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Rapido Newsletter Vol. 156
©2022 Rapido Trains Inc.
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Dear Rapido Customer,
Two new announcements and order deadlines? That must mean it's time for another newsletter! So, without further ado, Rapido News 156...starts...right...NOW!
Rapido Open House - Illinois Railway Museum, October 2022
New Announcements!
- NEW! HO Scale BART Trains - A, B, C Cars
- RE-RUN! HO Scale Superior Stainless Budd Coaches
September Order Deadlines - September 15th, 2022
- N Scale Rohr Turboliner - 5% Early Bird Special
October Order Deadlines - October 17th, 2022
- HO Scale Procor 3000 cu ft Sodium Chlorate Hopper Car
- HO Scale Southern Pacific B-50-15 and B-50-16 Boxcars
Second Section
- We're Hiring!
- Upcoming Shows
- New Arrivals
- Factory and Tooling Updates
- Ordering UK products - All You Needed To Know!
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Model Railroader Q&A With Jason Shron
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Ready to enjoy a day at the IRM? Photo courtesy of Drew Hartmann. | |
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Rapido Open House - Illinois Railway Museum!
This is your last call to join us at the wonderful Illinois Railway Museum for our open house in early October.
- Sunday, October 2nd is our general public Rapido Meet and Greet. No need to RSVP. Just come to the museum as normal and you'll find our display. We look forward to seeing you in person!
- Monday, October 3rd is our US Dealer Open House. Dealers - please come and bring your families to take part in a fun Rapido day out. Please RSVP by Wednesday September 28th. If you don't RSVP, the bouncers won't let you in! To RSVP, you can just reply to this email.
- We're doing a Live Stream from the Dealer Open House at 11 CDT (Noon Eastern and 9 Pacific), and we have lots of new announcements! Please follow us on Facebook to ensure you don't miss it!
We look forward to seeing everyone at the IRM in October!
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NEW! HO Scale BART Trains!
Did you expect the HO Scale BART Legacy Fleet from us? Surprise! We're taking the rapid transit section by storm!
To help celebrate the 50th anniversary of Bay Area Rapid Transit in 2022, we have teamed up with BART to produce the Legacy fleet of A, B and C cars.
Ready to see a video about the BART cars? Click here, the photo above or below to watch. Then hurry back and check out the renders!
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Let's go check out those renders! First up is the original A style cars. | |
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Ready to get your 'BART' on?
3D renders are subject to revision.
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This is an unpowered "B" car.
3D renders are subject to revision.
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Check out that interior detail!
3D renders are subject to revision.
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Since its opening in 1972, Bay Area Rapid Transit trains have moved commuters and riders around the San Francisco Bay Area using these iconic cars. Instead of using traditional railcar manufacturers, BART contracted with Rohr Industries to create their first transit vehicles and contracted industrial design firm Sundberg Ferar to develop the trains’ futuristic look.
Check out the Legacy Fleet's underframe!
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Possibly the MOST detailed rapid transit model, ever?
3D renders are subject to revision.
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The original cab and center cars (A Cars and B cars) built by Rohr Industries between 1968 and 1975 were mechanically identical, with the exception of the cab overhanging one end of the A cars. Despite being the face of the system, the streamlined fiberglass cab became an operational issue as they limited flexibility in building trainsets. To resolve this, the first of the “C Cars” were delivered in 1987 by Alsthom, featuring a more traditional flat cab, allowing them to be used both on the ends as well as in the middle of the consist. Additional C Cars were built by Morrison-Knudsen between 1994 and 1996.
Below you'll see more renders of the A, B and C Cars.
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An "A" Car with headlights on.
3D renders are subject to revision.
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Now here it is with the markers lit.
3D renders are subject to revision.
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A "C" Car, looking good.
3D renders are subject to revision.
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Can you believe some of these cars have been around for 50 years?
Each Rapido BART Car features:
- Operates on HO Scale Track
- Designed from original blueprints, design drawings and field measurements.
- Track-powered flicker-free interior lighting compatible with DC and DCC layouts.
- Directional lighting, including headlights and red tail lights.
- NEM-style close-coupling system, so your cars always remain as close as possible through any trackwork.
- Minimum 18” radius (22” radius preferred).
- Full, multi-color interior detailing.
- Low-profile drive system in A and C cars allowing for a complete interior with no visible motor.
- Full underbody detail including separate electrical lines, conduit and equipment boxes.
- Highly-detailed, non-operating front couplers on A and C cars.
- DCC-equipped models feature accurate sound recordings.
The BART trains are available as:
- A-B-B-A Sets ( A Cars powered, B Cars unpowered)
- Individual C Cars (Powered)
- Individual B Cars (Unpowered)
- A Cars with Display Case (Unpowered)
Here are illustrations of the A, B and C cars:
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Click on the photo to check out the BART Legacy Fleet catalog. | |
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This is a conditional announcement. We honestly don't know the interest in these trains, although we think it will be strong. The BART Legacy Fleet's preliminary order deadline is January 16th, 2023. Order by then and you will receive a 5% "Early Bird Special" discount.
You can order these directly from BART by clicking here. We strongly urge you to support BART's first foray into model railroading and buy directly from the Railgoods store!
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Re-Run! HO Scale Superior Stainless Budd Coaches!
The classic Superior Stainless Budd Coaches are back! But they're bringing a twist this time around: VIA Rail Canada HEP1 and HEP2 cars, with all new features... and tooling! Read on to find out!
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30 Budd Coaches were delivered to Canadian Pacific in 1954 and 1955 and were initially numbered in the 100-series. All but one of the original coaches were transferred to VIA Rail Canada in 1978 and, save for those damaged in derailments, are all still in use today. They form the backbone of most of VIA Rail Canada’s services to this day, found not only on the busy Quebec City-Windsor corridor, but on all other services across the country, including The Canadian, Ocean, Hudson Bay and northern Quebec services. | |
Incredible underbody detail! | |
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In the late 1980s, VIA Rail upgraded its entire ex CPR Budd stainless steel fleet with Head End Power (HEP), which allowed newer locomotives to be able to heat and cool the trains without the need for aging steam generator cars. These cars are called “HEP1 cars” and are typically found on long-distance trains today.
Additionally, VIA Rail began purchasing second-hand Budd cars throughout 1990s from Amtrak and other owners to supplement its fleet and allow for expansion. These cars would be completely rebuilt as either first class “VIA 1” Cars or Coaches and were called “HEP2 cars”.
Our models are based on the original, steam-heated Canadian Pacific cars. However, we have tooled new HEP2 car sides as well as both HEP1 and HEP2 car ends.
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All-new HEP2 window arrangement and ends! | |
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Each Rapido Superior Stainless Coach includes:
- Realistic stainless steel finish
- HEP 2 cars feature an all-new side window arrangements
- HEP 1 and HEP 2 cars feature all-new end tooling with HEP receptacles and cables
- Track-powered interior lighting compatible with DC and DCC layouts
- Full underbody detail including separate air, steam and electrical lines
- Separate metal grab irons, stirrups and end gates
- Accurate D22 brake equipment and piping
- Super-detailed 41-NDO-11 trucks with end frames
- Full, multi-color interior detail
- 3D CP beaver shields on CPR models
- Sprung diaphragms
Lots of true-north schemes and variations on this run. Check them out below.
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Ready to read the Budd Coach sales catalogue? Check it out below by clicking on the photo to open up the PDF. | |
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N Scale Rohr Turboliner - September 15th, 2022
The iconic Rohr Turboliner is coming to N Scale, but we need to make sure we have enough interest to continue. N Scalers, this is your time to shine! The September 15th order deadline is just around the corner. If you order by the 15th, there is a better chance we will actually make this train, AND you get a 5% early purchase discount!
But wait, there's more! Check out the new video we have for the Turboliner by clicking here or the photo below.
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Yes, that cab interior is N SCALE!
3D renders are subject to revision.
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N Scale models never looked so good! But this is just the start, you'll be amazed at the level of detail on the Turboliner's underframe...peek at them below! | |
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Remember, this is N Scale! That detail level is incredible!
3D renders are subject to revision.
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Perfect for N Scale.
3D renders are subject to revision.
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Those lights are really captivating. And this is just a render!
3D renders are subject to revision.
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Each N Scale Rohr Turboliner model features:
- Accurately designed using original blueprints and field measurements
- Tinted windows, interior details and flicker-free interior lighting
- Separate factory installed handrails
- Highly-detailed trucks including third-rail shoes
- Working headlights, marker lights and cab-mounted strobe lights
- Both Power Cars come with smooth, reliable drive systems for optimal performance
- DCC models feature ESU sound decoders in each power car with accurate sounds sourced and remastered from original videos
- All wheel electrical pickup. Yes, we mean every...single...wheel!
Remember, your Turboliner will come in a gorgeous bookcase-style box like the N scale TurboTrain and Canadian models. Now, let's look at the three schemes being offered on the initial run:
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Here's the Rohr Turboliner sales catalog. It has everything you need to know when ordering your set(s)! Click the photo below to open the PDF. | |
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Don't forget, your 5% "Early Bird" discount ends on September 15th, 2022! That's just a few days away for the N Scale Rohr Turboliner order deadline. So make sure you get your orders in asap!
We really want to make this model. We just need to know that you want us to make it!
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HO Scale Procor 3000 cu ft Sodium Chlorate Hopper Car
October 17th, 2022
The Rapido HO Scale Procor 3000 cu ft Sodium Chlorate Hopper is the answer to your hungry paper mill on your layout. And to complement these amazing cars, we now have beautiful samples to show! With these samples also comes an order deadline of October 17th, 2022. So scroll down to check them out!
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Those hoppers sure are looking good.
Pre-production samples are subject to revision.
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A nice side view, highlighting the piping.
Pre-production samples are subject to revision.
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Check out all of that detail!
Pre-production samples are subject to revision.
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The HO Scale Sodium Chlorate Hopper features:
- With or without top handrails
- Sparger outlet gates
- Etched walkways
- Separate grab irons installed at the factory
- All-new 100-ton Ride Control trucks with HydraShox hydraulic snubbers
- Etched placards (Side placards packed in polybag)
- Full end cage details
- Accurate paint and lettering
- Rapido semi-scale couplers
- MANY road numbers available for each scheme
- Available in singles or multi-packs
- Multi-packs boxed for individual sale
Only two main schemes on the first run, plus unlettered versions of both styles.
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Click on the sales catalogue for the Procor sodium chlorate hopper by clicking the photo below. It will open up as a pdf file. | |
During the launch of the HO Scale Sodium Chlorate Hopper, we mentioned once a sample is ready we would set an order deadline. Violá! October 17th, 2022 is the day to remember. Until then, make sure you get your orders in for this popular car! | |
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Check out this B50-16 with Murphy Radial roof and wood sides.
Pre-production samples are subject to revision.
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HO Scale Southern Pacific B-50-15 and B-50-16 Boxcar
When the B-50-15 and B-50-16 Boxcar was announced, we wanted to wait until we had samples to show before calling for the order deadline. Well, we now have those samples and the order deadline has been set for: October 17th, 2022.
Ready to see a few samples of this car?
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This is a B-50-15 with Murphy Radial roof and wood sides.
Note the K brakes.
Pre-production samples are subject to revision.
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Here's the B-50-15, with steel sides and a Viking roof.
Note the AB brakes.
Pre-production samples are subject to revision.
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Rapido’s new HO Scale B-50-15 and B-50-16 Boxcar models include a variety of unique details, including:
- Accurate sides in both wood and steel styles
- Viking and Murphy roofs
- Corrugated and Dreadnaught ends
- K- and AB-style brake systems as appropriate
- Separate ladders and grab irons
- All-new T-section trucks
- Free rolling turned metal wheelsets
- Carmer cut levers
- Metal stirrup steps
- Semi-scale couplers
- Accurate paint and lettering
- Each scheme will be available in either three- or six-packs with different numbers on each car. Each pack can be broken up for individual sale.
Scroll on down to check out the schemes and variations on this run.
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With every new product launch comes a new catalog. The HO Scale B-50-15/16 catalog has all of the needed info to help make your ordering decisions. Click the photo below to view it. | |
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Second Section - September 2022
All sorts of videos, upcoming shows and samples to show!
...plus we're HIRING!
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Rapido is Hiring!
Project Manager
Are you the next Gretzky?
We are looking for someone full time to do project design. That means coordinating the design of new models, including creating 2D line drawings of real trains; creating painting diagrams; communicating with the factory (via illustrated PDF documents, email and Teams); and working with the project management team here. Required skills include:
- must be proficient in 2D drawing using Adobe Illustrator or Corel
- must be a train nut and know a lot about trains
- must be able to work with Adobe Creative Suite (specifically InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop and Acrobat) and MS Office
- must have graphic design skills
- must be an excellent communicator - written, oral, and in silly videos
- must be able to translate measurements into drawings
- must be very detail-oriented and be able to spot and fix mistakes
- must be organized and be able to work to a tight deadline
- must be a team player
- must be able to count rivets
- being a Star Trek or Doctor Who fan is a valuable asset
- can you say "Mr. Crusher!" in a studly British accent?
- being able to list every third and fourth doctor story – in order – will guarantee you an A+ in Jason's interview. Further to that–
MOHAN: We'd like to inform you that Jason is no longer involved in the hiring process. Please disregard the last three bullet points.
JASON: Hey!
BOBBY: I'm staying out of this. If you are the right candidate for the job, please click here to learn more!
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We're Leaving Our Hearts in San Francisco!
Rapido is coming to the Bay Area! Josh, Jordan and Matt will be at the 50 Years of BART celebration of Bay Area Rapid Transit on September 10th. Join us, as well as other vendors and displays, at the Lake Merritt BART Station plaza in Oakland between 11am and 4pm. We'll be there to answer your questions about our newly-announced HO Scale BART trains, as well as show off some of our other products. Come out and meet the team!
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California Southern Model Railroad Club Meet and Greet
On September 14, Matt and Jordan will be holding a public "Meet and Greet" at the California Southern Model Railroad Club between 4-8 PM Pacific in Norwalk (Los Angeles County). Stop by and say hello! We'll also be bringing along several new tooling samples and talking about the latest product announcements.
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Rapido will be attending the Otter Valley Railroad open house event this September 10 from 10 AM to 5 PM! If you're in the area, make sure to stop by and talk with the team and have a look at our latest product samples!
Here's the address: 37 Tillson St. Unit E Tillsonburg, Ontario Canada N4G 0B7
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Rapido will be attending the 60th annual New Haven Railroad Historical and Technical Association, Inc. reunion and train show this September 10 at the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat museum in Essex, Connecticut! Make sure to stop by for a chat with Bill and have a look at our latest samples. Everyone is welcome to attend!
More show info can be found on the NHRHTA website here: https://www.nhrhta.org/reunion
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Have you watched our August Unboxing video? No?! Then here's your chance to check it out. Click here or the photo above to watch! | |
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Want to see a short informative video about the N Scale B-100 boxcar?
Click here to watch Jordan discuss all of the finer points on this excellent car!
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Shipping and Arrival Updates
LOTS of new items are arriving, both at your dealer or to our warehouse soon! What could they be? Let's find out:
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Factory and Tooling Updates
Have a look at some of the latest photos from our factories!
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YES! The D-10 Ten Wheeler is almost here!
This is a final pre-production sample. The factory has ordered materials for production and we expect delivery in the first half of 2023.
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Those E8 Loco shells are ready to go! Well, minus the chassis, motor, glass, details... OK, they are not ready to go. They are just shells!
They will be ready later this month.
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Trays of E8 Loco chassis, piled high. | |
Waiting for the blue and red striping to be applied on this Power Car. | |
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That's a lot of Turboliner seats!
Does anyone else make seats this detailed in HO scale?
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Ordering UK products - All You Needed To Know!
Hello mate! If you're a Rapido UK fan living in either Canada or the United States, you can now order products direct from the UK website. That's it. Nothing more, it's that simple.
If you're a UK customer who buys North American models, you can order those off the Rapido UK website, too! Those UK blokes do it all!
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Model Railroader Q&A With Jason Shron
Our chief bottle washer, Jason Shron, has just been featured in a Q&A on the Model Railroader website. This short article will give you a glimpse into some of his insights about the hobby and contains some good advice both for those of you new to model railroading as well as seasoned veterans. We highly recommend it! Please click here to read.
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This closes out September's newsletter. In less than a month spooky season will be here and so will more exciting announcements. Stay tuned! And don't forget our Live Stream on October 3rd!
Until then,
Bobby
Bobby Allard
The Grand Poohbah of Newsletter
and Marketing Officer
Rapido Trains Inc.
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USA: PO Box 796, Higganum, CT 06441
Canada: 500 Alden Road, Unit 21, Markham, ON L3R 5H5
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Check out our YouTube channel, Facebook page and Twitter! | | | | | |
