Train Addiction Help Line: 1.866.840.7777
Rapido - N Scale - F40PH-2D - VIA Rail (VIA) #6437 - VIA Canada Rebuilt - (green, grey and yellow Renaissance paint scheme) (DC / Silent) (SKU 224-582004)
Available On: August 1, 2021
VIA's F40PH-2D has been the face of passenger train travel in Canada since the 1980s and while there have been a number of inaccurate F40 models painted in VIA colours, there has never been an accurate model of this 3000-horsepower Canadian workhorse.
Rapido will fill the gap with this N scale model.
The F40PH-2D was built in London, Ontario between 1986 and 1989. It features a desktop control stand (hence the "D" in the designation); a unique fuel tank and underframe arrangement; a unique carbody design with custom panel and door locations; and numerous other Canadian-only details.
In 2008, VIA began a comprehensive rebuild program of its F40PH-2D fleet, concluding the program on schedule in November 2012. This will ensure that these locomotives will remain in service for years to come.
A typical Canadian in the 2000s would be hauled by a trio of F40s.
Photo courtesy Manny Jacob
N Scale – VIA Rail Canada F40PH-2D
While the FP9A serves N scale modellers of the 1950s to the 1990s, Rapido have not forgotten all you VIA fans who want accurate, modern VIA power. It is with this in mind that they are proud to announce the VIA Rail Canada F40PH-2D locomotive. This is, without a doubt, the only accurate N scale VIA F40 model ever produced.
VIA's F40 fleet was delivered between 1986 and 1989 to replace the aging GMD and MLW F-units. But as usual with Canada, these were not off-the-shelf F40 models. The D designation refers to the desktop control stand, but more importantly the body and details are completely different from their American counterparts.
Different fuel tank, air compressor and reservoirs, battery boxes, fans, door location, nose, headlights, you name it. The only way to get an accurate VIA F40PH-2D locomotive is to design one from the start. And that's what Rapido has done.
- Scaled from original blueprints and field measurements
- Unique Canadian F40PH-2D body and details
- Working headlights, ditch lights, number boards
- Separate grab irons and handrails installed at the factory
- Incredible underbody detail including separate piping
- Different rooftop details for different paint schemes
- Accurate F40PH-2D sounds on sound-equipped models
- Available in original scheme (1986-1998) and Canada scheme (1998-2014)
These locomotives started hauling steam-heated VIA trains with a Steam Generator Unit or F-unit providing the steam. They also hauled LRC coaches from day one. Once the steam equipment was retired they hauled most VIA trains. The Canadian and Ocean would be hauled by two, three or four F40s operated elephant style.
N Scale – VIA Rail Canada Rebuilt F40PH-2D!
In 2010, VIA began a rebuild program to ensure the F40 fleet would last another 20 years or more. This involved adding a HEP (Head End Power) generator at the rear of the locomotive, separate from the prime mover (main diesel engine). The body shells were extensively rebuilt. The locomotive also received a third headlight and other subtle changes in nose and roof details.
VIA's rebuilt F40s are still in service today and will be for years to come.
The N scale rebuilt F40PH-2D model features the same great detail of the original F40, but it also includes all of the changes made on the prototype. The sounds are different as well.
Originally, the HEP alternator was powered from the prime mover.
So the F40PH-2D had to run at full revs in order to provide power to the coaches. This gave them the nickname "screamers."
With the addition of the separate HEP generator, the sounds of the locomotive are completely different.
The F40PH-2D now operates like a normal freight locomotive, but has the sound of a separate, smaller diesel engine rumbling in the background. Our sound models recreate this perfectly.
The rear of the rebuilt F40PH-2D is completely different.
That big boxy area houses the new HEP generator.
The Rebuilt F40PH-2D features:
- Same amazing detail and features as the original F40PH-2D
- Working emergency headlight and emergency shutdown strobe light
- Accurate Rebuilt F40 sounds
Our model comes in two variations: the unit as operated by VIA and a special Canada $10 bill edition. VIA's Canadian was featured on the $10 bill, hauled by an original F40 and a rebuilt F40. The rebuilt F40, #6403, had a Canada logo replacing the VIA logo on the nose.
We are offering the special edition of 6403 as found in the $10 bill.
If you model contemporary VIA operations, you need a fleet of these locomotives. They haul all of the long-distance trains and most of the Corridor trains as well. Two or three can be found pulling The Canadian across our great country.
Order Due Date: October 7th, 2019
Anticipated Delivery Date: August 2020
$178.45 CDN
© 2024 Pacific Western Rail Systems
Train Addiction Help Line: 1 866 840 7777