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Rapido Newsletter Vol. 234
©2026 Rapido Trains Inc.
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Dear Rapido Customer,
Welcome back! This is one of our Biggest! Newsletters! Ever! So sit back, relax, grab a cold one, or better yet head to the john.
Are you ready for winter? This month we have a few chilly announcements, as well as an N scale update announcement. So, like a downhill skier, let's hit the slopes.
Jason: Ready for winter? In August?
Bobby: Read on, Macduff. You'll figure it out in, like, four lines...
Jason: You know Shakespeare never said that. He actually wrote "Lay on –"
Bobby: Shush!
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In the 234th issue...
- New Renders! C-424 and C-425 Locomotives
- New Announcements
- Back in the Spotlight: Budd RDCs
- Ski Train: F40PH, GP40, Steam Generator and HEP Cars, and the passenger cars too!
- Hawker Siddeley Tempo Cars
- 1937 AAR Boxcars
- PRR H21 Hopper
- Last Chance! N LRC Loco and Sets
- Home Shops Spotlight
- Rapido and Me
- Tooling, Factory and Shipping Updates
If you are using a web-based email service such as Gmail, be sure to click on the link at the top of this email that says something like "[Message clipped] View entire message". That will ensure you don't miss any of this newsletter.
Please note that all renders, pre-production samples and artwork are subject to change before the final product release.
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NEW RENDERS! C-424 and C-425 Locomotives
The HO Scale "Century" Series: Alco/MLW 424 and Alco 425 Locomotive has newly decorated 3D CAD renders, freshly whipped up by our in-house designer (Michael). These look so great that we can't wait to get our hands on the first tooled samples this Fall. This project went into tooling about a month ago, and I can say with confidence that it is the MOST COMPLICATED (and expensive to tool) diesel locomotive we have ever produced! They are all different!
While waiting for the physical samples to arrive, check out the renders.
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The Reading C-424 looks great with the horn hanging off the cab.
Can you spot the fan inside the cab? Yes, we are THAT INSANE in our detail!
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The Phase I notches on the rear look neat.
Compare the stanchions on the Reading unit to the N&W unit below.
Remember when I said this was the most complicated and expensive model to make?
Those stanchions are a big contributor. The rear notches too!
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Here's the Norfolk and Western high nose version.
Did you know 1013 still exists today as NY&LE 1013?
| Here we see the Spokane, Portland and Seattle C-425, with the rerailers on the tank. | |
The SP&S C-425s have the unique larger engineer's front window, seen here.
Yes, we had to make a whole new cab just for this window.
Jason says we'll finally make money on this project when we're in the fifth run...
Jason: Make that the 12th run...
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BACK IN THE SPOTLIGHT: HO Scale Budd RDC Cars
Guess who's back... back again. OK, I promise I won't sing. But really we're singing our praises for the HO Scale Budd RDC Cars, which are back in the spotlight to remind you of what we're offering in the limited time left to reserve your order.
Watch the newest video we just recorded. Click here or the photo above. We really, really apologize for Jason's shorts.
Jason: I blame the wardrobe department head, Jeremy.
Bobby: Whoever is to blame, you really should have caught that, buddy. From now on we're calling you "Shron Shorts."
Jason: (facepalm) Oh, great....
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The last remaining VIA Rail RDCs! We'll find out more about these later on.
Photo courtesy of Jeff Keddy.
| | Bobby: The HO Scale Budd RDCs were used in a wide variety of assignments. From intercity operations to commuter rail, as well as specialized operations. These RDCs did it all! Many of these cars still exist on tourist lines today, which only adds to the intrigue of the everlasting Budd RDC. Oh, and VIA Rail Canada still runs them daily!!! | These are the RDC-9s without the backup lights. | Wait! We can't forget the Budd RDC-9s! These unique "cab-less" cars were introduced in 1956 for the Boston & Maine as a "powered trailer". These RDCs were often seen in consists of four or more, sandwiched between two cab-equipped RDC-1s. The RDC-9 had a single motor, which helped to maintain the train's speed, as well as power the car's lights, heat and air conditioning. Talk about a workhorse! The interior contained seating for 94 passengers. | This RDC-9 has the backup light (these will be working on the final production models). Dig those neat doorway chains. Note below the single fan, single exhaust, and one set of rads. | The RDC-9 Cars lasted into the MBTA-era with some receiving the iconic purple window band. In 1965, seven units (6900/01/02/15/19/20/25) were sold to Canadian National for Railiner services. Later on, CN transferred these to VIA, which kept them in service until 1988. MBTA's RDC-9s lasted even longer, until 1989. Some still exist on tourist roads today. | |
A CN RDC-9, above, sits in Toronto.
Below, a VIA RDC-9 is part of a set, resting at Spadina.
Photos courtesy of Bram Bailey.
| Among our many new RDCs are VIA RDC-9s, VIA RDC-1s from the 1970s and 1980s, and... | |
The entire consist which includes the RDC-4. 6219 leads 6105, 6217 and 6219.
6219 sits in a snowy scene. For all of the complaints of hot weather, the scene below is just a few months away! Photos courtesy of Jeff Keddy.
| Whoa whoa whoa! We can't forget about VIA Rail RDC-1 6105 and RDC-2s 6217 and 6219, which wear the current 2010s rebuild scheme. These are among the last operating RDCs that VIA Rail rosters and we are proud to present this latest RDC variation! (Shhh! Don't mention the RDC-4) | |
The modern VIA Rail RDC with 6105-specific details!
Note the extra light above the door as well as the monster plough.
(That's how they write plow up north where the two seasons are winter and July 27th.)
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The B-end of the car with the plated over ditch lights and marker lights.
The production models will have the windows and number boards blanked out too.
| What makes these VIA Rail Budd RDCs so special? They're the last of their kind and still in active service for a major passenger operation in North America. VIA 6105, 6217, 6219 and the rare Budd RDC-4, 6250, operate out of Sudbury to White River, Ontario. They run on trains 185 and 186, which are a thrice weekly turn. This service is an essential lifeline for people living in the Algoma district. They also provide supply lines and transport for visitors in the summer months. | Making a stop out in the wilderness. Photo courtesy of Jeff Keddy. | The RDC-2 with the modern details. | |
Riding trains 185 and 186 are something you have to experience.
Photo courtesy of Josh Anderchek.
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All of our HO Scale RDCs feature:
- Rapido’s acclaimed “stainless steel” finish
- Separate underframe piping and conduit
- Loads of roadname-specific details
- Fabricated or cast truck sideframes (as appropriate)
- Separate grab irons and front door chains
- Etched-metal roof grills and fan covers
- Lit number boards and class lights
- Correct engine sounds - Cummins or Detroit - we recorded both!
- MoPower capacitor
- Suggested minimum radius: 22"
The Rapido RDC-9s feature all of these, plus:
- Correct blank ends
- Weird headlight and/or marker light (where appropriate)
- Prototypically accurate single motor - don't run these on their own, eh?
The Rapido VIA Rail 6105, 6217 and 6219 feature:
- 6105 - RDC-1
- 6217 and 6219 - RDC-2
- Many 2010 rebuild details such as e-bell, blanked-out windows, modified ends, different steps and much more
- Operating VIA-style xenon light and ditch lights
Now, let's look at those gorgeous schemes! First up are the RDC-1s.
| | And finally, the modern day VIA Rail RDCs. | |
We've recorded the sounds of the RDC doors and traps, including the baggage doors, and these sounds will now be included on the models!
Ready to order a bunch of RDCs? You can still get your order in by October 16th from your favourite hobby shop or directly through us.
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Hey West Coaster, don't forget about the Santa Fe and SP RDCs...
Scroll down for the good stuff!
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HO Scale ATSF and Southern Pacific Budd RDC
West Coast HO Scale Budd RDCs put a smile on everyone's faces! Well, that's what Jordan claims. Anyway, here comes Santa Fe DC-191, DC-192 and the famous rebuilt SP-10.
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The neat rebuild features include the lack of stepwells and the blank end.
Look at that itty bitty porthole window!
| Southern Pacific owned one RDC-1, which they received in 1953. Dubbed a “Pocket Streamliner”, number 10 held down the Sacramento-Oakland Pier trains. In 1959, SP-10 was transferred to the Northwestern Pacific for Redwood trains 3 and 4. | The magical SP-10 with the high numberboards and Gyralite set this RDC apart from others. Photos courtesy of Robert J. Zenk. | |
Shortly after entering service on the NWP, SP-10 was involved in a grade crossing accident with a logging truck on October 7, 1960, which damaged the end of the car. Sent for repairs, it emerged with a blanked end, which necessitated single direction operation.
Becoming somewhat of a celebrity on the West Coast, SP-10 continued in regular service on the NWP until Amtrak's creation in 1971. With the discontinuation of trains #3 and #4, the car was sold to Yreka Western as their #100.
| Yreka Western in that attractive blue scheme. Photo courtesy of Bob Zenk. | |
And now for the SP-10 features:
- Prototypically correct rebuilt “blind” end
- Accurate Motorola antenna
- Accurate Nathan Type P Airchime horns
- SP-style roof-mounted numberboards
Below is the art for SP-10 and the Yreka Western.
| A neat paintingof the RDCs. | |
Our two Santa Fe RDCs come as a set: DC-191 and DC-192. These RDC-1s were built in 1952 and were outfitted with Automatic Train Stop (ATS), to operate at a maximum speed of 80MPH. Santa Fe only painted one end of each car, as they intended to always run them as a set. These received an attractive yellow “cat whisker” with a square ATSF emblem on the front door. They held down trains 80, 81, 82 and 83 in this configuration.
This will be the as-delivered version, as we offered the post-wreck rebuild versions a few years ago.
The Santa Fe RDC has the same great features as our other RDCs, with the addition of:
- Offered as the prototype operated… as a pair!
- Accurate early painting & lettering, including the square emblem
The art for the ATSF RDC set is below.
| | Surf's up! Get your orders in before October 16th for the Santa Fe and SP RDCs. You can do so from your favorite hobby shop or directly through us. | | |
Calling all modern RDC fans and modelers...
Hurry up, we have the RDC for you!
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HO Scale Canadian National Track Geometry Vehicle 1501
The CN 1501 is one of our most popular RDCs so far. It's packed full of unique details, lights and lasers! LASERS! To see them, watch the newest sample video.
Click here or the photo above.
| Check out the CN 1501-specific details: single open stepwell, extra lights and blanked windows. | |
CN 1501 began life as an RDC-1, numbered D-108, in passenger service. In 1978, all remaining CN RDCs were sold to VIA Rail, where 6108 kept its number until its 1990 retirement and eventual sale to CN in 2007. By then CN had a desire to create a "Rail Geometry Vehicle" for testing rail on their network. CN repurchased 6108 and extensively rebuilt it with all sorts of track analyzing equipment, including lasers that point at the rails.
In 2008, this RDC emerged as CN 15016, with a striking paint scheme, but for the most part kept its original appearance. CN renumbered the car to 1501 to avoid data issues with their network computer systems for dispatching.
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CN only owns the one car, but when not needed they lease it out to other railroads for use, such as the Iowa Interstate. In addition to all of their rail lines in Canada, CN also owns the Illinois Central, Wisconsin Central, Elgin, Joliet & Eastern, Grand Trunk, DWP and the DM&IR, so it frequently makes the rounds on all of these lines throughout the year.
You may want to purchase a CN 1501 for no other reason than to create dispatcher havoc at your local club or on your layout.
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This end shows the closed stepwells and the extra inspection lights.
Pre-production samples are subject to revisions.
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And now for the features of CN 1501:
- Rapido’s acclaimed “stainless steel” finish
- Correct CN-rebuilt sides and ends
- Working LED headlights and ditch lights
- Working Strobes!
- Working Inspection Lights!
- WORKING LASERS!!!!
- Cast truck sideframes
- Separate grab irons and side mirrors
- Etched-metal roof grills and fan covers
- Lit number boards and marker lights
- Amazing RDC engine sounds
- Correct P5 horn and E-bell
Below is the art for this unique RDC.
| Order the CN 1501 before October 16th. You can do so from your favorite/favourite hobby shop or directly through us. | | |
The Ski Train Returns!
F40PHs, PB Steam Generator and HEP Car, GP40s and Tempo Cars
Yes, we're doing the weird rebuilt Alco B unit!!!
Grab your skis because the Rio Grande Ski Train is back and cooler than ever! In addition to the world famous F40PH Locomotives and ex-Tempo Cars, we also have some new models which allow you to model the train from the 1980s into the 2000s.
Click here or the photo above to watch the launch video.
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The Ski Train has just dropped off eager skiers at the Winter Park stop.
Photo courtesy of Steve Patterson.
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Pull up a chair because we're about to cook...
The Ski Train is coming at you in 3..2..1..
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RETURNING MODEL! The HO Scale Ski Train F40PH Locomotives
The Ski Train F40PH Locomotives are back! These famous passenger units pulled the Ski Train up the side of the Rockies, taking skiers to the slopes from Denver. On this run, we're excited to add the MoPower capacitor and Cannon and Company licensed fans to the models. Many of these features might just appear on other, future F40s too!
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The Ski Train blasts out of Moffat Tunnel with all three F40PHs leading.
Photo courtesy of Steve Patterson.
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In 2000, Ansco acquired three Amtrak F40PHRs under a lease-to-buy deal to power the famous Ski Train. These locomotives replaced the need for the PB HEP Car, as they supplied their own Head End Power to the train.
Before their debut, they received the same paint to match the entire consist. F40PH 242 usually led the three-unit consist and received an “A” marking on the battery box door. 283 wore a “B” marking and 289 sported a “C”. The entire trainset looked superb in the classic Rio Grande colors!
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The HO Scale F40PH Locomotives feature:
- NEW! Cannon and Company licensed fan designs
- Correct body and era-specific details for each model
- Working head lights, backup light, strobe and marker lights
- Metal grab irons and side railings
- Accurate fuel tank profile and exhaust silencer
- Full cab interior painted in correct colors
- Working ditch lights
- See-through, etched-metal radiator grills and dynamic brake grills
- Extensive, separate underbody piping, conduit and wire grab irons
- MoPower capacitor system for uninterrupted DCC running
- DC/Silent (21-pin DCC Ready) or Dual-Mode DC/DCC/Sound
- Suggested minimum radius: 18”
Here's the art!
| That consist won't pull itself! Grab your Ski Train F40PHs before January 15th, 2027. You can do so from your favorite hobby shop or directly through us. | | |
Wait!
If you want to run the Ski Train as a 1980 consist or you model Rio Grande passenger operations in the 1960s through the early 1980s, you'll want to scroll down!
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NEW MODEL! HO Scale Ski Train PB Steam Generator and HEP Car
It's time to get steamy! Steam generated heat that is. C'mon, get your mind out of the gutter... Calling all Rio Grande passenger fans: we proudly present the unique Rio Grande PB Steam Generator and HEP Car in HO scale! WITH SOUND IN DC AND DCC!
When we originally ran the Alco PAs and PBs, the Rio Grande Steam Generator and HEP Car was one of the most requested variations. To say we're excited about this model is an understatement! Check out the decorated 3D CAD renders. These are in the tooling shop now!
| Two variations of the PB Steam Generator and the HEP Car! | |
Prior to the modern era, railroad passenger cars were heated by steam. Many early diesel units assigned to passenger service were equipped with steam generators to provide heat for their trains.
As the Rio Grande went through the 1950s and 1960s, many of their steam generator equipped locomotives were nearing retirement. To provide heat for its remaining passenger trains, the D&RGW built several steam generator cars as their regular locomotive fleet did not carry steam boilers. The most famous of these were a pair of units that were rebuilt from Alco PB-1 locos in 1965, numbers 252 and 253.
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This is the original appearance of the Steam Generator Car.
Note the roof top fittings for steam boiler equipment and the Alco trucks.
| Steam Generator Car 253 received EMD Blomberg B trucks in 1980, which gave it a rather ungainly appearance. We sure like that look, though! | The PB Steam Generator Car with newly fitted EMD trucks. Photo courtesy of Roger Puta. | |
The Rio Grande opted to stay out of Amtrak, continuing to run its Rio Grande Zephyr until 1983. The steam generator cars provided heat for this train in the winter months. Since the Alco PA/PB series were so well loved by fans, the PB-based generator cars enjoyed a celebrity status. In 1980, the 253 was rebuilt with EMD Blomberg trucks.
In 1983, with the demise of the Rio Grande Zephyr, the 253 was reassigned to the Rio Grande Ski Train. In 1987, it was again rebuilt — this time with Head End Power (HEP) generators to provide electricity needed to power the Ski Train’s new Tempo Cars. It carried the name “Moffat Tunnel” until being renamed for Rio Grande mechanic Joseph G. Harris in 1994. It stayed in service on the Ski Train until the arrival of assigned F40PH locos in 2001.
In 2006, number 253 was sold to the Algoma Central, becoming AC 78.
| This is the HEP generator car. Note the roof top vents and the side grille where the generator sits. Other spotting features are the EMD Blomberg B trucks and the new GE-style tank. | | |
The HO Scale PB Steam Generator and HEP Cars feature:
- Two different body styles – steam and HEP
- Two different truck styles – Alco 3-axle and Blomberg 2-axle
- Metal knuckle couplers
- Accurate paint and lettering
- Steam or HEP generator sounds, as appropriate. Sounds work on DC or DCC layouts.
Now for the schemes!
| | Reserve your Ski Train PB Steam Generator and HEP Cars before the January 15th, 2027 order deadline. You can do so from your favorite hobby shop or directly through us. | | |
Not so fast!
You need something to pull that PB with. Scroll down for the Geeps!
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NEW SCHEME! HO Scale Ski Train GP40 Locomotives
Whoo! Now that we make awesome GP40 Locomotives with the best RTR roof fans in the industry you can finally plop two of these babies onto the front of your 1980s consist. Please welcome DRGW 3085 and 3135 to the fray.
| Very early render shown. The model will undergo some changes before production. | In the 1980s, the Rio Grande Ski Train utilized GP40 locomotives to power the train from Denver to Winter Park, Colorado. These GP40s looked sharp with a full passenger consist behind them as they rocketed up the side of the Rocky Mountains and through the famous Moffat Tunnel. They paired nicely with our Ski Train PB! We’re excited to offer this classic post-F-unit look of the 1980s. | Perhaps the sharpest looking GP40 scheme? | |
The HO Scale Ski Train GP40 Locomotives feature:
- Cannon & Company licensed 48” radiator and dynamic brake fans
- Rapido’s innovative dead straight metal side handrails with plastic stanchions
- Incredible underframe detail including traction motor cables, air filters and a silly number of separately applied parts
- Separate grab irons and handrails installed at the factory
- Operating signal lights on nose (3085) and cab headlight (3135)
- Road-specific battery box doors
- Correct fuel tank sizes per road number
- Multiple styles of stepwells
- See-through, etched-metal steps
- Appropriate cab or nose headlights
- Multiple truck sideframes tooled
- Multiple dynamic-brake hatches
- MoPower capacitor system for uninterrupted DCC running
- DC/Silent (21-pin DCC Ready) or Dual-Mode DC/DCC/Sound
- Suggested minimum radius: 18”
Now for the scheme variations.
| Order your Ski Train GP40 by September 15th. NOTE: This is four months BEFORE the other Ski Train items close out. We know these will sell out FAST, so make sure to get your orders in ASAP! You can do so from your favorite hobby shop or directly through us. | | |
OK, now for the main event...
Your skiing friends need a place to sit — luckily for them we have the Tempos!
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RETURNING MODEL! HO Scale Ski Train Ex-Tempo Cars
Now that you have a selection of motive power, the Ski Train cannot be complete without the HO Scale Tempo Cars! They're back and better than ever with the new MoPower capacitor for flicker-free lighting.
| Heading to the slopes! Photo courtesy of Steve Patterson. | |
The famous Rio Grande Ski Train transported skiers from downtown Denver to the slopes of the Rockies. From 1940 until 2009, the Ski Train ran between Denver Union Station and Winter Park, Colorado. Standing just outside of Moffat Tunnel’s west portal was the city of Denver’s fancy ski slopes.
In 1988, with new railroad ownership, the Ski Train was re-equipped with 14 former CN/VIA Rail “Tempo” cars. These cars were built by Hawker Siddeley in 1968 for intercity services and consisted of Coaches, Snack Coaches, Cafe-Bar-Lounges (Club cars) and Club cars (first class cars). Sorry for the confusion - those Canadians get their car types all wrong.
These cars came equipped with Head End Power (HEP) and therefore needed a locomotive with a HEP generator or a specialized generator car to supply power.
1988 was also the year that Rapido's marketing director, Natasha, was born. Don't you feel old now?
Jason: Yes. Now I need to go pour myself a whisky.
Bobby: Canadian Club 15 year old, I hope?
Jason: Of course.
| The best looking passenger consist? Perhaps! | |
Bobby: For many years, the Ski Train utilized a rebuilt PB HEP Car. (We're making that, in case you have scrolled here without reading any of the last 82 paragraphs.) Motive power ranged from GP40s, GP60s, SD40T-2s, SP SD40Rs, SD50s or anything Rio Grande had in Denver at the time. The UP Rio Grand heritage SD70ACe even pulled this train! In 2000, they purchased three ex-Amtrak F40PHRs to power these cars (see the top section).
No, the Big Boy did not pull this train. Or at least that we're aware of. But don't let that stop you from using 4014 to pull these cars.
| The iconic Ski Train logo sits near the door of each car. | Those trucks have a ton of detail! The disc brakes really add to the look. | |
The HO Scale Ski Train Tempo Cars feature:
- Full, multi-colour interior with individually installed seats
- Complete underbody with separate piping and conduit
- Free-rolling, ball-bearing wheelsets
- Track-powered interior lighting and working marker lights
- Etched-metal end gates
- Metal magnetic knuckle couplers
- MoPower capacitor for uninterrupted DCC lighting for flicker free lighting
- Suggested minimum radius: 22”
Now for the arts.
| Preorder your Ski Train Tempo Cars by January 15th, 2027. We anticipate these will sell out like the first run, so make sure to get your orders in early! You can do so from your favorite hobby shop or directly through us. | | |
NEW ROADNUMBERS AND SCHEMES! HO Scale Hawker Siddeley Tempo Cars
We're excited to set the Tempo! OK, terrible pun, but we're super pumped to announce the return of the HO Scale Tempo Cars! This run brings new roadnumbers and some new schemes!
Check out the latest video by clicking here or the photo above.
| Previous run models. Check out all of that underbody detailing. Even the brake lines stretch all the way back underneath the underframe. Don't forget the disc brakes! | All sorts of underbody detail plus look at those disc brakes on the trucks! | The interior seats with head rests! | More underframe detail. Second to none on a passenger car! | The Canadian National Hawker Siddeley Tempo coaches were the first aluminum, head end power (HEP) equipped passenger cars in the national fleet. These cars were all about modern comfort with many amenities. The 82-seat coaches featured comfortable seating, overhead reading lamps and doors that opened at the touch of a button. | Back in the day of fancy traveling. Checkout those hairstyles! | VIA 6767 hauls an EGU and five Tempos. | CN 3155 rolls through Bayview Jct with a set of Tempos. The orange RS-18 stands out on this rather drab day. Photo courtesy of Don Jaworksi. | Hungry? Stroll on over to the Tempo cafe car, where microwave ovens prepare piping hot food in just seconds. First class “club cars” feature ultra-comfortable 2+1 seating and hot meals served at your seat! Unfortunately our models don't have working microwaves. We tried, but ended up melting the whole office. | |
In 1978, the Tempo Cars were transferred to VIA Rail Canada. Upon this exchange, their electricals were downgraded from 575V to 480V so they could be hauled by VIA’s LRC and Amtrak’s F40 locomotives. In 1987, seventeen of the Tempos were sold to the Denver and Rio Grande Western, with fourteen of the cars put into Ski Train service. In 2009, these Tempo cars were sold back to the CN for use on the Agawa Canyon tour train.
How's that for a full circle moment?
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But wait, there's more!
Ferrocarriles Nacionales de México (NdeM) purchased a major order of aluminum passenger coaches from Hawker Siddeley Canada in the late 1970s. These included first-class and second-class cars built on the design platform of Canadian National’s “Tempo” intercity coaches. These cars could be found on essentially all NdeM passenger services up until the late 1990s when passenger services finally ended. They were often mixed with any type of rolling stock the railroads rostered, thus creating some colorful consists!
Seven Tempo cars were sold to Quebec Iron Titanium mining company in 1987 and 1988. These cars were used to shuttle mine employees.
The FNM, NdeM, Algoma Central and QIT cars are a conditional announcement based on the number of orders we receive by the January 15, 2027 order deadline. Reserve yours today through dealers or direct from our website to help make these cars a reality.
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CN 3154 with its Tempo at Windsor.
Photo by John Sjolander, courtesy of the Kaluza-Mueller collection.
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The HO Scale Hawker Siddeley Tempo Cars feature:
- Full, multi-colour interior with individually installed seats
- Complete underbody with separate piping and conduit
- Free-rolling, ball-bearing wheelsets
- Track-powered interior lighting and working marker lights
- Etched-metal end gates
- Metal magnetic knuckle couplers
- MoPower capacitor for uninterrupted DCC lighting
- Suggested minimum radius: 22”
Now for the schemes.
| Get your Tempo Cars before January 15th, 2027! That's when the order deadline is for these neat passenger cars. You can do so from your favourite hobby shop or directly through us. | | |
NEW SCHEMES! HO Scale 1937 40' AAR Boxcar
The HO Scale 1937 40' AAR Boxcar is back! Our initial run did very well and we're excited to announce all new schemes on this run. In fact, the schemes cover roads and eras from the 1940s to the 1970s and beyond! From the deep south all the way to Canadian roads!
Click here to watch the launch video.
| Another previous release but those red trucks are neat. | This boxcar will be well received by C&EI fans! | |
The 1937 40' AAR standard boxcar was one of the most widely produced freight cars ever built. From the start of production in 1936 nearly 94,000 cars were built for 64 railroads with variations on this design. Through various secondhand owners, rebuilds and upgrades, they continued in service well into the 1980s.
Over the years, the design of the ends changed. Ends commonly used on early cars used a “Z”-shaped inside corner post, covered by an end with squared off corners. Later cars featured a “W”-shaped inside corner post which was externally covered by an end with rounded corners. Additional types of ends were also employed, most notably by Canadian railroads. In fact, CN and CP accounted for more than 28,000 of these cars!
| The fancy Nashville, Chattanooga and St. Louis scheme. | |
Roofs also varied on the AAR Boxcars. The Murphy raised panel roof was the most common. However, many cars were also built with Viking or flat panels as well. Other hardware variations included doors, ladders, running boards, brake wheels and trucks.
Our cars include square and round post corners (with correct sides) as well as Canadian NSC-2 and 5/5 rib ends. We’ve designed the Murphy raised panel, flat panel and Viking roofs with either wood or photo-etched steel running boards in multiple patterns. Access to the roof is by seven or eight rung ladders. Canadian cars include ladders with integral sill steps. Youngstown and Superior 6’ doors are available, as are multiple styles of brake wheels and housings.
| A favorite of ours: the Atlantic and East Carolina AAR boxcar | Note all of the underframe details — there's a ton! | The open grating on this roof walk looks amazing. | |
The HO Scale 1937 AAR Boxcars feature:
- Original car drawings used for design
- Highly detailed underframe with brake piping and more
- Correct brake wheels and housings
- Separate roofwalk and grab irons
- Multiple end, roof and door variations
- Semi-scale metal knuckle couplers
- Free rolling trucks with profiled metal wheels
- Minimum suggested radius: 18”
Now for the schemes.
| Order those eclectic AAR Boxcars by November 16th. You can do so from your favorite/favourite hobby shop or directly through us. | | |
NEW SCHEMES! HO Scale PRR H21 Hopper Car
Thirty-nine thousand.
That’s how many H21 class hoppers were built by the Pennsylvania Railroad. To put that in some perspective, that’s more cars in one class than the Missouri Pacific, Nickel Plate or Rock Island had cars of ALL types on their rosters! Put another way, through the 1950s one of every two PRR hoppers was an H21. This is a car that every modeler needs!
Click here or the photo above to watch the launch video.
| The new H21G-style hopper. | |
The H21 is a four-bay design with many construction cues from the smaller GLa hopper. Designed as a 50-ton coke car, the PRR realized that these cars made great coal hoppers. The first cars were then converted to H21A class with the addition of 70-ton trucks. Additional groups of H21As followed. H21A cars were equipped with Carmer uncoupling levers.
Starting in 1948, the PRR rebuilt a number of H21As with strengthened center sills and power hand brakes. They were reclassified as the H21E. The H21E could be identified by the longer top stiffening chords (as against the H21A) and their power hand brakes. H21Es had more modern underslung cut levers.
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Additional H21s were rebuilt as class H21G in 1960. Most (but not all) of these featured new straight rectangular side posts. Like the H21E, the H21G also had the longer top stiffening chords and power hand brakes. Penn Central did some additional rebuilding on various H21s in the 1970s and reclassified them as H5. H21Gs had more modern underslung cut levers.
The various classes of H21 hoppers travelled throughout the country in what the Pennsy termed “mineral service” (coal, ore, gravel, limestone…. etc.). They proved amazingly long lived - there were still more than 3,000 still in service in 1970, and 143 still in service at the advent of Conrail in 1976! Many were also used in work train service under PC and later.
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The previous run H21 hoppers. Look at all of that interior detail and the removable coal load!
Do your old hopper models have interior rivets? I doubt it...
It's time to upgrade, methinks!
| The H21 hoppers are packed with details, both inside the hopper and underneath. | | |
The HO Scale PRR H21 Hoppers feature:
- Original car drawings used for design
- Highly detailed underframe with brake piping and more
- K or AB brake systems as appropriate
- Separate wire grab irons
- Correct detail variations for each sub-class: center sill, sides, ends and details
- Semi-scale metal knuckle couplers
- Free rolling trucks with profiled metal wheels
- Minimum suggested radius: 18”
Now for the schemes.
| | Order the H21 Hoppers before November 16th. You can do so from your favorite hobby shop or directly through us. | | |
ROADNUMBER CHANGES: HO Scale GP40 Locomotives
Recently, our popular GP40 Locomotives returned to much fanfare. Since then we've been hard at work designing new parts and features for these awesome locomotives. We've made a few changes to select roadnumbers to better reflect the details of each.
- 1078021 / 1078521 is now Milwaukee Road #2014
- 1078038 / 1078538 is now Wheeling and Lake Erie 303
New Additions (As seen above):
- 1078045 / 1078545 — D&RGW 3081
- 1078046 / 1078546 — D&RGW 3085 "Ski Train"
- 1078047 / 1078547 — D&RGW 3135 "Ski Train"
- 1078048 / 1078548 — D&RGW 3148
To learn more, click here or the photo above to watch the launch video.
Check out the arts for these, below.
| | Just like the initial run, we don't expect these schemes to stay on the shelves for long! Order yours today. You can do so from your favorite hobby shop or directly through us. | | |
LAST CHANCE! N Scale LRC Locomotive and Sets
Hey N scalers, the conditional deadline for the N Scale LRC Locomotives and Sets passed and unfortunately we came up a bit short. But we're not giving up yet! We're giving you one more chance to get your orders in for these great locomotives and sets. We're about 2/3 of the way there now and if get that extra push, we can move forward with the project.
To sweeten the deal, we're throwing in a bunch of extra items at no extra cost!
- One LRC locomotive (DC/DCC/Sound)
- Three LRC cars (VIA – 1x VIA 1, 2x Coach. Amtrak – 3x Coach)
- NEW! A 48-page, full colour, profusely illustrated and oversized book celebrating the history of the LRC written by renowned Canadian railway historian and author, Kevin J. Holland
- NEW! Two LRC commemorative glasses
- NEW! A specially designed LRC tie clip and cuff links set, only to be worn for the most special of occasions!
- More stuff as we think of it or can fit into the smaller N scale box!
You will not want to miss out on this incredible LRC gift box. This is a special, once-in-a-lifetime offering. Trust us, we ain’t ever making this box again!
Click here or the photo above to watch the newest video!
REMEMBER, THIS IS STILL A CONDITIONAL ANNOUNCEMENT!
OCTOBER 15TH, 2026 is the new order deadline which means you have just a little over two months to crank in those orders and make this a reality. Remember, we will only advance this project into the tooling phase if we meet the required amount of orders. We know you can do this!
Jason: Our HO LRC numbers are also a bit short, but we'll focus on that next month as this newsletter is already longer than Exodus.
Bobby: Exodus had some great bits! The plagues! The splitting of the sea! The Ten Commandments! The golden calf!
Jason: Clearly my influence has been rubbing off on you as that has absolutely nothing to do with this newsletter whatsoever. Anyway, this week's parsha is Re'eh, so we're well past Exodus.
Bobby: I have no idea what you just said, but I will continue nevertheless...
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This is Jason's favourite photo!
Jason: My brother and I always tried to build card houses on the LRC to match this photo, and we managed it! For about a minute...
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The LRC locomotive was built for speed — 125 MPH operations even though it was restricted to 100 MPH. Despite that, it ran the Metropolis express between Montreal, Dorval and Toronto throughout the 1990s. At 3 hours 59 minutes for the 335-mile run, this remains the fastest scheduled passenger service in Canadian railway history.
Read more about the LRC trains by visiting our masterclass here.
| Why do you need the LRC Locomotives and Sets? To transport those travellers to and from Montréal and Toronto, of course! "But I only run freight, why do I need these?" Of course you need these! Interrupt those operations with intercity trains weaving in and out of those long, slow freights or simply run your train at 267 scale MPH around the club layout to the dismay of everyone else. | Check out some of the previous released models. | |
The N Scale LRC Locomotive and Sets feature:
LRC Locomotive
- Working headlights, ditch lights, number boards
- Separate grab irons and handrails installed at the factory
- Incredible underbody detail including separate piping
- Different rooftop details for different paint schemes
- Accurate LRC Locomotive sounds on sound-equipped models
- Will operate smoothly on DC and DCC layouts
- Equipped with MoPower capacitor, for uninterrupted DCC operation
- Suggested minimum radius: 11”
LRC Passenger Cars (Sets)
- Working marker lights
- Etched-metal stirrups
- Full interior detail with accurate colours and tinted windows
- Track-powered interior lighting compatible with DC and DCC
- Suggested minimum radius: 14”
Now, for the schemes and variations of these neat LRC models.
| Next up are the single locomotives. | |
OK N scalers this is your last chance to make this a reality! The conditional order deadline is now October 15th. Remember, the LRC Locos will only advance if we meet the numbers — let's do this!
You can order these from your favourite hobby shop or directly through us.
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Waterloo Railway Exposition — August 29th and 30th
The first annual Waterloo Railway Exposition kicks off on August 29th and we're super excited to be the main sponsor for this event! Come on up to friendly Waterloo, Ontario, and check out some awesome locomotives and cars, both in scale and 1:1 size! There will be train rides and more on both days, so you won't want to miss it.
Where: Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton and at Waterloo Central Railway in Waterloo, Ontario
When: August 29th and 30th
What to look for: Train models, both in 1:87th scale and 1:1 scale
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NHRHTA Convention & Train Show — September 11th to the 13th
The NHRHTA Convention & Train Show once again is at the Holiday Inn in New London, Connecticut. Alex will have our New Haven models on display as well as answer any of your questions and you may even spot Paul walking around.
Where: Holiday Inn, 35 Governor Winthrop Blvd, New London, Connecticut
When: September 11th, 12th and 13th
Who to look for: Alex!
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Rapido US Meet and Greet — Sunday, October 4th
This year we are having a Meet and Greet at the Illinois Railway Museum! Come check out displays, ride some trains and take in all of the awesome displays the museum has to offer.
Where: Illinois Railway Museum, Union, Illinois
When: October 4th
What to say: "Lemme see those awesome trains, in 1:1, 1:160th and 1:87th scales!"
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Colorado Rail Prototype Modelers Meet — October 16th to the 18th
The third annual Colorado Rail Prototype Modelers Meet is back at the Island Grove Event Center at Greeley, Colorado. Come on out to see our models and all sorts of other surprises!
Where: Island Grove Event Center, Greeley, Colorado
When: October 16th, 17th and18th
What to do: Be there or be square
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Tooling, Shipping and Arrival Updates
LOTS of new items are here and shipping!
Please note, all of our hobby shop shipments are up to date. If you haven't received your new product orders, please speak with your dealer. All dealers in good standing have received their shipments.
Don't see the model you're looking for, above?
Click here to visit our full delivery schedule to find out where it might be.
| | The GP9u has a ton of lights. | | Here we see the SW Slug — complete with rotating bearing caps and removed exhaust stacks. | Blue looks great on the GP9u locos, too! | The Milwaukee Road FT looks superb. | | |
This closes out our July launch newsletter. We'll be back very soon with our August order deadlines.
Bobby
Hot Tub Hydrologist Expert
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USA: 382 High St, Buffalo, NY 14204, USA
Canada: 500 Alden Road, Unit 21, Markham, ON L3R 5H5
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