The EMD-built FT was born in November 1939, in the La Grange, IL, General Motors plant. The FT demonstrator, 103, didn't take any baby steps. It came out bold and sure of itself and with its efficient design, spelled the end of steam's reign. That same month of production, the demonstrator started out on an 11-month 35-state tour. The 103 logged 83,764 miles, working on 20 Class I railroads in below freezing as well as sweltering conditions, pulling anything and everything.
The FT demonstrator was made up of four units, each equipped with a 16-cylinder engine that hammered out 1350 units of horsepower. The units were either designated as "A," which were 48'3'' long or "B," a 48'1'' booster. The set was capable of delivering a combined horsepower rating of 5400. Initially, EMD issued FTs in semi-permanent coupled pairs, but the A-B-A arrangement was an alternative.
M.T.H. is excited about offering this Premier replica of the FT A-B-A diesel set. Our FT is will also make an impact on your train collection by adding to the class and fine workmanship of the locomotives already on your roster. Make this set yours, and own an engine that changed the railroad industry forever as it replaced large steam power. As usual, the FT set is complete with the awesome sounds and features of Proto-Sound 2.0.
Did You Know? At first, EMD referred to FT A and B units with couplers and draft gears at both ends as model FS, but the name didn't catch on.
