Rapido HO Scale EMD FT A+B Locomotive Reading #256A + #256B Black & Green w/ DCC & Sound – RAP53531

Recreate one of the Reading Company's most recognizable first-generation diesel locomotives with the Rapido HO Scale EMD FT A+B Locomotive Reading #256A + #256B Black & Green w/ DCC & Sound – RAP53531. Finished in Reading's iconic Black & Green paint scheme, this beautifully detailed A+B locomotive set captures the appearance of one of the railroad's pioneering EMD FT locomotives that helped usher in the diesel era. Factory-equipped with ESU LokSound DCC and sound, this HO scale model offers exceptional realism, smooth operation, and the prototype fidelity that Rapido is known for. 

Reading's First Freight Diesels

The Reading Company took delivery of its fleet of EMD FT locomotives in 1945, assigning them to heavy freight service across its Pennsylvania system. Locomotives such as #256A and #256B demonstrated the advantages of diesel-electric power by reducing maintenance requirements, improving operating efficiency, and eliminating the need for helper service on challenging grades. The attractive Black & Green paint scheme introduced on the FT fleet would become one of the railroad's signature diesel liveries. 

Exceptional Rapido Detail & Performance

Rapido's HO Scale EMD FT has been engineered with an outstanding level of prototype-specific detail. Features include accurate nose and windshield contours, road-specific body variations, etched metal side and fan screens, separately applied grab irons, detailed underbody components, illuminated headlights, number boards and backup lights, a detailed multi-color cab interior, and a heavy die-cast chassis. A smooth five-pole motor with dual flywheels works together with factory-installed ESU LokSound DCC and sound to provide outstanding slow-speed performance and authentic diesel sound. 

Perfect for Transition Era Freight Operations

The Reading Black & Green scheme makes this EMD FT A+B set an excellent choice for HO scale layouts depicting the late 1940s through the 1950s. Whether hauling merchandise freights, manifest trains, or operating over the Reading's famous main lines, this locomotive delivers the authentic appearance and dependable performance expected from a premium Rapido model.

Complete Your Rapido Collection

Browse our complete selection of Rapido HO Scale EMD FT Locomotives to discover additional road names, road numbers, and matching locomotive sets. You can also explore our complete lineup of Rapido HO Scale Locomotives, pair your locomotive with authentic Rapido HO Scale Freight Cars, browse the complete selection of Rapido Trains, or shop our full inventory of model trains at Fusion Scale Hobbies.

The Rapido HO Scale EMD FT A+B Locomotive Reading #256A + #256B Black & Green w/ DCC & Sound – RAP53531 combines railroad history, museum-quality detailing, and premium operating performance, making it an outstanding addition to any Reading Company or transition-era HO scale locomotive fleet.