1136006 - Rapido - HO PB HEP Heater Car w/ Blomberg Trucks : Denver Ski Train: #253 "Joseph G. Davis"

1136006 - Rapido - HO PB HEP Heater Car w/ Blomberg Trucks : Denver Ski Train: #253 "Joseph G. Davis"

Rapido
SKU:
1136006
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$179.95
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Description

Prior to the modern era, railroad passenger cars were heated by steam. Many early diesel units assigned to passenger service were equipped with steam generators to provide heat for their trains.

As the Rio Grande went through the 1950s and 1960s, most of its steam generator equipped locomotives were nearing retirement. To provide heat for its remaining passenger trains, the D&RGW built several steam heater cars whose sole purpose was to provide the steam needed to heat the trains. The most famous of these were a pair of units that were rebuilt from Alco PB-1 locos in 1965, numbers 252 and 253. Number 252 quickly became a backup unit while 253 handled most of the assignments.

The Rio Grande opted to stay out of Amtrak, continuing to run its Rio Grande Zephyr until 1983. The steam generator cars provided heat for this train in the winter months. Since the Alco PA/PB series were so well loved by fans, the PB-based heater cars enjoyed a celebrity status. In 1980, the 253 was rebuilt with EMD Blomberg trucks, giving it a unique if somewhat ungainly appearance.

   The PB Steam Heater and HEP Cars feature:

  • Two different body styles – steam and HEP
  • Two different truck styles – Alco 3-axle and Blomberg 2-axle.
  • Steam generator sound effects
  • Accurate paint and lettering