A Rio Grande cult piece, in plastic for the first time: this Rapido Trains PB Steam Heater Car recreates the former Alco PB-1s rebuilt as steam generator cars, in Rio Grande orange-and-silver, offered in four combinations of logos, numbers and trucks.
What sets this model apart is Rapido's signature prototype fidelity. Before the modern era, passenger cars were steam-heated. With its steam generator-equipped locomotives nearing retirement, the D&RGW rebuilt two Alco PB-1s into steam heater cars in 1965, numbers 252 and 253 — the 252 quickly became a backup while the 253 handled most assignments, including the Rio Grande Zephyr in winter until 1983. In 1980 the 253 received two-axle EMD Blomberg trucks, giving it its unique look. The model offers two truck styles (three-axle Alco or two-axle Blomberg), accurate paint and lettering, and steam generator sound effects.
Features
- PB Steam Heater Car (ex-Alco PB-1) in HO scale, Rio Grande (D&RGW) scheme
- Versions offered: small logo #253 (Alco trucks), large logo #252 (Alco trucks), large logo #253 (Alco trucks), large logo #253 (Blomberg trucks)
- First-ever plastic model of the PB heater car
- Three-axle Alco or two-axle Blomberg trucks depending on version
- Steam generator sound effects
- Accurate paint and lettering
- Ready-to-run model
- HO scale
- Made by Rapido Trains
A Rio Grande cult piece, in plastic for the first time: this Rapido Trains PB Steam Heater Car recreates the former Alco PB-1s rebuilt as steam generator cars, in Rio Grande orange-and-silver, offered in four combinations of logos, numbers and trucks.
What sets this model apart is Rapido's signature prototype fidelity. Before the modern era, passenger cars were steam-heated. With its steam generator-equipped locomotives nearing retirement, the D&RGW rebuilt two Alco PB-1s into steam heater cars in 1965, numbers 252 and 253 — the 252 quickly became a backup while the 253 handled most assignments, including the Rio Grande Zephyr in winter until 1983. In 1980 the 253 received two-axle EMD Blomberg trucks, giving it its unique look. The model offers two truck styles (three-axle Alco or two-axle Blomberg), accurate paint and lettering, and steam generator sound effects.
Features
- PB Steam Heater Car (ex-Alco PB-1) in HO scale, Rio Grande (D&RGW) scheme
- Versions offered: small logo #253 (Alco trucks), large logo #252 (Alco trucks), large logo #253 (Alco trucks), large logo #253 (Blomberg trucks)
- First-ever plastic model of the PB heater car
- Three-axle Alco or two-axle Blomberg trucks depending on version
- Steam generator sound effects
- Accurate paint and lettering
- Ready-to-run model
- HO scale
- Made by Rapido Trains