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Rapido Newsletter Vol. 223
©2026 Rapido Trains Inc.
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Dear Rapido Customer,
Did you make it through the snowpocalypse? Need something to melt all that snow? These HOT order deadlines will do just the thing. Saddle up and get ready to read all about GP39s, Budd railcars and passenger cars, and much, much more.
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In the 223rd issue...
- March 1st Order Deadline
- HO Scale GP39 and SWMT Slug
- Project Updates
- HO Scale Trinity 6221 and 6241 Plastic Pellet Hopper
- February Order Deadlines
- March Order Deadlines
- Rapido and Me
- New Videos
- Project Updates
- Tooling, Factory and Shipping Updates
If you are using a web-based email service such as Gmail, be sure to click on the link at the top of this 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.
| | NEW ORDER DEADLINE: MARCH 1ST, 2026 | |
HO Scale GP39 and SWMT Slug
Do you like Geeps and Slugs? Well if so, you've come to the right place. The HO Scale GP39 and SWMT Slugs are back with decorated samples...that also work and make sounds! But wait...there's more! We have reopened the order books for just a few weeks until March 1st to give you a little extra time to get your orders in. If these pictures aren't enough to convince you, the new video of these locomotives in action will.
As March 1st is a Sunday, dealers will have until Thursday March 5th to submit their orders, and then we start production!
Click here or the photo above to watch the video.
| YN3 and YN2, both look great! | Check out these neat Cannon and Company licensed fans! | |
While the CSX SWMT Slugs are only available as part of the loco and slug sets, we also have Generic Yellow and Orange on their own! This gives freelancers the ability to create their own for roads and schemes.
Now, back to more decorated model photos.
| The SWMT Slug is packed with details and a motor for extra pulling power. | |
The HO Scale GP39 and SWMT Slugs features:
- 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
- Separate metal grab irons and handrails installed at the factory
- 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”
Below are the schemes and variations. First are the standalone GP39s.
| Here are the GP39 and SWMT Slug sets. | Hey hey, make sure you get those orders in before March 1st. We know these GP39s and the SWMT Slugs won't last long once they hit the shelves. You can order them from your favorite hobby shop or directly through us. | | |
ARTWORK UPDATE: HO Scale Trinity 6221 and 6241 Plastic Pellet Hopper
Last month we announced the HO Scale Trinity 6221 and 6241 Plastic Pellet Hoppers. We've changed the art on the 6221 hoppers by removing the FRA conspicuity stripes. This only affects the 6,221 cu.ft. cars, not the 6,241 cu.ft. cars. This allows these cars to be accurate from the early 1990s to the time they got their FRA stripes.
Below, we have the updated artwork for this run.
| Order those Plastic Pellet Hoppers now! You can do so from your favorite hobby shop or directly through us. | | |
Order Deadline: February 16th, 2026
| Click here or the photo above to watch the February order deadline video. | | |
HO Scale F40PH-2D Locomotive
The HO Scale Rebuilt F40PH-2D closes out in February. One of the most popular Canadian diesels we've ever produced, this release features new road numbers, as well as the "love the way" wraps (for the first time). We're also introducing our MoPower capacitors into these locomotives.
The F40s are still the mainstay of VIA power, leading trains from coast to coast to coast. And unlike the new Siemens engines, they are REALLY RELIABLE, and were from day one, exactly 40 years ago this year! You can always use some more timeless VIA power on your layout, especially with the kind of detail seen in the photo below.
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Here are the HO Scale F40PH-2D Locomotive features:
- Unique rebuilt F40PH-2D body and details
- Working headlights, ditch lights, number boards
- Radiator fans, radiator and cabling visible through the HEP grilles
- Separate grab irons and handrails installed at the factory
- Incredible underbody detail including separate piping
- Working emergency headlight and emergency shutdown strobe light
- Accurate sound recorded directly from a rebuilt F40PH-2D!
- MoPower capacitor system for uninterrupted DCC running
- DC/DCC ready or Dual-Mode DCC/Sound
- Suggested minimum radius: 18”
And here are the paint schemes for this run.
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Whoa whoa whoa, we can't let you forget we're re-running the Canadian $10 bill VIA Rail 6403! TEN lucky customers will receive a free, crisp, mint, uncirculated $10 bill with The Canadian on one side. So far the orders have been high for these locomotives so make sure you get in on the action!
Get your orders in for 6403 and the other F40PH-2Ds. You can do so through your favourite hobby shop or directly from us.
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HO Scale Northeastern Caboose
The HO Scale Northeastern Caboose is also closing out in February. This run includes the popular Lehigh Valley "solid frame" version with the unique porthole end windows. In addition, we have new schemes on the Duryea frame versions. And to cap all of that off, we have the Lehigh Valley 1776, a tribute to the nation's 1976 Bicentennial.
Click here in case you missed the video.
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The Lehigh Valley Bicentennial version with the Duryea underframe and squared end windows.
The other LV versions have the standard underframe and porthole windows.
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Our biggest seller so far is... LV Black Diamond! Let's see if fans of the other paint schemes will step up. Hey UP modelers! This is a UP caboose too! And in Operation Lifesaver scheme, to boot! Scroll down...
Here are the HO Scale Northeastern Caboose features:
NEW! SOLID UNDERFRAME FEATURES:
- Based on Lehigh Valley design, sold to numerous second-hand users
- Porthole end windows
- LV sides with rain gutters above windows
- Etched metal Apex running boards
- Three-tread steps
- Etched window frames and screens where appropriate!
- Andrews or Birdsboro trucks
DURYEA UNDERFRAME FEATURES:
- Two different cupola roofs
- Two-tread or three-tread steps
- Full Duryea Cushion underframe details
- Two running boards: Integral diamond-tread and Alan Wood
- Multiple optional parts including stacks, window blanks, etched window frames and screens, toolboxes and more!
- Three different sides — standard, CNJ or LV with rain gutters above windows
- Three different end walls — solid (RDG, CNJ) and single window (LV)
- Three styles of truck: Andrews, Birdsboro or Taylor
All models feature semi-scale metal knuckle couplers, operating interior lights, full multi-colour interior, and MoPower capacitor for uninterrupted DC and DCC lighting. Suggested minimum radius: 18"
Let's see the schemes for this run of Northeastern Cabooses. We'll start off with the Duryea underframe cars.
| | Order every caboose you need before that deadline hits! You can do so from your favorite hobby shop or directly through us. | | |
HO Scale Budd M3 and M3A Railcars
After what seems like forever, the Budd M3 and M3A Railcars finally close the order books on February 16th. That's just a few days away. These railcars have been very popular which means you'll want to make sure you get these preordered ASAP!
If you model the New York area of the last 40 years, or you live in the area, or you are just a fan of the many facets of New York commuter rail and transit, you will want these iconic cars. Heck, if you've traveled on these just once, you should get a set!!!
But wait, there's more! Here is the latest video showing off some of the neat features these models have to offer. Click here or on the picture above to watch. We have not yet recorded the station/platform announcements. Those will be included too!
Below, we have decorated pre-production samples which just arrived from the factory. Note these are early decorated samples and the art and colors will be updated befoe these go into production.
| This is the pre-high headlight Metro-North M3a. Bringing back the 1980s memories! | Check out the interior seat colors on the Metro-north versions! | Next up we have the Long Island M3s. These feature the FRA-mandated high headlight casting. We also offer have pre-retrofit variations, as well. | The interior of the LIRR M3s have the correct multi-color seats! | |
Here are the HO Scale Budd M3 and M3A Railcar features:
- First time ready to run!
- Two-car sets with multiple roadnumbers
- Fully hidden underfloor drive system
- Full interior details
- Complete underbody detailing
- Two-car sets connected by a close coupling system
- Full interior lighting
- Accurately scaled from prototype drawings and field measurements
- Detail variations for both Long Island and Metro North units throughout their careers
- DC/Silent or DC/DCC/Sound options
- MoPower capacitor system for uninterrupted DCC power
- Multiple unit numbers available
- Suggested minimum radius: 22”
Now for the schemes with LIRR first followed by Metro-North.
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Trainworld Exclusive — LIRR M3s
Trainworld is offering the LIRR M3 Railcars in the unique blue side stripe with yellow ends. These cars also feature the two-tone "M" logo and do not have the high headlight. They'll be available in three different roadnumber sets.
Order now from Trainworld!
| Order these cars from your favorite hobby shop or directly through us. | | |
HO Scale Superior Stainless Budd Coaches (Steam Heat and HEP Versions)
The HO Scale "Superior Stainless" Budd Coaches have been an extremely popular model! These passenger cars will go great with the E-Units or the F40PH-2D Locomotives!
Click here to watch the new deadline video, or click here to watch the relevant section of our October relaunch video that included lots of footage of these cars in action.
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Each Rapido Superior Stainless Budd Coach includes:
- Realistic stainless steel finish
- US schemes use fully detailed the steam heat or HEP underbodies, where appropriate
- HEP2 cars feature an all-new underbody and new side window arrangements (three different styles, including ex-SP cars!)
- New! HEP1 cars feature all-new end tooling with HEP receptacles and cables
- New! HEP1 and HEP2 cars feature working marker lights!
- Revised track-powered interior lighting compatible with DC and DCC layouts
- Full underbody detail including separate air, steam and electrical lines
- Separate metal grab irons and end gates
- Accurate D22 or Knorr 26-C brake equipment and piping
- Super-detailed 41-NDO-11 trucks with end frames
- Full, multi-color interior detail
- 3D CP beaver shields on CP models
- Sprung diaphragms
- Suggested minimum radius: 22"
Here are the US paint schemes, including Amtrak ex-SP cars with the small windows in Phase III, which we just announced! Yes, you also need to order those by the 16th!
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Before we get to the Canadian paint schemes... Please note that our factory promised HEP2 and HEP1 samples before the order deadline but, as we suspected, they have not arrived yet.
In fact, the factory sent us this photo showing the samples being assembled! They will arrive at Rapido HQ... right after the deadline!
| Here are the finished samples ready to ship to us. From the top you can see the ex-SP car with its distinctive small windows, followed by a HEP1 car (note the full end skirts) following by the HEP2 club car (business class) and the HEP2 coach. | We're not sure why the factory puts wi-fi antennas on all the samples, but there you go. I guess they want the sample passengers to be well connected... | Working marker lights are a neat addition to the HEP1 and HEP2 cars! They are controlled by a magnetic wand supplied with your model. | Can you spot which of these car ends is HEP1 and which is HEP2? Hint: HEP1 cars only have power and communication cables, not MU cables. | |
We will start production as soon as the factory reopens after Chinese New Year so you'll have to trust that they will look amazing once assembled and decorated.
Here's what that will look like!
| Get your orders in for the Superior Stainless Budd Coaches. You can do so through your favorite hobby shop or directly from us. | | |
N Scale Comet Cars
The N Scale Comet Cars also close in just a few days on February 16th. Each scheme covers a different area of the east, including Montréal. We also have a 250th anniversary of the Revolutionary War wrapped car for MBTA!
Whether you model heavy commuter operations or need a handful of cars to interrupt your freight trains, these are the cars you need!
Click here to watch the video!
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Here are the N Scale Comet Car features:
- Full underbody and interior details
- Correct inside-bearing trucks with metal wheelsets
- Accurate and tinted windows
- Fully controllable interior and exterior lighting (with MoPower) including marker lights, headlights and ditch lights
- All-wheel electrical pickup means constant lighting on both DC and DCC layouts
- Suggested minimum radius: 14”
Let's take one more look at those schemes we are offering.
| | Order your Comet Cars from your favorite store or directly through us. | | |
Order Deadline: March 16th, 2026
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HO Scale U25B and Early U28B Locomotive
Attention all merger-era GE locomotive fans: The U25B and the Early U28B Locomotives have an order deadline set for March 16th. This means you have one month to get all of your orders in before the deadline comes and goes.
Next month we'll have an in-depth video showing off all of the neat details on this very important unit.
| Roll those orders in before March 16 to make sure you get the U25B and early U28Bs! You can do so by ordering from your favorite hobby shop or directly through us. | | |
HO Scale Halliburton Pneumatic Rail Car
Great news for the HO Scale Halliburton Pneumatic Rail Cars! We received a tooling sample and have set an order deadline for March 16th!
Did you know these cars were specifically designed to haul dry bulk materials such as cement, pozzolan and fly ash, all critical to oilfield operations for the drilling of mud. They operated in service from the 1960s through the 2020s. The more you know!
Check out the newest sample photos, below.
| Just look at that insane tank, piping and etched-metal walkway details. | |
The underframe of the car might look better than the top and sides!
Check out the tanks and the openings.
| We know these unique and important railcars will be very popular. To reserve yours, order them from your favorite hobby shop or directly through us—but before March 16th! | | |
N Scale Budd RDC-2 and RDC-3 Railcars
The N Scale Budd RDC-2 and RDC-3 Railcars' order deadline is set for March 16th. These neat models include both the Phase 1 and 2 body variations, as well as our normal level of detail and hidden drive system. While we sold an Imperial Gazillion RDC-1s and heard mostly great things about them from you guys, we've only sold a handful of RDC-2 and RDC-3 models.
Many railroads only ran the 2s and 3s, and others had large fleets. Your RDC fleet won't be complete without some 2s and 3s, so please order before the deadline!
We anticipate we'll have a video featuring all of the neat features these railcars have to offer. Look for that in next month's deadline newsletter.
Until then, please order these fantastic RDCs from your favorite hobby shop or directly through us.
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Rapido and Me
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!).
| Here's a CN GP40 with a host of aftermarket details, very nicely weathered by Scott Kaskeski. | | |
New Samples
This just in! We have a plethora of new samples to show off. In this video, Jason and Jordan bring you the latest samples from the U25B, the E44, the SP Economy Baggages and much, much more!
Click here or the photo box above to watch.
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Tooling, Shipping and Arrival Updates
LOTS of new items are here and shipping!
Please note, all of our hobby shop shipments are up to date. If you haven't received your new product orders, please speak with your dealer. All dealers in good standing have received their shipments.
Don't see the model you're looking for, above? Click here to visit our delivery schedule to find out where it might be.
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Hot off the press! The Western Pacific Bicentennial GP40 samples are here!
But wait, there's more! Here is the Missouri-Kansas-Texas version.
Next newsletter, we'll have a more in-depth look at each of these schemes.
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Above, we see the MKT red GP40. It has a very striking look.
Below, we see the Illinois Central "Final Four". Check out those roadnumber detail differences.
| | The Santa Fe FTs look amazing! Above we see the classic red and silver Warbonnet scheme. Below, is the yellow and blue freight scheme. | | Boston and Maine FTs look great in the attractive maroon and gold. | | |
The Metro-North P32AC-DM looks great!
Below, we see the CDOT in full McGinnis.
| | Check out that rooftop grille. The fan is below a bunch of equipment, under the grille. | | |
Here are the 3D printed GP40TC locos.
The Amtrak version is on the left and the GO Transit unit is on the right.
| | Here are the 3D printed U30CGs. Many things will be refined before they are sent to tooling but so far they look pretty nice! | | A lower angle of the U30CG and notice the stepwell cutout. | A close up of the cab and details. | A collection of Canadian models! The RS-23 sits prominently amongst the GP9u and the CLRV. | | Here is the 3D printed Trinity Pellet Hopper. Neat seeing all of that modern freight equipment. | | |
N Scale VIA Rail F40PH-2Ds production samples have arrived!
Here we see the as-delivered (above) and the modified with air conditioner (below) versions.
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Above we see the Operation Lifesaver scheme.
Below is the Telus Green scheme.
| All new release models now feature track powered red marker lights. No batteries necessary! | | |
This concludes our February order deadline newsletter. We'll be back next week with some more...announcements? You'll just have to wait and see.
Bobby
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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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