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Rapido Newsletter Vol. 215
©2025 Rapido Trains Inc.
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Dear Rapido Customer,
Does it feel like it's only been a week since our last newsletter? That's because it has! This month we're harvesting up some fresh Fall order deadlines. So cozy up by the fire and grab your hot cocoa — we have some deadline news and updates to share!
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In the 215th issue...
- November Order Deadlines
- December Order Deadlines
- New Opportunity: Help Us Scenic Our Layout!
- Rapido and Me
- New Videos
- Events and Shows
- Tooling, Factory and Shipping Updates
If you are using a web-based email service such as Gmail, be sure to click on the link near the bottom of the email that says something like "[Message clipped] View entire message". That will ensure you don't miss any of this newsletter.
Please note that all renders, pre-production samples and artwork are subject to change before the final product release.
| | If a picture is worth a thousand words... | | ...This one's worth a million! Jeff, the PM for the CTA 'L,' took this fantastic shot in Chicago. It's set against a late afternoon backdrop, with thankfully no rain or snow (unrealistic, we know!). This photo really captures the essence of our CTA project perfectly: the elevated track, the cars and the scene itself. We can't wait to announce an order deadline for these cars soon. Look for that in an upcoming newsletter. | | |
Order Deadline: November 17th, 2025
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November Order Deadline Video
We have a quick overview of our deadlines for November in this week's video! Click here or the photo above to watch. We'll have more detailed videos on these order deadlines in the coming weeks. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for regular updates.
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HO Scale MLW S-13 and RS-23 Locomotives
The HO Scale Montreal Locomotive Works S-13 and RS-23 is a fan favourite locomotive! These small but powerful switchers were the backbone of Canadian railroads for over 40 years.
We'll have a more detailed video showing these locomotives coming in the next couple of weeks. Keep checking our YouTube page for that.
| The top radiator is see-through. You can actually see the cooling pipes that traverse the length of the opening. Just below that are angled shutters! | |
The have orders definitely gone up for these locos, but with that said, this doesn't mean you should stop ordering the HO Scale S-13 and RS-23s. It now appears Minnesota Commercial is no longer the most reserved scheme. This is great news, as those Canadian roads sure do have some nice schemes!
We also want to make these the most successful new locomotives of 2025! S-13 and RS-23 fans, there's still some more work to be done, so let's keep it going!
| Note the etched-metal steps with the rolled edge, just like the real deal! | |
Did you see the video where Nat explodes an S-13? If you didn't, click here to watch! Don't worry, the loco is OK...we think.
And don't forget to read all about the S-13 and RS-23 in our fantastic masterclass. If you like info, roster variations or just like reading words, click here!
| This is the CN S-13. Check out that unique signal horn on the end of the hood as well as the working fink light on the cab. The CN version also features plain bearing trucks. | |
Here are the HO Scale S-13 and RS-23 Locomotive features:
- Heavy die-cast frame with many separate details
- Correct Canadian-style AAR (Type A or B) or MLW lightweight trucks
- Photo-etched radiator grilles
- Road-specific fuel tanks
- Traction motor details on trucks
- New thinwall cab design with full interior
- Prototypically correct tread patterns on walkways
- CN S-13s feature rooftop strobe "fink light" (strobe light) where appropriate
- Metal grab irons
- Rapido’s innovative dead-straight metal handrails with plastic stanchions
- Rubber air and sanding lines
- MoPower capacitor system for uninterrupted DCC running
- DC/DCC ready or Dual-Mode DC/DCC/Sound (recorded from a real S-13!)
- Suggested minimum radius: 18”
Now check out the schemes for these locomotives!
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Don't Forget About OVR's S-13 and RS-23 Exclusives!
Otter Valley Railroad is offering an exclusive run of S-13s, decorated for the Ontario Southland and Waterloo Central. These are two roads you don't want to miss out on! Click here or the photos below to order them through Otter Valley Railroad.
| These MLW switchers have turned out to be popular locomotives. Don't miss out on reserving your order now — these will absolutely sell out! Order from your favourite dealer or directly through us. | | |
HO Scale GP38 Locomotive
The HO Scale GP38 Locomotives have been a popular topic of discussion for the last year! The deadline is finally coming up and we want to make you know all about the unique details we're offering, as well as variations and paint schemes.
Check out our latest video by clicking here.
| | Above we have the MEC GP38 with the oil bath filters and the hood-mounted bell. | | Have you read our GP38 masterclass? I haven't but I hear it's great! (Ed note: Bobby, I don't think you're supposed to say that.) In fact the legendary Craig Walker wrote an absolute masterpiece. Click here to go check it out. It contains all sorts of historical information, rosters, big words and photos. You won't want to miss it! | | PTC antenna! Yes, for you folks that model uber modern, we put the STI-CO Dual Track antennas on, as well as Dayton-Phoenix HVAC unit — unique to CPKC 2000. | | |
Now for the HO Scale GP38 Locomotive features:
- Measured from a living GP38
- Road-specific details for all six models
- Rapido’s innovative dead straight metal side handrails with plastic stanchions
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Cannon and Company licensed radiator fan designs
- Incredible underframe detail including traction motor cables, air filters and a silly number of separately applied parts
- Road-specific battery box doors
- CPKC 2000 features a STI-CO Dual Track PTC antennas and a Dayton-Phoenix "low profile" HVAC unit
- Operating headlights, rear lights, white class lights, ditch lights and beacons (where appropriate)
- Highly detailed cab interior
- Correct fuel tank sizes per road number
- Multiple styles of stepwells
- See-through, etched steps
- Multiple Blomberg "B" truck sideframes tooled (with and without end brakeshoes and mounts, where appropriate)
- Multiple dynamic-brake hatches and air filters
- DC/Silent (21-pin DCC Ready) or Dual Mode DC/DCC/ESU LokSound
- MoPower capacitor system for uninterrupted DCC power
- Suggested minimum radius: 18”
The schemes for the GP38 sure are colorful.
| | Order the GP38 locomotives from your local hobby shop or directly through us. We know these schemes have a good chance of selling out quickly. Reserve yours now. | | |
HO Scale PRSL Cab GP38 Locomotive
The HO Scale PRSL Cab GP38 Locomotive is also closing out in a few days on November 17th. These distinctive GP38s have been a popular item and you can see why in our sample photos, below.
| The PRSL cab GP38s look amazing! Please note, these samples were rushed for Trainfest, they were assembled with a variety of parts and as such they may not be complete or have various bumps and wear from handling. | Now in case you scrolled straight to the PRSL section like I would have, we want you to know we have a great masterclass on the GP38 locomotives. Click here to find out more about these fascinating, landmark units | |
Those HO Scale PRSL Cab GP38 Locomotive features:
- PRSL “dual control stand” cab - first time in plastic!
- Highly detailed cab interior featuring three separate interiors (large box, double and rebuilt single control stands)
- Road-specific details for each model
- Rapido’s innovative dead straight metal side handrails with plastic stanchions
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Cannon and Company licensed radiator fan designs
- Incredible underframe detail including traction motor cables, air filters and a silly number of separately applied parts
- Operating headlights, rear lights, white class lights AND ditch lights and beacons (where appropriate)
- Separately applied wire grabs
- See-through, etched steps
- Correct fuel tank sizes per road number
- Multiple Blomberg "B" truck sideframes tooled
- Multiple dynamic-brake hatches and air filters (oil bath and paper)
- DC/Silent (21-pin DCC Ready) or Dual Mode DC/DCC/ESU LokSound
- MoPower capacitor system for uninterrupted DCC power
- Suggested minimum radius: 18”
And now for your favorite part: the schemes. Note that the two Conrail schemes shown represent the ex-PRSL and ex-PC built versions.
| | The PRSL Cab GP38s won't last long in the shops or warehouse. Get your orders in through your favorite hobby shop or directly from us. | | |
HO Scale GP39 and GP39 With SWMT Slug Set
The GP39 and GP39 with SWMT Slug Sets are also ready to close out on November 17th! We should be receiving samples soon, which we'll be showing off in a new video in the future. Keep checking our YouTube channel to see when we upload it. Until then, here are some shots of the samples we had on display from Trainfest.
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The GP39 above has the neat CSX-applied RCL box, which houses the remote equipment.
Below are two variations of the GP39. Note the signature hood-mounted bell.
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Check out those licensed Cannon and Company fans!
A nice side view of the GP39, below.
| Here's the SWMT slug. We even have the detailed cable connections as an extra part! And don't forget that the slug is powered, too. | |
Want to know ALL of the GP39 and GP39 with SWMT Slug Sets Features?
Everything is listed here:
- Powered SWMT Slug — a first in plastic!
- First GP39 in plastic!
- Road-specific details for each model
- Rapido’s innovative dead straight metal side handrails with plastic stanchions
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Cannon and Company licensed radiator fan designs
- Incredible underframe detail including traction motor cables, air filters and a whopping amount of separately applied parts
- Road-specific battery box doors
- Operating headlights, rear lights, white class lights, ditch lights and beacons (where appropriate)
- Highly detailed cab interior
- Correct fuel tank sizes per road number
- Multiple styles of stepwells
- See-through, etched steps
- Separately applied wire grabs
- Multiple sideframe variations tooled
- Multiple dynamic-brake hatches and air filters
- DC/Silent (21-pin DCC Ready) or Dual Mode DC/DCC/ESU LokSound
- MoPower capacitor system for uninterrupted DCC power
- Suggested minimum radius: 18”
And now for your favorite part, the schemes and variations. First up are the GP39 road units.
| Next we have the GP39 with SWMT Slug Sets. This is the first time these slugs are being offered in HO scale! Check out CSX 4283 and SWMT Slug 1046. It's a unique ex-Chessie GP39 and CSX blue and gray painted slug. | |
For all you freelancers, we've included two generic styles of SWMT Slugs, so you can roll your own.
The GP39 and GP39 with SMWT Slugs are proving to be very popular, so placing a preorder is the best way to ensure you get the models you want! Order them from your favorite hobby shop or directly through us.
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N Scale F59PH Locomotive
The November 17th N Scale F59PH Locomotive deadline is almost here. And we also have a surprise: samples! The N F59PH finally has a sample we can show off. Luckily it is in a rather attractive blue dip over a banana-yellow, like the F40PHM-2.
Check out more of the F59PH sample, below!
| If you look closely at the radiator fans, they have small cutouts! This will help the overall sound dynamics as well as look super neat! Also note the etched-metal parts. | |
This is one of our most popular N scale locomotive projects to date. Proving commuter locomotives really do sell well! With that said, in case you were curious about the long, rich history of these commuter diesels, check out the masterclass, written by Dan Dell'unto. It contains everything you wanted to know about them and then some.
Oh, by the way, with N scale being pocket-sized, this means you can have 10 times more cars in a consist while still saving space! Did we mention GO Transit runs up to TWELVE Bilevel cars in a consist along with TWO F59PHs? The render below should give you a good idea of what you would need to build one of these neat sets!
| | Double F59PHs and a "coleslaw" consist of cars! You can recreate this with our Bilevels, which are featured below the F59 section. | | |
The N Scale F59PH Locomotive features:
- Scaled from field measurements and blueprints
- Unique F59PH body and details — first time in N!
- Incredible underbody detail including separate piping
- Separate wire grab irons
- Working headlight, ditch lights and marker lights
- Lit American-style red marker lights
- Accurate F59PH sounds on sound-equipped models
- Will operate smoothly on DC and DCC layouts
- MoPower capacitor for uninterrupted DCC power
- Suggested minimum radius: 9 3/4"
Here are the F59PH schemes. Note all of the US road concepts. Their schemes would have adapted very well onto the lines of an F59PH. They're irresistible!
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You don't have to be a freight-only modeler. Go ahead, buy those F59PHs. We're not judging. 😉
You can order every one from your local hobby shop or directly through us.
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N Scale Bilevel Commuter Cars
Now that we've discussed the F59PH, how about some N Bilevel Commuter Cars? We're very happy with the attention these cars have received! For years we heard "Make it in N!" or "What about those cars in N scale?" A dream can become a reality, right? Now for that video...we wanted to wait until we had the F59PH Locomotives, but since we just received those a few days ago, we're working around the clock to get a more detailed video out.
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Above, you can see the interior lights make a great impact on the appearance of the car!
Below, you can see the riveted and welded variations. We're very excited about the Bilevels coming to N scale.
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The Bilevels have been the backbone of many commuter services since the 1980s. Their iconic octagon shape (that's eight sides like an octopus, or as Bobby likes to call himself "el pulpo" because he's always doing eight things at once) and colorful paint schemes sets them apart from other passenger cars.
In case you wanted to know more about the history of these cars, check out the masterclass written by our very own Josh Anderchek and Dan Garcia. Fun fact: if you stood both Josh and Dan, one on top of the other, they still wouldn't be the same height as one of these cars. (Ed note: What was the purpose of that comparison, Bobby?) Anyway, click here to step into the multi-layered world of Bilevel!
(Another Ed note: Bobby might be tired because he's interjecting wildly odd humor into this. We'll be sure to have him talk to HR after this.)
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Here are the N Scale BiLevel Commuter Car features:
- 3D scanned body shell for unparalleled accuracy
- Single or double cab front windows as appropriate
- Correctly tinted windows
- Accurate painting and lettering
- All-new, smooth rolling inside bearing trucks
- Full pilot detailing with body mounted couplers
- Constant interior lighting in DC and DCC
- Controllable cab car lighting in both DC and DCC*
*Operating headlights, ditch lights and strobe lights (where appropriate)
- Suggested minimum radius: 14"
Now for those schemes. We even have undecorated in case you want to use one for a wine and paint event.
| | Hop on board and order these commuter cars from the dealer of your choice or directly through us. | | |
N Scale F40PHM-2 Locomotive
The N Scale F40PHM-2 Locomotive is chugging towards the November 17th order deadline. These popular locomotives continue to haul commuters to and from work everyday in Chicagoland. Now they can do the same on your layout! Before we go any further, we have a new video for you to watch by clicking here. Another fun fact: that banana next to the F40PHM-2 matches the pantone color the factory used for the yellow on the F40PHM-2.
(Ed note: Why, Bobby, why?)
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Now we know they don't wear yellow but it sure accents the details on them!
And did you know... if you tap on the top of the loco six or seven times, Big Bird appears?
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The N Scale F40PHM-2 features:
- Correct Winnebago style front
- Dual rooftop air conditioners
- Working head lights, marker lights and backup light
- Working Gyralite
- Working ditch lights
- Separate, factory-applied wire grab irons
- PTC antenna array where appropriate
- Full cab interior
- Accurate fuel tank profile and exhaust silencer
- Correct pilot plow or snow plow per model
- Banana for size comparison (Just kidding, for legal reasons, we CANNOT include a banana with each model)
- Sound-equipped models feature a custom ESU LokSound V5 decoder
- Will operate smoothly on DC and DCC layouts
- MoPower capacitor system for uninterrupted DCC power
- Suggested minimum radius: 9 3/4"
And now the most important part: the paint schemes. Check them out below.
| | Order those F40PHM-2s! You can do that from your favorite hobby shop or directly through us. | | |
N Scale Budd Gallery Cars
Need N Budd Gallery Cars to go with your F40PHM-2s? We have those, too! In fact, late last week we received updated samples of the Gallery cars. Just like the Bilevels and F59PH, we are working extra hard to get that video edited in time to be out in the next few weeks. Keep checking back on our YouTube page for that.
(Ed note: Maybe it was because the World Series was on that had everyone distracted? Oh, wait. Bobby's an NY Mets fan They're his favorite squadron. Haha, nevermind.)
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Not only do they look great but they're painted in our custom stainless steel finish! Not some wild aquamarine seafoam blue. The cab cars have two variations: with and without ditch lights.
Below, the cars did a neat trick and flipped themselves over! Next, they'll be doing kick flips.
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Those Gallery Cars sure look nice. Once they're in a stainless steel silver, they'll look even better! A full set of eight to ten cars will look stunning being pulled by an F40PHM-2 or even an F59PH. Metra fans, remember we're offering both!
For the history buffs, don't forget to check out our Gallery Car Masterclass. Tons of info, photos and even an in-depth roster awaits you. You'll be an honorary Gallery car bookworm once you do!
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Those N Scale Rapido Budd Gallery Car features:
- Designed from original blueprints, design drawings and field measurements
- Available as 3-pack sets and single coaches (Randomly selected road number)
- Track-powered flicker-free interior lighting compatible with DC and DCC layouts
- Full underbody including HEP conduit and equipment
- Complete interior including actual “gallery” seating
- Accurate painting and lettering
- Correctly colored tinted windows
- Constant flicker-free interior lighting in both DC and DCC.
- Controllable cab car lighting in both DC and DCC
- Suggested minimum radius: 14"
Here are the schemes for the N Gallery Cars. They're split into cab car and coach sets. First up is the cab car set.
| | Like our HO models, once the Gallery cars are produced and shipped, we don't anticipate that they will last long. Get your orders in now through your favorite hobby shop or directly from us. | | |
Order Deadline: December 15th, 2025
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HO Scale BART Legacy Fleet
Our new release of the popular HO Scale BART Legacy Fleet Cars will close out on December 15th, just about a month away. We're very excited about this new run as it features some new combinations, as well as the 1976 Bicentennial schemes. Our first release sold out almost instantly, order your new run BART fleet today.
| You can order these by contacting your favorite hobby shop or directly from us. | | |
HO Scale SP Dome Lounge Car
The latest run of our HO Scale SP Dome Lounge Cars were announced last month and just like that it is closing out on December 15th. You asked and we're delivering. In addition to many returning initial run schemes we're also adding three new ones for the first time! We're very eager to get this over to the factory and into your hands soon. And no, this isn't just because Jordan needed EVEN MORE dome lounges. He has plenty!
Make sure you get your orders in BEFORE the deadline. You can do that from your favorite hobby shop or directly from us.
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HO Scale Hawker Siddeley Van (Caboose)
The newest Hawker Siddeley Caboose release was just announced last month and we're already closing it out on December 15th. The initial run sold out almost immediately and were still highly requested. Please do not wait to place your order until they hit the shelves! Unless you want to be disappointed like many of the Markham staff were at the results of this World Series...
This run includes new road numbers and a few new schemes as well, such as the ex-DEVCO car, painted/unlettered and a neat CN faded scheme.
Make sure to order the schemes you want from your favourite hobby shop or directly from us.
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HO Scale ACF Helium Car
We spotlighted the HO Scale ACF Helium Car last newsletter and added two new schemes: US Navy and NASA. We're super excited to push this car to the next level once the December 15th order deadline passes. Next month we'll have a neat video to show you.
Order up! These cars need a bit of help, so the more orders we get, the sooner it'll go into production. Hit up you local hobby shop by yelling your order outside the store or head over to our website to order directly from us.
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HO Scale SP PC&F B-100-32 and B-100-34 Boxcar
The great SP PC&F B-100-32 and B-100-34 Boxcars are tooled and ready to go. Jordan We just can't wait to close these out on December 15th so we can get them into the production queue! Also Bobby cannot wait to get these off to production so he has one less task to do for the art department. Remember, he's "el Pulpo!"
(Ed note: OK, Bobby, that meeting with HR is coming up.)
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These cars have enjoyed a long life since delivery in the early 1970s. Many are still in-service in their original paint or patched variations, today!
Order them from your favorite hobby shop or directly through us. Please do not stand outside the hobby shop and yell your order. Bobby had a terrible idea and he will not be doing that again.
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New Opportunity: Help Us Scenic Our Office Layout
Our office layout is coming along beautifully — the tracks are down, the trains are running, and it’s already the perfect testing ground for our models. But right now, it’s looking a little…naked. We need some scenery magic to bring it to life!
So here’s the deal: we’re looking for someone local to our Markham office who can help us add all the fun stuff — trees, grass, buildings, details, the works — and make the layout look as amazing as our models on it.
We’ll provide all the materials you need, and yes, compensation can also include models (because who doesn’t love that?).
What we’re looking for:
- You’re local to our HQ (sorry, this one’s in-person only)
- You’ve got experience building or decorating model layouts or similar projects
- You can work efficiently and neatly — we’d love this wrapped up in a reasonable timeframe
- You can share photos or examples of your previous work
If this sounds like your kind of fun, send us a portfolio of your work to nshaikh@rapidotrains.com.
We can’t wait to see what you can do!
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Rapido and Me
Hey there! Check out some of the recent photo submissions we've received from our friends. Remember, you too can be featured in Rapido and Me. You just have to send them to us at trains@rapidotrains.com or tag us on social media (and not in a story that will disappear after 24 hours!). You can also save them to a floppy disc and telegraph them to us.
| Kris Andrade sent us these neat photos of a CN Hawker Siddeley Van out in Biggar, Saskatchewan. That's his son, Eston, standing on the rear platform. Thanks for the neat photos, Kris and Eston, we're excited that you were able to find the HO model, too! | |
Another spectacular display from Emmerson Case!
Here we see our RDC in N scale next to a few Super Continental Cars.
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Check out these neat photos sent to us all the way from the UK!
Mark Fowler's UP C36-7s look neat tucked inside of that roundhouse.
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HO C36-7 Locomotive Debut!
The HO Scale C36-7s are finally here! In this brand new video, we teamed up with our good friend Dave Abeles to unbox and run one on his gorgeous Onondaga Cutoff layout. Click here or the photo above to watch. Dave looks awfully shocked, but there's no reason to be! The C36-7s are the real deal.
These are selling out FAST! Order them if you haven't done so before these are all gone!
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Rapido YouTube Shorts 🩳
Have you seen our shorts? No, not those shorts, our YouTube short videos. If not, click here or the photo above to be taken away to our YouTube shorts page. We're constantly adding new videos every few days, so subscribe to get the latest alerts when we post something new!
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Trainland Meet and Greet with Jason — Sunday December 21st
Come on out to Trainland on December 21st, 2-4 p.m. to meet and chat with Jason. Make plans to be at Trainland of Lynbrook on that day! Jason would love to meet you and can answer just about any question you might have and he's even going to answer questions about trains! (Did you think he wouldn't discuss 1980s T.V. shows or Star Trek?) Oh, and don't forget, that episode of The Sopranos was filmed inside the Lynbrook location! Gabagool!
Check our Facebook or Trainworld's Facebook for actual times when they are announced.
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Railroad Hobby Show (Springfield) — January 24th and 25th, 2026
The Amherst Railway Society's Railroad Hobby Show is fast approaching. This is the king of train shows and we'll have EVERY sample we can find or take out of Jordan's locked display case. We'll also have a ton of staff on hand, too! (Now if there's a giant snowstorm, then all bets are off and our booth might be staffed by a bunch of mosquitoes instead.) It might be mid-winter, but we'll make sure to warm up your day with answers to your questions as well as have the latest announcements on display!
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Tooling, Shipping and Arrival Updates
LOTS of new items will be arriving soon! There are currently two shipments on the way from the factories in China, with more leaving in the next couple of weeks. It is a busy fall!
| | The Toronto's First Subway cars look amazing! We can't wait to get these cars into the warehouse. | | Here's the Amtrak P32AC-DM. Note that it has the as-built nose configuration. | | The CTA Cars with the awesome elevated track pieces. They look amazing! | | |
The U25Bs — all of the newly tooled versions!
Note the frog lights on the Rock Island unit, below.
| | The SP version above with the Gyralites and the rooftop bell. | | A closer look at the Rock Island frog lights. | Here's the CF7 with the later features that include ditch lights. | Super Continental Cars! We'll be seeing these in early 2026. | | |
That's the end of newsletter 215, hot on the heels of 214! Would you be surprised if we said we're just getting started? Look for a surprise announcement later this week!
Bobby Allard
Newsletter Cornucopia
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USA: 382 High St, Buffalo, NY 14204, USA
Canada: 500 Alden Road, Unit 21, Markham, ON L3R 5H5
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