The SW9 locomotive continued Electro-Motive Division’s excellence of small, compact “switcher” engines for yard and local service. From November 1950 to December of 1953, nearly 800 SW9s were built in the LaGrange production facility. Meanwhile, in London, Ontario, GMDD rolled out 29 for Canadian National and Canadian Pacific. The SW9 was outfitted with the popular 567B prime mover, while a handful received the upgraded 567BC motors that would later be the power of the SW1200 series. A staggering 69 railroads (industrial, short lines and class one roads) would purchase the SW9! The Illinois Central received 70 SW9s, which was the largest order of the production run.

The Rapido Trains HO scale SW9 locomotive features:

• Highly detailed cab interior
• See-through metal etched parts
• Many road specific details
• Heavy diecast frame 
• Diecast gear boxes for added weight
• Rapido Semi Scale metal couplers
• Full LED lighting, including: operating beacons/flashing lights where appropriate
• DC/Silent (21-pin DCC Ready) or DC/DCC/ESU LokSound
• Featuring the Rapido MoPower capacitor

Delivered in 1953

• Optional “beehive” style spark arrestors with short stacks in polybag
• Carbody style handrails
• Extra tall “safety end rails” on the cab end
• Reflectolite flashing warning light
• Working double Pyle headlights

Features the as-delivered slogans "DEPENDABLE TRANSPORTATION" on the right hand side of the cab, and "SERVES ALL THE WEST" on the left hand side of the cab.