The FL9 was a critical locomotive for operations out of Grand Central Terminal in New York City. Originally operated on the former New Haven lines the fleet’s operating area spread under Penn Central and Conrail/MTA to include the former New York Central lines north along the Hudson River.

With no direct replacements on the horizon, in the 1980s the decision was made to rebuild and upgrade many of the original FL9s. Rebuilding typically included the addition of HEP (Head End Power) to replace the older steam heat boilers, as well as upgraded braking systems and electronics. These rebuilds were done in several batches for Metro North and Amtrak.

Notable among these rebuilt units were those which were sold to the Connecticut Department of Transportation and were rebuilt by Morrison-Knudsen in 1984-85. Owned by ConnDot, they were operated by Metro North. The units re-entered service wearing their original “New Haven” black, white and red livery. These feature a different HEP fan arrangement and nearly flat rear-end.

The Rapido Steam Generator FL9 Locomotives Feature:

• Rooftop pantograph for EDER-5 units in polybag
• Groovy Hancock Airchime with deflector on front and without on the rear
• Steam generator details (EDER-5 and EDER-5a)
• Underframe third rail gear with iconic “red bar” bolted to truck sideframes
• Classic McGinnis paint with the white stripe below the grilles
• Short, long or no cab grab irons (as appropriate per roadnumber and model)

The Rapido HEP FL9 Locomotives Feature:

• Morrison-Knudsen or Chrome Crankshaft body details
• M-K 48” HEP fan or Chrome Crankshaft dual fans
• Modernized underbody components
• Front and rear MU and HEP receptacles
• Operating ditch lights on HEP box
• HEP box without ditch lights in polybag
• CDOT units feature Leslie RS5T with protective cones
• HEP-equipped Metro-North units feature Nathan K5LA
• Extra horn castings in polybag (Leslie RS-2M/Hancock Airchime)

All Rapido FL9 Locomotives Feature:

• Correct dual-beam headlight
• Heavy diecast frame
• Standard DC/DCC ready or Dual-Mode DC/DCC/Sound
• MoPower capacitor system for uninterrupted DCC power
• Suggested minimum radius: 18"

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