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Rapido Newsletter Vol. 229
©2026 Rapido Trains Inc.
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Dear Rapido Customer,
Welcome to another edition of Rapido News. This month we have TONS (tonnes?) of order deadlines to discuss as well as some major company updates. Let's jump into it.
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In the 229th issue...
- Rapido Gives Back to the Community... Literally!
- Rapido Trains to Issue Tariff Credits
- US Flat Rate Shipping
- Rapido: The Next Generation
- Rapido Trackside Community Outreach
- May Order Deadlines
- June Order Deadlines
- New Videos
- Events and Shows
- Home Shops Spotlight
- Fleet Builder
- Freelance Focus
- Rapido and Me
- 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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Rapido Trains to Issue Tariff Credits
When the IEEPA tariffs were announced in 2025, Rapido Trains Inc. made the controversial decision to keep the tariff-related surcharge as a separate item on customer invoices. Rather than simply increasing prices, keeping the tariff surcharge separate has allowed Rapido to know exactly how much each customer paid.
As U.S. federal refunds begin, Rapido will issue credits to distributors, retailers, and direct customers who paid tariff surcharges between February 2025 and February 2026. Credits will be applied to accounts and can be used on current and future Rapido orders.
The amount of the credit will be determined by the value of the IEEPA refund Rapido will receive. The company has tentatively been approved for a 90% refund, which means the credit will be equal to up to 90% of the surcharge paid by Rapido’s customers. It may be lower. Whatever it ends up being, you will get the same percentage that we do. That's only fair!
No action is needed from you right now. Our customers will be contacted once credits are ready, as the process may take several months.
Please note that Rapido can only give credit to our own wholesale and direct customers. If you purchased your Rapido products from a third party and you were invoiced by them for a tariff surcharge, you will need to request the credit from that third party.
You, our customers, have remained loyal to Rapido through this whole tariff business. In return, by crediting the refunds back to you, we are pleased to reciprocate that loyalty.
If you have any questions, please contact us at: credits@rapidotrains.com
Postscript: We just heard that the US Court of International Trade has struck down the 10% tariffs imposed in February. If we ever get those tariffs back, we will credit them to you as well.
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US Flat Rate Shipping
Due to feedback from our customers, we’ve taken a hard look at our shipping costs. We knew that we could do a lot better for you. We’re pleased to share that we’ve reduced our shipping rates to make ordering from us more affordable for our direct customers.
Here’s the deal:
- The flat rate for shipping for direct orders is now $9.95 USD to most states in the U.S.
- A few exceptions apply (looking at you, Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and Guam), where additional charges may still come into play
For any questions or concerns about your orders, please reach out to: orders@rapidotrains.com
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We like model trains. You like them too. This feels like a solid foundation for a relationship.
But seriously — this hobby doesn’t grow on its own. It grows because people jump in, try new things, learn from each other, and occasionally glue their fingers together or zap themselves with some wonky electrical device (actually, try not to do that!). So we figured, why not make it a little easier to get started (and maybe fund a few more mistakes along the way)?
That’s where this give-back program comes in. We want to make sure Rapido is a part of many modellers' introduction to the hobby going forward. We are doing this in two ways.
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Rapido Trackside Community Outreach (Clubs)
Clubs are where the magic happens. They’re also where you find the one person who knows how to fix everything, the one person who insists it was better in 1978, and the one person who just came for the snacks.
We love clubs. So we want to help.
Details:
- Clubs get a free 6-pack of Rapido HO scale rolling stock (1990s-2020s era) to help build layouts, run longer trains, and maybe settle a few “we need more cars” debates
- Provide a photo of your club layout to be eligible, and then we do ask that you post a photo or two of the new cars we send you on your layout
Fill out the form here, so we can get you started.
(Note: Please don't send a photo using your rotary dial flip phone.)
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Rapido: The Next Generation (Individuals 25 and Under)
If you’re 25 or under and already into model trains, first of all — you made a great choice to join the hobby!
Second, we want to help you keep going. Whether you’ve got a full layout or a single piece of track on your desk, you’re exactly who this is for.
Details:
- Receive a free HO scale Rapido boxcar (our choice)
- Just send us a photo of your modelling work — yes, even if it’s unfinished, slightly crooked, or held together with wood glue and optimism
Just fill out the form here, so we can get you started.
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NEW VIDEO ALERT: E44 Electric Motor - Extended Order Deadline!
Juice fans: we just dropped the new E44 Electric Motor video that we were meaning to show you before the original order deadline. We also are extending the order deadline until June 1st because we prefer for you to see and hear a model close up before committing to buy.
Almost every model we release these days sells out really quickly because not enough people preordered. This E44 run is a "one and done." We have no plans to rerun it any time soon. If you want to get one, please preorder by June 1st.
Come along and watch as Jordan explains all about the E44 and E44as and shows it on our newly built diorama featuring catenary! The catenary is wonky you can see the pantograph following the contours up and down - it's really cool!
Click here or the photo above to watch!
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Order Deadline: May 15th, 2026
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HO Scale P32AC-DM Locomotive
The HO Scale P32AC-DM closes out on May 15th. To help send these neat locomotives off in a grand fashion, we have a brand new video for you. Click here or the photo above to watch the P32s in action on Dave Abeles's beautiful Onondoga Cutoff layout.
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NEW SCHEME ADDITION: Metro-North America 250
Recently, Metro-North unveiled their "America 250" locomotive that celebrates the 250th birthday for the United States. This brilliant looking locomotive takes cues from prior 1976-style Bicentennial locomotive schemes as well as adding some unique touches of its own.
We're excited to add this scheme to the existing run and we will keep the orders open for this scheme until June 1st, 2026.
Click here to order this awesome P32AC-DM.
| Remember, this is NOT a P42. This is the one and only Dual-Mode P32AC-DM! It has all of the correct details a P32 should have including those unique square radiator grilles and the correct contours and shapes! | |
Check out the HO Scale P32AC-DM Locomotives feature:
- Newly tooled from blueprints and measurements... The first Genesis model that is the correct shape!
- Many unique dual-mode underbody components
- Krupp - MaK High Speed Bolsterless Truck with third rail shoe detail
- Piping detail never seen before on a Genesis model
- ATC/Cab signal under-pilot detail (ACSES box)
- P32AC-DM rounded grille over rear radiator
- Nose and rear HEP plugs
- Operating headlight, ditch lights, and marker lights
- Step lights
- Separately applied wire grabs
- Semi-scale metal knuckle couplers
- MoPower capacitor for uninterrupted DCC power
- DC/Silent (21-pin DCC Ready) or DC/DCC/Sound - ESU LokSound V5 Decoder
Metro-North specific features:
- Unique antenna array
- Nose with hatch
- Long air tanks
- Third rail shoes engaged
Now for the schemes. First up are the Metro-North versions with the two new schemes leading off.
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Amtrak® specific P32AC-DM Locomotive features:
- Unique antenna array
- Original and retrofitted nose options
- Short air tanks
- Third rail shoes disengaged
This is not a P42. You did not just buy these on closeout from Athearn. You did not buy this from Kato. This is a totally different engine! 🤣🤣🤣
(Hey - we're just responding to what some people have told us!!!)
Here are the Amtrak schemes.
| Order those P32AC-DMs from your local hobby shop or directly through us. Production starts in June and we are aiming for delivery in late 2026 or early 2027. | | |
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. Check out our latest CTA video, featuring the sights (third rail arc flashing!) and sounds of these cars.
Click here or the photo above to watch.
| The 3rd rail arc! This new feature adds another layer of realism to these cars. | Don't forget those elevated track sections to go with the cars! Now you can build your CTA 2600 Budd Series 'L' Cars just like the real thing: elevated, above the streets! These bridges feature nickel silver rails, separate center walkways, third rails and those iconic heavy guard rails the CTA uses. And the best part is: we have straight and curved sections that connect via our special built-in pins and custom 'shorty' rail joiners. | Check out our Masterclass covering the CTA 2600 Budd Series 'L' Cars. This is a great source for the history of these neat 'L' cars that continue to work hard for the city of Chicago everyday. Click here or the photo below to see the Masterclass. | |
The CTA 2600 Budd Series 'L' Cars feature:
- Designed from original factory drawings and field measurements
- Two-car sets feature one powered and one unpowered 2600-series car
- Also available as two-car unpowered add-on sets
- Power car uses coreless truck-installed motors
- Fully detailed interior includes amazing seat and decoration details
- Operating headlights, marker lights and interior lighting on both ends
- Working “destination” marker lights
- Lighted front and rear signboards
- Fully detailed underbodies with an insane amount of separate features
- Wire grab irons
- DC/DCC ready or Dual-Mode DCC/Sound
- Suggested minimum radius: 15"
- Unlettered version available for you to decal for your favorite Metropolis
The CTA Display and Structure Kits feature:
- The first HO scale elevated transit track!
- Each kit contains: track sections with nickel-silver rail and bridge pieces
- Track and bridge components have keyed sections to join together
- Bridge girders feature amazing rivet details
- Includes third rail and guardrail as well as center walkways
- Curve sections feature CTA’s unique heavy guardrail on inside curves with bolt detail
- Each track section includes four rail joiners. Order our extra rail joiners to avoid spending an hour on the layout room floor looking for the joiner you shot there at 90 MPH.
- Inside curve radius: 15”
You need two curved sections to make a 90-degree curve. Each curved or straight section comes with four rail joiners, but we highly recommend you order an extra bag or two of our rail joiners as many will be beamed to Venus while assembling the track. You cannot use other manufacturers' rail joiners with this track. There is not enough clearance.
Now we have the best part: the schemes offered!
| Make sure to get your orders in before the deadline. You can do so from your favorite dealer or directly through us. | | |
HO Scale FL9 Locomotive
Finally! The HO Scale FL9 Locomotives are set for their May 15th final order deadline.
Click here to watch the Encounter at Bridgeport video — an awesome throwback video featuring the FL9s!
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The major spotting features of the M-K FL9 Rebuilds are a large 48" HEP fan, a flat rear end with two marker lights and a rear headlight, a larger cab side window and two door and brake lights just behind the door.
Above is a diagram of the 3D CAD render showing the different details. Below, we have the first tooled version, albeit in a somewhat drab gray plastic. Our FL9 has our unique "No Warp" grille design. The grille is a C channel and does not warp with temperature and humidity changes.
| In February, we added two new scheme variations: as-delivered and the "modernized" steam generator New Haven FL9s. The main spotting features are: with or without cab roof rails, MU compartment doors on the pilot and engineer's side walkway. The EDER-5a versions feature the full length fireman's roof handrail, whereas the modernized has the half length version. | |
Note the different features of the FL9s shown.
On the left, number 2000 does not have roof handrails. 2018 has the shortened fireman's side rails. On the right, 2059 has the full length railings but no MU nose doors.
| Those Conrail FL9s sure wore a bright scheme! | NH 2014 pulls its train of Osgood Bradley lightweights on Chris Adams' fantastic layout. | Have you read the FL9 Masterclass? Lots of info about these iconic dual-mode passenger locomotives. It's worth having a look. Click here or the photo below. | |
The Rapido Steam Generator FL9 Locomotives feature:
- Rooftop pantograph for EDER-5 units in polybag
- Groovy Hancock Airchime with deflector on front and without on the rear
- Steam generator details (EDER-5 and EDER-5a)
- Underframe third rail gear with iconic “red bar” bolted to truck sideframes
- Classic McGinnis paint with the white stripe below the grilles
- Short, long or no cab grab irons (as appropriate per roadnumber and model)
The Rapido HEP FL9 Locomotives feature:
- Morrison-Knudsen or Chrome Crankshaft body details
- M-K 48” HEP fan or Chrome Crankshaft dual fans
- Modernized underbody components
- Front and rear MU and HEP receptacles
- Operating ditch lights on HEP box
- HEP box without ditch lights in polybag
- CDOT units feature Leslie RS5T with protective cones
- HEP-equipped Metro-North units feature Nathan K5LA
- Extra horn castings in polybag (Leslie RS-2M/Hancock Airchime)
All Rapido FL9 Locomotives feature:
- Correct dual-beam headlight
- Heavy diecast frame
- Standard DC/DCC ready or Dual-Mode DC/DCC/Sound
- MoPower capacitor system for uninterrupted DCC power
- Suggested minimum radius: 18”
Here are the schemes. Let's start off with the newest additions.
| 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 that 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 the unpowered and powered cars running for the first time.
Check out the video by clicking here or the photo above.
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Here are the N Scale CTA 2600 Budd Series "L" Car features:
- Designed from original factory drawings and field measurements
- Two-car sets feature one powered and one unpowered 2600-series car
- Operating headlights and red marker lights
- Detailed underbodies
- DC Silent (DCC ready) or Dual-Mode DCC/Sound with ESU LokSound and MoPower capacitor system
- Suggested minimum radius: 9 3/4”
- Also available in a bookcase collector's set!*
*The 4-car collector’s set features four CTA 2600 Budd Series ‘L’ Cars nicely fitted into a bookend case. Perfect for those subway fans to safely display their cars! 4-car collector's set available in select schemes only.
Check out the scheme variations for the 2-car CTA sets!
| Below are the two schemes we will offer in the "4-car collector's set" with the bookend case. | Get your orders in before May 15, 2026. Once they are produced, we don't anticipate they'll be on store shelves for long! Order them now through your favorite hobby shop or directly from us. | | |
Order Deadline: June 15th, 2026 - The Month of the LRC
- HO Scale LRC Sets
- HO Scale LRC Locomotives
- HO Scale LRC Cars
- N Scale LRC Sets, Locomotives
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Farewell to the LRC!
The Bombardier LRC Sets, Locomotives and Passenger Cars have an order deadline of JUNE 15TH, 2026. There's still plenty of time to order these neat and very important Canadian passenger car models, especially before they retire the last cars. Commemorate 45 years of dedicated service by ordering your HO or N sets today!
In case you missed the launch video, click here or the photo above to watch.
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Special Gift Boxes for the LRC
The LRC is such an important piece of Canadian railway history that we are pulling out all the stops with special gift boxes. For both VIA and Amtrak fans, our sets will be the ultimate celebration of these amazing trains. Each set will contain:
- One LRC locomotive (DC/DCC/Sound)
- Three LRC cars (VIA – 1x VIA 1, 2x Coach. Amtrak – 3x Coach)
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A 48-page, full colour, profusely illustrated and oversized book celebrating the history of the LRC written by renowned Canadian railway historian and author, Kevin J. Holland
- Two LRC commemorative glasses
- A specially designed LRC tie clip and cuff links set, only to be worn for the most special of occasions!
- More stuff as we think of it!
You will not want to miss out on this incredible LRC gift box. This is a special, once-in-a-lifetime offering. Trust us, we ain’t ever making this box again! You can order these through your favourite dealer or directly from us.
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HO Scale LRC Locomotive
After many years the HO Scale LRC Locomotive has returned to much fanfare. Remember, those LRC locos also pulled Tempo Cars, blue & yellow cars and more! This means you not only need those sets but also a handful of single LRC engines.
The order deadline is also set for June 15th. You can order these through your favourite dealer or directly from us.
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HO Scale LRC Cars
The LRC Coaches were the backbone of VIA’s Corridor fleet. Now, as they're being phased out we are giving them the attention they deserve in HO scale! These awesome cars also have an order deadline of June 15th. We'll be back next month with a much more in-depth look at them.
Until then, you can order these through your favourite dealer or directly from us.
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N Scale LRC Locomotive and Sets
Hey N scalers, the N Scale LRC Locomotives and Sets has a conditional order deadline set for JUNE 15TH, 2026. In case you missed the launch video, click here or the photo above to watch the launch video.
Remember, we will only advance this project into the tooling phase if we meet the required amount of orders. We know you can do this!
You can order these from your favourite hobby shop or directly through us.
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PRRT&HS Convention — May 14th-16th
Join Bill at the PRRT&HS Convention in mid-May. We'll have our E44 Motor on display for everyone to see all of the fine details these locomotives have to offer. So, load up your questions and head on over to historic Gettysburg on May 14th through the 16th.
Where: Eisenhower Hotel and Convention Center
When: May 14th through the 16th
What to see: Our amazing E44 Motor!
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New England Railroad Prototype Modelers Meet — May 30th
Head on down to the annual New England Railroad Prototype Modelers Meet on May 30th to see some of our samples as well as some exquisite modeling from fellow hobbyists. Don't forget to say hi to Bill and Paul, who'll be at our table, ready to answer all of those questions we know you'll bring! Oh, and Bill will also be giving layout tours on that Sunday!
Where: Sheraton Monarch Hotel - Springfield, MA
When: May 29th and 30th
What to look for: Our latest samples!
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Bay Area Prototype Modelers Meet — June 27th, 2026
Come check out the Bay Area Prototype Modelers Meet on Saturday, June 27, 2026. We'll have lots of samples on display as well as plenty of time to answer all of your questions. Come stop by! Jordan can't wait to see you!
Where: St. David's School Hall - Richmond, CA
When: June 27th
What to ask for: More SP models, of course!
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The St. Louis Railroad Prototype Modelers Meet — July 23rd and 25th
The St. Louis RPM will once again be held at the Gateway Convention Center in Collinsville, Illinois. We'll be bringing an assortment of models to show off. So, get yourself some concrete and t-ravs and head on over to the show!
(Ed: We don't know what Bobby is talking about, but he assures us it is real St. Louis slang. We think it's a ChatGPT fantasy.)
Where: Gateway Convention Center - Collinsville, IL
When: July 23rd, 24th and 25th
What to bring: Your best questions and model suggestions!
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The V&O FA/FBs Are Coming — Time to Build the Fleet Behind Them!
We’re really excited about this one. As many of you know, we’ve been working closely with Home Shops on our upcoming V&O FA/FB locomotives, and seeing these units come together has been a real joy. The V&O is one of those legendary freelance railroads that helped shape the hobby, and bringing these locomotives to life feels like we’re adding another chapter to that legacy.
To celebrate the project — and to help you build the freight fleet that belongs behind those beautiful blue units — Home Shops has launched a USRA Boxcar Fleet‑Builder Sale in both HO and N scale. These cars are a perfect fit for the era and the look of the V&O, and the tiered pricing makes it easy to put together a proper train instead of just a single car.
We’re thrilled to support Home Shops as they continue expanding the world of freelance railroading, and we hope you’ll take a moment to check out the sale and maybe build up your own fleet while you’re at it.
Click here to see the full sale!
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Freelance Focus: Kara Terminal Railway
The Kara Terminal Railway (KTRY) is a compact Midwestern terminal and shortline shaped by its interurban heritage and the rolling, hilly terrain of western Missouri and southern Iowa. Its tight industrial trackage, street running, and steep legacy grades give the railroad a distinctive operating character.
KTRY is powered by a roster built on ALCO and MLW grit, including its signature pair of ex‑CP RS23s acquired in 1987. Their sure‑footed low‑speed handling and rugged rebuilds make them ideal for the Terminal’s demanding industrial climbs and close‑quarters switching.
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The Kara Terminal embodies the best of freelance railroading: believable geography, authentic operations, and a story rooted in real railroad practice. Explore its full history, roster, and design philosophy on the Freelance Hub.
To learn more about the Kara Terminal Railway, click here!
Order the Kara Terminal Railway RS-23s by clicking here.
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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!).
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This awesomely weathered G22 Gondola was done by Hunter Hughson.
Check out more of his work by clicking here.
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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.
| | The rebuilt SP 10, complete with blanked rear end. | | Finally! A sample of one of our new RDCs. The RDC tooling was made at an old workshop that we don't use any more. Our mold factory had to remake a lot of the molds as they were not up to our current standards. We'll be relaunching this project with a hard order deadline soon! | The FTs! Which nose is your favorite? | The famous Santa Fe Warbonnet, looking great in the red, yellow and silver. | Which northwest railroad do you prefer: Great Northern or Northern Pacific? | The rear with the unique Delaware, Lackawanna & Western marker lights. | | Tanks! The M60A1 Tank is here and they look great! | | Tanks! The M60A1 Tank is here and they look great! | | The Drop Bottom Gondolas, receiving some attention. | | The GP9u locomotives are receiving their printing. We'll be seeing these models very soon! | | The BART cars are taking shape! Next stop, logos. | | Here are the beginnings of the CN Hawker Siddeley Caboose! | | The end gates and the glazing. | | |
That wraps up our May 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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