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Rapido Newsletter Vol. 230
©2026 Rapido Trains Inc.
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Dear Rapido Customer,
It's a May-day announcement! All-new GP40s, coil cars, brand-new models plus a cool accessory you've all been asking for! Let's dive right into the deep end and check them out.
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In this 230th issue...
- The CF7s Are Here!
- New Announcements
- New Videos
- Upcoming Shows and Events
- Project Updates
- Home Shops Spotlight
- 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.
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The CF7s Are Here (Well, Some of Them...)!
The great HO Scale Santa Fe CF7 Locomotives are here (mostly)! They are shipping out very soon, so make sure you have your orders in as we only have limited quantities in stock. We'll be back soon with more updates. Until then, check out a selection of samples we just got!
Click here or the photo above to watch the CF7s in action on Lance Mindheim's switching layout.
| We're certain these CF7 Locomotives won't stay in-stock for long! The first batch will include the Santa Fe locos while the second batch will have the rest. Order yours today! You can do so from your favorite hobby shop or directly through us. | | |
NEW SCHEMES AND DETAILS! GP40 Locomotive
The popular GP40 Locomotive returns with new variations and schemes! On this run we have the much-requested Late Phase II version. This phase features the ribbed blower ducts common to Western Maryland GP40s — which we hear is a cult classic! Not only do we cover delivery schemes, we also have ultra modern variations as well.
To learn more, click here or the photo above to watch the launch video.
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The Western Maryland GP40s were the last built before EMD moved to the Dash 2 variants. These five locomotives were delivered in Western Maryland's red, white and black colors, often referred to as the "circus scheme." These GP40s had many spotting features that carried over to the Dash 2 line; ribbed blower ducts, extended range dynamic brakes and open-top 48" fans.
Once CSX took control of Chessie, four of the GP40s were repainted. CSX 6573, the ex-3798, stayed in WM red, white and black until the late-2000s!
| Note the hood-mounted bell and the ribbed blower duct, all features of the later phase GP40s! | Above, you can see the extended range dynamic brakes and the open top fans. | Here is the CSX ex-WM patch. Early CSX had some wild schemes. | As intermodal traffic gained popularity in the 1960s, the New York Central needed a fleet of high-horsepower diesels to move shipments quickly between coastal port cities and inland destinations. Already satisfied with EMD’s first-generation offerings, they placed an order for 50 new GP40s in 1965. These units quickly became commonplace on high-priority Flexi-Van trains. | Where the GP40 started: the New York Central. 105 GP40s were built for the NYC, which kicked off this highly successful locomotive. In these views, you can see the ATC pickup shoe and generator — both unique to the NYC. | In this run we have many neat scheme variations. One we want to highlight are the ex-Milwaukee Road versions SOO Line patched out in the late 1980s. The SOO rolled black paint over any Milwaukee markings but this paint faded — quickly and badly. These so-called "bandit" scheme GP40s carried all sorts of character in their orange and faded black patches. A handful of these GP40s survived, patchouts and all, into the late-2010s! | Who likes bandits? These GP40s became a cult favorite amongst railfans for their ratty looks with all sorts of patches and paint blobs. | But wait, there's more! We are also offering Kansas City Southern's modern GP40-3 variations which includes PTC antennas! Many of these GP40s came from a wide variety of railroads and feature many unique details. | The Belle scheme looks amazing on the GP40s. | |
Yee-haw, let's get to the HO Scale GP40 Locomotives feature:
- NEW! Early-production truck, handrail and Automatic Train Stop details for New York Central units
- NEW! Kansas City Southern GP40-3 variations with PTC antennas and ditch lights
- Equipped with licensed Cannon & Company 48" radiator fans and dynamic brake fans (early pan top or open top fans, where appropriate)
- Measured from a real GP40
- Road-specific details for each model
- Rapido’s innovative dead straight metal side handrails with plastic stanchions
- Incredible underframe detail including traction motor cables, air filters and a silly number of separately-applied parts
- Road-specific battery box doors
- Dynamic and non-dynamic brake options
- Separate grab irons and handrails installed at the factory
- Operating headlights, rear lights, 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
- Appropriate cab or nose headlights
- Multiple truck side frames tooled
- Different, prototype specific dynamic-brake hatches and air filters
- DC/Silent (21-pin DCC Ready) or DC/DCC/Sound (ESU LokSound) options
- Mo-Power capacitor system for uninterrupted operation in DCC power
- Suggested minimum radius: 18"
Here are the highly anticipated schemes we are offering.
| Just like the initial run, we don't expect these schemes to stay on the shelves for long! Order yours today. You can do so from your favorite hobby shop or directly through us. | | |
NEW MODEL! HO Scale PGE and BC Rail Squamish Caboose
West Coasters, we have a BIG surprise for you: HO Scale PGE and BC Rail Squamish Cabooses! For many years only brass models existed of these cabooses, leaving modellers with two options: build their own or spend a fortune for one. We're excited to help out our Dogwood plant enjoyers with this new model!
Watch the launch video by clicking here or the photo above.
Please note this amazing model is a conditional release. You need to order by September 15th or this model won't happen.
Jason doesn't think anyone wants this. PROVE. HIM. WRONG.
| The originals: Pacific Great Eastern and the two-tone green of British Columbia. | A weathered BCR caboose. Photo courtesy of Laszlo Dora. | In 1968, Pacific Great Eastern's Squamish Shops built the first of 15 all-steel cabooses. These replaced aging wood-style cabooses that had been used for many decades prior. Five years later, now rebranded as the British Columbia Railway, Squamish rolled out ten more of these all-steel cabooses featuring the road's new two-tone green scheme. In 1975, the final ten were finished, bringing the total to 35 cabooses that Squamish built. For the next three decades these cabooses were the backbone of the BC Rail fleet. | |
Here's the red, white and blue "hockey stick" scheme with the Expo 86 logo.
Photo courtesy of Laszlo Dora.
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Now we see the 3D CAD render of the "hockey stick" scheme. Looks great!
The render of the conductor's window version looks amazing!
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In 1993, BC Rail began using end-of-train devices (EOTs) on road freights south of Prince George. (Hey, we also have EOTs later on in this newsletter!). The cabooses were still in-service north of here on road and local trains. Many still saw service right to the CN-split on jobs such as the: Takla Loggers, Fort St. John turn and on the Dawson Creek Subdivision.
A handful still survive and one operates for CN in their "Engineering Service" as a crew transporter.
| The CN "Engineering Service" in the attractive yellow and black. | |
The HO Scale PGE and BC Rail Squamish Cabooses feature:
- Multiple body variations including as-delivered and added side window on later versions
- Operating track-powered marker lights and interior lights
- Super-detailed underbody including all separate air and brake piping
- Super-detailed Barber-Bettendorf caboose trucks with all-wheel pickup
- Fully detailed interior
- Interior handrails in the cupola
- See-through, etched metal end platforms and steps
- Full end detail, including uncoupling levers
- Separate grab irons installed at the factory
- Metal semi-scale knuckle couplers mounted at correct height
- MoPower capacitor for uninterrupted DCC lighting
- Suggested minimum radius: 18”
Here are the schemes.
| Order your Squammmmish Caboose now! You can do so from your favourite hobby shop or directly through us. The conditional order deadline is September 15th, 2026. Please get your order in by then to make sure this model happens. Remember - prove Jason wrong!!! | | |
NEW MODEL! Whitehead and Kales NSC 89' Open Autorack Bi-level and Tri-levels
Autoracks! Any layout needs these car-carrying railcars, which was a vital link in the automotive industry. We're excited to introduce our HO Scale NSC Whitehead and Kales 89' Open Autorack in bi-level and tri-level variations! This car has never built in ready to run form except in brass!
Click here or the photo above to watch the video.
This is a conditional announcement based on the number of orders we receive by the September 15, 2026 order deadline. Reserve yours today through dealers or direct from our website to help make this project a reality!
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The CP Rail autoracks featuring the late all-red panels.
The top view shows the plating where the cars could drive over.
| This is the tri-level version of the W&K 89' Autorack. | |
In 1962, Canadian National and Canadian Pacific acquired their initial order of 89’ tri-level autoracks from Whitehead and Kales. The tri-level autorack was designed to transport automobiles across three compact levels of “racks." The cars were driven onto the racks and then tied down for transport. The racks were built by W&K of Detroit, Michigan, while the 89’ flatcar was produced by National Steel Car of Hamilton, Ontario.
Follow up tri-level orders were placed each year from 1963 through 1965! A fourth order by CP was placed in 1968, despite more modern designs being constructed. Over 400 were produced for CN, while CP accumulated over 300 of these autoracks.
| Look at those neat mesh screens — unique to the CN and CP autoracks. | |
To transport light trucks and utility vehicles, the bi-level version of this autorack was created in 1964. More orders for CN and CP were placed in 1965. CP created a third order between 1969 and 1970, bringing their total to 202 bi-levels while CN rostered 125.
These autoracks are notable for their long service lives, with cars featuring safety screens as well as an overall open design. Many of these autoracks ran well into the 2000s, carrying modern vehicles! You don’t need to have a 1960s or 1970s layout to enjoy these cars!
| A top view of the tri-level autoracks. | |
The HO Scale NSC 89' Open Autorack Bi-level and Tri-levels feature:
- Newly tooled from original blueprints and measurements
- Full underbody details and air line piping with real rubber air hoses
- Separate metal grab irons
- Etched-metal safety mesh screen installed at the factory on appropriate cars, and included in the box on some other cars in case you really want them!
- Semi-scale metal knuckle couplers
- Free-rolling trucks with profiled metal wheelsets
- Available as single car or six-packs unless noted
- Suggested minimum radius: 22”
And now for the schemes!
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Make those car dealerships on your layout happy and order your autoracks now! You can do so from your favourite hobby shop or directly through us. This is a conditional release. This is the most complex freight car we've made, and we're concerned that a lot of people can't tell these apart from other open autoracks that are already on the market, but are completely different.
Remember: please reserve yours by September 15th to shows us that you want these.
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NEW SCHEMES! HO Scale Greenbrier Transverse Coil Car
The HO Scale Greenbrier Transverse Coil Car returns with new schemes! This popular steel car sold out in a hurry from our initial run and we're excited to bring it back. Make sure to reserve these coil cars by August 17th, 2026.
Check out the launch video for these cars. Click here or the photo above.
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These new Greenbrier coil cars feature a dark blue palette with giant white CSX lettering.
This is a departure from their normal medium blue with yellow lettering.
| The Transverse Coil Car is Greenbrier’s answer to the coil steel railcar market. This five-trough coil gondola can house up to five rolled steel coils in various sizes, reducing the number of trucks on highways carrying multiple smaller steel coils. As of mid-2026, Greenbrier has produced over 3,000 of these cars with more on the way. | Hey look, we're doing that roadnumber! Photo courtesy of Brian Marsh of Overland Hobbies. | More roads! CSX is the latest customer to purchase a small fleet of Transverse Coil Cars with an order for 300. These arrived in a new, dark blue with a white CSX wordmark on the side of the hood. This scheme is unlike anything else on the roster and users in a new era of CSX freight cars. Ferromex also has a group of cars, sublettered for AOK. | |
Above we see the all black NS coil car devoid of any logos.
Below, a mockup of the new ROLX patchout scheme.
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The HO Scale Greenbrier Transverse Coil Cars feature:
- Original car drawings used along with field measurements
- Durable metal underframe gondola for maximum weight
- Etched-metal walkways
- Metal grab irons and cut levers
- Highly detailed underframe
- Semi-scale metal knuckle couplers
- 100-ton trucks with profiled metal wheelsets
- Suggested minimum radius: 18"
And now for the schemes!
| Just like the initial run, we don't expect these schemes to stay on the shelves for long! Order yours today. You can do so from your favorite hobby shop or directly through us. The order deadline for these is August 17th. Please reserve yours by then, in the dead of summer, when you are on vacation or playing golf. | | |
NEW! HO Scale End-of-Train Device
Bringing up the rear is our brand new HO Scale End-of-Train Device! A much needed piece of equipment for your modern freight cars. But wait, there's more: Not only do we have the individual devices with trucks but also factory installed on our BCOL Trenton Works Boxcars.
Click here or the photo above to watch the video.
| These small but important devices protect the end of your train. | The End-of-Train Device (EOT), sometimes referred to as a flashing rear end device (FRED), was first created by the Florida East Coast Railway in the late-1960s. This one-time controversial device eliminated the need for the caboose and brakemen positions by acting as the rear warning device with a flashing red light. By the 1980s, their usage became more widespread across North America’s rail network with as the caboose disappeared from routine operations. | |
This gif demonstrates the flash rate of the new EOTs. By the way, the light IS red.
Our image slightly oversatutes the color.
| Today, these devices are the soul of railroading. In addition to their iconic red flashing light, these also monitor and relay train air levels to the engineer. In an emergency situation, the engineer can apply the brakes from both ends of the train. These broadcast a radio signal to the head end over a separate radio channel, which is the unique chirp you can hear if you are using a scanner while railfanning. In fact, it is a neat way to figure out how close a train is! Modern EOTs have GPS capabilities, easily tracking the location of each EOT device. | A car and an EOT. The perfect combination! | What is better than our EOT Device? How about Trenton Works 6637cu.ft. Boxcars that come with these already applied? Yes! We make dreams come true. We have a selection of roadnumbers that will feature these devices, giving you the ultimate value for your purchase! | Compact, realistic and best of all: available in four colors! | |
The HO Scale End-of-Train Devices feature:
- Single EOT units or applied to Trenton Works 6637 Boxcar
- Track powered EOT device
- 100-ton truck with metal wheels (33” or 36”
- Includes matching non-electrical pickup truck!
- Semi-scale coupler with EOT device
- Multiple colors offered
- Electronics hidden under truck frame!
Here are the different EOT colors.
| This is the art for the boxcar with EOT. You can also find the separate EOTs by clicking here. | Make the rears of your trains fancy! Order the End-of-Train Devices from your favorite hobby shop or directly through us. | | |
HO Scale Greenbrier Coil Cars
The HO Scale Greenbrier Coil Cars are coming your way with four dazzling freelance schemes! We're excited to continue the freelance frenzy in partnership with Home Shops. Come along and find out more about the four roads we're offering this month.
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The Arvada Western Railroad
The Arvada Western Railroad was established in 2004 in response to the BNSF Railway scaling back operations on the Golden Subdivision. In 2004, BNSF sold this
subdivision to the AWWR. Sur Rail was selected to operate and maintain the 70 mile line between Denver and Georgetown, along with a branch line to Black Hawk. These all-red coil cars look dazzling in a world where most freight cars wear drab, uninspiring colors.
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The Cleveland and Lake Erie Railroad
The Cincinnati and Lake Erie Railroad was born into the fossil fuel boom of the 1990s. Their operations center around Ohio, with reach into Michigan, Indiana and Western Pennsylvania. This region has a rich steel presence also known as the “rust belt”. The CLE moves plenty of steel products and these new Greenbrier coil cars fit right into their daily operations.
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The Detroit, Toledo and Ironton
The “modern” Detroit, Toledo and Ironton is a product of proto-lancing. This is where freelancers use the prototype for inspiration, while allowing for realistic “what-if” scenarios. The DT&I has had a cult following for many decades. While this steel industry-heavy operation ended once they were taken over by the Grand Trunk, it lives on through the vision of Shaun Guzman-Thacker's modeling. These coil cars wear the classic starburst logo with a bright orange background! I know I'll be getting a few of these!
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The Virginian and Ohio Railroad
The Virginian and Ohio is the premier prototype freelance railroad. The concept was “beyond the basement”, which reinforced the idea of moving freight from shippers and industries beyond the confines of limited model railroad geography. This required the notion of interchange with other model railroads, as well. The V&O has kept a modern theme throughout the years, thanks to many modelers keeping the V&O alive with custom painted cars and locomotives. The Greenbrier coil car fits in perfectly with the V&O’s operating system and keeps the modern aspect alive!
Load up on these colorful coil cars now! We don't expect them to stay in-stock for long once they are here. You can reserve them from your local hobby shop or directly through us. Make sure you do by August 17th, 2026.
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HO Scale Toronto's First Subway
Have you seen our TTC Subway Cars? Watch Jordan and Jason take an in-depth look at these awesome cars.
Click here or the photo above to watch.
Check out the studio shots of the cars, below.
| These TTC cars look amazing! | Night time is the best time on the subway. | Order from your dealer now (if they're available)! | | |
HO Scale U30CG Locomotive
Our U30CG Locomotive samples have arrived! You can see all of them in our new video featuring all of the highlights of this unique locomotive.
Click here or the photo above to watch.
| | The U30CG samples look superb! | |
The trucks come complete with traction motor details!
Here are the stepwells with the unique roadnumber-specific cutouts.
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The radiator and fan look amazing through the grilles.
If you look closely, you can even see the piping underneath the walkway, above!
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HO Scale GP9u and SWMT Slugs
Our GP9u and SWMT Slug samples are here! We have a new video showing them off and you can be the first to check them out.
Click here or the photo above to watch.
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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 a 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!
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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HO Scale Northern Pacific Day-Nite Coaches CANCELLED
We regret to inform you that the HO scale Northern Pacific Day-Nite coach project and the associated North Coast Limited has been cancelled.
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Freelance Focus: Arkansas Valley Railway
The Arkansas Valley Railway is a tough, modern short line serving the river country of western Arkansas and eastern Oklahoma.
Among its eclectic roster are a handful of ex‑CP RS23s—small, sure‑footed units that excel on the Valley’s tight curves, steep grades, and industrial branches.
Click here to explore the full story, roster and operating concept on the Freelance Hub.
Order the Arkansas Valley Railway RS-23s 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.
| | Here's the first sample of the rebuilt SP 10 RDC! | | |
Those big numberboards make this RDC stand out from others.
The rebuilt rear section is also unique.
| | The iconic blank rear end of the SP 10. | The N scale Greenbrier Reefers are almost here and they look great! | The end cages on these cars look amazing. | | General American Marks and Union Pacific AutoFlood III Hoppers are here! | | BNSF and TXUX look good on these hoppers. | The popular Railroad of Lies! Use these cars for those single coal shipments commonly seen headed to cement plants across North America. | | |
That wraps up our May newsletters. Did May-day bring you everything you wanted? (If you say "no", guess what? We'll have more items for June!) Until then, keep yourself cool and see you in June!
Bobby
Go New York Go
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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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