Rapido Newsletter Vol. 228

©2026 Rapido Trains Inc.

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Dear Rapido Customer,

It's a MAC ATTACK! This month we have a modern locomotive announcement in HO and N! Let's get right to it!

In this 228th issue...

• New Announcements
• New Videos
• Upcoming Shows and Events

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.

NEW! HO Scale HO SD70MAC Locomotive

We're excited to announce the SD70MAC in extreme detail with multiple variations never before done as a ready-to-run plastic model in HO scale! Wait, did you say "never before done variations"? Yes, we did! Joining the normal SD70MACs are the flared versions, the SD70MACe rebuilds and Metra's SD70MACH commuter locomotive.

Before we go any further, please go watch the launch video. It'll blow you away! Click here or the photo above to watch.

As the horsepower race continued in the 1980s and early 1990s, both Electro-Motive and General Electric turned to AC traction for their newest high-horsepower diesel locomotives. EMD partnered with Siemens and the Burlington Northern Railroad and in 1992 unveiled the SD60MAC test beds. These traveled all over North America, and their success paved the way for EMD’s production variant, the SD70MAC, which first hit the rails in 1993.

Power for the SD70MAC was the 710G3C-ES 16-cylinder prime mover that produced 4000 HP. Later versions had a higher 4300 HP rating. The new AC traction motors in the SD70MAC allowed for vastly improved low speed and heavy haul performance. Over 1,100 SD70MACs were built!

An as-delivered CSX SD70AC (their name for the SD70MAC) leads a CW44AC. The blue paint on these was notorious for fading to a light blue. Photo courtesy of Jeff Lassahn.

CSX 4738, a rebuild, leads an intermodal through Depew Station. The 4738 was fresh out of rebuild in this November 2024 capture. Photo courtesy of Bobby Allard.

For many years modelers have desired to have the CSX and Alaska flared radiator versions. Unless you had deep pockets to purchase the brass models, you could only really kitbash, 3D print or choose not to have one at all. In fact, I was starting to build a CSX version when we got the green light on this project. (Anyone need a 3D printed rear, multiple shells and detail parts?)

The CSX Flared SD70MACs (CSX designation SD70AC) were a result of new Tier-1 emission standards. This resulted in the rear radiator section being flared outwards much like an SD45's radiators. The rear hood also lost the rounded stylization in favor of angles, which were easier for fabrication. CSX also specified an Eco-Trans Auxiliary Power Unit (APU), which changed the door slots below the radiators. Unlike CSX's first batch, which were used almost exclusively in coal service, these SD70ACs were equipped with cab signals and used in general service up and down the East Coast.

At long last the flared CSX SD70ACs are here!

The wait was worth it! Note the rebuild features as well as the PTC antennas.

The Alaska Railroad is unlike any operation in North America. Their rugged service lines run through some of the most picturesque terrain but also bring them through some of the harshest winters. Oh, and did we mention they haul passengers too? Their second order of SD70MACs featured the unique flared radiators but also were equipped with head end power (HEP) and winterization hatches. These are perhaps the only modern day, combined freight and passenger diesels in North American mainline service.

On any given day in Alaska, you can catch their SD70MACs hauling general freight north to Fairbanks or cruise ship passengers over to Whittier from Anchorage. Just picture two SD70MACs and a string of matching passenger cars at speed!

Where else in North America will you see a mainline freight loco pulling a passenger train on a daily basis? Photo courtesy of Jeff Lassahn.

The Alaska SD70MACs look classy with their blue and yellow striping.

Below, the winterization hatch sits prominently on the flared radiator section.

The unique boxes on the ARR SD70MAC.

PTC invades Alaska.

HOLD ON! SD70MACs, passenger trains and speed? Could it be a match made in heaven? In the late 2010s, Metra was looking to replace their aging fleet of F40PHs. Not satisfied with a variety of options, the commuter road turned to the most unlikeliest of concepts: transform a six axle freight locomotive into a short haul, multiple start and stop commuter locomotive.

Metra bought a handful of SD70MACs from KCS in 2019 and 2020. The original cores did not have the flared radiators, but upon rebuild, Progress Rail gave them the Tier-1 flared sections. They also received microprocessors, HEP, all sorts of commuter-style lights and a faux LED Gyralite (which pulsates) above the cab. The last time six axle commuter power graced the rails was coincidentally in Chicago in the form of the F40Cs. Also upon rebuilding, the trucks have been downgraded to two powered axles.

So we mentioned where else could you see six axle, high horsepower freight locos in passenger service? Metra, of course! Photo courtesy of Jeff Lassahn.

Walkway lights, extra guard rails and of course that weird faux LED Gyralite stand out.

Note the K5LLAr1 horn as well as the new Tier-1 flared radiator section these received.

Below, the giant buffer plates can be seen.

Speaking of rebuilds, CSX, KCS and BNSF all began their own programs to rehab and upgrade some of their SD70MACs. Upon rebuild, the technical designation term is "SD70MACe" although some roads like CSX have kept the SD70AC designation. I know, confusing, right?

What these rebuilds consist of is changing out the Siemens electrical gear with new Mitsubishi equipment. On some SD70s, this means the area under the dynamic brake grid needs more room and therefore pushes this hatch higher up — a spotting feature of the CSX and KCS units.

Good visual evidence of the raised dynamic brake box to make way for upgraded electronics.

Photo courtesy of Bobby Allard.

Despite these rebuilds, BNSF and KCS are still operating some of their original SD70MACs in everyday service. In fact, you can still find BN Grinstein green MACs out on the road, along with the various patches that some receieved.

There's so much more to learn about these iconic locomotives that we'll eventually have a highly detailed Masterclass on them packed full of information.

BNSF 9581, in executive green with a coal train. Doing what they do best! Oh, by the way, we're offering this exact roadnumber! Photo courtesy of Craig Walker.

The HO Scale SD70MAC Locomotives feature:

• Late-production Tier-1 units for the first time in plastic!
• CSX and Alaska flared radiator variations, also a first in plastic!
• BNSF, CSX and KCS rebuilt SD70MACe variations, you guessed it, also a first in plastic!
• Metra rebuilt SD70MACH version, OK how many more firsts can we mention?
• A wide variety of phase variations covering nearly all production
• Unique rebuilt features on BNSF, CSX, KCS, and Metra
• Multiple nose and cab variations (Nose light, high headlight, Gyralite)
• Railroad and era appropriate PTC antennas, where applicable
• Three HTCR truck variations, all with rotating bearing caps (where appropriate)
• Full lighting package including track lights, step lights, and walkway lights
• Metra: features a Gyralite, marker light, and emergency light on the nose and cab.
• Metra: tons of unique rebuild details, including HEP, HEP cables, buffers and more
• Alaska: unique shell details for Alaska’s HEP power components
• Alaska: unique walkway grates for extreme weather
• CSX: unique rear of hood housing Eco-Trans Auxiliary Power Unit
• Road-specific horns (K5LAr24, K5LLAr1, K3LAr3 and much more) as well as many specific roof details
• Heavy die-cast frame with many separate details
• Full interior cab details
• Metal grab irons
• Full traction motor casing details
• Rapido’s innovative dead-straight metal handrails with plastic stanchions
• Etched-metal steps with fold-over step edge designs
• Rubber sanding lines
• Metal knuckle couplers
• MoPower capacitor system for uninterrupted DCC running
• Standard DC/DCC ready or Dual-Mode DC/DCC/Sound
• Suggested minimum radius: 22”

HOLD ON. Before you ask: "What about this roadname?" Or you "forgot about that roadname." Or our favorite: "When will you do x roadname?" We've already planned everything out for this SD70MAC run and many future runs. So if you don't see the road you want, there's a good chance it will appear on the next run. Please have patience...

OK, now let's see those schemes for the SD70MACs.

OK modern modelers, let's make this one of the most popular modern locomotives in HO scale. Order one, three or a fleet! You can do so from your favorite hobby shop or directly through us.

NEW! N Scale HO SD70MAC Locomotive

N scalers, the fun also shrinks down to 1:160th scale! Hallelujah! The N Scale SD70MAC Locomotive is here and it brings all sorts of variations never before seen in high detail. Buckle up and watch the video. Click here or the photo above to watch.

CSX 4741, an as-built variation, hauls the carnival train towards Newark, NJ.

Photo courtesy of Bobby Allard.

Because we know most N scalers skip the HO sections of the newsletter, please scroll up to read a potted history of the SD70MAC. Here are some pretty pictures.

Alaska's specially painted 4328 hauls a cruise ship train. Photo courtesy of Jeff Lassahn.

BNSF 9748, albeit not leading in this instance, is on a Detroit Edison coal train. These trains travel from the Powder River mines and deliver coal to Detroit Edison's Monroe Plant in Michigan, via NS. They routinely rate SD70MACs. Photo courtesy of Jeff Lassahn.

We simply cannot wait to put Metra's SD70MACHs next to our N Gallery Cars to see how they look! (Sorry F40PHM-2 fans.)

Six axle locomotives just look good in commuter service! Photo courtesy of Jeff Lassahn.

The N Scale SD70MAC Locomotives feature:

• Late-production Tier-1 units for the first time in plastic!
• Metra rebuilds, also a first in N scale!
• Multiple nose and cab variations (Nose light, high headlight, Gyralite)
• Railroad and era appropriate PTC antennas, where applicable
• Working headlights, ditchlights, and extra lights.
• Metra: features a faux LED Gyralite, marker light and emergency light on the nose and cab.
• Metra: tons of unique rebuild details, including HEP, end buffers, and more
• Alaska: unique shell details for Alaska’s HEP power components
• CSX: unique rear of hood housing Eco-Trans Auxiliary Power Unit
• Road specific horns and roof detail
• Separate grab irons and handrails installed at the factory
• Heavy, die-cast chassis with a powerful motor and dual flywheels
• MoPower capacitor system for uninterrupted DCC running
• DC/DCC ready or Dual-Mode DC/DCC/Sound
• Suggested minimum radius: 11”

Here are the schemes for the SD70MACs. Note: the HO art has been used for the launch. We anticipate having the N scale files ready shortly!

Let's make all N scalers (especially Jeremy) happy and order so many locomotives that we flood the warehouse so he can swim in it Scrooge McDuck-style! You can do so from your favorite hobby shop or directly through us.

HO Scale SD70MAC Locomotive

Freelance roads have been known for their gritty, second-hand power. The SD70MAC Locomotive ushers in a new era for many of these roads, signifying a modern look. This month we have three fantastic freelance roads to offer! let's start off with the Georgia Road's variations.

The Georgia Road’s SD70MACs form the backbone of the railroad’s modern road flee. Units 7663 and 7674 wear the company’s striking scheme of red and gray. Delivered new to CSX specifications, these locomotives arrived with factory‑equipped flared radiators, AC traction and the wide cab comfort needed for long haul operations across the Southeast. They embody the railroad’s guiding principle: “Driven to Service”.

In daily service, the Georgia Road SD70MACs handle everything from high‑priority intermodal to heavy manifest tonnage moving between Atlanta, Savannah, Birmingham and the Gulf.

Above we see Georgia Road's special "Respect the Red" scheme adhering to the company's commitment to reduce stop signal authority violations through awareness, training and visible reinforcement. By placing the message directly on the locomotive, the Georgia Road underscores its belief that safety is not a policy but rather a practice carried into every mile.

Next up, we have Texas & Great Northern's bright green SD70MACs. Assigned to Fort Stockton, SD70MACs 2609 and 2629 arrived in the railroad’s signature Tedder Green and white scheme. With AC traction and 4,000 horsepower, these units were built for the tonnage‑rich corridor.

These SD70MACs quickly became the backbone of TGN’s manifest operations, handling everything from mixed freight to priority traffic flowing between the NAFTA gateways. They embodied the look and feel the TGN stood for: efficient, hardworking and realistic to their operations.

The Texas & Great Northern’s 2640 stands as a powerful tribute to the people who shape the railroad world. 2640 was repainted into a striking pink and white adaptation of the TGN’s standard scheme. The locomotive honors Michelle Kempema, a cancer survivor and one of the most influential leaders in the model railroad community.

By the mid‑1990s, the Virginian & Ohio had stepped into the wide cab era. Their SD70MACs were bought to handle the steep grades, heavy coal tonnage and fast bridge‑route traffic that defined its Appalachian territory. Painted in the railroad’s iconic deep blue and white with Appalachian Lines branding, these 4,000‑horsepower AC traction units became the modern face of the V&O.

The addition of SD70MACs reflects the natural evolution of W. Allen McClelland’s “beyond the basement” philosophy. As real railroads modernized, so did the V&O standardizing their motive power fleet.

Reserve these SD70MACs now! You can do so from your local hobby shop or directly through us.

Events and Shows

Rocky Mountain Train Show — April 11th and 12th

Today and tomorrow are the big day for the Rocky Mountain Train Show! Come join us at the National Western Complex in Denver, Colorado, 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!

The Bay Area Rapido Tour of 2026!

In April, Jason and Jordan will be taking a 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.

Rapido Meet-and-Greet: Golden State Model Railroad Museum

Sunday, April 12th from 4PM to 6PM

This Sunday Jason and Jordan will be at the Golden State Model Railroad Museum! Their west coast tour starts NOW!

Rapido Meet-and-Greet: South Bay Railroad Historical Society

Santa Clara, Monday, April 13th from 7PM to 9PM

Come on down to the South Bay Historical Society on April 13th 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!

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 wacky questions at The Train Shop in Santa Clara.

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!

Supertrain Calgary — April 25th and 26th

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.

The Great British Train Show — April 25th and 26th

We'll also be sponsoring and attending The Great British Train Show on April 25th and 26th. 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 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!

Did you have a MAC ATTACK? Or did that make you want to run down to the nearest McDonalds? I already did when you were watching the videos. Anyway, I am taking a few weeks off and then I will be back for the MAY order deadlines. It's gonna be May!

Bobby

Let's Go Pens 🐧

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Canada: 500 Alden Road, Unit 21, Markham, ON L3R 5H5

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