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Introducing the other Budd gallery car fleet, first built for Milwaukee Road and Rock Island! Both railroads needed to replace aging commuter equipment, and Milwaukee Road ordered 32 coaches and 8 cab cars in 1961, followed by another order of 10 coaches and 12 cabs in 1964. Milwaukee’s cars ran behind HEP E units and other power in all kinds of consists, including off peak trains with just an E unit and a cab car! Notably, Milwaukee often used their fleet for other services, including Chicago-Milwaukee runs and special charters to Madison, Milwaukee, and more. 

Rock Island added to Milwaukee’s 1964 order, getting 5 cabs and 15 coaches in 1965. This only added to the already eclectic Rock Island commute fleet, with the stainless Budd cars contrasting against colorful Pullman Standard cars. The Budd cars offered a sleek, modern look next to one of their dazzling red and yellow E8As. Since their engines were equipped with Head End Power (HEP), the Budd consists didn’t require a power car.

The Regional Transportation Authority, precursor to Metra, placed a huge order for 98 Budd coaches and 37 Budd cab cars in 1978. These cars came without oval windows on one side, and subtle changes to the ends and underframe. Additionally, 20 coaches were ordered for BN lines with outside brake clasp trucks; these now feature BNSF logos. 

Overall, these cars now make up the largest coach fleet on the Metra roster, as all cab are now trailing coaches. We are pleased to offer a huge variety of choices – Metra “Metropolitan Rail” sets featuring the first Metra Logo, Metra sets with ditchlights on cab cars, and several varieties of individual coaches. Another exciting option are two different versions of “dummy” cab cars: “Blanked” ex-MILW Cabs will all traces of the cab removed, and “intact” ex-RTA Cabs where only select items like the horn have been removed.

Rapido HO Scale Budd Gallery Cars feature:

• Designed from original blueprints, design drawings and field measurements
• Rock Island, Milwaukee and BNSF car types with Metra modified blanked cab car end version!
• Free-rolling, highly detailed trucks with metal wheelsets
• Full underbody including HEP conduit and equipment
• Complete interior including actual “gallery” seating
• Accurate painting and lettering, both inside and out
• Correctly-colored tinted windows
• Metal side grab irons and sprung diaphragms
• Constant flicker-free interior lighting in both DC and DCC
• MoPower capacitor for uninterrupted DCC passenger car lighting
• Controllable cab car lighting in both DC and DCC, including headlights, marker lights, as well as ditch lights and beacons (where appropriate)
• Suggested minimum radius: 22”