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.
All Rapido FL9 Locomotives feature:Correct dual-beam headlightHeavy diecast frameStandard DC/DCC ready or Dual-Mode DC/DCC/SoundMoPower capacitor system for uninterrupted DCC powerSuggested minimum radius: 18″
The Rapido HEP FL9 Locomotives feature:Morrison-Knudsen or Chrome Crankshaft body detailsM-K 48″ HEP fan or Chrome Crankshaft dual fansModernized underbody componentsFront and rear MU and HEP receptaclesOperating ditch lights on HEP boxHEP box without ditch lights in polybagCDOT units feature Leslie RS5T with protective conesHEP-equipped Metro-North units feature Nathan K5LAExtra horn castings in polybag (Leslie RS-2M/Hancock Airchime)
The Rapido Steam Generator FL9 Locomotives feature:Rooftop pantograph for EDER-5 units in polybagGroovy Hancock Airchime with deflector on front and without on the rearSteam generator details (EDER-5 and EDER-5a)Underframe third rail gear with iconic “red bar” bolted to truck sideframesClassic McGinnis paint with the white stripe below the grillesShort, long or no cab grab irons (as appropriate per roadnumber and model)
