It's a quiet afternoon in Washago, Ontario in 1985. "Summer of '69" is blasting away on the radio. You've just opened up a can of pop and are in your usual spot at the station, waiting for the Northlander to arrive. But before it does, you hear that distinctive rumble: It's the Ore Train! Three six-axle locos come storming by, followed by a mix of CN and Ontario Northland short and long barrel ore cars. For the next few minutes, it's non-stop thunder, as the train rattles the platform. Your can of pop struggles to stay upright. It doesn't get better than this.

The Barrel Ore Hoppers were probably the most unique cars that ran in Ontario. Maybe even all of Canada, during their time. Their construction was similar to a cylindrical hopper but had an unusual tire-looking mechanism that would be forced open at the loadout. The reason for the enclosed car was to keep the ore pellets, which were the size of marbles, dry enroute. This was easier for the facilities to process.

Two styles of cars were built: The 35' "Short Barrel" and the 42' "Long Barrel", in 1967 and 1971, respectively. Of the 382 cars built (both long and short versions) Canadian National owned 75% while Ontario Northland owned 25%. This was proportioned to the mileage these cars operated over. Each version had their own unique set of details that made them stand out.

We are proud to offer both versions of the Barrel Ore Hoppers, in highly detailed form. No, let me repeat HIGHLY DETAILED! If pictures are worth a thousand words, then these 3D renderings are worth ten thousand! (Scroll down!)

Did you see that open section with the supports, above? Just wow! (We should mention that these are 3D renderings. The models are in tooling now!) Each car features many specific-to-the-car details. Below is just a sampling of what is packed into each one!

The Barrel Ore Hopper features:

These cars might be small, but they make up for it in details!

OK, but how did the Barrel Ore Hoppers operate in consists? The easy answer is mixed. One could see short and long cars mixed together. Bram Bailey has written a full Master Class on these cars. Click here or on the picture below to read it!

As mentioned above, CN and ONR ran their Barrel Ore Hoppers in mixed sets. It was normal to see every scheme in a consist throughout their careers. In fact, the photo above shows the short CN and ONR cars plus a few long barrel ONR "Chevron" scheme cars mixed in. Every consist wasn't always brown!

Now, enough jabber from me. But before you check out the schemes being offered, they come as a single car (Randomly selected road number) and 6-packs. The CN Scale Test Car comes as a single (Randomly selected road number) and as 3-packs. OK, now it's time to check out all of those schemes we are offering. Scroll down to have a look!

Don't forget, we also offer the long and short cars in undecorated kits. Be sure to check them out and all of the other schemes by clicking the photo of the catalogue below! (Plus, you'll also see my nifty silhouette of the cars that took me twenty minutes to create!)

For all non-Ontarians, you now should be experts on the Barrel Ore Hoppers! OK, maybe not yet, but that shouldn't stop you from ordering these beauties! Once we approve the tooling, we will set an order deadline, which should be sometime in the spring (2021, of course). Click here for more info or to order direct!

You've seen the New Look Bus before. (Hint hint, HO Scale as well as our real New Look Bus.) But now the fun comes to N Scale! We spent many hours in the back laboratory with the laser shrinking our bus down to 1:160 scale. OK, so we actually don't have a laser, or a laboratory or anyone willing to use a laser. But we did go to the drawing board and create one heck of a detailed bus for N Scale!

The N Scale New Look Bus, also known as the "Fishbowl Bus", for N Scale might have been one of our most requested models for that scale. So, bus fans, the time has come!

Before you read any further, our own Jeremy has produced another video masterpiece for your entertainment. Click here or the photo below to watch! Then hurry back for the rest of the bus features and schemes!

Our N Scale New Look is a TDH-5303 with single stream rear doors. That means that it is 8’6” wide and has seating for 53 people including the driver. The TDH-5303 was the most common New Look, and our real bus just happens to be a TDH-5303. That sure is a coincidence…

The N Scale New Look Bus features:

OK, but what are the schemes for the New Look Bus? Ah, yes, glad you asked! Keep scrolling down to check them out!

We'll point out that Generic Red/Silver, White/Silver and Silver are also being offered, too. So that's 12 unique schemes to pick from! You can customize your own bus with decals from your favorite transit agency (not supplied). For those of you modeling GO Transit (we're looking at you, Dave Filoni) or Santa Monica, we've even included the lettering for you. Make sure your Santa Monica bus doesn’t go below 50 MPH, eh?

Fun fact if you didn't already know: We own our own New Look Bus! Click here or the photo below to learn more about number 3380.

How many companies claim their make models of something they own? OK, yes, we're crazy.

Now, onto the most important part: Item numbers and schemes. Click the photo below to check out the catalog for the N Scale New Look Bus. By the way, you know, most cities didn't own just ONE bus. Not that I'm saying you should buy every bus...

We anticipate the order deadline will be announced in the not so distant future. Keep an eye on a future newsletter for that actual date. But until then, order away! Your commuters are counting on you for that New Look Bus to deliver them across town!

We have an important announcement regarding the HO scale PA/B-1 and -2 Locomotives. As you know, we announced that these locos would be produced with a Rapido-TCS decoder. We have decided instead to equip these locomotives with ESU LokSound V5 decoders.

Now, here are two very important questions with answers:

If you have a sound locomotive on order, it will now feature an ESU LokSound V5 decoder.

Yes! If you ordered through a hobby shop or dealer, please contact them. If you ordered direct, you can contact us with your order number.

Now what about that order deadline? The PA/B-1 and -2s will need their orders in by April 15th, 2021. This should give you roughly two months left before you need to turn in your orders or change your mind from silent to sound or vice versa!

And now the moment everyone's been waiting for: A painted sample!

Hold on. (insert record screeching to a stop here.)

Please note that we have not yet added rivets to these models. We do that immediately before production, because it is very difficult to make changes after the rivets have been eroded onto the molds.

I could type about how nice these look, but I'll let the photos speak for themselves. They are beauties!

In case you haven't seen it yet, there's a PA/B-1 and -2 catalog containing all of the paint schemes, road numbers and item numbers plus all of the model features. Click below the photo below to check it out!

So just to summarize, the PA/B 1 and 2 locomotives will now feature an ESU LokSound V5 decoder and the order deadline is April 15th, 2021. We'll revisit these locos in a future newsletter with more painted samples and a video!

We're just about a month away (weeks for the late readers) from the next order deadline of March 15th. First up is the HO Scale Evans X72 and X72A Boxcar. Secondly is the HO Scale GLa Hopper. These are two vastly different but very important cars. Let's take a closer look at their features.

It's been a while since we mentioned the Evans X72 and X72A Boxcar. These aren't your same old, thirty-year old tooling - these are highly detailed cars right down to the separate underbody piping! Now the concept was to have this sample in time to review, photograph and do a short video. Well, we have sample photos... which we just got this morning! So, enjoy these photos of the model that Bill frantically repaired and photographed in record time!

The X72 and X72A are highly detailed boxcars that include a ton of details specific and unique to the cars. Here's a list:

The X72 catalog. This has everything you need to know about item numbers and paint schemes. Click the photo below to read more!

Want to be a hero and deliver those goods on time? You'll need the X72 Boxcar for that extra space and cushioning, first. But don't wait, you have till March 15th to get them on your layout!

Stop! Hoppertime! The HO Scale GLa Hoppers have just over a month to go before the ordering period closes. It might seem like they were only just announced, but the tooling has already been approved! Once the orders closeout on March 15th, production won't be far off. But let's look at the details once more. (Hint, keep scrolling down!)

In 1904, the Pennsylvania Railroad built the first GLa hopper car and eventually amassed nearly 30,000 cars! Fast forward to the 1960s and more than 7,000 cars remained in interchange service. Talk about a long run for a car type! Many also lasted longer in MOW service, well into the PC era. That's nearly 70 plus years on the road!

Impressed yet? The GLa Hopper cars sure are pretty, once all dolled up! Now just imagine a handful being delivered to the team track or buried in a manifest. They'll look right at home on any layout.

Check out the paint schemes being offered.

Now for the details! This little car might be small, but it has plenty of details. Here's a short list of just a few of the GLa Hopper car details:

Ready to check out the catalog containing the road numbers and item numbers? Click the photo below!

You can never have enough hoppers for a consist! Just remember to have your orders in for the GLa Hopper cars by March 15th.

Just two order deadlines this month: HO Scale Budd Manor Sleepers and Budd Baggage-Dorms. BUT there's a twist. Even though the deadline is February 15th, the factories are shutdown for Chinese New Year, so we will still take orders for a few more weeks. Let's take a quick look at these two cars - by way of a new video with Jason! Click the photo below to watch!

Wasn't that apartment building neat looking? (You have to watch the video to know what I'm talking about!) There were a lot of photos in the last newsletter and electrons are getting rare, so check out the websites!

OK, OK, we'll give you one photo! Here's the awesome interior of the Budd Manor Sleeper, where every colour looks straight out of the mid-century period. Make sure you wear your best leisure suit!

It's catalogue time! For the Budd Manor Sleepers, click the photo below to the left. For the Budd Baggage-Dorm, click the photo to the right. (No, you can't click both at the same time.)

Despite the wild variance in lighting when we took the two photos below, rest assured that both cars will have the same stainless-steel finish.

February 15th is right around the corner, but as mentioned above, you'll still have a few weeks to get your orders in - at least until the end of February, but don't wait! Order your HO Scale Budd Manor Sleeper or Baggage-Dorm today!

The Rebuilt FL9 Locomotives are almost here! This unique F-unit has been a staple of commuter railroading in the New York City area for over six decades! Built in the late 1950s for the New Haven, these venerable dual-mode locomotives have run millions of miles into and out of Grand Central Terminal. The most notably feature was the capability to switch from diesel to electric operation using third rail in the Park Avenue tunnel. as well as the unique four-axle front and rear six-axle Flexicoil trucks. In the mid 1980s, now under Metro-North and ConnDot ownership (Along with 12 under Amtrak ownership), many were rebuilt and had HEP capabilities added.

The Metro-North and ConnDot FL9s were commonly seen plying the rails of the Hudson Line pulling the "Bombers" or for the non-Gotham railfans, these would be the Comet Cars. (Yes, I know, I'm leaving out the Harlem and Shoreline services. Hey, I saw them on the Hudson the most!) OK, enough blabbering, check out the video on these below. Some big goofy person describes these neat loco. ...oh, wait I'm in that video.

Was the video any bit informal? The FL-9 Rebuilds have a variety of details, below are a few of the Metro-North variants. Take a look!

The Rebuilt FL9s will be arriving at our warehouse shortly, but that doesn't mean you need wait if you haven't ordered one yet! In fact, supplies will be limited, so order one today!

By the time you read this, the M420 Locomotives will be on their way to a dealer or hobby shop near you! Exciting, eh? We only have a FEW sound models left in-stock, so if you still would like to order one, do it soon! Once these are sold out, that's it! Well, until the next run... (You know I've been patiently waiting to request CN 3502 so I can drive it down a street.)

As some of you know, ten models of 2557 include a commemorative coin. Due to the vast, empty chasm that is Jason's brain, we forgot to put the seals on the first models that were shipped out. So, with that said, your chances of receiving a coin are not necessarily lower due to funny business, but your chances are still low to begin with! What this means is if you ordered 2557 from an American store and it does not have the seals on the box, don't worry about it. If you ordered 2557 from a Canadian store and it clearly has residue where the seals used to be, please feel free to hire a private eye to investigate the disappearance of your coin!

It's been a while since there was an update on the B-100-40 Boxcar status. But we're proud to present a tooled sample of the SP version of the B-100-40. These cars are FULL of detail and features! Just take a look at the photos!

The underbody is a work of art! All of the piping, brake retainer valve, hydra-cushion and the unique pattern of the floor. This car has it all! Lots of hours spent perfecting this by Jordan and Bobby (hey, that's me.) We'd also like to thank Alex Stroshane for all of his amazing work to make this car a reality.

In case you missed it, take a look at the B-100-40 catalog for more info on the schemes being offered and even more details about the car. Click the photo below to glide into the world of the B-100-40 boxcar.

There is no order deadline for the B-100-40 Boxcar just yet, but we believe it will be within the next couple of months. So, keep those orders going and an eye on future newsletters!

As many of you are aware, Rapido has invested a considerable sum in preserving 1:1 scale VIA Rail Canada equipment. Our collection includes sleeping car Edmundston, RDCs 6133 and 6215, as well as three other RDCs used as tool cars. We have also been contributing to the maintenance of LRC 6917, owned by the Toronto Railway Historical Association. All of the equipment is maintained by our exceptional mechanic and engineer, Chris Fox.

Our goal was always to preserve these as part of a VIA collection, and to that end Jason, Terry Johnson and Andrew Jeanes have spearheaded the formation of the VIA Historical Association, a Canadian charitable organization. The aim of the VHA is to collect, maintain and interpret a representative selection of VIA equipment from its founding in 1978 to the present day.

Attaining charitable status means that donations to the VIA collection are finally tax receiptable. The VHA plans to work with VIA to ensure that Canada's national passenger railway's history is preserved for future generations.

The association is in its early days, and the team are actively seeking donations as well as interested volunteers who would like to be involved in the running of the organization. Please click here to visit the VHA web site, and please consider making a donation to the effort.

We've made a few changes to how the Delivery Schedule on our website works. Originally it was defined by "seasons" but we have changed it to "quarters". To avoid further confusion, we'll explain what that means.

Now you may ask why we are taking something that seems simple and explaining it. Well, you wouldn't believe the volume of emails we get asking us what quarters means or is December in the 2nd Quarter and so on.

There are four quarters each year, usually defined by three-month increments:

Quarter 1 - January, February and March

Quarter 2 - April, May and June

Quarter 3 - July, August and September

Quarter 4 - October, November and December

A sample Delivery Schedule is seen below.

You'll notice Product A is estimated for Third Quarter delivery, the order deadline is NOW and it's ready for production.

Product B has an actual deliver date/month and is enroute to Rapido. Once we know when the product leaves the factory, we can usually assign an actual month.

Product C is estimated for Second Quarter delivery. The order deadline is over, products may still be ordered, but quantities may be limited. These products are currently in production - which means if all goes well, they will ship from the factory shortly. In fact, once that happens, we will update the Delivery Schedule again.

Product D is still in the designing phase. Either the design work or tooling has yet to be completed. There is no order deadline or delivery date scheduled yet.

So, for the Delivery Schedule going forward, everything will be referred to by quarters. Just remember, three month increments and there is twelve months per year. Please note (for smart alecks) we're using the Gregorian calendar not the Julian calendar. Jason wanted to use the Hebrew calendar, but then we'd have extra months every couple of years and nobody but him and Janet can pronounce the month Cheshvan. (Ed: L'Chaim!)

An essay? You want ME to write an essay? What is this, sixth grade? Ah, to be 19 again...

Hello readers, as I type this, I’ve just passed my one-year mark at Rapido. I can’t really say that it’s a dream come true, because in all honesty it’s not something that I could’ve ever dreamed of in the first place. Working in the model railroad industry, let alone for one of its premier manufacturers, simply wasn’t even on my radar as a possibility.

A little background on me: I’ve been shooting and cutting video since the early 90s, semi-professionally for the past decade or so. I started off as a wedding videographer before quickly moving on to the much less stressful real estate market. This was of course all a side gig and hobby, as I also had a 23-year career in an unfulfilling industry that I will simply refer to as a soul-devouring vortex of suck.

In 2018 I was packaged out and I found myself at somewhat of an existential crossroads, or a mid-life crisis if you will. I enrolled in a part-time program to pursue another passion of mine in nutrition, and I continued to ply my skills in real estate photography and videography whenever I could until I “figured it out," whatever that meant. And was nice to spend some time at home with my two young kids for a while.

Then came that Christmas 2019 Rapido newsletter. I hadn’t actually opened one in a while as I was in the midst of an ebb in my hobby, but for some reason the universe compelled me to do so this time. That’s when those two words jumped out of the screen and gave me a roundhouse fly-kick to the face: WE’RE HIRING! The timing simply couldn’t have been better, as that sweet, sweet severance money was starting to dry up.

So, I set out to whip up my first resume since 1995 and after a series of phone calls, emails and interviews, I had somehow convinced Janet, Mohan and Jason that I was Rapido material. While I was initially brought on as part of the warranty team, Jason did take note of my video experience. I thought that it might end up being something I did occasionally, y’know, in between RS18 motor swaps. But I really should’ve known better - because if there is one thing Rapido is known for besides its top-quality models, it’s videos.

When we first started working from home last spring, I got clearance to shoot a video documenting the process of disassembling an RS18, something which I had become quite proficient at. It was my moment to shine; I pulled out every trick I had in my arsenal to maximize production value, while doing my best to emulate the goofiness and nerditude that Rapido videos were known for.

This was also the genesis of the “Deadpan Bald Guy” character that I see myself referred to as in YouTube comments. I was confident in my work, but I wasn’t quite prepared for the positive response that I received. I was immediately tasked with another video, which ended up being the New Look bus passenger-installation tutorial. These were followed by a couple more videos that I can’t remember off the top of my head, but the ball was rolling.

It was the display case infomercial, however, that served as the turning point at which Jason decided I was doing virtually all the videos going forward, at least from a production standpoint. T’was a passing of the torch of sorts. Also, I think Jason realized that shooting and editing video was interfering with his layout construction time. So, I got to do more of what I love, and 1/87th scale Brockville got to start taking shape. It was win-win!

But even though this has been about me, it’s not ALL about me. I’m part of a creative team and it’s the flow of ideas that makes our videos so unique. Working with Jordan and Josh on the Turboliner sample video comes to mind as a prime example of this. Possibly the funniest video I’ve been a part of, we were killing ourselves laughing as we came up with each gag. I can say without a doubt that Rapido leads the pack when it comes to model railroad videos and has done so since long before I started. It’s an honour to be a part of it and a thrill to continually have a bunch of eyeballs on something that I have a creative hand in.

I’m closing in on my 50th Rapido project now, and my goal is to make each video in some way better than the last one. I don’t always hit that target, but I keep striving to improve. If there’s a better textbook definition of the proverbial dream job than being able to combine TWO life passions, I honestly don’t know what it is. Imagine if I didn’t open that newsletter...

Thank you, universe.

Jeremy Fleming

For those of you interested, we pay Jeremy ten million dollars a year so you can't afford him. Don't even bother asking.

This has been a fun newsletter. For the seven of you still reading, we appreciate that you have nothing better to do.

Until next time,

Bobby