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Rapido Newsletter Vol. 239
Β©2026 Rapido Trains Inc.
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Dear Rapido Customer,
It's a SPOOKY October launch! We're bringing you FIVE new announcements and the CN H-6 4-6-0 back from the haunted vault! There's no tricks, just treats in Rapido News 239! π©»
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In the 239th issue...
- New Models
- HO Scale Phase III B23-7, B30-7 and B30-7A Locomotives
- HO Scale B36-7 β New Scheme and Upgrades!
- HO Scale SW10 Locomotive
- HO Scale SW1200RSm "Sweep" Locomotive
- New Schemes
- HO Scale FT Locomotives
- HO Scale Horizon Cars
- Back From the Vault
- HO Scale CNR 4-6-0 Class H-6 Steam Locomotive
- Upcoming Shows
- 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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NEW MODEL! HO Scale B23-7, B30-7A and Cabless B30-7A Locomotives
Introducing the ultimate Phase III 4-axle Dash-7 collection from Rapido! Itβs a mess, and that is how GE made it. No two are alike!
All new from the ground up, this series represent the most common GE 4-axle engines of the 1970s and early-1980s. Unlike their 6-axle counterparts, many of these locomotives have enjoyed long service careers for Class I, regional and shortline roads. We already have working samples, which you can see below.
With these tooled samples, the order deadline is set for January 15th, 2027.
Click here to watch the video.
And below, we have photos of those early tooled samples! Remember, each version is subject to revisions before final production.
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Above we see the Santa Fe 6400 series with the AAR Type B trucks.
Below is the current day Minnesota Commercial B30-7. Don't mind that sunshade, it looks like it sustained some damage via rough photographer handling!
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Next up is the high hood B23-7 with that neat hood-mounted bell.
Below we see the Ferromex B23-7 with the neat small fuel tank and cab window screens.
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In late 1976, GE introduced the Dash-7 line, which consisted of dozens of internal updates to its Universal series model range. The most obvious external changes are that all Dash-7 models have a wider section of the hood ahead of the radiators, and feature protruding wings for the radiator section.
Changes in design to the 4-axle Dash-7s were made incrementally. The 6-axle Dash-7s always retained the same wheelbase, while the 4-axle models feature not one, but three wheelbases identified in three phases which apply to each model. Get ready, because this is a ton of info and a bit confusing!
In production by GE from 1977-1984:
- B23-7: GE 12-cylinder FDL diesel engine rated at 2250 HP
- B30-7: GE 16-cylinder FDL diesel engine rated at 3000 HP
- B30-7A/AB: GE 12-cylinder FDL diesel engine rated at 3000 HP
- B36-7: GE 7FDL 16-cylinder diesel engine rated at 3600, 3700 or later 3750 HP
Identifying phase features of the B23-7 and B30-7:
Phase I
- Overall length of 62β 2β, and truck centers of 36β2 2β.
- These truck centers are the same as the predecessor universal models, but those had a shorter overall frame.
Phase II
- Same 62β 2β overall length but change to wider truck centers of 37β 2β by shifting the rear truck backwards, eliminating the space between the stepwell and truck at the rear.
Phase III
- Our Dash-7 series in this release covers the Phase III models.
- Overall length is a foot shorter β 61β 2β
- Truck centers 36β 8β. Visually, this gives the appearance of the trucks being balanced and centered, without major gaps at the end.
Phase III design features begin in 1981, and additional orders for B23-7s (MP, NdeM, Southern, Santa Fe and B30-7s (Chessie/C&O) were built with the revised design features. ATSF, MP, and Southern units are defined most by their road-specific order details
| More high hood B23-7 shots! | |
Above we see the MoPac B30-7A.
Below, another view of the Ferromex B23-7 with those neat window screens.
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Lots of underbody details along with the traction motor covers!
Who can resist etched-metal grilles?
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Much like the headless horseman, we're excited to announce our cabless Burlington Northern B30-7A. A first time in ready-to-run plastic!
BN ordered the units in two batches. The first 53 units in 1982 were essentially a standard B30-7A without a cab. Originally, they came with four grilles on the rear, which was modified by the late 1980s with a 7-grille arrangement. We are offering two roadnumbers of the original variation.
The second order for 67 units in 1983 came with some entirely unique features reflecting their late build date. The dynamic brake section was raised to accommodate different equipment, similar to the NS C36-7s. Similarly, the 7-grille arrangement in the rear is also featured in addition to the two large horizontal stacked panels.
| Choose your fighter: the original B30-7A or the "humped" version. | These cabless B30-7As were essential power across the BN system in the 1980s and 1990s. Intermodals, manifests and even on foreign roads! Despite lacking a cab, bell and horn, these still have complete lighting and working tri-color class lights! | My hump, my hump, my hump. My lovely B-boat humps. | Models feature Adirondack or Rockwell (shown) FB-2 trucks, per the prototype. | |
Hey fam, we have EVEN MORE B-boats! The HO Scale B36-7 also has undergone some important tooling revisions. New nose contours, correct CSX-style steps, rotating bearings on FB trucks and more. This release includes Minnesota Commercial's number 76, honoring America's 250th birthday.
You may be wondering why we didn't offer more schemes on this upgraded B36-7. Good question! This is because we do not want to overshadow the B23-7 and B30-7 launch. That said, we're working on another B36-7 run for the future. π
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Guess who's back? B-boat's back... Tell a friend.
ο»ΏAnd with the return are the correct CSX-style steps!
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The HO Scale Dash-7 Locomotives feature:
- NEW FOR HO SCALE! B23-7 Phase III details
- NEW FOR HO SCALE! B30-7A and B30-7A versions (with and without hump)
- Correct contours
- Insane underbody piping, wiring and conduit details
- FB-2 and AAR Type B trucks (where appropriate)
- Full traction motor casing details
- Rotating bearing caps
- Metal brake chains
- Highly detailed cab interior
- Lit control stand gauges
- Full LED lighting!
- Ditch lights, beacons and tri-color class lights where applicable
- Lit numberboards, step lights and walkway lights
- Heavy diecast frame
- Semi scale metal couplers
- 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"
Lots of schemes and variations See them, below!
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The order deadline for the B-boats is on January 15th, 2027. Yes, that is correct, since we already have tooled samples we're excited to get these right into production.
Don't get caught with your head cut off! Order your Dash-7s now. You can do so from your favorite hobby shop or directly through us.
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NEW MODEL! HO Scale SW10 Switch Engine
IT'S ALIVE! Direct from Victor Frankenstein's lab in Omaha, here comes the HO Scale SW10 Switch Engine. From the iconic SW-style cab to the rebuilt hump on the hood, these workhorse locomotives stand out.
Click here to watch the video.
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The decorated 3D CAD renders look sharp!
Designs are subject to revision before final production.
| In the late-1970s, Union Pacific performed a motive power study to determine how many switch engines were needed for yard service. Their aging fleet of SW7, SW9 and TR5A switch engines, which were built between the late-1930s and early-1950s, were due for overhaul or replacement. The price of a new switch engine was at a premium during this time, so UP chose to rebuild these engines in small batches to spread out the cost. Limb by limb, the SW10s were sewn together in the UP lab. | All sorts of details which includes aluminum-colored trucks, the rotary beacon on the cab roof and roadnumbers on the nose and cab. | The SW10 rebuild program commenced at UP's former Omaha Shops, with UP 1848 (renumbered 1200 in March of 1980) serving as the first switch engine to be selected for the rebuild program. Upon entering the shops, the locomotive was nearly stripped of every component, including the trucks, prime mover and other internal components, as well as the cab interior. Sill handrails were added, while the frame was steam cleaned. The trucks were also completely overhauled and converted to roller bearings. | |
UP 1202 in the early scheme wedged between two boxcars.
Below, 1212 with the modified pilot stripes. Both photos courtesy of George Cockle.
| UP 1204 with the full pilot stripes. Photo by Lou Schmitz, courtesy of the UPHS collection. | The older 567-power assemblies were swapped out of the SW10s for newer 645-assemblies, all-new cabling and wiring and two new 36", electrically driven cooling fans (from retired GP9s) on the unique hood hump. A new sandbox was fabricated and placed on the front of the nose along with multiple unit (MU) capabilities. The cab was updated to FRA-mandated "clean cab" standards with a new AAR control stand and even a refrigerator! | UP 1236 in the later scheme without cab roadnumbers. Photo courtesy of Jim Davis. | UP 1273 also in the later scheme. Photo courtesy of George Cockle. | A total of 75 SW10s rolled out of UPβs Omaha Shops, all rebuilt between 1979 and 1984. The SW10s were sent to yards across the system in the 1980s. By the mid-1990s, many began to show their age. | |
UP 96, after having been donated to the Oregon Rail Heritage Center.
Photo courtesy of Dan Darnell.
| After many years of faithful service to the Union Pacific, the SW10s were sold off to shortlines, industrial operations and leasing services. Fifteen units were sold to Ferromex while a handful wound up on Canadian Pacific. Perhaps the most famous SW10 was ex-UP 1243, which was renumbered to 96 and assigned to the steam program in Cheyenne, Wyoming. In 2017, UP donated the 96 to the Oregon Rail Heritage Center, where it continues to operate today. | The Ferromex version which looks great in the green and red. | |
The HO Scale SW10 Switch Engines feature:
- Rebuilt hood featuring hump for cooling equipment
- Cannon and Company licensed fan designs
- Detailed radiator fans with etched-metal grilles
- Single chime horn with bracket on cab front
- Union Pacific 96 features a Leslie RS5T horn on cab roof
- All-weather windows, cab shades where appropriate
- Highly detailed cab interior
- Lit control stand
- See-through metal etched parts
- Many road specific details
- Heavy diecast frame
- Diecast gear boxes for added weight
- Semi scale metal couplers
- Full LED lighting, including operating beacons/flashing lights where appropriate
- 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"
Tons of scheme variations for the SW10s. Check out the schemes, below.
| Order a SW10 Switch Engine or two now, Igor! Once we have a tooled sample for display, we'll announce an order deadline. Until then, order from your favorite hobby shop or directly through us. | | |
NEW MODEL! HO Scale SW1200RSm "Sweep" Locomotive
One of the most requested oddball models we're been asked to make: the HO Scale SW1200RSm "Sweep" Locomotive. Yes, that's right. The Sweep is a cult favourite and we're excited to launch this project. Now be a good follower and watch Jeremy discuss one of his favourite locomotives.
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 December 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 decorated 3D CAD renders of the Sweeps!
ο»ΏDesigns are subject to revision before final production.
| In the mid-1980s, Canadian National was looking for ways to update its SW1200RS fleet for continued service. The first program was somewhat radical and resulted in a locomotive that was unofficially dubbed a βSweep.β This term came from combining the cab of an SW1200RS (SW) and the long hood of a GP9 (GEEP). The official designation was GS-413a and GS-413b, respectively. All rebuilding work took place at CN's famous Pointe St. Charles Shops in Montreal. | All of the rooftop and cab details on the Sweep makes this one unique and neat locomotive! | |
As mentioned, the SW1200RSm rebuild project used the frame and cab from the SW1200RS series while the hoods came off of retired GP9s. New air-intake filters were added to the (now) inoperative dynamic-brake blister section. The 12-cylinder 567C engine was upgraded with 645C power assemblies. The addition of the larger GP9 radiators improved the cooling capacities, which in turn created an added benefit: an increase in horsepower, from 1200HP to 1300HP.
The cabs were completely overhauled and received modified end windows (two smaller top windows in place of the as-built single design), improved insulation and heating and a Canadian tradition: the hot plate and refrigerator. The rear door was also modified so that it swung outwards, providing better protection in a collision.
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CN 7101 leads 7107 leads autoracks through Halifax.
CN 7100 and 7106 are at McMillan Yard in 1994. Both photos courtesy of Dave Minshall.
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Despite the initial success of the SW1200RSm rebuild program, the Pointe St. Charles Shops only produced eight of these neat road switchers, between 1986 and 1987. After life on CN, some of these Sweeps found their way to CANAC and eventually Savage Rail Services.
Purchased from CANAC in the early-2000s, Savage continues to operate the fleet today in leasing service. These can be seen in industrial facilities around the States. But wait, there's more! We're also offering these in FOUR industrial color schemes to "roll your own". The possibilities are endless.
| CN 7105 rests at MacMillan yard. Photo courtesy of Dave Minshall. | |
The HO Scale SW1200RSm "Sweep" Locomotives feature:
- Authentic SW1200RSm rebuilt cab!
- Cannon and Company licensed fan designs
- All-weather windows
- Winterization hatch
- Nose-mounted bell
- Highly detailed cab interior
- Lit control stand
- 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"
Tons of scheme variations for the Sweeps. Check out the schemes, below.
| | Remember, since this project is a conditional launch, devoted fans need to order their SW1200RSm "Sweep" Locomotives to make this project a reality. The conditional order deadline is on December 15th, 2026. Order from your favourite hobby shop or directly through us. | | |
NEW SCHEMES AND VARIATIONS! HO Scale FT A and B Locomotives
The great HO Scale FT A and B Locomotives are back from the deep! We're excited to launch twelve new schemes featuring a variety of new detail variations.
Click here or the photo above to watch the video.
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The decorated render of the DRGW FTs.
Designs are subject to revision before final production.
| | Rapidoβs famous HO Scale FT Locomotive have many state-of-the-art features for a plastic FT model! These include a close coupling system with a coupler or drawbar, tons of lighting features, numberboard and class light placements and weight that can pull a barn door off its hinges! | | Check out those ghoulish class lights on the nose! | |
This run includes some neat detail variations never before see on an HO Scale FT Locomotive. The Rio Grande A-Units feature a unique class light casting that the sits on top of the nose, creating a true bug-eye appearance that even the creature from the Black Lagoon would be envious of!
Western Pacific's units feature the numberboards on top of the cab roof along with a wagon wheel-style antenna and the usual bulb reflector headlight.
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Look at that cab interior detail!
The side shot shows all of the grille detail and the giant numberboards.
These model photos are from the initial run.
| Rapido's close coupling system is on full display here! | | |
The Rapidoβs FT Locomotives feature:
- NEW! D&RGW nose class lights
- NEW! WP roof numberboards
- Close-coupling system for great appearance on straights and curves
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Drawbar or coupler connections between A and B units
- Multiple styles of number boards, installed as appropriate
- Correct nose and windshield contours
- Three styles of dynamic brake hatch, installed as appropriate
- Steam generator hatch installed as appropriate
- Etched side and fan screens
- Heavy, die-cast chassis
- 5-pole motor with dual flywheels
- Working headlights, ground lights, number boards and back-up lights
- Full underbody details including piping and draft gear
- Separate grab irons and handrails
- Numerous road-specific details
- Full, multi-color interior
- DC/Silent (21-pin DCC Ready) or DC/DCC/Sound (ESU LokSound) options
- MoPower capacitor system for uninterrupted DCC power
- Suggested minimum radius: 18β
Below are the schemes.
| | Much like the initial run, we expect these FT Locomotives to fly off of the shelves when they arrive. So clear your gills and order your FTs by the order deadline on January 15th, 2027. Order them now from your favorite hobby shop or directly through us. | | A freshly outshopped ADA coach. Photo courtesy of Chris Kelliher. | |
NEW SCHEMES! HO Scale Phase VII Horizon Cars
Bet you weren't expecting us to announce the HO Scale Amtrak Phase VII Horizon Cars so soon, right? Well, we just did. The latest railfan and modeler excitement has been the return of Amtrak's Horizon Cars, currently running Downeaster Service in Maine.
These cars have been rebuilt and repainted into the new Phase VII scheme with the two tone blues and green, which denotes the car being a coach. Four are in service with more being rebuilt at Amtrak's Beech Grove Shops. We can't wait!
| The newest of the rebuilt! Amtrak 54507 on the Downeaster. Photo courtesy of Chris Kelliher. | |
But why just the four cars and not a whole run? Our previous run wasn't too long ago and with the Comet Cars sharing similar tooling, we can send these to production side by side with the Comets. Look for more Horizon Cars in the near future. π
The HO Scale Horizon Cars feature:
- Correct ADA or regular coach window arragements
- Free-rolling, highly-detailed GSI G70 trucks with roller-bearing axles and metal wheelsets
- Full underbody and unrivaled interior detail
- Prototypically accurate tinted windows
- Accurate painting and lettering, both inside and out
- Metal side grab irons
- Constant interior lighting in DC and DCC
- MoPower capacitor for uninterrupted DCC lighting
- Suggested minimum radius: 22β
The scheme is VII. Double-oh-VII. Well not quite, but here is the art.
| Order those Horizon Cars today! The order deadline is set for January 15th, 2027. You can do so from your favorite hobby shop or directly through us. | | |
BACK IN THE SPOTLIGHT:
HO Scale CNR 4-6-0 Class H-6-d and H-6-g Steam Locomotive
No you aren't seeing things! The HO Scale CNR 4-6-0 Class H-6-d and H-6-g Steam Locomotive is back in the spotlight and adding some much requested new schemes! After many years of being pushed aside, we're giving this steam locomotive the attention it deserves.
Click here to watch the video.
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Choose your H-6! These decorated 3D CAD renders look amazing.
Designs are subject to revision before final production.
| The CNR 4-6-0 Class H-6-d and H-6-g Steam Locomotive was one iconic steam locomotive. Built by Montreal Locomotive Works for the Canadian Northern Railway, these 4-6-0s were a light, general-purpose locomotive perfectly suited for freight or passenger work across the entire CNR system. Their smaller wheel configuration made them very versatile and well liked. | Our model represents two H-6 subclasses: the 20 H-6-d versions in the 1323 to 1342 number series, and the 56 H-6-g types, numbered 1354 to 1409. These two subclasses were largely identical in specifications and dimensions. Over the years, several modifications were made to the class which created some visual differences amongst the two classes. Some of these changes include new steel cabs, replacing the older wood design, coal to oil burner on some of the fleet and wooden plank extensions on the tender bunkers of the H-6s that were not converted to oil. | The H-6-d and H-6-g Steam Locomotives lasted in regular service until the late-1950s, with four being preserved. Engine 1392 is preserved at the Alberta Railway Museum. Number 1551 (ex-1354) operated on the Ohio Central and is now stored at the Age of Steam Roundhouse in Ohio. H-6, number 1533 ran on the New Hope & Ivyland for a time in the 1980s. | |
The HO Scale CNR 4-6-0 Class H-6-d and H-6-g Steam Locomotives feature:
- Coal (with or without extended bunker) and Oil tenders
- Wood or steel cabs
- Manual or power reversers
- Vertical or horizontal slat pilots
- Two different bell locations
- Two different headlight sizes
- Factory-applied details specific for each road number
- Smooth-running drive & heavy diecast weight centered above the drivers for exceptional pulling power
- Blackened metal wheels and driving rods
- Working head, marker and classification lights, as well as a flickering firebox light
- DCC sound version includes synchronized chuff, accurate whistle, bell and many other effects!
- Accurate and complete piping, underbody and tender details
- Designed from blueprints and field measurements
- Accurate paint and decoration
- 18β Minimum radius (22β recommended)
Below are the schemes.
| This is it! The CNR H-6-d and H-6-g Steam Locomotives have an order deadline on February 16th, 2027. Order them now from your favorite hobby shop or directly through us. | | |
Colorado Rail Prototype Modelers Meet β October 16th to the 18th
The third annual Colorado Rail Prototype Modelers Meet returns this year and will be held at the Island Grove Event Center at Greeley, Colorado. Come on out to see our models and all sorts of other surprises!
Where: Island Grove Event Center, Greeley, Colorado
When: October 16th, 17th and18th
What to see: All the new samples
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Trainfest β November 7th to the 8th
Trainfest 2026 returns in early November. You betcha we'll be at the Baird Center in downtown Milwaukee! We have tons of NEW samples to display and maybe even a few surprise looks at upcoming projects. You'll just have to be there to find out.
Where: Baird Center, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
When: November 7th and 8th
What to say to us: The Mansion in WISCANSIN.
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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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Check out the amazing weathering work on this C30-7! Model and photos courtesy of Brett Tate.
ο»ΏScott Kaskeski's amazing weathering brings back 1990s and early-2000s memories for me!
| Owen Clark weathered three B-100-32 boxcars which look great! | | |
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?
ο»ΏClick here to visit our full delivery schedule to find out where it might be.
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Ready for more BART Legacy Cars? We are!
Please contact your local hobby shop for availability as we're completely sold out!
| | Another closeup of the Bicentennial car. | Which front do you like better? | |
All of the Dome Lounges are here!
Canadian Pacific executive also makes a grand return.
| The Amtrak even has the KarTrak tag! Amtrak and SP silver underframes new for this run! | Look closely and you'll see that neat Amtrak map and those amazing interior details. | | |
Gallery cars and F59s look great!
West Coast Express looking good with the Blievel.
| The N scale Bilevel cars look great! Here's Caltrain and Coaster. | ACE and West Coast Express. | AMT and Tri-Rail are next. | Where it all started: GO Transit! | | |
This closes out our October new announcement newsletter. We'll be back in a week to discuss those spooky order deadlines and preview November's selection of deadlines. Until then, enjoy the last bit of warm weather before the seasons turn.
Bobby
Pumpkin Spiced Blinker Fluid Historian
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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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