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Rapido GMDD N scale F40PH-2D review
Rapido GMDD N scale F40PH-2D review
Trains.comCody GrivnoThu, July 9, 2026 at 12:00 PM UTCAdd us on GoogleThu, July 9, 2026 at 12:00 PM UTCA General Motors Diesel Division F40PH-2D is once again being offered in N scale by Rapido Trains. The model, which we last reviewed in the December 2022 issue, is available with rebuilt and as-built carbodies in multiple VIA Rail Canada paint schemes. Features on the four-axle passenger unit include illuminated headlights, ditch lights, and number boxes; prototype-specific details; and body-mounted couplers.
General Motors Diesel Division, Electro-Motive Division's Canadian subsidiary, built 59 cowl-bodied F40PH-2D locomotives (the D indicating a desktop control stand) for VIA Rail between November 1986 and July 1989. The F40PH-2D quickly became the workhorse of VIA's fleet.
The diesels were rebuilt at CAD Railway Industries Ltd. in Montreal between 2009 and 2012. The most obvious change was the extension at the rear of the carbody to accommodate the separate head-end power (HEP) generator. Other modifications included the removal of the class lights and the addition of a third headlight to the nose. The locomotives were also repainted into VIA Rail's Renaissance scheme and assigned to the GPA-30H class.
AdvertisementAdvertisementThe sample we received is decorated as VIA Rail 6409, part of the passenger carrier's 6400 through 6458 series. The model depicts a rebuilt unit.
Wire handrails and grab irons, a clear plastic bug deflector on top of the nose, and an air conditioner are some of the factory-applied details on the Rapido GMDD N scale F40PH-2D. A pair of emergency air horns are located on top of the cab. These are required on full-size Canadian passenger diesels that operate at 65 mph or faster.
An exploded-view diagram shows how Rapido's F40PH-2D is assembled. The model has a one-piece plastic shell with many separate, factory-applied details, including formed wire grab irons and handrails; a plastic air conditioner and rooftop antennas; and a see-through, etched-metal grill on the dynamic brake fan. The winterization hatch is plastic with a molded screen.
The truck frames are plastic moldings with slots on the ends that fit over tabs on the gear case. Each truck has freestanding swing hangers; the remaining details are molded.
Here's what under the shell of the Rapido GMDD N scale F40PH-2D. The speaker is located between the two capacitors over the rear truck.
To separate the shell from the chassis, I first released the vertical grab irons from the steps that lead to the doors for the HEP section of the carbody. Then I gently spread the shell and lifted it off. A few toothpicks proved helpful here. You don't need to remove the couplers.
AdvertisementAdvertisementThe motor and flywheels are centered in the chassis. On top of that is the motherboard, secured with screws. The ESU decoder is attached to the motherboard; the speaker is located above the rear truck.
The sample of the Rapido GMDD N scale F40PH-2D that we received is based on a rebuilt prototype. The rear of the cowl body was modified to accommodate head-end power equipment.
Rapido's N scale version of the 6409 is neatly painted in VIA Rail's green, gray, and yellow Renaissance scheme. Graphic placement matches the many prototype images online. The road number and locomotive class are a bit closer to the color separation line than on the prototype, but hardly a deal breaker.
I did two rounds of product testing on our review sample, which has an ESU LokSound V5 sound decoder and MoPower capacitor. For the workbench speed tests I used an NCE Power Cab. At step 1 the locomotive moved at just under 2 scale mph. The passenger diesel achieved a top speed of 89 smph at step 28. The prototype units have a top speed between 90 and 95 mph.
This overhead view shows the mix of molded and freestanding details on the top of the Rapido GMDD N scale F40PH-2D. The dynamic brake fan features a see-through, etched-metal grill. The Nathan K3L air horn in front of the dynamic brake fan is used for standard operations.
For real-world testing, I took the F40PH-2D over to our Milwaukee, Racine & Troy State Line Route layout. I used the four-axle unit to power our version of VIA Rail Nos. 5 and 6, a three-car train between Prince Rupert, British Columbia, and Jasper, Alberta. The train looked great on the model railroad, and the locomotive had no issues navigating the layout's 18″ minimum radius curves and No. 6 minimum turnouts.
AdvertisementAdvertisementIf you model VIA Rail Canada in N scale, you'll want to check out the F40PH-2D from Rapido Trains. With two body variations and multiple paint schemes, you can easily re-create Canadian passenger operations from the late 1980s to today.
Price: Direct-current model, $159.95; with ESU LokSound V5 sound decoder, $269.95
ManufacturerRapido Trains382 High St.Buffalo, NY 14204rapidotrains.com
Era: 2009 to present (as decorated)
Road names: VIA Rail Canada (Rebuilt - Renaissance scheme, Love the Way wrap, and $10 bill scheme. As-delivered - original, Canada, Operation Lifesaver, Telus, Kool-Aid, and Home Hardware schemes). One to three road numbers per scheme.
AdvertisementAdvertisementBody-mounted couplers, at correct height
Metal wheel stubs on plastic drive axle gears, correctly gauged
Suggested minimum radius, 11″
Weight: 3 ounces