metal Macdonald-Cartier couplers