We are looking for a full-time warranty technician and customer service dude or dudette to work here at our Markham office fixing model trains and helping customers. Our warranty return rate is between 1% and 2%, but even that represents hundreds of models a year and we're always swamped. Required skills include:

By law, we must give preference to applications from hoseheads. We also give preference to people who know how to spell, know the difference between "there" and "their", and don't ever say "Me and him went to the store." Knowledge of appropriate apostrophe usage is also a must. Considering that most Rapido employees fail four of those last five points, we’re actually not so picky.

We look forward to hearing from you! qapla’!

Please reply to this email with your resume and cover letter. Thanks!

Welcome back, old friend! Rapido's very first powered-model offering to the world way back in 2008 was a journey, to say the least. (That's a nice way of saying it didn't work.) But with many years of solid achievements to our name, we're delighted to say that we are bringing back the HO Scale UAC TurboTrain!

But this isn't just any TurboTrain, this is the Turbo 2.0. What makes it 2.0? Click here or on one of the video screenshots to watch the launch video! It's really cool.

Turbo 2.0 you say? The new and fully loaded Turbo is a vast improvement from the original model. In fact it won't catch on fire...er, I mean it will run MUCH better than the 2008 counterpart. We've spent the last year modifying the designs to ensure that Turbo 2.0 runs like a Swiss watch.

The Turbos will be available as 3-car sets (United Aircraft/USDOT, Penn Central/USDOT) and 5-car sets (Early Amtrak, Late Amtrak, CN and VIA). CN and VIA were 9-car trains, so we are producing 4-car completion packs that will allow you to recreate the full 9-car train.

But wait... There's more! Back in the 2000s we could not afford to make all the car styles. This time, the CN and VIA Turbos will be even more accurate as we are including IC-34, the Intermediate Car with coach seating and additional luggage space. These are available in the four-car completion packs.

For those of you new to the world of Turbo... The TurboTrain was designed and marketed by United Aircraft Corporate Systems Center (later Sikorsky Aircraft) as a gas turbine-powered, high-speed intercity train. Each train was powered by four or five Pratt & Whitney ST-6 gas turbine engines, with an additional gas turbine providing auxiliary power.

The Turbo featured a unique pendular suspension over articulated single-axle trucks, which allowed the train to tilt on curves. That feature, combined with the short Intermediate Car length, meant that the Turbo could travel much faster than regular trains on conventional track. It was a high-speed train without the need to invest in high-speed train infrastructure.

The American TurboTrain operated first for the US DOT on the New Haven and Penn Central, and then toured the United States in 1971 to introduce the nation to Amtrak. The Amtrak Turbo operated mainly between New York and Boston (with a brief assignment to West Virginia!) until 1976.

In Canada, the Turbo operated first for CN and later for VIA Rail Canada. Operating between Montreal and Toronto (and, for a time, Ottawa), the Turbo became one of the most reliable trains in the country. Sadly, the Turbo era came to an end in October 1982. Each and every Turbo was scrapped. But the Turbo still holds the speed records for production trains in Canada and the US to this day.

But what are those Turbo 2.0 features? Glad you asked, because here they are:

Now let's check out those grand schemes:

The speed record holder!

In March 1976, CN painted its Turbo #1 into new "VIA-CN" colours to launch the new brand for its passenger train services. On April 22, 1976, Turbo #1 achieved the Canadian rail speed record of 140.6 MPH on the Kingston Subdivision near Morrisburg, Ontario. That record still stands today.

Otter Valley Railroad is producing an exclusive model of this record-holding train, featuring the bold VIA colours and the CN noodle logo on the nose. They have commissioned both the five-car set and the four-car addition. Click here to order yours today!

Click on the photo and out will pop the PDF catalog/catalogue of the UAC Turbo. Everything you need to know to order one or many.

The order deadline for the new Turbo 2.0 is June 15th. Please click here for more information or to order direct.

In the early 1980s sodium chlorate began to replace chlorine as a bleaching agent in the paper making process. Historically, sodium chlorate had been transported in solution form in tank cars. With significant increase in demand, a more efficient delivery method was needed. Transportation in crystal form by covered hopper car was a natural solution. However, a means to address the corrosive properties of sodium chlorate was required. Thus, the Procor sodium chlorate hopper car was born!

Despite being in service across North America for four decades, no manufacturer has offered a ready to run model of this car. Until now!

Introducing the Rapido HO Scale Procor 3000cuft Sodium Chlorate Hopper! If you have a paper mill on your layout or you liked to run manifest freight trains, this is the car for you! But don't take my word for it, let's check out the 3D renders of this very sought-after car.

Chances are you've seen at least one (or a big group) of these cars, whether you live near a mill or not. You'll also note that there are many variations of these cars in existence. We are offering the HO Scale Sodium Chlorate Hopper as it looked in later production offerings, with the top handrails and without them. Our car will also have the unique 100-ton Ride Control trucks, with HydraShox snubbers: an all-new truck for us! But that's not all, let's go through the rest of the features of this car:

There are only two main schemes on the first run, but they are two very popular schemes for this popular car. You won't want to buy just one! Check them out below. We're also making unlettered versions of both styles.

Click on the sales catalogue for the Procor sodium chlorate hopper by clicking the photo below. It will open up as a pdf file.

Once we have a sample and have shown it around, we'll announce an order deadline for the HO Scale Sodium Chlorate Hopper. Until then, make sure you get your orders in for this popular car!

The Great Northern Railway's boxcar fleet was unique in that many of their cars were home-built at their shops in Saint Cloud, Minnesota. Included in these were two groups of boxcars built in 1953 and 1955. This lot was referred to as the 12-Panel 40' Boxcar. These cars had six-foot doors, diagonal panel roof and twelve-panel riveted sides with straight sills. Between the two groups nearly 1000 cars were built. The first group, series 21450-21939, were built in 1953 and utilized the then current, early improved dreadnaught end. The later 1955 group, series 5000-5499, were built with the updated late improved dreadnaught end – the difference between the two being the main rib shape.

Both groups were delivered in Great Northern’s mineral brown scheme with a large "goat" herald. By the way, did you know the GN goat was named "Rocky?" Over the years, cars from these groups were repainted into the iconic and colorful schemes that the GN developed through the late 1950s and into the 1960s.

Rapido's model of the HO Scale GN 12-Panel 40' Boxcar will certainly have the insane amount of details and build quality as our other freight cars. We've worked closely with the Great Northern Railway Historical Society to ensure we make this car as accurate as possible. But just in case you wanted to see the full list of details, here they are:

Eight GN schemes to pick from! And these GN 40' Boxcars are certainly colorful. Scroll down to see the schemes and variations.

Rocky wants you to go check out the sales catalog for the GN Boxcars. Click the photo below to open up the PDF.

Before we wrap up the ordering period for the HO Scale GN Boxcars, we'll first bring out a few samples for everyone to check out. We can't wait until then! In the meantime, please reserve your fleet with your favorite hobby shop or directly with us.

Six order deadlines this month. You won't want to miss these, so let's get right to them.

We're very close to having a mass-produced version of the BC Rail and P&W M420s. I mean super close. As in please please make sure you get your orders in!

Just in case that was too much reading and you skipped right to the features, here they are, but in list form. First the new features of the HO Scale M420:

Plus the usual features of the M420s:

March 15th, 2022: just a few days away from the ever so important order deadline for the MLW M420 Locos. We want to make this count, so get your orders in! And as a friendly reminder, here is a a list of the schemes to scroll through.

Let's not forget the other M420s that went to Ontario Southland! Numbers 641, 644, 646 and 647 went to the OSR and lucky for those fans, Otter Valley Railroad is running an exclusive for 644, 646 and 647! Click here to check them out.

We won't know until after the order deadline if the orders will be strong enough to produce these. From our orders so far, we think that BCR has a good chance, but P&W needs some love. If you are a P&W modeler, please spread the word and order your fleet by the 15th!

Just a reminder: you still have time to order the CN versions as the order deadline for those will be later this spring. This is the deadline for the conditional releases.

You'll want to look through the M420 catalogue if you plan on putting those conditional orders in! Click the photo below to view it.

The order deadline is near! No reason we can't get the MLW M420 Locomotives into production. Let's make sure it happens.

The Alco RS-11 Locomotives are almost ready for production. The order deadline is just a few days away on March 15th, 2022. They're just about ready to roll. But let's take a look at the video by clicking here, the photo above or below.

We have completely redesigned the way that the RS-11 and RS-18 locos are put together. Now, instead of twenty screws, fourteen clips, a bucket of glue and three volumes of expletives, the body is held in place by just three screws at each end. One attaches the coupler box to the pilot. The other two hold the body to the frame. That’s it! And we have a new motor and motherboard that are 100% reliable. Now let's see some samples!

How about those RS-11 Locomotive features:

All the RS-11 Loco schemes? You came to the right place! Scroll down to see every scheme on the second run. (There's a lot! But D&H is the best one.)

Need to refresh your memory on item numbers? Check out the catalog below by clicking on the photo.

The orders for the Alco RS-11 Loco models are very strong, so thank you to everyone who has ordered so far! That is super exciting, but don't forget, for those of you who haven't ordered yet, please get them in before March 15th, 2022.

Possibly one of the most versatile Canadian locomotives was the MLW CP "Chop-Nose" RS-18u. They were commonly seen on locals and short hauls throughout the eastern part of Canada and in CP-owned lines and trackage rights into the US. But you want to see them in action? Of course! Click here, the photo above or below to watch the newest video showing the samples!

Check out all of those neat etched-metal parts!

What's in a Rapido HO Scale RS-18u Locomotive? Find out below!

Whether they're leading train number 521 through Bayview Junction or running on the D&H over Belden Hill, the HO Scale RS-18u Locomotives will look fantastic! Here's some closeup shots of them.

But wait! There's more! Otter Valley Railroad is running an exclusive for the Trillium Railway versions. They are offering two road numbers: 1842 and 1859. Head on over there to place your order for these RS-18us by clicking here.

Here's a complete list of paint schemes. Note we have many conditional shortlines available. We will let you know in the next newsletter if any don't make it. At this point, it looks like the only one that is doing well is Ottawa Central. So all you shortline fans... please get your orders in!

Click on the image below to download the catalogue:

Don't forget on March 15th, 2022, the RS-18u Locomotive deadline hits. Tally up your orders and get them in before this neat loco heads to production.

The MLW RSC-14 Locomotive served a vital purpose to the Maritimes and now it's time to pay homage to this versatile locomotive. And who could turn this down? Highly detailed, great sounds and of course the Rapido quality in it. But enough of me saying it, watch it in action in our video, by clicking here, the photo above or below.

Yes, the MLW RSC-14 Locomotives primarily operated in the Maritimes. But that doesn't mean they aren't neat. Let the samples do the talking!

The Rapido RSC–14 Locomotive features include:

An important locomotive for an important area of Canada. The HO Scale RSC-14 will not disappoint you, even if it only wore two schemes. That just means you can own EVERY one made! Check those schemes out below.

Catalogue? Why of course... Click the photo below to check it out.

Hey! March 15th, 2022 is only a few days away. Did you get all of your MLW RSC-14 Loco orders in yet? Don't get swept out to sea if you miss this deadline.

Is this the most colorful car we've done? Probably not, but it might be one of the most influential cars of the era. This is the HO Scale 10,000 Gallon X-3 Tank Car. Not only did this car span 50-odd years in service, from the 1920s through the 1970s, but their versatility made them very popular with shippers.

But wait, there's more! Click here, the photo above or below to watch the new video!

Excited for the X-3 Tank Cars? We certainly are! But don't take our word for it, the details speak for themselves! Just check out the sample below as well as the schemes we are offering.

Time to check out the X-3 tank car catalog. Click the photo below to wander through it.

Make sure to get your orders tallied up and handed in to your dealer or through our site for the X-3 Tank Car. March 15th, 2022 is just a few days away!

Here come the HO Scale Fruehauf Trailers! We're just a few days out from the March 15th, 2022 order deadline and we are certainly excited for these trailers. Your F30 flatcars as well as your roads and warehouses need a highly detailed Fruehauf trailer!

But before we check out the schemes and the sample once more, let's take a peek at the new video for the trailers. Click here, the photo above or below to watch.

Enjoy the quick look at the Fruehauf Trailer sample? In case you want to stare at this beauty some more, here's a side view on one of our F30 Flatcars. Sure is a sight to see!

Now for those schemes and the three different variations. Scroll down to check them out.

Alright, now for the catalog. Click on the left image for the regular Fruehauf Trailer sales pack. Click the right image for the Unlettered sales pack.

Just a few days away for the HO Scale Fruehauf "Volume Vans" deadline on March 15th. You know what to do! Head to your dealer or call them up and of course, speak real loudly that you need VOLUME VANS. They'll understand.

April will be a jam-packed month for HO and N scale order deadlines. We have: The HO Scale U25B Locomotive, the HO Scale Canadian 66' Bulkhead Flat Car and the N Scale AutoFlood III Rapid Discharge Hopper. Off we go for a quick preview of each.

It's been a little while since we had a full HO Scale U25B Locomotive update, but here it is. In fact, it comes with the announcement of an April 14th, 2022 order deadline. There's a lot that has been updated on the U25Bs, so let's get right into it.

The HO Scale U25B Locomotives have gone through quite a few tooling adjustments and updates. In fact, we anticipate we will go through all of these in a video to be uploaded within the next few days. Keep tabs on that by subscribing to our YouTube page.

Some of the changes included the adjustment of the number boards, battery boxes and truck details among other things. But that's not all! We also retooled the cab roof with the correct curved profile!

Check out the painted samples below! These samples pre-date our tooling changes. We will show you new samples before the order deadline.

The Rapido U25B Locomotive features include:

All of the schemes for the first run of the U25B Locomotive can be viewed below; just scroll on down to check them out.

Make sure to check out the U25B catalog. It has all of the item numbers, schemes and info on variations. Click the photo below to open the PDF.

It is that time where we say, start rounding up your orders for the HO Scale U25B Locomotive. April 14th, 2022 will be here shortly, so don't miss out. In the next newsletter we'll show you the video and (hopefully) photos of the revised samples.

This car is a real beauty! But this car is also nearing the order deadline of April 14th, 2022. We're talking about the HO Scale Canadian 66' Bulkhead Flatcar, which by the way is the FIRST ACCURATE model of a Canadian 66' bulkhead ever produced. No more American prototypes painted for Canadian roads - this is the real deal! And by the way, it also features a few American roads, too. Talk about a versatile car!

We're not sure why we called it a 62' flatcar in the last newsletter. We were all staying up light watching reruns of Saturday Night's Main Event from 1985. I know, we need a life. But the Hulkster was awesome! Eat your vitamins!

By the time you read the next newsletter, we will have a new video on the HO Scale Bulkhead Flat Cars. So keep a lookout on our YouTube page for that shortly. Until then, check out some more photos of the samples we have.

Etched ends AND a wood deck! Samples are subject to revision.

Check out the Bulkhead Flat Car catalogue by clicking the photo below.

A little over a month away for the April 14th order deadline. Make sure you have your orders for the HO Scale Canadian Bulkhead Flat Car tidied up before then.

Everyone needs coal hoppers! And what better way to deliver coal on your layout than with the N Scale AutoFlood III Rapid Discharge Hopper! BUT HOLD ON! We're here to announce the April 14th, 2022 order deadline for these cars. That's right, production is just around the corner. No video just yet, but we will have more material the next time you see these cars - so get excited and check out the samples!

What are the features of the N Scale Rapid Discharge Hopper? Let's take a look:

Need to see all of the schemes being offered? Why of course, we have that covered! Scroll down to look.

Ah, yes, the catalog. Here you will find EVERYTHING you need to know when you need to place your order(s) for the N Scale Rapid Discharge Hopper. Click the photo below to immerse yourself in product info.

April 14th, 2022 isn't that far away and we want to make sure you are well aware that this date is fast approaching. Especially since we always get emails saying we need more N scale - here's your chance to make an impact. Order those N Scale Rapid Discharge Hoppers!

A few weeks ago, Jason sent out a impromptu newsletter discussing some of the issues we've faced as a result from our website, inventory and accounting system upgrades. We are still fighting through some of these bugs and we want to assure you that we are answering every email and message as fast as humanly possible - but as we clear out ten emails, another twenty come in!

The biggest challenges are for our direct customers. If you don't have any open preorders with us, you have to create a new account. Only accounts with open preorders were moved over to our new system.

If you have open preorders, you can log in with your email address but your old orders will not be visible on the website. Rest assured we still have your orders. There is no need to contact us to confirm. We thought we would have this glitch sorted out by now, but it is going to take us quite a bit longer to move that data to the website.

It is still taking us longer than usual to ship orders as we get familiar with the new system. Please bear with us as we get through this. I'm pleased to report that many of the bugs that affected us when we launched the site have been resolved. But, of course, many new bugs have turned up.

Howard and the team are working very hard to resolve them. More updates to come...

Want to see HO Scale EP-5s, Steam Generators and GLa Hoppers in action? You've come to the right place! Click here or the photo above to watch our latest unboxing video, February Unboxings, now!

Who says we ignore N scale? (Ed: Most N scalers say that, Bobby.) Well, we don't! Click here or on the image below for our new Procor GP20 tank car video.

LOTS of new items are arriving, both at your dealer or to our warehouse soon! What could they be? Let's find out:

All of our shipments that left China in January have been delayed by at least a month due to port congestion. Fingers are crossed that they arrive sooner rather than later.

Old and Weary GLa Hopper Cars.

Penn Central, you can count on them! Well, the HO Scale X72 Boxcars, that is.

They're shipping now! The HO Scale Barrel Ore Cars, that is.

The long awaited HO Scale EP-5 is arriving soon... very soon!

Repaired and ready to ship! The Amtrak Later Phase F40PHs are ready.

Here's the N Scale GO Transit New Look Bus. Looks great!

Don't these F59PHs look great?

Who's excited for HO Scale Caprices? They're almost here!

Here's a Santa Fe PA after the decoration stage. Just needs a few more details and they'll be on their way!

Have a look at some of the latest photos from our factories!

The top of an NKP PA-1, which will head to be joined with its bottom next.

A NYC PA-1. Those lightning stripes really stand out. This looks just about done!

A Rio Grande PB-1. Everything just looks great on these!

The GO Transit Bilevels, in the printing room.

Here are some Bilevels getting their GO logos...

Those HO Scale AutoFloods are looking GREAT!

That printing on the HO Scale AutoFlood sideframes! Oo-la-la!

An early injection sample of the HO Scale Slumbercoach. Getting excited?

Check out the HO Scale County Cars. These are first samples being assembled.

Quality checking the HO Scale Gondolas

Hooray! An N Scale update! The GP20 Tanks are just abut ready.

We hope you enjoyed this month's rendition and look forward to counting those M420 preliminary orders as well as getting ready for April's offerings!

Until next time,

Bobby