

The Ski Train's power plant: this Rapido Trains PB HEP Heater Car recreates the Rio Grande's famous #253, an ex-Alco PB-1 on Blomberg trucks, in Ski Train colors, offered under its two successive names “Moffat Tunnel” and “Joseph G. Davis”.
What sets this model apart is Rapido's signature prototype fidelity. Rebuilt in 1965 from an Alco PB-1 into a steam heater car, #253 received EMD Blomberg trucks in 1980 and was reassigned to the Ski Train after 1983. In 1987 it was rebuilt again with Head End Power (HEP) generators to power the train's new Tempo cars, carrying the name “Moffat Tunnel” before being renamed in 1994 for a Rio Grande mechanic. It stayed in Ski Train service until the F40PHs arrived in 2001. The model features the HEP-specific body, two-axle Blomberg trucks, accurate paint and lettering, and generator sound effects.
Features
- PB HEP Heater Car (ex-Alco PB-1) in HO scale, Denver Ski Train scheme, #253
- Versions offered: “Moffat Tunnel” and “Joseph G. Davis”
- HEP-specific body; two-axle EMD Blomberg trucks
- First-ever plastic model of the PB heater and HEP car
- Generator sound effects
- Accurate paint and lettering
- Perfect companion to the Rio Grande GP40s and Ski Train Tempo sets
- Ready-to-run model
- HO scale
- Made by Rapido Trains
The Ski Train's power plant: this Rapido Trains PB HEP Heater Car recreates the Rio Grande's famous #253, an ex-Alco PB-1 on Blomberg trucks, in Ski Train colors, offered under its two successive names “Moffat Tunnel” and “Joseph G. Davis”.
What sets this model apart is Rapido's signature prototype fidelity. Rebuilt in 1965 from an Alco PB-1 into a steam heater car, #253 received EMD Blomberg trucks in 1980 and was reassigned to the Ski Train after 1983. In 1987 it was rebuilt again with Head End Power (HEP) generators to power the train's new Tempo cars, carrying the name “Moffat Tunnel” before being renamed in 1994 for a Rio Grande mechanic. It stayed in Ski Train service until the F40PHs arrived in 2001. The model features the HEP-specific body, two-axle Blomberg trucks, accurate paint and lettering, and generator sound effects.
Features
- PB HEP Heater Car (ex-Alco PB-1) in HO scale, Denver Ski Train scheme, #253
- Versions offered: “Moffat Tunnel” and “Joseph G. Davis”
- HEP-specific body; two-axle EMD Blomberg trucks
- First-ever plastic model of the PB heater and HEP car
- Generator sound effects
- Accurate paint and lettering
- Perfect companion to the Rio Grande GP40s and Ski Train Tempo sets
- Ready-to-run model
- HO scale
- Made by Rapido Trains