🎄Get it by Christmas Eve: Order by 12/15🎄
SKU: RPI-52509-PRE

PREORDER Rapido HO 52509 GE E44 Electric, Penn Central #4439 (DCC & Sound Equipped) | 449.96

10% down: $45
Our Price: $449.96
MSRP: $499.95

Note: You will reserve this item today for a 10% down payment of $45. Approximately 30-45 days before your item is expected at the warehouse, we will invoice you $404.96 plus shipping and any applicable taxes.

How Preorders Work

Expected release date is Dec 26, 2025

Quantity
30-Day Hassle-Free Returns

Description

The Pennsylvania Railroad was well known for their usage of electrified freight railroading. They took advantage of their main lines being electrified for passenger usage from Washington to Harrisburg and even to New York. In fact, it was predicted that the future of rail would rely on electrifying future routes for this type of service. In the 1960s, the Pennsylvania Railroad needed a new electric motor to replace their aging P5a motors, which had been in service since the 1930s. The PRR settled on GE's E44 motor. The E44 was able to output 4,400 horsepower in a boxy shape, which ultimately helped gain its nickname of “brick". Sixty class E44 electric motors were built by GE, with a silicone diode rectifier.Sixty class E44 electric motors were built by GE, with an ignitron rectifier system. Six more were built using the new silicone diode rectifier system GE instituted and classified as E44a and rated at 5,500 horsepower. During the Penn-Central era, 22 E44 motors were upgraded to E44a specifications. However, when Penn-Central became embroiled in their bankruptcy woes, the program was halted.

The HO scale E44 Electric Motor features:
Accurately scaled from blueprints and prototype measurements
Operating pantographs on DC/DCC/Sound models
Road number-specific details
Three styles of roof vents
Various vent hoods as appropriate
Three styles of hood doors and end doors
Full cab interior with lighted consoles
Mo-Power capacitor system for uninterrupted DCC running
DC/Silent (21-pin DCC Ready) or DC/DCC/ESU LokSound
Suggested minimum radius: 22"

Preorders: Frequently Asked Questions

What is preordering and why would I want to do that?

In the model railroading world, most products are made in limited runs. Manufacturers no longer produce large quantities to sit in warehouses. Instead, they announce new items and set a preorder deadline. After that date, production is based largely on the number of reservations received.

Preordering through Model Train Stuff guarantees your spot in line for these limited releases. When the products arrive, orders are filled in the order they were placed. The earlier you preorder, the better your chance of getting your items, even if there are shipping delays or shortfalls from the manufacturer.

Preordering is as easy as 1-2-3!
  1. Preordering is available on any item with the word "Preorder" as the first word in the product title.
  2. We will email your invoice approximately 30-45 days before your preorder items land at the warehouse. With the interactive invoice you can select your preferred shipping method and pay the balance of your order right online!
  3. We'll ship you your preorder once your invoice is paid online. 

How can I place a preorder?

To place a preorder, simply look for items marked with "PREORDER" in their title on our website. Add the item to your cart and proceed to checkout. You'll be required to pay a 10% non-refundable deposit to secure your reservation.

When will I be charged for my preorder?

You'll be charged a 10% deposit at the time of placing your preorder. The remaining balance, along with any applicable sales tax and shipping charges, will be due when the item is ready to be shipped. We'll notify you via email with a link to complete your payment.

Can I cancel my preorder?

Preorders can be canceled, but please note that the 10% deposit is non-refundable and will not be credited to store credit, as it goes toward covering the cost of the uncollected reservation.

When will my preorder ship?

The estimated shipping date for each preorder item is listed on the product page. We'll also keep you updated via email if there are any changes to the shipping schedule. Once your final payment is received, your item will be shipped according to your selected shipping method.

What happens if a preorder item is delayed or canceled by the manufacturer?

In the rare event that a preorder item is delayed or canceled by the manufacturer, we'll notify you as soon as possible. You can choose to wait for the item, apply your deposit to a different item, or request a refund or store credit for your deposit.

How do I check the status of my preorder?

You can check the status of your preorder by logging into your account on our website and viewing your order history. We'll also keep you updated via email with any important information regarding your preorder.

What if I have more questions about preordering?

If you have any further questions about preordering, feel free to contact our customer service team. We're here to help you with any inquiries you may have.