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Rapido Newsletter Vol. 170
©2023 Rapido Trains Inc.
Click here to view as webpage.
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Dear Rapido Customer,
It's the long hot smoky days of summer. Let's cool it off with a brand-new passenger car and a few order deadlines. So, Rapido News 170...starts...right...NOW!
New Announcement!
- HO Scale Southern Pacific Dome Lounge Car
- Introducing Mo-Power
- HobbyTyme Exclusive 44-Tonner Locomotives
July Order Deadlines - July 17th, 2023
- HO Scale MLW M420 Locomotive - BC Rail and P&W Versions
- HO Scale Canadian Piggyback Flat Cars
- HO Scale Canadian Trailers
- N Scale Canadian Passenger Train Sets
General Announcements
- No August Order Deadlines!
- N Scale Wide Vision Caboose - Number Change / MILW
- Potential Delays In Shipping
Second Section
- New Videos
- Upcoming Shows
- New Arrivals / Shipping Dates
- Factory and Tooling Updates
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NEW! HO Scale Southern Pacific Dome Lounge
Rapido Trains Inc. is excited to announce the conditional release of Southern Pacific’s home built Dome Lounge cars! These were commonly referred by fans as "3/4 Dome Cars" due to their unique abrupt end with the dome before the end of the actual car. For years these cars only existed in brass iterations, now you have the ability to make them become a plastic reality!
Before we go any further, we need to mention that because of the complexity of the project, we are offering this as a Conditional Release. If we get enough reservations by the early bird deadline of October 16, 2023 then the project will get the green light. To sweeten the deal, any orders placed before that date (October 16) will receive a 5% pre-order discount!
| SP 3604 sits in the shops getting work done. Southern Pacific photo, Bob Zenk collection. | |
SP built one Dome Lounge prototype and six production Dome Lounge cars between 1954 and 1955. All were built new in the railroad’s Sacramento General Shops, using select frame pieces from various retired Pullman-Standard prewar “Daylight” cars. The Budd Company supplied the dome structure as a kit. Essentially, these cars were new construction using salvaged frame pieces for accounting purposes. Another reason for using retired cars was that SP’s foundry couldn’t roll a long enough center sill and no one could supply one quickly enough.
These cars were introduced into service on the "San Joaquin" and "Shasta Daylights" and the "Overland", but they later saw wider service. Originally built with fluted side panels, the cars were modified by the SP with slab sides in the 1960s. At least four of these cars lasted into the Amtrak era. The interiors of the cars featured a bar/lounge on the lower level and one of two different configurations of seating on the upper level. In part because of the varied origins of the donor cars, underbody configurations also changed.
|  | Amtrak's iteration of the Dome Lounge car. Photo courtesy of Craig Walker. | Alright, enough information! Check out the renders, which were produced from the actual CAD design that we will be using. | The attention to detail on these cars is outstanding. | The "Daylight" version, showing off the different details of underbody A. | Here is underbody B, which has many different details. | |
Rapido’s development crew includes a team of firsthand SP Dome Lounge
experts, authors, and an actual SP Dome Lounge car owner, providing hands-on research and deep personal experience with the cars since new. The model has been fully designed and includes two different interiors, two underbody arrangements, and either corrugated or stepped smooth sides!
| SP 3604's classy interior. Note the wall art, which we will feature on ALL cars! Southern Pacific photo, Bob Zenk collection. | And now the render, which shows the attention to the interior details. Yes! This is our actual design CAD. | This is interior B, with upper level coach seating. | And here is interior A, with additional booth seating in the upper level. | |
Ready to see the other details of Rapido's SP Dome Lounge car? Here they are:
- Designed from original blueprints and field measurements
- Two fully-detailed interior configurations
- Multi-color interior decoration
- Two underbody arrangements
- Accurate paint and lettering
- Full flicker-free track-powered interior lighting
- Lighting (prototypically) in the dome roof
- Accurate free rolling trucks
- Metal magnetic knuckle couplers
And now for the schemes! Scroll down to check them out.
| Check out the SP Dome Lounge catalog below, by click the photo. It will open as a PDF. | |
Are you ready to order your HO Scale SP Dome Lounge car? Because of the conditionality of this announcement, please don't wait to order! This is a must-have car for the "Espee" and passenger car fans alike. | |
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Introducing Mo--Power
Ever experience a loss of power? Experience it no more with the all-new "Mo-Power" capacitor. Designed by Rapido with the guidance of ESU LokSound, this handy electrical component, which is integrated with the main PCB board, ensures you run uninterrupted from a momentary loss of track power. It will provide anywhere from two to five seconds of juice, depending on the Rapido locomotive.
"Mo-Power" will appear in these projects, as well as future Rapido locomotives:
- HO Scale H1A and B Hudson Steam Locomotive
- HO Scale D-10 Steam Locomotive
- HO Scale 44-Tonner
- HO Scale Dash 8-40CM Locomotive
But don't take our word, watch the video to find out more! Click here, the photo above or below to watch.
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EXCLUSIVE! HobbyTyme 44-Tonner Locomotives
HobbyTyme Distributors will be offering an exclusive run of HO Scale 44-Tonners. Three awesome and unique roadnames will be available exclusive through HobbyTyme and their dealers. Check out the three paint schemes listed in the photo below. As mentioned above, the new Mo-Power capacitor will also be featured on these locomotives.
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Need info on HobbyTyme dealers? Any dealer can order these locomotives direct from HobbyTyme. You can find a list of HobbyTyme dealers by clicking here. Then, check out the sales catalog below for more info. | |
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HO Scale MLW M420 Locomotive - BC Rail and P&W Versions
The BC and P&W M420 Locomotives are set for the July 17th, 2023 order deadline. Before we send it off, check out the new video to accompany these awesome models. Click here, the photo above or below to watch.
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Now ready to check out the BC and P&W M420 Locomotive samples? Here come the BC versions. | Correct rebuilt steps, rock and ditch lights and K5 horn on the bell bracket. | Note the correct K5H horn configuration! | |
That B-unit sure looks good. | |
Here's the two-tone green 3D render. | |
And the red, white and blue version. | |
Scroll down to check out the BC Rail M420 Locomotives being offered this time around. And we must note: The BC versions now have CORRECTED B-unit artwork for the two-tone green schemes, right down to the road number sets. | |
DL 2045 sits in Portland, Penn., ready to turn PT-97 back towards Scranton. | |
Now in silver! The lighter color highlights all of the neat features of the P&W versions. | |
Those AAR trucks look superb. | |
The rear end is the best ends. And we are doing BOTH rear headlight versions: vertical and horizontal. | The parallelogram scheme was certainly eye catching | Scroll down to check out the two P&W variants of the M420 Locomotives being offered. | Don't forget the Spring Creek Model Trains exclusive run! They are offering all three of the Iowa Interstate road numbers, 800-802. Head over to Spring Creek's website to order yours today! | Let's not forget the other M420s that went to Ontario Southland! Numbers 641, 644, 646 and 647 went to the OSR and fortunately for those fans, Otter Valley Railroad is running an exclusive for 644, 646 and 647! Click here to check them out. |  | |
Just in case that was too much stuff and you skipped right to the features, here they are, but in list form. First the new features of the HO Scale M420:
- BC Rail has correct fuel tank size and location, four rock lights (in nose and pilot) and rebuilt steps
- B-units are available as part of an A-B set or in one special B-B set.
- P&W version has correct AAR type B trucks and headlight variation
Plus the usual features of the M420s:
- 3D scanned from an actual M420. This is as close to real as it gets!
- MR-20b and MR-20c classes available in the first run
- Rapido’s innovative dead straight metal side handrails with plastic stanchions
- Incredible underframe detail including traction motor cables and other piping, re-railer and a silly number of separately applied parts
- Two or three panel radiators, louvered or large opening electrical cabinet door, open or closed truck bearings
- Separate grab irons and handrails installed at the factory
- Operating headlights, rear lights, tri-colour class lights and illuminated cab control stand
- Highly detailed cab interior with optional open front door
- DC/Silent (21-pin DCC Ready) or DC/DCC/ESU LokSound
Click the photo below to check out the M420 PDF catalogue.
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Ready, set, GO! Get those last minute orders in for the very successful M420 Locomotives. | |
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HO Scale Canadian Piggyback Flatcars
Have you seen the HO Scale Canadian Piggyback Flatcar video yet? If you haven't, then click here or the photo above to watch.
Before we continue, friendly reminder that these cars were not limited to the Northlands. They were often seen all throughout the United States, as far west as California and all the way up through New York state and into Maine. They traveled in large cuts and in solid TOFC-intermodal consists, but also would be mixed into manifests. The cars are a lot shorter than normal TOFC 89’ flatcars, thus making them more versatile and able to navigate tighter curves. Which in turn, makes them every bit as versatile for your home layout!
OK, enough talk, here's some more model shots.
| We know we've showed this a bunch of times, but we still can't get enough of the see-through grating on the deck. | We said something before about the rear-ends being the best ends and we mean it! | |
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Here are the HO Scale Canadian Piggyback Flatcar features:
- Drawn from original blueprints
- Two totally unique designs for CN and CP
- Artworks sourced from original design drawings
- Heavy die-cast centre sill
- Photo-etched deck surface
- Two styles of hitches; upright and collapsed
- Wire grab irons
- Barber S2 roller bearing trucks with metal wheels
- Rapido semi-scale metal knuckle couplers
Check out all two schemes being offered. In case you might have forgotten, there are only CN and CP.
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Check out the catalogue for the HO scale flatcars by clicking the photo below. | The HO Scale Canadian Piggyback Flatcars certainly will fit right in on any layout! With the pre-order deadline just a few days away on July 17th, 2023, don't miss out! | |
Something about rear- never mind. | |
Don't forget to check out the Trailer sales catalogue, in PDF from, by clicking the photo below. | July 17th, 2023, is just around the corner. So round up all of your Canadian Trailer orders and hand them over. Then, get your model warehouses ready for an influx of trailers! | |
You could own this set! But you have to order. | |
Check out the PDF sales catalogue by clicking the image below. | |
Ready to showcase that awesome N Scale Passenger Set? Not so fast there. We need to get the pre-orders in before we can proceed. So, order early, order often! Remember, the deadline is July 17th, which will also get you a 5% early-bird discount. | |
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General Announcements
Welcome to the all-new, General Announcements section of the newsletter. We'll be discussing pressing topics that are just slightly more important than the Second Section...or more so, a spot where the writer of the newsletter had no idea where to put these announcements.
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No August Pre-Order Deadlines!
That's right, you heard correctly! There are no August pre-order deadlines set. This means grab a drink, pull a chair up to the pool and relax this summer!
We'll see you in August to announce the September pre-order deadlines.
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N Scale Wide Vision Caboose - Number Change / MILW
It was brought to our attention that some of the numbers picked for the N Scale Milwaukee Road Wide Vision Caboose would cause some numbering issues. We have gone ahead and made some changes to these numbers as follows:
Item number: 510031, (original road number: 992302) is now road number: 992300
Item number: 510032, (original road number: 992305) is now road number: 992301
Check them out in the updated PDF catalog below.
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Potential Delays In Shipping
We're currently monitoring the potential for delays within shipping, as the Pacific port workers are currently on strike. As we receive a large number of our inbound shipments through the western ports, some of our future shipments may incur delays. We'll keep everyone updated as the situation progresses.
NOTE: Just as we get ready to send this off, we received notification that a deal has been reached to end the 13-day strike. However there will be a fair amount of residual delays over the coming weeks as they clear the backlog.
As a courtesy, we also want to remind our customers that use UPS that there is also a looming strike. While not ideal, an alternative shipping carrier may need to be used for the time being. Most of our outbound shipments are through FedEx, but we wanted everyone to be aware.
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Second Section - July 2023
Lots of new topics to show off. Here comes the Second Section for July 2023. Off we go!
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New Sponsorship - Railroad Model Craftsman Kitbashing Award
Over an exciting 50-year run, Railroad Model Craftsman co-sponsored a monthly contest with a hobby tool manufacturer to promote kitbashing skills and creative model design and construction. Launched by then-editor Tony Koester in 1972, more than 400 contest winners have since published in the pages of RMC. With the corporate sponsor making their unannounced departure in 2022, the model contest was suspended.
Rapido Trains is proud to announce their sponsorship of the revived RMC/Rapido Kitbashing Award. The model contest will be published on a bi-monthly basis starting in 2024. "Rapido has a strong commitment to the hobby, and our sponsorship of this contest is a natural extension of our own interests," said Jason Shron, president and CEO of Rapido Trains. "As a life-long model railroader with a very specific interest in VIA Rail passenger trains, kitbashing was the only way I was able to replicate prototypes that were not available otherwise."
The rules for submitting projects for consideration are simple and remain largely the same since 1972. Entries must consist of at least two sharp, well-lit photos of the finished project, and at least three in-progress photos. A photo of the prototype inspiration should also be included if available. Models must use at least 50% commercial components, which can also include 3-D printed parts. Accompanying text should be between 1,500-2,000 words and explain the prototype background and your process to build the model. Rolling stock, structures, and vehicles are all eligible for consideration. Winners will receive a $500 credit to redeem in exchange for products available from Rapido's online store.
Published monthly by White River Productions, Railroad Model Craftsman is currently celebrating its 90th year of publication, with a focus on the craftsman hobbyist who enjoys building things with his own hands. The magazine has long been a showcase for the best in scale modeling, reaching all eras and skill levels. "We're excited to have Rapido as our new contest sponsor, and grateful for their support of the hobby," said RMC Editor Otto Vondrak. "We are looking forward to reviving this important part of our magazine's heritage, and encourage a new generation of modelers to put their best foot forward."
Sample photos of contest entries should directed to kitbashing@rrmodelcraftsman.com for consideration. Unused entries may be considered for future editions of RMC's "Boomer Trail" gallery. While there is no limit to the number of entries, modelers are only eligible to win one prize each year.
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New Video - The RTL Turboliner Unboxing on Dave Abeles' Layout!
Get ready for an action-packed video that includes our brand-new HO Scale RTL Turboliner and its debut on Dave Abeles' Onondaga Cutoff Layout. Click here or the photo above to watch!
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St. Louis RPM - July 28th-29th, 2023
Ready for 2023's St. Louis RPM? This year it is once again at the Gateway Center, in Collinsville, Illinois. Come meet Bill and Dan D. and see the samples!
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NMRA National Show 2023 - The Texas Express - August 25th, 26th and 27th, 2023
We'll be at the NMRA National Show in Grapevine, Texas at the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center. This is our first National Train Show in in a looooong time, so gather up your nostalgia and meet us in Texas. See you in August!
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Rapido Open House - Essex Steam Train & Riverboat!
Are you ready for our next US Open House? We're hosting it at the Valley Railroad, home of the Essex Steam Train and Riverboat in Essex, Connecticut, over two days in October.
- Sunday, October 15th, 11AM to 4PM, is our general public Rapido Meet and Greet. No need to RSVP. Just come to the railroad as normal (no admission fee is required) and you'll find our display. We look forward to seeing you in person!
- Monday, October 16th, 10AM to 4PM, 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 (Time TBD) 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 in Essex, Connecticut, in October!
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Shipping and Arrival Updates
LOTS of new items are arriving soon! What could they be? Let's find out:
In-Stock NOW!
Headed to Our Warehouse:
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Get those passenger consists ready! | |
The original paint scheme of the FPA-2u locomotives. | |
Lots of detail on those N scale Flexi-Flos. | |
Ready for Midwest service. | |
The BN RS-11, which is an ex-NP unit. | |
Factory and Tooling Updates | |
They're almost here! The RSC-14, a Maritime miracle. | |
The RSC-14 locomotive sure looks spiffy. | |
The CN Noodle scheme looks great. | |
A classic consist: CP Angus Van and an RS-18u. | |
Minnesota Commercial's bright red RS-18u. | |
A fan favo(u)rite! The Ontario Southland RS-18u. | |
The Bath & Hammondsport version. | |
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Next month there will be no pre-order deadlines, but we still want you to tune in as we will announce September's pre-order deadlines as well as more info on the dealer open house and maybe a surprise or two!
Until next time,
Bobby Allard
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! | | | | |
