In the 1990s, Amtrak began a rebuild program to convert F40PH locomotives into Non-Powered Control Units (NPCUs). These NPCUs allow "push-pull" service and eliminate the need to turn a train at terminals. The locomotive engineer controls the locomotive from the cab in the NPCU.

During the conversion the prime mover and traction motors were removed and a large roll-up baggage door was added to the sides. This gave the NPCUs the nickname "Cabbages," for cab-baggage car.

NPCUs are in service today on numerous routes in California, the Northwest, the Midwest and the Northeast.

The Rapido Amtrak NPCU is not just our F40 model with a few bells and whistles added. We have tooled up a completely new body based on a common Phase 1 NPCU design. It features operating ditch lights, accurate enlarged marker lights, supplementary air reservoirs, K5LA horn, and other accurate NPCU details.

Unlike the real Cabbage, our NPCU is fully powered. You need all the power you can get to pull your Amsleds, and the Rapido NPCU will give your train the extra oomph necessary to meet your layout's demanding passenger timetables.

Features:

• Fully assembled and ready to run
• Accurate converted F40PH body
  
• Available as a sound-equipped model with an ESU LokSound sound decoder or as a DC silent model
• Rapido 5-pole, skew-wound motor and silky-smooth drive system
• Operating, flashing ditch lights
• Operating strobe lights and marker lights
• User-controlled operating number boards
• Modernized truck sideframes
• 100% accurate dimensions
• Etched-metal grilles and windshield wipers
• Unmatched underframe detail
• Full, decorated cab interior