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Rapido Newsletter Vol. 227A
©2026 Rapido Trains Inc.
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Dear Rapido Customer,
Welcome to another edition of Rapido News. This month we have TONS of order deadlines to discuss as well as a plea for a new engine for our bus. Let's hop into it!
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In the 227th issue...
- April Order Deadlines
- May Order Deadlines
- Help! The Rapido Bus Needs an Engine
- New Videos
- Events and Shows
- Rapido and Me
- Employee Spotlight - Beshoy
- Dealer Exclusive Models
- 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.
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Order Deadline: April 15th, 2026
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HO Scale E44 Electric Motor
You may recognize this from our extremely popular pantograph video! The order deadline for our E44 Electric Motor is fast approaching! Don’t miss your chance to add this iconic electric motor to your roster. With incredible detail, smooth performance, and road-specific accuracy, this is one powerhouse of a model you’ll want leading your freight.
You can watch our new E44 video by clicking here or on the image above.
Check out the pre-production samples below.
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Above, E44 4400 is seen passing the iconic Elmora Tower.
Below, 4400 is now on a caboose hop rolling over the CNJ in Elizabeth.
These photos were taken on Andy Rubbo's amazing PRR NY Division layout.
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What makes electric freight so fascinating? In Europe it is a way of life, however back here in North America it is something of a unicorn. Currently there are no Class I freight roads that use overhead wires. This is what makes the E44 Motors so special from a bygone era.
Back in a time when more freight still moved up and down the Northeast Corridor, the Main Line, the Port Road or the Cutoffs, electric motors were heavily relied on to move these trains. The GG1s, E33s and P5 variants were all tired, older technology prone to operating issues. The E44s brought in a new era of electric motors which at one point was thought to be the wave of the future... what could have been!
| PRR 4400 hauls a TrucTrain on Andy Rubbos' fantastic layout. | |
The E44 Electric Motors feature:
- Accurately scaled from blueprints and prototype measurements
- Operating pantographs in DCC
- Road number-specific details
- Three styles of roof vents
- Various vent hoods as appropriate
- Three styles of hood doors and end doors
- Full cab interior with lighted consoles
- Mo-Power capacitor system for uninterrupted DCC running
- DC/Silent (21-pin DCC Ready) or DC/DCC/ESU LokSound
- Suggested minimum radius: 22"
Now, for the schemes on this unique locomotive! We are even including a "what if" fantasy scheme of Amtrak Phase 3, because it looks SO COOL!
| Until then, make sure to order all of those E44s you need. You can do so from your favorite hobby shop or directly through us. | | |
HO Scale PC&F SP 66-B-2 Economy Baggage Car
The HO Scale PC&F SP Economy Baggage Car order deadline is just a few days away on April 15th. We're super excited to get these cars into production as we know many of you need them to complete your passenger trains.
We now have a new video to share! Click here or the photo above to watch.
Below, we have hand-painted samples of the baggage cars. Good job, Rapido's own Michael Humbert!
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Above is the as-delivered scheme.
Below, we have the popular Daylight scheme.
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These cars operated regularly across the SP system on famous trains such as the Lark, Coast Daylight, San Joquin Daylight, Sunset Limited, Shasta Daylight and many more. Just about any SP passenger train needing a baggage car could be equipped with these!
Remember these did not just run on the SP. They ran from coast to coast!
The SP Economy Baggage cars were handed off to other railroads in Chicago, St. Louis, etc. and could be seen all over the United States from coast-to-coast. Penn Central leased a large number and they could thus be seen even more frequently out east in the late 1960s. By Amtrak days they could be seen country-wide, for many years still in SP colors!
| All of the roof and underbody details are there! | |
The SP PC&F Economy Baggage Cars feature:
- Based on measurements and 3D scans of the prototype
- Full underbody detail including separate air, steam and electrical lines
- Interior lighting - yes, your onboard crew needs to be able to see, even inside a baggage car!
- Separate metal grab irons, stirrups and end gates
- Power cars feature generator sounds
- Super detailed SP Class 4-T-1 trucks with full brake rigging
- Sprung diaphragms
- Accurate painting and lettering
- MoPower capacitor system for uninterrupted DCC power
- Suggested minimum radius: 22”
Now for the best part: the schemes! First up are the single cars. Note the Alaska Railroad car has generator sounds.
| Next up are the 2-car sets with generator sounds. | Sound is only available in the HEP generator car of the two car sets. Both feature lighting. | Hey, you need those SP Economy Baggage Cars! You can order them from your favorite hobby shop or directly through us. | | |
HO Scale SP C-40-3 Caboose
We're SPamming you with SP! It's time for the HO Scale SP C-40-3 Caboose's section, which also closes out on April 15th. We also have an order deadline video for you to watch. Click here or the photo above to watch.
Check out the neat photos we have for you of the SP C-40-3 Caboose.
| Some neat action shots on the La Mesa Club's layout! Photos taken by Vic Yoder. | A late era scheme with the blanked out windows. | |
Night time is the best time!
Below, you can see the removed roofwalk with the supports still in place.
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The iconic C-40-3 Cabooses include several paint schemes and car variations that occurred over their long 40 plus year service life. Our models feature many of these differences as well as an insane level of interior details.
Just in case you needed a bit of history, starting in 1940, Southern Pacific’s Los Angeles General Shops constructed 185 C-40-3 cabooses, numbered SP 1050-1234. Additionally, subsidiary Texas & New Orleans received 30 C-40-3s, numbered 400-429.
| The as-delivered scheme with full complement of windows. | By the 1960s, the C-40-3 Cabooses frequently appeared in local service and gradually most cabooses had some windows blanked out while other cabooses received window screens. In the mid-1970s, the green and red “frog light” markers were replaced with a single red light, due to an FRA safety mandate. Certain cars had roofwalks removed and end ladders cut down Other cabeese kept their roofwalks until retirement. Yes, we will be capturing each era in all of its glory! | |
The interior is multi-colored and looks fantastic!
The underbodies are also detailed with every pipe, box and of course the iconic wooden planks.
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The SP C-40-3 Cabooses feature:
- Multiple window configurations based on era
- Multiple roofwalk configurations based on era
- Working roof marker lights where appropriate
- Full, painted interior
- Operating interior lights
- Many optional parts based on era desired
- Full underframe details
- Factory-installed semi-scale couplers
- MoPower capacitor for uninterrupted DCC lighting
- Suggested minimum radius: 18"
And now for the first run paint schemes. Buckle up! For a single caboose, there were quite a few. Keep scrolling!
| | Giddyup! We know it's been a long time coming but it is definitely worth the wait. Production will be getting underway this spring. You can order them from your favorite hobby shop or directly through us. | | |
N Scale Wide Vision Caboose
The N Scale Wide Vision Caboose closes out on April 15th. Our first release sold out almost immediately and we expect to sell out just as fast. Don't miss the boat, get your orders in today!
Click here to or the phot above to watch the new video.
| Previous release models shown. | |
Check out the N Scale Wide Vision Caboose features:
- Now featuring track powered operating end marker lights on DC and DCC
- Super-detailed underbody including all separate air and brake piping
- Free rolling Barber-Bettendorf caboose trucks
- Detailed interior
- Full end detail, including uncoupling levers
- Separate metal grab irons installed at the factory
- Optional roof mounted air conditioner
- Optional fuel oil tank details (road name dependent)
- Knuckle couplers mounted at the correct height
- Suggested minimum radius: 9 3/4"
Now, have a take a look at all 27 schemes on this run.
| N scalers, let's show that N scale really DOES sell! Order the Wide Vision Caboose to prove it from your favorite hobby shop or directly through us. | | |
Order Deadline: May 15th, 2026
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HO Scale P32AC-DM Locomotive
The HO Scale P32AC-DM just returned and we're already discussing an order deadline? You bet! May 15th is the day these neat locomotives finally close out and get sent off to production. Last newsletter we had a short video featuring these. Click here to watch it.
Oh, and don't forget that we added two new Metro-North heritage schemes: Conrail and New Haven green and gold.
| Order those P32AC-DMs from your local hobby shop or directly through us. | | |
HO Scale CTA 2600 Budd Series 'L' Cars
The HO Scale CTA 2600 Budd Series 'L' Cars have an order deadline set for May 15th. We have the first draft sound file from ESU (hurray!) and we're now tweaking and testing it. We will upload a new full-featured YouTube video once we have the sound file tested and installed.
Click here to watch a YouTube short of these cars in action!
Make sure to get your orders in before the deadline. You can do so from your favorite dealer or directly through us.
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HO Scale FL9 Locomotive
From the Department of "Whoops", we're also pushing the HO Scale FL9 Locomotives back a month, too. Why? Because everybody forgot the deadline was set for April so we forgot to remind you. Welcome to Professional Model Railroad Company Operations 101... FAIL!
The new order deadline is set for May 15th. But hey, this gives you more time to order these neat passenger locomotives!
| Order yours before the May deadline. You can do so from your favorite dealer or directly through us. | | |
EXCLUSIVE! NHRHTA FL9 New Haven Haas Repaints
We can't forget the New Haven Railroad Historical and Technical Association is offering a run of "Haas repaints" of the HO Scale FL9 Locomotives. These differ from the normal New Haven FL9s in that they do not have the extra serif on the "N" of the nose NH logo, use NH Serial #409 red-orange paint, the grabs are also painted #409 red-orange and the area just above the side grilles are black (instead of the white stripe).
At least 14 different FL9s were painted this way and there will be two roadnumbers (2006 and 2010) in this exclusive offer. Below we have the art for these neat FL9s.
| | You can order the "Haas repaint" FL9 Locomotives directly from the NHRHTA. Click the button below head over to their order form. | | |
N Scale CTA 2600 Budd Series 'L' Cars
The N Scale CTA 2600 Budd Series 'L' Cars also have an order deadline set for May 15th. We're super excited to show these cars in running form for next month, ahead of the deadline. We'll have a neat video featuring that as well as all of the excellent features these have to offer.
Until then, make sure to get your orders in before the deadline. You can do so through your favorite dealer or directly through us.
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HELP!
Jason, here.
Our 1971 GM New Look bus still needs a new 8V71 engine and transmission cooler! We've had this beautiful bus for two years and we can't get it going without those two key components. If ANYONE can help, we would very much appreciate it. Remember that our 8V71 has a left-hand engine rotation, so a replacement engine needs to be from a GM bus. We're willing to buy a scrap bus if needed, just to get these parts. Please reach out if you can help! Thanks!
OK, now back to you, Bobby.
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HO Scale GP40 Unboxing Video
The Surprise Run of GP40 Locomotives are here! Watch as Jordan swipes borrows a Western Pacific set for this video. This has the special commemorative box. We also see the MKT Bicentennial and red versions as well as the "Final Four" Illinois Central GP40s. Click here or the photo above to watch.
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HO Scale SW9 Unboxing Video
The HO Scale SW9 Locomotives are here! Come along and watch as Jordan unboxes the latest and greatest of locomotives. Click here or the photo above to watch.
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Introducing the Bay Area Rapido Tour of 2026!
Jason and Jordan are about to start their grand tour of the Bay Area! Take a look below at their plans for the West Coast. There will be plenty of chances to catch Jason and Jordan in the wild.
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Rapido Meet-and-Greet: Golden State Model Railroad Museum
Sunday, April 12th from 4PM to 6PM
This Sunday, we'll be at Jordan's favorite museum on the West Coast, the Golden State Model Railroad Museum! Ask about Jason's favorite Doctor and Jordan's breakdown of Spock's emotional range. You'll also get to check out some of our latest production samples!
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Rapido Meet-and-Greet: South Bay Railroad Historical Society
Santa Clara, Monday, April 13th from 7PM to 9PM
On Monday the 13th, come on down to the South Bay Historical Society for another exciting day of Jason and Jordan! While you're there, check out all of the neat exhibits that the museum has to offer!
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Rapido Meet-and-Greet: The Train Shop
Santa Clara, Tuesday, April 14th from 3PM to 5PM
Need to go shopping? So do we! In case you didn't get enough of Jason and Jordan the day before, you can still ask them your most pressing questions at The Train Shop in Santa Clara. I am sure Jordan will be picking up a few things for his personal collection.
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Rapido Meet-and-Greet: Carquinez Model Railroad Society
Wednesday, April 15th starting at 6PM
Jason and Jordan will end their tour at the gorgeous layout of the Carquinez Model Railroad Society. Come see this extensive model railroad club in action!
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Rocky Mountain Train Show — April 11th and 12th
Hey Colorado, it's almost show time! The Rocky Mountain Train Show is this weekend and we just can't wait for it! Come join us at the National Western Complex in Denver, Colorado, on April 11th and 12th to see our booth. We'll have samples on display and can answer your questions! Visit us in Expo Hall N, D7/C8/D9. We hope to see you there!
By the way, we are making a "yuge" new product announcement at the show. Come to our booth at 10 a.m. for A Piece of the Action. Gold star to anyone who gets the reference!
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Supertrain Calgary — April 25th and 26th
Later in the month, we'll be attending Canada's largest train show in Calgary, Alberta, on April 25th and the 26th. We're excited to attend this year's Supertrain. Saddle up and ride on over to the Olympic Oval at the University of Calgary, booth CSt 3, to check out our display.
We are teasing a new Canadian product at Supertrain, and Jason thinks it won't sell. So let's prove him wrong. Come to our booth and see for yourself!
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The Great British Train Show — April 25th and 26th
Cheers! The Great British Train Show is on April 25th and 26th, which means we'll be attending! As usual, the show will be held at the Jim Archdekin Recreation Centre. Check out the Rapido UK models we have for display, for sale and meet at least two of Rapido's British rail enthusiasts (Mark and Leslie). Natasha is just there for the Doctor Who enthusiasts. You might be able to spot some Shrons on the Sunday as well!
Feel like you've travelled across the pond at the 2026 GBTS!
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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!).
| | Check out these neat photos from Vic Yoder. Above, we see the PFE reefers, brilliantly weathered. Below, we have an all-Rapido consist! The SP C-40-3 Caboose, F30 Flatcars and our Fruehauf Trailers. Photos taken by Vic Yoder on Steve Mahan's Pacific Coast Lines layout. | | |
Beshoy Khalil - Finance Director
Beshoy is the company’s Finance Director, responsible for making sure the bills get paid and, just as importantly, that customers pay theirs. If you have an accounting question, Beshoy is your go-to. If you owe the company money, chances are he’s already spotted it in the system, flagged it in a report, and has an answer ready before you finish your sentence. He may not have Rottweilers, but he does have spreadsheets, persistent follow-ups, and an impressive memory for outstanding balances.
Beyond finance, Beshoy also oversees Customer Service, Warehouse, and Sales. Much of his time is spent getting our operations to finally run smoothly, which is a Herculean task. He likes cars and his latest automobile acquisition, K.I.T.T., drives him to work every day while maintaining interesting banter and a healthy dose of condescension. He also looks after our emu collection. We're not talking about trains. We're talking about large, flightless birds.
Beshoy was also featured in Janet's retirement video. Click here to watch!
Hair comment: No comment
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Dealer Exclusive Models
Hey everyone! The Dealer Exclusive Models page is getting a facelift. This page has all of our exclusive models which includes dealers, historical societies and anyone else that has signed up with us to produce neat models.
This month we're highlighting Otter Valley's Canadian National GP40s and HobbyTyme's Pittsburg & Shawmut Bicentennial SW9s.
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Otter Valley Exclusive: Canadian National GP40 Locomotive
Otter Valley Railroad has a special run of HO scale Canadian National GP40 locomotives! They'll be offering three roadnumbers in the stripes scheme: 9312, 9313 and 9316.
Don't miss out on these, as these are limited as they're already on the way here! Place your orders now through our friends at Otter Valley Railroad.
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HOBBYTYME EXCLUSIVE! HO Scale Bicentennial SW9 Locomotives
HobbyTyme of Connecticut is offering an exclusive run of Pittsburg and Shawmut SW9 locomotives! They'll be offering five roadnumbers, each carrying a unique name. 1775 has the name Independence, 1851 carries Sam Colt, 1866 sports Oliver Winchester, 1774 is the Ben Franklin and 1776 proudly wears Betsy Ross. These are painted in the attractive red, white and blue of the Shawmut Line with the stars on the blue cab.
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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 full delivery schedule to find out where it might be. Note the Centerbeam loads have not yet left the factory. "Too much printing!!!" they keep complaining to us...
| | Check out the decorated samples of the Balloon Top cars! | | |
We know Jason will be happy to get these! (In VIA, of course).
Below, we see the neat Cape Cod Central scheme.
| | It's about time for a GP9u update! Here they are getting paint and finer detail touchups | N scalers, we have those Bilevels in pre-production as we speak! | We'll end on more photos of the fabulous AAR Boxcars. | | |
That wraps up our April order deadline newsletter. We'll be back soon enough with more exciting announcements!
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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