|
Dear Rapido Customer,
It's time for another newsletter! This month we bring you a small critter locomotive and plenty of photos. So, without further ado, Rapido News 164...starts...right...NOW!
New Announcements!
- NEW! HO Scale GE 44-Tonner Locomotive
General Announcements - Order Deadline Change
- HO Scale Dash 8-40CM - Moved to May 15th, 2023
- B&O USRA Single-Sheathed Boxcar Body Replacement
In-Stock Items!
- HO Scale 3800 Cylindrical Hoppers
- HO Scale Caprice and Impala Vehicles
February Order Deadlines - February 15th, 2023
- HO Scale NSC 73' Centerbeam Car
- HO Scale Union Pacific 40' ACR Boxcars
- HO Scale GN 12-Panel 40' Boxcar
- N Scale NSC 73' Centerbeam Car
- N Scale CN/ONR Short and Long Barrel Ore Hopper
Second Section
- Upcoming Shows
- New Arrivals / Shipping Dates
- Factory and Tooling Updates
- EVENT! A Talk With Jason Shron in Winnipeg
| |
|
NEW! HO Scale GE 44-Tonner Locomotive
The little engine that could! Rapido Trains is proud to present the GE 44-Tonner Locomotive, all tricked-out! Ever have loaded baked potato? Well this is a lot like it! The Rapido-ized version of the 44-Tonner has all of the bells and whistles, including a bell and whistle. But before we dive into the details, let's take a quick look at the history.
| |
YES! That's a Slumbercoach tucked in behind that 44-Tonner. A little cross-marketing and we would like to thank DRGW for doing this for us. Don Swanson photo, courtesy of the Kevin EuDaly collection. | |
Commonly called “44-Tonners,” these locomotives' compact design was driven by a 1937 labor agreement with the railroad unions that specified that all locomotives over 90,000 pounds required the use of a fireman. So, in true slight-of-hand railroad fashion, GE engineers designed these locos with a target weight of 44-tons (88,000 pounds). The end result allowed the railroads to only use an engineer, thus saving crew costs. They were perfect for light switching, industrial and shop use. | |
Looks good in stripes! Stuart J. Sutton photo, courtesy of the Kevin EuDaly collection. | |
|
Built in several variations between 1940 and 1956, more than 300 GE 44-ton locomotives were produced. The 44-Tonners saw service throughout North
America (Canada, USA and Mexico), as well in Australia, Cuba, India, France, Saudi Arabia, the Dominican Republic and Uruguay. The United States Navy and Air Force also owned a number of these locos. Many continued in operation with successive owners in industrial and shortline service. Numerous examples have been preserved.
OK, enough jibber-jabber. Let's quickly go over the phases we are offering on the initial run.
- Phase Ic - Flat ends, side mounted radiator shutters.
- Phase III - Radiator shutters on end, longitudinal hood-top hatches.
- Phase IV - Radiator shutters on end, longitudinal opening on hood-tops.
NOTE: Phases I and III have never been offered in plastic before!
| |
These are the Phase Ic 44-Tonners.
Preproduction samples subject to revision.
| |
A side angle view of the Phase Ic.
Preproduction samples subject to revision.
| |
These center cabs will be the center of attention! This is the Phase III version.
Preproduction samples subject to revision.
| |
This is the Phase IV version.
Preproduction samples subject to revision.
| A top down view of the Phase III 44-Tonner. By the way, just like the prototype, the hatches can be open for ventilation! Preproduction samples subject to revision. | |
We have used die-cast as much as we can for added weight.
Preproduction samples subject to revision.
| |
|
The Rapido Trains HO scale GE 44-Tonner locomotive features:
- Multiple phases and detail variations
- Phase Ic (never offered before in plastic) both with and without lighted hood side number boards
- Phase III (also never offered before in plastic) with positionable top hood hatches
- Phase IV
- Heavy, die-cast chassis and fuel tank
- Correct fuel tank skirting in two styles
- Separately-applied door latches
- Full cab interior
- Photo-etched cab steps
- Smooth running, strong coreless motor with dual flywheels
- DC models are DCC ready with NEXT-18 decoder socket and speakers
- DCC models are sound equipped with ESU decoders and sounds and include our own “Mo-Power” power capacitor
And why not see ALL of the schemes being offered on the first run? Scroll down to check them out! We even have painted, unlettered versions for your industry or short line!
| |
|
Here's something you can contribute to!
One of the many organizations that own a 44-Tonner today is the Ontario & Western Railway Historical Society, in this case ex-NYO&W 44-Tonner #105. A group of volunteers from the society are currently restoring it back to operating condition at the Steamtown shops in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Rapido is pleased to support their efforts by donating 5% of the sales of all O&W 44-Tonner models to the O&WRHS to be used in this effort. Further information about #105 can be found clicking here.
| |
|
We would also like to introduce an exclusive from Trainworld! They are taking orders for the Long Island Rail Road's one and only 44-tonner, #400. The 400 wears the "Tichy" scheme with a modified "one-of-a-kind" herald on the cab. This is a must-get for any LIRR fan!
Check out more by clicking here or the photo below.
| Wearing a one-of-a-kind logo, the Tichy scheme never looked so good! | |
Check out the catalog by clicking on the photo below. | |
As of right now, we do not have an order deadline for the HO Scale GE 44-Tonner. But we plan on announcing one shortly, so please order away and keep an eye out for that date in a future newsletter! | |
|
General Announcements - Order Deadline Change
The HO Scale Dash 8-40CM originally carried an April order deadline. PLEASE NOTE we are pushing it back to MAY 15th, 2023. We are doing so to show off the samples at Supertrain in Calgary as well as to avoid over-loading the April order deadlines. Until then, please continue ordering!
Here is the updated sales catalogue for the HO Scale Dash 8-40CM.
| |
|
HO Scale B&O USRA Single-Sheathed Boxcar Body Replacement
Back in the fall of 2022 we delivered our HO scale USRA Single-Sheathed boxcars including several cars lettered for the Baltimore & Ohio. After delivery, it was discovered that the body shell color did not correctly match the sample we provided to the factory and as a result we have produced replacement shells to correct the issue.
If you purchased any of these cars (Item #142002) and would like a replacement shell, please contact us by replying to this email but change the subject to “B&O boxcar.” Let us know how many shells you require and which road numbers. You will need to provide proof of purchase (either with a receipt or a photo of the box label), your mailing address and a daytime phone number.
We will also have the replacement shells available from our booth at the Amherst Society Train Show in Springfield, Massachusetts this weekend (January 28th and the 29th, 2023). If you would like to pick up shells there, please bring your old shell along to exchange. If you’ll be bringing your B&O shell for exchange, please have the shell separated from the chassis beforehand.
| |
|
HO Scale NSC 73' Centerbeam Car
The HO Scale NSC 73' Centerbeam Car is actually selling really, really well. We're delighted from the response we've received. Thank you to everyone who has preordered!
We got these new samples just the other day and rushed to photograph them for you. Note they still have masking tape labels from the factory. Rest assured your models will not have blobs of masking tape on them
| |
These centerbeams will be the center of attention!
Preproduction samples subject to revision.
| |
High detail on the ends, too
Preproduction samples subject to revision.
| |
Looking on from the B-end of the car.
Preproduction samples subject to revision.
| |
The standard closed pattern top truss.
Preproduction samples subject to revision.
| |
The early Z-pattern top truss.
Preproduction samples subject to revision.
| |
Those crossbeams are mesmerizing.
Preproduction samples subject to revision.
| |
Big time detail on an important car.
Preproduction samples subject to revision.
| Check out all of the roads being offered in the first run below. | Here is the NSC Centerbeam catalog. Check it out by clicking the photo which will open in PDF format. | |
The HO Scale 73' NSC Centerbeam is one car you won't want to miss. Whether it's hauling a load of lumber or in a string of empties, it will certainly look good on your layout. Get your preorders in by February 15th! | |
|
HO Scale Union Pacific 40' ACR Boxcars
Next is the HO Scale Union Pacific 40' "ACR" Boxcar. Bill painted up our latest sample and he's photographed it on his gorgeous O&W layout.
These are going into production alongside the GN boxcar. More on that below.
| |
|
A famous slogan, not to be missed with those giant letters.
Note: Hand painted sample, details are subject to revision.
| |
Here's the sales catalog: | OK, UP fans. We've said this before and it's still true. The GN boxcars are outselling the UP boxcars by a country mile. Show some UP pride and order some for your fleet! Click here for more info. | |
|
HO Scale GN 12-Panel 40' Boxcar
Next up is the HO Scale GN 12-Panel 40' Boxcar. We have an update on this project. Bill found a couple of mistakes in the tooling. As it's not too late, we are correcting the issues. When the factory opens next week we'll make the tooling modifications, which should only take a few weeks. The cars will go into production as soon as those modifications are complete and our contacts at the GNRHS have signed off on them. We want to make sure these are as accurate as possible, even if it means a last-minute tooling revision.
| |
|
Both variations: roof walks and the later removed version.
Note: These 3D renders have not yet had the rivets revised.
| |
Rocky asks if you've seen the sales catalog for the GN Boxcars? If not, click the photo below to open the PDF. | |
|
N Scale NSC 73' Centerbeam Car
The N Scale NSC 73' Centerbeam also closes out on February 15th, 2023. Check out the video by clicking here or the photo above. We also just received new samples and here are a bunch of photos!
| |
|
Looking good!
Preproduction samples subject to revision.
| |
|
Here we see the B end of the car.
Preproduction samples subject to revision.
| |
|
A full-on view of the Z-pattern top truss car.
Preproduction samples subject to revision.
| |
|
Looking on from the A end of the car.
Preproduction samples subject to revision.
| |
|
The black sheep of the bunch.
Preproduction samples subject to revision.
| |
|
Here's the closed pattern top truss.
Preproduction samples subject to revision.
| |
|
Note the metal flooring. These cars will have good weight!
Preproduction samples subject to revision.
| |
|
The Z-pattern top truss.
Preproduction samples subject to revision.
| |
And lastly, how could we not include our Dash 8-40Cm pulling a string of these cars? | |
Here are the paint schemes: | |
The N Scale NSC Centerbeam catalog has all of the info you need to order. Click the photo below to open up the PDF. | |
I have good news, my N scale chums! These are selling like hotcakes and are OUTSELLING the HO models! But it's close! Please keep it up and let's see if the N scale production will be larger than the HO production, which will be a first for Rapido. Click here for more info. | |
|
N Scale Barrel Ore Hopper
The Barrel Ore Hoppers have an order deadline of February 15th, 2023. Before we go any further, we want to mention that orders have been a bit low so far. That being said, we still have a few more weeks to go, but let's get this car rolling! Our resident N scalers are really excited to see this car into production and the better sales are, the more N scale we can produce! (Yes, I was told to write that by our resident N scalers...)
OK, with that said and out of the way, click here or the photo above to watch the video! Then hurry back to check out the neat renders and sample photos we have.
| |
Both long and short barrel cars.
Note: details are subject to revision.
| |
Lots of detail on these cars - and don't forget that's N scale!
Note: details are subject to revision.
| |
|
Here is the long barrel car.
Note: details are subject to revision.
| |
|
Look at that color and variety!
Note: 3D renders, details are subject to revision.
| |
Alright, N scalers. Let's show this car some love! Every time we announce a car in HO we get dozens of requests for it in N scale. We've listened to you, but we need you to order them so we can justify the tooling costs. So please order today! Click here for more info or to order direct. | |
|
Second Section - January 2023
Lots of new photos, arrivals and a show! Here comes the Second Section for January 2023. Off we go!
| |
|
Upcoming Shows
Can you believe the Amherst Railway Society's "Railroad Hobby Show" is this weekend? Come visit the Rapido booth in the Mallory Hall to see all of the samples we have, plus the ENTIRE R&D team! That's on January 28th and the 29th, 2023 (this weekend) at the Big E in West Springfield, Massachusetts. See you there!
| |
|
Shipping and Arrival Updates
LOTS of new items are arriving soon! What could they be? Let's find out:
| |
|
And now for the best road on the E-unit on the run: New York Central. Road to the future!
(Ed: Says y
| |
E-L E8, ready to take a train to Buffalo. | |
The gray, yellow and maroon scheme looks good on the EL E-units. | |
A side on view of the VIA E-unit. Early VIA Rail was a wild mix of power! | |
Check out the Otter Valley Railroad VIA E-units. Click here to find out more. | |
|
Remember, the HO Scale Bulkheads aren't just a Canadian model.
Here are the BNSF versions.
| |
An Iowa, Chicago & Eastern HO Scale Bulkhead - which was once a British Columbia-owned car. | |
Square handrails! A first!
| |
|
Factory and Tooling Updates
To say this next part is photo intense is an understatement! Get ready for OVER 50 photos of samples!
First up is HO Scale GP38s.
| |
|
That's the NS GP38 on the left and the CR on the right.
Preproduction samples subject to revision.
| |
Lots of detail on the GP38s. Preproduction samples subject to revision. | |
Another angle of the NS and CR GP38s. Preproduction samples subject to revision. | |
|
Note the class light covers on the NS GP38.
Preproduction samples subject to revision.
| |
All sorts of road-specific details on this GP38. Preproduction samples subject to revision. | |
|
Note the correct contours of the fuel tank on the GP38.
Preproduction samples subject to revision.
| |
The most detailed GP38 on the market? Preproduction samples subject to revision. | |
|
Designed for looks and operation, here are the GP38 trucks.
Preproduction samples subject to revision.
| |
See-through fans, no gimmicks on the GP38s. Preproduction samples subject to revision. | |
|
The PC and CR GP38s have the correct two-strap cab signal box.
Preproduction samples subject to revision.
(Production models will not have a crooked horn!)
| |
|
A side shot of the GP38. Preproduction samples subject to revision.
(Again, production models will not have a crooked horn. Can you tell we were rushing to take these photos before the Springfield show?)
| |
Here's a side view of the NS GP38. Preproduction samples subject to revision. | |
|
Note the walkway lights on the side of the hood of the NS GP38.
Preproduction samples subject to revision.
| |
|
Note the strobes and extra details on the GP9RM slug mother.
Preproduction samples subject to revision.
| |
This is the regular GP9RM loco. Preproduction samples subject to revision. | |
|
A top down view of the GP9RM blanked out dynamic brake hatch.
Preproduction samples subject to revision.
| |
|
Etched steps, fan blades and more make up this HO Scale GP9RM.
Preproduction samples subject to revision.
| |
|
Remember, the HO Scale Slug features a fully functioning motor.
Preproduction samples subject to revision.
| |
|
The HO Scale Slug is full of details! Preproduction samples subject to revision.
This is such an awesome shot! Look at all that STUFF!
| |
|
Check out the underbody of the HO Scale Slug.
Preproduction samples subject to revision.
| |
A rugged looking D10. These are in production now. | |
|
A Talk With Jason Shron in Winnipeg
Where?
Canad Inns, Polo Park
When?
February 15th, 7 p.m. CDT
Come see our Chief Bottle Washer, Jason, talk about matters at hand. The meet and greet will be hosted by the Winnipeg Model Railroad Club. This event is open to members as well as non-members. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend!
Check out https://www.canadinns.com/stay/polo-park/ for directions.
See you then!
| |
|
Another action-packed newsletter comes to a close. We'll be rolling back next month with some order deadline updates and announcements. In the meantime, keep those order deadline dates in mind.
Until next time,
King Bob
Bobby Allard
Marketing Officer
The Grandest Poobah of Newsletter
Rapido Trains, Inc.
| |
USA: PO Box 796, Higganum, CT 06441
Canada: 500 Alden Road, Unit 21, Markham, ON L3R 5H5
| |
Check out our YouTube channel, Facebook page and Twitter! | | | | |
