Just wanted to throw out a quick heads up to anyone wanting models of the late series H16-44 FM diesel locomotives. Rapido is taking reservations to see if these will go into production. I have reserved some for myself at my local hobbyshop.....about 100 miles away.

The models look to be extremely well done detail wise with lots of road specific details. For anyone not familiar with the H16-44 in this version verses the excellent Atlas models, the Atlas models were the early type the models from Rapido are of the type that looks like short versions of the trainmaster.

A recent review of a BB trucked hood unit from Rapido showed it to generate a pull force of over 3 oz. The mechanism seems to be the standard high quality type produced by most of the better manufacturers in today's world with all wheels powered and picking up power. There are two versions of the chassis available, one with lok sound and a silent version with a 21 pin socket.

I went with the silent version as I have standardized on the Soundtraxx decoders so it will be an easy swap for me. If you have decided on the lok sound for your fleet you can order it already in place with lots of lighting features ready to go.

They also are showing at least 4 road numbers for the roads offered which makes it very easy for modelers to put together a fleet for their model railroads. Rapido is a MRH advertiser so you can also link to them from the magazine and give our favorite magazine some more add clicks.

Here is the link to their website where pictures and details of models can be observed.

https://rapidotrains.com/products/ho-scale/diesel-locomotives/ho-scale-f-m-h16-44

I hope any of you looking for a first generation diesel loco by FM take a look at these and reserve some today I think they are well done as far as can be seen from the preproduction work they have done.