Rapido HO 32024 MLW RS-18 Locomotive, Canadian National (Stripes) #3833

The MLW RS-18 was the successor to the 1,600hp 244-powered RS-10 which proved to be somewhat unreliable. There were no such issues with the 1,800hp RS-18, with its 12-cylinder model 251B diesel engine, and it is widely considered to be MLWs most successful product from both an operational and a mechanical point of view.

Based on the Alco RS-11, the Canadian-specific RS-18 (which MLW designated DL-718) was alike in most aspects externally and internally except for the notchless hood ends. Montreal Locomotive Works constructed 351 RS-18s between December 1956 and June 1968 for eight railways including Canadian National (225), Canadian Pacific (72), Pacific Great Eastern (29), and 25 for smaller railways. The RS-18 was available in both "standard" and "lightweight" versions, which usually, but not always, rode on standard 9'-4" wheelbase AAR type B trucks or special lightweight trucks respectively. CN acquired examples of both (131 standard versus 94 lightweight units).

Features:
3D scanned from an actual RS-18 for 100% accurate shape and dimensions
Rapido's innovative dead straight metal side handrails with plastic stanchions
Incredible underframe detail including traction motor cables and other piping, re-railer and a ridiculous number of separately-applied parts
Roadname-specific details with or without dynamic brakes where appropriate
Operational headlights, rear lights, bi-colour class lights, illuminated cab control stand and operational factory-installed ditch lights (where appropriate)
Separate grab irons and handrails installed at the factory
Highly detailed cab interior with dual control stands where appropriate
Heavy, die-cast chassis with Rapido's proven 5-pole skew-wound motor with dual flywheels and silky-smooth drive
DC/Silent (21-pin DCC Ready) or DC/DCC/Sound (ESU LokSound) options
Accurate sounds recorded from a real Alco 251B prime mover
Factory-installed Macdonald-Cartier couplers mounted at the correct height