How is it nearly November already?

Although 2023 may be approaching at an ever increasing rate of knots, we’re delighted with the progress that we’ve made so far this year. We’ve delivered eight new products already and have an incredible 12 items in production. And that doesn't include all the products we have in various stages of development.

We’ve also managed to announce one new product every month so far this year.

This far exceeds any expectations we had when we launched the business nearly three years ago.

November is dominated by the Warley National Model Railway Exhibition. We're working hard to get everything ready so we can make a big splash at what will be Rapido UK's first ever Warley appearance.

Consequently, that means that we only have one new announcement to make this time. That doesn't mean that there's nothing in this newsletter. On the contrary, it's positively bursting at the seams!

Here’s what we have in store:

Plus:

*Except for Warranty Dan, who was ill.

Before we get into all that, unfortunately we need to say this:

Typical: this pallet has travelled thousands of miles around the world unscathed and then 10ft from the door, this happens. Click here or on the above image to to watch.

It’s been a period of mixed emotions here at Rapido UK HQ.

We went from sheer delight at the arrival of the SECR vans and ballast wagons to sheer despair when, three days later, we watched an entire pallet of Dynamometer Cars fall from the back of the lorry while they were being unloaded.

Always quick to spot an opportunity to make the best from a bad situation, Andy put together the above video that you can watch either by clicking here or on the above image.

Our original plan was to send the SECR wagons and Dynamometer cars together. However, because we had to examine the 846 models that were on that pallet, we decided to despatch all the SECR wagons first. Once this was done, we could then start to assess the damage.

This looked as though it was going to be a mammoth job but after a simply stunning effort by 'Warranty Dan', CAD designer Jamie, Steve and Andy - and Andy's neighbour Chris - to check each model, the first Dynamometer Cars started to ship yesterday.

If you're waiting on a Dynamometer Car, we apologise for any delay in getting yours to you. We trust that you understand the difficult position that we've been in and we thank you for your patience. We also politely ask that you do not phone us to either ask when your order will ship or if it's your order that's affected. Every call that we answer is a model that we're not sending out!

Anyway, now on to the fun stuff!

What was quite incredible about the whole Dynamometer Car incident was just how much impact the boxes absorbed. Very few actual models were affected. We were so surprised by this that we decided to make our own take on an un-boxing video. Click here or on the above image to watch Sam's Tra- oh wait, it's Dan's Trains...

901027: BON531C, Route 93 Kingshurst, WMPTE livery.

We’re delighted to announce a new batch of our critically-acclaimed WMPTE Fleetlines… and, for the first time, there’s something for bus modellers further afield than the West Midlands.

Midland Fox, Andrews, Stotts and A1 Services all bought ex-WMPTE Fleetlines and so, if you model the buses of Leicestershire, South Yorkshire, Greater Manchester and southwestern Scotland, pay attention!

Oh, and we haven't forgotten West Midlands modellers with six new models, including some liveries that we've never produced before.

Without further ado, let’s meet the new range of Fleetlines:

901028: WDA907T, Route 51/Birmingham, WMPTE livery.

901029: WDA906T, Route 87 Birmingham, West Midlands Buses West Bromwich livery.

901030: WDA973T, Route 23 City Centre, West Midlands Buses Quinton livery.

901031: WDA988T, Route 21A Baginton, West Midlands Buses Coventry livery.

901032: SDA517S, Route 31 Oadby Grange, Midland Fox livery

901033: WDA975T, Route 398 Grotton, Stotts of Oldham livery

901034: WDA908T 'Duke of Darnell', Route 501 Meadowhall, Andrews of Sheffield livery

901035: NOC407R, Route A1 Kilmarnock, A1 Services livery

These Fleetlines all have working lights and all the same wonderful features and high level of detail as the first run. We're also offering undecorated models.

RRP is £54.95 (£44.95 for undecorated) and the order deadline is February 1st 2023. You can order yours from your local Rapido UK stockist or direct from us.

Exclusive to Rails of Sheffield is ex-WMPTE Fleetline in Andrews of Sheffield livery as NOC476R 'Little John' on Route 42 City (SKU 901037). You can order yours by clicking here... but don't take too long because we've got loads more to share with you.

We're not the only ones announcing new ex-WMPTE Fleetline models. Our friends at Rails of Sheffield and TTC Diecast have commissioned exclusive versions too.

You can see the Rails' one above. TTC has commissioned three versions:

SKU901038: SDA715S, Stagecoach United Counties, Route 8

SKU901039: SDA651S, Stagecoach United Counties

SKU901041: WDA662T, West Midlands Travel driver training vehicle.

All three versions, as well as a plain white Fleetline (SKU901040), are available to order direct from TTC Diecast.

JOJ976 poses for its works portrait, complete with new Rapido advert based on a popular tea advert from the 1950s. JOJ976 is now being prepped for its MOT test and should be on the road next year. Keep an eye out for it!

We like off-the-wall ideas here at Rapido UK…

Earlier this year, Jim Munro from Transport Museum Wythall dropped us a line to say that the museum had plans to re-paint BCT ‘New Look’ Guy JOJ976... and would we like a Rapido ad on the side?

It took about two minutes for us to say ‘Yes’!

But the Rapido name isn't just gracing one bus in the Wythall collection.

Adverts are also going onto WMPTE Fleetline KON311P. This bus will be in the paintshop by the time you read this but you can now order a miniature version of its new look.

901036: KON311P in WMPTE blue/cream with Rapido adverts and Wythall Museum Service destination blinds. You can order yours by clicking here.

Click here or on the above image to view our Bedford OB video.

ANDY: A cracking model... but a low point in Richard's acting career!

We’ve been promising you a closer look at our 1:76 scale Bedford OB for a while now but we've been holding off because we needed to correct one of the moulds. That issue has now been solved and a new version is winging its way to us.

We're delighted to be able to show off the OB in more detail. We've also produced a new video to highlight just how good we think the OB is. You can watch it either by clicking here or on the above image.

ANDY: Are you going to apologise about the video? You know that the Wulfrunian was made by Guy, not Gulf!

RICHARD: I know. It was a slip of the tongue that I didn’t spot until after we finished editing it. And I also apologise to anyone who is offended by the fact that I called the OB a ‘bus’ and not a ‘coach’.

ANDY: Schoolboy error! You really can’t get the staff these days…

RICHARD: Hopefully you’ll be too dazzled by the awesomeness of our OBs that you won’t notice! Once you’ve watched (ANDY: And cringed…), you can scroll down to feast your eyes on some fabulous photographs.

This is the classic Duple Vista body, introduced in the autumn of 1949. You can really see the benefits of laser scanning because all the swoops and curves have been beautifully captured.

The post-1949 Vista body was also offered with roof windows. We’ve tooled this version too, even down to the different luggage racks inside.

Remember that these are prototypes so don’t judge the fit and finish of all the parts too harshly! These will be produced to the same high standard as our BCT Guys and WMPTE Fleetlines. There are ten OBs to choose from:

SKU920001: GAM338, Pearce & Crump livery

SKU920002: LKM55, East Kent livery

SKU920003: HOD75, Western National livery

SKU920004: LTA750, Royal Blue livery

SKU920005: EDL638, Southern Vectis livery

SKU920006: GWS468, Edinburgh Corporation livery

SKU920007: FWO615, British Railways crimson/cream

SKU920008: HAA874, Hants & Sussex livery

SKU920009: FWW596, West Yorkshire livery

SKU920010: LRO296, Mountain Goat livery

All ten are available to order now (plus Southdown and East Yorkshire exclusively commissioned by TTC Diecast) but you only have until January 16th 2023 to secure the OB you really want. RRP is £44.95.

You can order from your local Rapido UK stockist or direct from us.

We’re thrilled to be able to show you the first CAD images of our forthcoming 1:76 scale Leyland National Mk 1.

This is the first draft, so to speak, and there are a couple of areas that need tweaking (though they took some spotting, I can tell you!). Needless to say, we’re really pleased with the progress so far!

We’ll announce what liveries we’re doing next month… until then, here are some more images to whet your appetite!

So far, we've only designed the 1151/1R version (that's a long, single-door National). Once we've approved the shape, we'll start work on the other versions we have planned... and then the Mk 2.

Here's the first look at our The Titfield Thunderbolt bar car. Should we dig out the 'Oh, Sam, what a beauty' film quote again? Oh yes, definitely!

Here’s a first in-depth look the first samples of our Wisbech & Upwell tram cars.

Given the work that CAD designer Linny had put into them, we knew that they would be good… but we weren’t prepared for how good they look in the flesh!

Don’t believe me? Well, feast your eyes…

The arrival of the factory samples means that we can announce the order deadline.

Calendars ready? It’s January 16th 2023.

Can’t remember which tramcars we’re doing?

Here’s a reminder:

SKU919001: 60461, LNER brown

SKU919002: 60462, LNER brown

SKU919003: No. E60461, BR livery

SKU919004: No. E60462, BR livery

SKU919005: No. 7, Great Eastern Railway livery (as preserved)

SKU922003: The Titfield Thunderbolt bar car

SKU919006: No. E60461, BR lined crimson (expression of interest only. Click here to register yours)

SKU919007: No. E60462, BR lined crimson (expression of interest only. Click here to register yours)

RRP is £74.95 and you can order from your local Rapido UK stockist or direct from us.

A mock up of GER Tram Pack No. 2 (SKU953002) using a hand-painted 'J70' in GER post-1919 livery. You've only got until January 16th 2023 to order your tram pack.

We’re also pleased to announce that January 16th 2023 is also the order deadline for our two Wisbech & Upwell Train Packs.

RRP is £296.95 (£396.95 with sound) and, again, you can either order through your local stockist or direct from us.

Click here or on the above image to see just sample of Lion in action. Prepare to be amazed...

How strong is Lion?

We know it sounds a bit big-headed but we knew that our forthcoming ‘OO’ gauge model of Lion is a good 'un. But we were given a confidence boost when Bill Schneider, Rapido Inc’s very experienced product designer, took a look at it and gave it his seal of approval.

What surprised Bill was just how good our samples ran given how small they are.

That led us to wonder just how much our Lion could pull. We decided to find out… and you can watch the results by clicking here or on the image above.

Not a lot more to say, is there?

I know that it’s hard to believe but the countdown to Warley National Model Railway Exhibition has started. Yes, there’s less than a month to go!

It’s also hard to believe but this is the first Warley show since 2019.

More importantly, it’s Rapido Trains UK’s first ever Warley show… and we’re preparing a big splash!

We’re planning to unveil two new locomotives, two new coaches and two new wagons… plus the guises of our new Leyland National.

Visit Stand A58A and you’ll be able to meet the Rapido UK team as well as inspect the latest samples. You’ll also be able to buy models (there might be the odd show special price too!) and collect goody bags.

You can then head over to Stand E9 where our friends at Transport Museum Wythall will have a bus on display. At the moment, it’s expected that Midland Red Leyland National Mk 1 NOE544R will be taking centre stage (depending on its availability). There will be more team members here to chat too as well as information and samples of our range of buses and coaches.

Sounds exciting, doesn’t it? We’ll see you there!

Production samples of the VIX ferry van have now landed at Rapido UK HQ. We were able to take this picture in time for this newsletter but the rest are images supplied by the factory, prior to their despatch. This is No. B787252 in Railfreight red/grey (SKU910005)...

We recognise that it's all very well making announcements but we actually need to make the stuff. So, what's happening with everything?

Let's start with the good news: the ‘OO’ gauge VIX ferry vans, the GWR ‘Iron Mink’ and the GWR four-plank open wagons are due to ship imminently.

Production is also is well underway on the ‘OO’ gauge ‘15XX’, Liverpool & Manchester Lion, the ‘OAA’ wagon, the ‘Loriot Y’ machinery truck, the ‘Toad’ brakevan, the SECR six-wheel brakevan, the Southern Railway eight-plank open and The Titfield Thunderbolt Train Packs.

All should appear during 2023. Is there enough room in the warehouse?

ANDY: It’s going to be a little tight, I have to say!

RICHARD: Now for the slightly less good news.

The global shortage of electrical components is affecting model railways and, in particular, the supply of Next18 DCC decoders. Apparently, one component used in these small decoders is in very short supply. That means that both the Class 28s and the ‘OO’ gauge Hunslet 0-6-0STs have been sat in the factory waiting for decoders.

We know that you have been waiting patiently for these models. We've been assured that decoders for the Hunslets will arrive in the next few weeks, with Class 28 decoders to follow. Production should re-commence soon and we're keeping everything crossed that both will land in the UK before the end of the year.

...followed by No. B787298 in BR bauxite (SKU910002)...

...followed by my personal favourite, No. KDB787210 in Satlink red and yellow (SKU910012).

Also fresh from the factory are the first images of decorated 'Conflat P' parts. Production is nearly finished but we plan to hold on to these models until the ‘N’ gauge Class 28s are ready and we’ll ship them together.

Speaking of the 'N' gauge Class 28, feast your eyes on this! Production is making good progress, except for a slight snag regarding the DCC decoders.

We apologise for the delay in bringing you the Hunslet 16in 0-6-0ST but it's completely beyond our control. However, judging by this image, the Hunslets will be worth the wait!

It’s hard thinking back to December 2020 when we launched Rapido Trains UK with just the four of us (Andy, Bill, Jason and Richard).

The Rapido UK team now comprises 12 people, including full-time staff and freelance contractors and, of course, Bill and Jason. We’re widely distributed too, with Dan T in South Wales, for example, Linny in Scotland, me in-

ANDY: The swamps? The back of beyond? Do you have ‘Here be monsters’ on local maps?

RICHARD: Ahem. Anyway, because we’ve never all met as a team, we thought it would be a good idea to do so.

Andy, therefore, hired the absolutely wonderful Bredgar & Wormshill Light Railway for the day and we all made our way to sunny Kent in September for a day playing with 2ft gauge trains and getting to know one another.

Here’s what happened…

The Tea Room: the starting point for any railway day! The Bredgar & Wormshill Railway was built in the early 1970s on a farm. It has remained a private railway ever since, opening to the public on high days and holidays. The Tea Room is open most days whilst a charitable trust is being formed in order to secure the railway’s long-term future. Photograph: RICHARD FOSTER

Behind the Tea Room is Warren Wood station, photographed during a quiet spot from the signalbox steps. To the left is a two road shed, which obscures the main workshops and sheds. Housed inside is a fantastic collection of narrow gauge railway equipment, road engines and vintage vehicles. A visit to the railway is a must for anyone with an interest in anything old and with wheels!

The railway steamed two locomotives for us. O&K 0-4-0WT No. 8 Helga (No. 12722/1936) crosses the approach road as it climbs uphill to the western terminus at Swanton Crossing. Much of the goods stock comprises home-built bodies on ex-MOD underframes.

There's no run-round loop at Swanton Crossing and so ‘shunt release’ is the order of the day. Waiting patiently for its next duty is the other locomotive that the BWLR steamed for us: Fowler 0-4-2T No. 13573/1912, today known as No. 10 Zambezi.

Heading south-east from Warren Wood, the line drops downhill into a wood. The Great Storm of 1987 not only removed enough trees for the line to be extended here but it also provided enough timber for the construction of the line’s rolling stock. Helga passes Chalkhole Fall halt as it climbs through the woods to Warren Wood.

Stony Shaw station is an idyllic spot, deep in the woods. Again, it features an impressive array of signals and the run-round loop and sidings offers plenty of shunting opportunities! Helga backs down on to its train. To the left is more rolling stock, built on

Jason tried his hand at firing Helga…

…before he took up residence in Baguley-Drewry 4wDH No. 5 Bredgar (No. 3775/1983). And yes, he was allowed to drive it by himself… eek!

JASON: I spent the whole day driving diesels. It was heaven! None of those smoky, smelly steam engines for me!

CAD designer Jamie hands over the token for the western section of the BWLR. While both Warren Wood and Stony Shaw stations have their own signalboxes, train movements to Swanton Crossing are controlled by flags and radio.

A quick glimpse inside the main shed reveals Garrett traction engine Caroline, Aveling-Barford roller Omega (built for British Railways in 1948), ex-Penrhyn Quarry Q&K

0-4-0WT No. 5668/1912 Eigiau, Arn Jung 0-6-0WT No. 3872/1931 Katie and ex-Dinorwic ‘Late Port Class’ 0-4-0ST Lady Joan. The eagle-eyed might be able to make out Decauville 0-4-2T No. 246/1897 Victory.

I was disappointed that Lady Joan wasn’t in steam for the day but I very much enjoyed driving Helga.

Railway cat Bobby put in appearance for the Rapido UK team... but couldn’t put on a sad enough face to convince anyone to buy a BCT ‘New Look’ Guy model.

Portrait of a happy man! Andy enjoys himself on Zambezi. BWLR Chief Engineer Tony explained that this locomotive was a remarkable survivor: it was covered in a thick coat of green paint when it was stored and thus survived years of civil war intact when other locomotives were robbed of precious metals. The restoration team was surprised to find that the original worksplates were still attached!

To finish off a perfect day, we got a fly-past from a Spitfire, most likely Mk XI NH341 from Headcorn Aerodrome.

Ready for bed: Zambezi is almost hidden in clouds of its own steam as it prepares to back off the turntable and into the shed after a very busy and fun-filled day. We’d like to thank Dave and everyone at the BWLR who made the day such a success. If you’ve never visited this narrow gauge gem, add it to your 2023 'To Do' list.

Corwin uses everything at his disposal to try to work out just what this strange looking model actually is... Click here or on the above image to see more.

Bill and Jason took the opportunity of the Rapido UK Team Building Day to film a video for Rapido Inc’s new ‘HO’ Southern Pacific ‘B50-15/16’ box cars. Click here or on the above image to watch.

For what was supposed to be a fairly quiet, pre-Warley newsletter, that was pretty packed, wasn't it?

Thank you for making it through to the end.

Now we've got to get everything ready to see you at the NEC on November 26th/27th.

See you then!

Richard