|
Burlington Northern
(No.5174-D)
Canadian National
(No.5174-B)
Santa Fe
(No.5174-C)
 |
AHM's initial FP-45 offering was built by Lima and imported from
Italy. The model differs greatly from AHM's second FP-45 model. The Lima FP-45 features filled-in front and rear
pilots, unlike the later AHM FP-45, but in order to make this long diesel navigate 18"-radius curves the pilots are cast onto
the trucks and swing with them. The engine's steps coming down from the cab are also cast on the truckside frame.
The only roadname to cross between the Lima-made FP-45 and the later
Mehano model is the Santa Fe example. AHM apparently had both FP-45s available for a time in the middle 1970s, as at
least one price list I have includes reference to both this 5174 stock numbered example and the 5150 stock numbered Yugoslovian-made
FP-45s. The retail on the Lima-made model was $16.98 and it appears to have been offered only as a powered example.
The Santa Fe FP-45 in my collection includes no description on the AHM box flap and simply carries the stock number 5174
C. Beyond an attempt to separate the two FP-45s, I have no info or reason for AHM's terming this
an FP-45C in some listings.
The Lima FP-45 was sold under the Model Power's PMI (Precision Model Inc.) name beginning
in late 1974, after it departed the AHM catalog. Sold under Model Power's PMI subsidary, the FP-45 was available
in their line in the three roadnames also sold by AHM (Burlington Northern, Canadian National, and Santa Fe), plus Penn
Central and Spirit of '76.
An ad from Charles Merzbach's Charmerz line in a 1973 Model Railroader shows
the Santa Fe FP-45 and states that Charmerz offers the model in Penn Central too with a $17.98 retail price.
|
