Rapido 54515 GP9u Mother + Slug CP Rail Multimark #1596 + #1014 w/ Beacons ESU LokSound DCC HO Scale

Product Overview

Beginning in 1970, Canadian Pacific launched a major rebuild program for its aging GP9 fleet. The locomotives received chopped short hoods along with numerous other appearance changes, while later rebuilds were fitted with upgraded 645-series power assemblies. The program continued through 1988 and became closely associated with CP Rail's simplified red paint scheme.

Starting in 1993, CP also began converting various end-cab switchers into daughter units, or slugs. Their prime movers were decommissioned or removed and replaced with ballast, while the traction motors received electrical power from semi-permanently connected GP9u mother units. All of the mother locomotives used for these combinations came from CP's 1500 and 1600 series GP9u fleet.

Rapido's HO scale set recreates this unusual operating combination with an accurately modeled chop-nose GP9u and powered slug. The slug includes traction motor sounds and flashing beacons, giving the pair the visual and operating character that made these units such distinctive fixtures in CP switching service across Canada and the United States.

Why We Love This Set

Mother-and-slug combinations are one of those railroad subjects that immediately make a layout feel more specific and authentic. Rather than simply pairing two conventional locomotives, this set recreates the specialized equipment CP developed for switching service, complete with a powered slug, traction motor sounds, flashing beacons, and the distinctive chop-nose GP9u. The Multimark scheme adds even more character, making this a particularly compelling set for Canadian Pacific modelers and anyone who enjoys unusual locomotive consists.