SKU: RPI-36017-PRE

PREORDER Rapido HO 36017 MLW S-13 Diesel Locomotive, Canadian National Ex-CN Unnumbered | 224.96

10% down: $22.50
Our Price: $224.96
MSRP: $249.95

Note: You will reserve this item today for a 10% down payment of $22.50. Approximately 30-45 days before your item is expected at the warehouse, we will invoice you $202.46 plus shipping and any applicable taxes.

How Preorders Work

Expected release date is Dec 12, 2025

Quantity
30-Day Hassle-Free Returns

Description

Rapido is proud to announce the Montreal Locomotive Works S-13 and RS-23 locomotives! These two models are virtually identical from the frame up. In fact, they both used the same MLW-style switcher body and underframe of the previous S-11 and S-12 designs. Under the hood both used an ALCO 251c prime mover which generated 1,000hp. The major difference between the two versions was the S-13 rode on “switching style” AAR trucks while the RS-23 utilized road trucks.

British Columbia (formerly PGE) received the first MLW S-13s with an order of three, delivered in January 1959. Canadian National was the largest owner of S-13s, rostering 49 units with the first also arriving in 1959. Of these, 26 were assigned hump service in sets of three units. These were a variety of paint schemes for both BCR and CN before being retired or sold to short lines.

Canadian Pacific was the largest owner of the RS-23 locomotives with a total of 34 built between August and September of 1959. These were classified as “Diesel Road Switcher, 1,000hp” (DRS-10c). Initially assigned to Ontario, the RS-23s were reassigned to the Atlantic Region and Saskatchewan. It was not uncommon to see them working in sets of four or five units in northern Saskatchewan on branchline freights. Out in the Maritimes, the RS-23s could be seen in the same capacity, albeit in smaller sets of two to three units. As road switchers, CP's RS-23s often ran in multiple with larger 4-axle and 6-axle freight locomotives. During CP's motive power shortage in the late 1980s and early 1990s, the RS-23s worked hard in mainline freight duty. By the late-1990s, CP retired its fleet but many continue to survive on short lines throughout North America.

HO Scale S-13/RS-23 Locomotives Features:
Heavy die-cast frame with many separate details
Correct Canadian-style AAR or MLW lightweight trucks
Photo-etched radiator grilles
Road-specific fuel tanks
Traction motor details on trucks
New thinwall cab design with complete interior lighting
Prototypically correct tread patterns on walkways
CN S-13s feature strobe "fink light" on roof where appropriate
Metal grab irons
Rapido’s innovative dead-straight metal handrails with plastic stanchions
Rubber air and sanding lines
MoPower capacitor system for uninterrupted DCC running
DC/DCC ready or Dual-Mode DCC/Sound (Recorded from a real S-13!)
Suggested minimum radius: 18”

Preorders: Frequently Asked Questions

What is preordering and why would I want to do that?

In the model railroading world, most products are made in limited runs. Manufacturers no longer produce large quantities to sit in warehouses. Instead, they announce new items and set a preorder deadline. After that date, production is based largely on the number of reservations received.

Preordering through Model Train Stuff guarantees your spot in line for these limited releases. When the products arrive, orders are filled in the order they were placed. The earlier you preorder, the better your chance of getting your items, even if there are shipping delays or shortfalls from the manufacturer.

Preordering is as easy as 1-2-3!
  1. Preordering is available on any item with the word "Preorder" as the first word in the product title.
  2. We will email your invoice approximately 30-45 days before your preorder items land at the warehouse. With the interactive invoice you can select your preferred shipping method and pay the balance of your order right online!
  3. We'll ship you your preorder once your invoice is paid online. 

How can I place a preorder?

To place a preorder, simply look for items marked with "PREORDER" in their title on our website. Add the item to your cart and proceed to checkout. You'll be required to pay a 10% non-refundable deposit to secure your reservation.

When will I be charged for my preorder?

You'll be charged a 10% deposit at the time of placing your preorder. The remaining balance, along with any applicable sales tax and shipping charges, will be due when the item is ready to be shipped. We'll notify you via email with a link to complete your payment.

Can I cancel my preorder?

Preorders can be canceled, but please note that the 10% deposit is non-refundable and will not be credited to store credit, as it goes toward covering the cost of the uncollected reservation.

When will my preorder ship?

The estimated shipping date for each preorder item is listed on the product page. We'll also keep you updated via email if there are any changes to the shipping schedule. Once your final payment is received, your item will be shipped according to your selected shipping method.

What happens if a preorder item is delayed or canceled by the manufacturer?

In the rare event that a preorder item is delayed or canceled by the manufacturer, we'll notify you as soon as possible. You can choose to wait for the item, apply your deposit to a different item, or request a refund or store credit for your deposit.

How do I check the status of my preorder?

You can check the status of your preorder by logging into your account on our website and viewing your order history. We'll also keep you updated via email with any important information regarding your preorder.

What if I have more questions about preordering?

If you have any further questions about preordering, feel free to contact our customer service team. We're here to help you with any inquiries you may have.