The Rapido Trains HO Scale Montreal Locomotive Works MLW M420 diesels are based on he first units to be equipped with Canadian Comfort-Safety Cabs. The M420 was equipped with the Alco 12V-251c3 prime mover producing 2000 H.P. Most M420 units rode on MLW ZWT (Zero Weight- Transfer) trucks. MLW constructed 103 M420s between May 1973 and February 1977 for four railways including CN (80), British Columbia Railway (16 including eight B units), Ferrocarriles del Estado (2), Providence & Worcester (5).
CN would take delivery of the M420s in 3 groups: MR-20a class 2500-2529 (delivered 1973), MR-20b class 2530- 2559 (delivered 1974) and MR-20c class 2560-2579 (delivered 1976).
All of the CN units were retired by 1998 and today many of these locomotives have found second careers on short lines all over North America. Features of the M420 include era-specific details, directional headlights, metal handrails, class-appropriate louvers, lighted control stands, cab details and lighted numberboards and class lights. The smooth-running drive features a coreless motor, dual flywheels and the model comes equipped with Macdonald-Cartier knuckle couplers compatible with all magnetic knuckle couplers.
The MLW M420 standard DC locomotive is DCC ready and equipped with a 21-pin decoder interface for easy conversion to DCC when you're ready.