Over the past few months, we've heard lots of requests for the GP20 Tank Car to be made in N Scale. We agreed with you! This small yet venerable car is sorely needed in N Scale. Of course, we could have just scaled down the HO version and left the finer details off, but instead we included most of them! Many, many days later we perfected the N Scale GP20 Tank Car! Just take a look at the 3D renders below! (We also want to remind you, as these are 3D renders, items and details are subject to refinement for production.)

Just in case you needed to know... The GP20 Tank Car was suitable for lighter density commodities which would not congeal or freeze in cold weather, such as various oils and fuel. The same car could also be equipped with interior heater coil pipes, such that the contents could be reheated. This popular car was manufactured from 1969 to 1984 with almost 1000 examples built. They could be seen plying the rails throughout North America.

Our car will feature all of the detail you would expect - right down to the underbody piping! Just have a looksee at the underbody below!

What about those features? Glad you asked. Below is a list of all of the details on the N Scale GP20 Tank Cars.

We plan on having a sample shortly, but until then here's a couple more 3D renders for show.

Time for the N Scale GP20 Tank Car paint schemes! Scroll down for a photo of the paint schemes (including unlettered!) that are being offered. Gotta love the flower power...

Now for the interactive part of the newsletter: The Catalogue! (If you consider clicking on a PDF interactive.) Click the photo below to see all of the item and road numbers being offered.

Once we have a pre-production sample, we'll announce an order deadline for the N Scale GP20 Tank Cars. So, keep an eye out for both in a future newsletter!

Ever want to wear one of the shirts we wear to shows or on in our videos? Now you can! But wait, there's more. Our new Swag Store contains shirts, hoodies, coffee cups and more! (Ed: You mean Tea Mugs!) Let's take a closer look at some of the items being offered.

Each newsletter we'll be highlighting different items in the Swag Store. This month's feature is the hoodies! You may recognize some of the designs from the shirts we previously offered.

Above are seven of our new hoodies being offered from our new Swag Store. Check out that B36-7 hoodie, which has art on both sides! But you say that's not Canadian enough for you? Well, we've got you covered! Try out the LRC/Metropolis hoodie or for those that are more adventurous, that CP "logo" chasing the "Inky" character sure is a work of art!

My personal favorite is the BC "Flower Power" design. (Yes, OK, I did design that myself...I'm not impartial...just a little.) Last, but not least is the new circular Rapido logo featuring the Turbo and CN Tower. (Also designed by yours truly.)

Now as a reminder, the Swag Store isn't just packed full of hoodies. We also have shirts, mugs and face coverings. (They look like jock straps in the pictures, but they are really face masks. Honest!) Next newsletter we'll highlight some of those items. And remember, we are looking to add more items as we go forward, so keep checking back!

April is here! That means the HO scale PA/B-1 and 2 Locomotives and the HO Scale PC&F B-100-40 Boxcar orders are due on the 15th! This month we have new samples and a video! Check it out below!

Here it is. The moment everyone's been waiting for: the PA/B-1 and 2 Locomotive order deadline is just a few days away. This time we have a new video AND Southern Pacific sample to show. Click here or the photo below to watch, then hurry back to check out the new hand-painted sample photos!

Last newsletter we went over the PA in full detail. But just in case you missed it, these will be the ULTIMATE PA/B-1 and 2 Locomotives built in scale! These locomotives are available as single powered A-units or in A+B powered sets.

For those of you looking for unpowered B units, we don't offer this. Simply put, our cost is the same as a powered one except for the motor. Anyway, you'll want your B units powered just like the prototype.

Seen enough? Who am I kidding? (Ed: We are strictly "whom" organization. You're on notice.) You can never see too many PA models! Seeing all that SP detail (have you noticed the partially-plated-over radiator grilles??), I know you are tempted to order a bunch, even if you model the East Broad Top in SN3.

If you want an American Freedom Train locomotive, please make sure you pre-order. Those will only be made if we get enough preorders, and we're only about halfway there.

OK, once you're ready, head on over to check out the PA/B-1 and 2 catalog by clicking on the image below.

The moment is almost here: The PA/B-1 and 2 Locomotive order deadline. This is the "Make sure you have ALL of your orders in" final warning. Once April 15th comes and goes, it might be a bit more difficult to secure one of these fine models. So don't delay! Check your orders twice!

The B-100-40 Boxcar. Unique. Dual purpose. And a monster to design. But it was fun to work on, that's for sure. It's been through a few redesigns to get everything just right. Namely the roof, which is why we were hesitant to show off a close up of it, until now. Behold the next few photos!

We were pushing to have a hand-painted sample ready for press time, but one cannot freeze time. So keep an eye on our Facebook or B-100 Boxcar page on our website for those samples. You won't want to miss them! In the meantime, here's another photo of an unpainted sample!

Last newsletter you might recall we did a combined X72 and B-100 Boxcar video. If you missed that or want to watch again, click here or the photo below. In fact, a hidden Easter egg is to count how many different outfits John wears in the video.

Need to review which road numbers you want? That means it's catalog time! Click the photo below to check out the B-100 Boxcar catalog.

Just a few more days until the clock strikes zero - or in this case, April 15th. That means Jordan and I both need to double check our orders! (As well as everyone else.) The B-100 Boxcar is a piece of equipment you won't want to miss!

Normally order deadlines fall on the 15th of the month, but May had to be difficult! So you get TWO extra days to get your orders in and this month will be a doozy! We'll have two order deadlines waiting for you: HO Scale Barrel Ore Cars and the N Scale New Look Bus. Let's take a quick look at each.

If all goes well, we should have a preproduction sample of the Barrel Ore Cars to show off before their April order deadlines - along as no more ships get stuck in the Suez...

WAIT! STOP PRESS! We DO have pre-production samples! Check these beauts out!

The Barrel Ore Hoppers were quite possibly the most iconic set of cars that ran in Canada. From their unusual mechanism that would open the doors at the loadout to the distinct long and short body variations, these cars sure were unique.

Want to learn more about them? Click here to read the Barrel Ore Car Master Class.

Here are the features of our new Barrel Ore cars:

Why not another photo?

Neat, eh? Don't forget, we're offering them as single cars (randomly selected road number), 6-packs (3-packs for the CN Scale test Cars) as well as single car undecorated kits. But just in case you missed it, here is the catalogue containing paint schemes, road and item numbers plus some neat artwork! Click the photo below to see it.

Just over a month to go until May 17th, which is the order deadline for the Barrel Ore Cars. Things should get more exciting as we are expecting a preproduction sample of these unique cars. So, stay tuned!

It's the bus! Also known as the "Fishbowl" bus, it's been one of the most requested items in N Scale so far. We can't disagree; it really is an awesome model! So awesome, we had Jeremy make another masterpiece to complement it. You can watch by clicking here or the photo above. After you watch the video, lets take a quick stroll through the details of the N Scale New Look Bus.

Did we mention the N Scale New Look Bus has working lights? Yes, they do! Just another neat feature packed into a tiny model. This means you can turn your layout room lights off for that nighttime feel! (Disclaimer: Not responsible for anyone turning the lights off and immediately crashing into their layout.)

Ever see the bottom of a bus before? There's a certain speedy movie that shows the bottom of one. But, we have you covered! Below is a photo of our N Scale New Look Bus underframe!

If you own a model bus by another manufacturer, have a look at the underframe. Chances are, it's COMPLETELY MADE UP. We know what a New Look underframe looks like because we own a real one! So, if your bus gets totaled on your layout, at least you know the smouldering wreck will be accurate!

To check out all of the paint schemes and bus numbers, look no further than the New Look Bus catalog. Click the photo below to open it up.

Beep goes the bus AND the one-month warning till the New Look Bus order deadline. (Hey, that's May 17th! ...just in case I haven't said May 17th enough.) These buses are not only super detailed, but they're super neat, too!

A few newsletters ago, we explained how the Product Delivery Schedule worked. We thought that article would help explain things a bit - but instead we have received lots of emails asking us if there's a SECRET or REAL schedule, we follow that the public does not get to see.

I do not want to disappoint anyone, but the answer is no. There is not an internal delivery schedule. So, while we love talking to our customers, we want to remind everyone the Product Delivery Schedule is not a front nor does it hold any secrets! You know who you are. Stop calling.

Another month means more exciting updates and future arrivals! If all goes well, we should be receiving our first batch of HO Scale SW1200 Locomotives around May 15th. These will be split into two shipments to our warehouse, with the second batch arriving a few weeks after the first. In the meantime, to get everyone excited, here are some new photos of the SW1200s just before they left the factory.

Here's what's arriving first:

Here's what arriving second:

But what about the N Scale Canadian? They are arriving.... RIGHT NOW! First three skids in the warehouse!

And HO scale New Look buses are finally en route! They will arrive at the end of May.

We might have a very small amount of inventory available on these models. Please click here to visit our web site to order yours!

N Scale F40PH-2Ds? Yes! They're almost here! The bodies are being produced right now and eventually will head into the paint shop, then final assembly. They're still on track for a Third Quarter delivery, so keep checking back for more updates.

This was a last-minute addition, but how could we forget the latest gem from Jeremy? It's all about "ForgotteN" items in N scale. Plus, of course, his wacky sense of humor! Click here or the photo above to watch!

And yes N Scalers, everything in the video mentioned is still available! Click here to check them out.

This month we want to introduce an exciting new section highlighting what your friends at Rapido are working on. It can range from a model, layout or anything else that's interesting. To kick things off, let's take a look at what Richard, our UK Sales and Marketing Manager is up to.

Richard is building a 4x4 OO9 layout. (For everyone that's now confused, OO9 is 1:76 scale narrow gauge. For everyone else that's even more confused, this is N Scale track with rolling stock just a tad bigger than HO scale.)

The concept is representing the narrow gauge railways of North Wales, which moved slate from the quarries of Dinorwic, Penrhyn and Blaenau Ffestiniog down to the sea. At one time, Penrhyn was the largest slate quarry in the world.

As a side note, the history surrounding the quarries of the aforementioned towns are absolutely fascinating. It's worth the time to check out the history of both the rail lines (and tramways!) as well as the quarries and towns themselves.

Jason: Since we're talking about North Wales, you should consider visiting Tibet next time you are there. Yes, Doctor Who: The Abominable Snowmen was filmed in North Wales:

If you go to this spot in the Derwent river valley, don't look for that boulder. We spent hours looking for it and then we noticed it has "MB" in the photo which likely means "Medium Boulder." The rock was probably a polystyrene prop. Curses.

Bobby: Um... Thanks.

The progress of Richard's layout will be fascinating, as the area it covers has some spectacular scenery and of course, narrow-gauge operations... with steam! Thanks, Richard, for sharing this with us!

Next up is Bill's O&W layout. You may recall a previous newsletter when he was still working on design and benchwork. Well, fast forward a few months and he's already onto scenery! And wow, doesn't that part look superb!

The building in the back is scratchbuilt, while that neat looking Camelback is a heavily modified NKP brass import. (And to think I have the same three projects on my workbench, that have been sitting for much longer...)

Up next is Mark, one of our behind-the-scenes Warranty Team heroes. When he's not rebuilding customer's models, he can be found building P4 UK railways and 1/72 model aircraft. Check out this awesome 1/72 scale Hawker Hurricane IIc. This photo doesn't do it justice! This is AWESOME!

Jason: Is it awesome?

Bobby: It's awesome.

Next is a 1:1 scale model, shared by John - our resident New Englander. He recently bought a money pit, I mean sailboat, for racing. Not really much I can say other than "whoa." So if you live near the Atlantic in the New England area, chances are you might see him sailing past!

Jason: This is why John keeps asking for a raise.

John: Yes, now please give me another raise. I'll put your logo on my boat.

Jason: If you tattoo it on your forehead, we can talk.

Bobby: PLEASE stop interrupting my newsletter!

Jason: How about my layout progress? This is the Kingston Sub just east of Brockville. Those three sheds were scratchbuilt. The forest - completely fictional as it's a view block - was made using Super Trees painted two shades of grey. Thanks to George Johnstone for help with the trees.

OK, Bobby - I promise not to interrupt again.

Bobby: To close out this new section, here's two brass GTW steam locomotives I want to eventually get painted. On the left is a U1c Class and on the right is the famous U3b.

My fascination with GTW steam started after I saw Ohio Central / GTW 6325 being overhauled at the road's Morgan Run shops back in 1998. I remember my dad and I stumbled upon the shops, peered in through the doors and saw 6325 just sitting there. From that point on I was awestruck by the big U3b locomotive. Years later (and a few of these models in...) I'm quite happy to be able to represent the GTW in steam form. Even if it doesn't match what I model. But that's for another day!

Well that concludes April's newsletter. It might have been light on new announcements, but fear not, we have lots of new items in the pipeline! So with that said, spring is finally here! But If it's currently snowing while you read this: Move.

Keep those requests for GTW steam locos in the Product Suggestion Form rolling in. For everything else, send them to TYCO.

Until next time,

Bobby