GE 44-Tonner - Standard DC -- Santa Fe #463 (Zebra Stripes, black, silver) Photo may show a different roadnumber. The Rapido Trains HO Scale GE 44-Tonner is based on the small switchers produced by General Electric. Commonly called 44-Tonners, these locomotives' compact design was driven by a 1937 labor agreement with the railroad unions that specified that all locomotives over 90,000 pounds required the use of a fireman. At a target weight of 44-tons (88,000 pounds), these diesels allowed the railroads to use only an engineer, thus saving crew costs. They were perfect for light switching, industrial and shop use. This Rapido model features railroad-specific and phase-specific details, appropriate lighting packages and Rapido semi-scale knuckle couplers on both ends. The smooth-running drive features a five-pole motor with dual flywheels, backed up with the MoPower capacitor system for uninterrupted operation. This standard DC model is DCC ready with a 21-pin interface in the locomotive for easy conversion. The GE 44-Tonner is part of the line of Rapido Trains HO Scale locomotives.
