Are you ready to fall in love with one of the most unique and recognizable F40s to exist? Say no more, let's meet the HO Scale F40PHM-2!

Built between 1991 and 1992, the F40PHM-2s were Metra's final "new" F40 variant bought as well as EMD's final run of the F40 series. At the time, they were looked down upon, as they would replace the aging BN E9s. But their unique sloped front, reminiscent of the F69 experimental model, quickly gave them the nickname "Winnebagos." The 30 F40PHM-2s would earn their keep on just about every line, but most commonly on the Rock Island and of course the BN.

But what made the F40PHM-2 Locomotives so iconic? For starters, they carry all of the usual Metra features, such as: twin Stratolites, one for warning and the other for APU, the clear and red lensed Gyralite, full shaft-driven HEP and of course the sound of Chicago: The Nathan new cast P5a horn. Combine this with a eight to ten car set of Gallery cars and you have one good looking train!

Starting around 2016, Metra would begin to send out one to two F40PHM-2s at a time for rebuild at Progress Rail in Georgia. Upon return, their physical appearance would remain the same but the details included: removal of the Stratolites for a single red APU strobe, PTC antennas, removal of pilot plows and the addition of snowplows, redesigned cab door and repainted in Metra's latest "fade" scheme that was originally applied to the MP36s.

Are you crazy about loco features? If you are, these HO Scale F40PHM-2 features should make you happy:

Now, let's check out all of the schemes being offered on the first run. But wait, there's more! The number 211 is special in that it was repainted into a CB&Q-inspired heritage scheme, which we will ALSO be offering! We guarantee you'll love running the 211, married to one of your gallery car consists!

Ready to check out all of the pertinent ordering info? Click the photo below to open the PDF catalog.

Once the HO Scale F40PHM-2 Locomotives have a sample to be shown to the world, we'll announce the order deadline. Until then, keep on loving that locomotive! Order away!

Would you like a second helping of cabbage? Usually most people do not (Ed: I do! Especially sweet purple cabbage!). OK - most normal people don't want more cabbage (Ed: my favourite food is cabbage rolls! My Auntie Ada's were the best!).

I'll start again. We think everyone will love these Cabbages! The HO Scale Amtrak NPCUs! They're back and better than ever!

Have you seen our Cabbage video? Warning: the Amtrak Cabbage song will be stuck in your head for at least a week. Click here or on the picture below to watch. You have been warned.

I did warn you. Here's a quick bit of history about the Cabbages.

In the 1990s, Amtrak began a rebuild program to convert F40PH locomotives into Non-Powered Control Units (NPCUs). These NPCUs allow "push-pull" service and eliminate the need to turn a train at terminals. The locomotive engineer controls the powered locomotive from the cab in the NPCU. During the conversion the prime mover and traction motors were removed and a large roll-up baggage door was added to the sides. This gave the NPCUs the nickname "Cabbages," for cab-baggage car.

NPCUs are in service today on numerous routes in California, the Northwest, the Midwest and the Northeast on Downeaster services.

The second run of Amtrak NPCUs will be ever bit as exciting as the first run. But in case you needed to see their features:

Note that most lighting features work on DCC layouts only.

This time around, there are two new schemes: the much-asked for "Saluting our Veterans" scheme and the current Phase V Downeaster with cab mounted bell. Let's check them out below!

Ready to check out the brand new NPCU catalog? Ask no more! Click the photo below to open the PDF.

The HO Scale Amtrak NPCU is back and waiting for your orders! Let's make this one of the best Amtrak models to exist. Also, look out for a future newsletter to see when the order deadline is announced.

Ever wonder what it would be like to have a BN E9 and eight Budd Gallery Cars bombin' through your layout's small town at speed? Wonder no more! This is about to be a reality! We are proud to introduce the next E unit series: The HEP E-Units!

Even though we do not have the full launch ready, we do have preliminary 3D renders to show you!

So, get excited, as the commuter E-units are about to take Rapido by storm!

Don't be alarmed if you can't find any ordering info for these new E-units just yet. Look for a full announcement to come later this fall.

Now that you have motive power options, why not announce the Budd gallery cars to go with them? Of course! The only catch is similar to the Commuter E8 Locomotives: we will roll out the full launch later this fall.

Until then, there is still plenty to be excited about! Let's take a look at some of the prototype and features of each.

Our first run will comprise the CB&Q, Burlington Northern and Metra versions. These are the Head-End Power versions. They will be the perfect match for your HEP E-units and F40s.

But what about Milwaukee Road, Rock Island, and the Metra cars built in the late 1970s, you ask? Based on the success of the first run, we will see if it is possible to do those cars in a second run.

Stay tuned to our upcoming newsletters for more information.

Introducing the Procor 5820 Covered Hopper Car in N Scale! This 5820 cu ft hopper car is a staple of the plastics industry, carrying pellets or granules. You might be asking yourself, aren't these the same as the Pullman-Standard hopper? The answer to that would be no, they have some differences in appearance.

Starting in the late 1970s, Procor would design and build nearly 1500 of these venerable cars with production lasting into the early '90s. These were built at their Oakville facility in Ontario, Canada, and we have tooled many of the different spotting features found between production runs. These cars can be found on trains all over the United States and Canada. Check out the pre-production samples below!

But what about those N Scale 5820 features? Here they are:

Who likes a good collage of every scheme being offered on the first run? The next image shows the nine 5820 Covered Hopper Car schemes.

The catalog. This is maybe the most important element of any new announcement because, let's face it, our website is pretty terrible right now. (Ed: we're working on that...) Click the photo below to scroll through the road and item numbers being offered on this run.

Now before you bolt out of your chair to order your N Scale Procor 5820 Covered Hopper Car fleet, we should let you know that the order deadline is December 15th, 2022. Until then, order away for this must-have car, now in N!

NEW! N Scale ATSF RR-56 Reefer!

The RR-56 class of refrigerator cars were "all purpose" Mechanical Temperature Control (MTC) style cars. They carried diesel generators to keep the inside perishables cool, but were also insulated. These were delivered in two groups, the 2000-2188 series and the 2500 series. The major difference was the earlier series carried Trane Detroit Diesel generators while the latter had Thermo-King Diesel generators. Externally, there were no differences.

How about those N Scale RR-56 Reefer features? Glad you asked, because this is not your average N scale car!

Yes, you heard right: see-through side grilles and full underbody detailing! Check out the samples below.

OK, but now I want to know about those N Scale RR-56 Reefer paint schemes! For a single railroad-owned car, there's LOTS of schemes to pick from. Maybe I should say "Get your slogan on." (Scroll down)

Need those item and road numbers? Maybe you just want to scan over the pretty catalog. You can do all that and more by clicking the photo below to download the RR-56 Reefer catalog.

Once the December 15th, 2022 order deadline comes and goes, we'll send the N Scale RR-56 Reefer off to production. In the meantime, please click here for more info or to order direct!

Sorry, guys - this newsletter is just the First Section. Look out for a "Second Section" of October's newsletter to arrive next week. That'll include all sorts of order deadline info and the usual new samples and factory updates.

Until then, regards from the IRM!

Bobby