Description
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Canadian Pacific originally purchased their 72strong fleet of RS18s back in 1957 and 1958 over two batches, numbered 8729-8748 and 8749-8800. After over 20 years of reliable service, the CPR sought to extend the lives of their venerable 251Bpowered locomotives, as a means to provide a reliable, efficient roadswitcher for branchline and regional services through the 1980s and 1990s. The RS18 already a fairly reliable firstgeneration model was chosen to fulfill this important role
Starting in 1980, twenty two CPR RS18s were extensively rebuilt in Angus Shops, Montreal to extend their useful lifespan another 1015 years. Over the following 8 years CPR eventually rebuilt all 69 of its remaining RS18s, being numbered 18001868. In the rebuilding, the units were substantially transformed in both appearance and performance.
They emerged with numerous changes, the most notable being the new chopped short hoods to improve visibility, the addition of full tricolour class lights on both ends and new front number boards, and an improved uncoupling lever design. Under the hood, the newlydesignated RS18u featured overhauled engines and trucks, improved heating systems, new wiring, windows, cab insulation and control stands. The dynamic brake and 251B engine rated at 1,800 h.p. remained the same after the overhaul.
Of the rebuilt units, five of the RS18us, 18001804, had U.S. duty paid on them, allowing them to run on U.S. branch lines with no restrictions. Other units were limited as to how long they may spend in the U.S. After purchasing the Delaware & Hudson, CPR assigned several additional RS18us to the D&H for use in yard and local service, and were a staple on the Newport to St. Johnsbury wayfreight, among other services.
After CP, many units would go on and continue to earn their keep in shortline and regional service in both Canada and the US, proving that even after over 50 years of total service time, and a toptobottom rebuild courtesy of the men and women at CPs Angus Shops, these MLWbuilt workhorses are able to continue earning their keep.
The Rapido Trains RS18u locomotive features include:
- Accurately designed using our 3D scan of a real RS18 and measurements from an active RS18u
- Completely redesigned chassis and shell for easier access and disassembly
- Operating headlights, rear lights, factoryinstalled ditch lights and illuminated cab control stand
- Fullyoperating tricolour class lights on both front and rear
- Rapidos innovative dead straight metal side handrails with plastic stanchions, installed at the factory
- Unparalleled underframe detail including traction motor cables and other piping, rerailer and a ridiculous number of separatelyapplied parts
- Roadnumberspecific details including correct battery box louvers
- Highly detailed cab interior with detailed control stand, operators seats and back wall panels
- All-new, improved drive system for 100% reliable running in DC and DCC
- DC(Silent) (21pin DCC Ready) or DC/DCC/Sound (ESU LokSound) options
- Accurate sounds recorded from a real Alco 251B prime mover
