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Rapido Newsletter 240 • Mystery Box and SD70MAC Edition
©2026 Rapido Trains Inc.
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Dear Rapido Customer,
Are you a fan of Mysteries? Do you like boxes? Then you might be a cat! 🙀 Or you're a fan of Rapido's annual Christmas Mystery Boxes. We’ve once again taken a perfectly reasonable amount of model train stuff, stuffed it into a box, and decided that you shouldn’t know what’s inside. Will you find a long-lost treasure? A model you forgot you ordered? Something you didn’t even know existed?
There’s only one way to find out. 😉
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In the 240th issue...
- Mystery Boxes
- SD70MAC Update — Now With Operating Fans!
- Exclusive Models
- Rapido and Me
- Railfan — A Documentary
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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The Rapido Christmas Mystery Boxes Are Back!
Picture this: twinkling lights and a gentle snowfall. There's a suspiciously perfect small-town Christmas tree with an even more perfect model train running around the skirt of said tree.
Just like a Hallmark Christmas movie, you know exactly what to expect in this year’s boxes: much-wanted models, cool merch and a sweet treat.
This year, we have THREE different Mystery Boxes to choose from, each packed with Rapido goodies, surprises, and enough model railway equipment to make even the most jaded cynic believe in holiday magic.
Don't forget, for guaranteed delivery before Christmas, order your Mystery Box by December 10th!
Let's go dashing through the snow!
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We've already started packing the boxes, so orders should begin shipping within about a week of being placed, depending on demand and how quickly our warehouse elves can keep up.
So, grab a cup of hot chocolate, put on a Christmas movie you've seen many times before, and see what could be waiting under your tree…
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The "Platinum" DCC Sound HO Scale Mystery Box
$314.95 USD • $394.95 CAD
The one that started it all.
The Platinum Mystery Box is back, and it's still the big kahuna of Christmas surprises.
Each box includes at least one HO Scale DCC/Sound locomotive, plus a buffet of freight cars and, of course, some of our usual Rapido merch and goodies.
Last year, these disappeared faster than a Hallmark movie actress' career in the big city. Order early if you want yours before Christmas!
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The "Gold" DC Silent HO Scale Mystery Box
$234.95 USD • $294.95 CAD
Sometimes Christmas needs a little peace and quiet.
The Gold Mystery Box is for those who prefer their trains Silent — because let's be honest, the holidays can get loud enough without adding another sound decoder to the mix.
Each box includes at least one HO Scale DC/Silent locomotive, plus additional freight cars and some extra Rapido merchandise and surprises.
Perfect for the modeller who enjoys a quieter Christmas… or simply needs five minutes of peace after hearing the same Christmas song for the 47th time.
Please note, these are not available in Canada or internationally due to low stock.
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The "Silver" HO Scale Freight Car Mystery Box
$179.95 USD • $224.95 CAD
Not everyone needs a locomotive under the tree. Sometimes you just need more rolling stock.
The Silver Mystery Box is our all-freight option, packed with HO Scale freight cars to help expand your consists, fill your yard, or to satisfy your collection's appetite for new rolling stock.
It's also the perfect option if you're looking for a lower-priced way to roll the dice and see what Rapido magic ends up on your doorstep.
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Remember that quantities are limited, and while we'll do our best to keep inventory flowing, we cannot promise unlimited stock for our boxes!
ORDER YOUR MYSTERY BOX NOW
Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas from all of us at Rapido!
Make sure to order by December 10th for guaranteed delivery before Christmas.
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HO Scale SD70MAC — Now With Optional Operating Fans!
How can we make the HO Scale SD70MACs even more exciting? Working fans, of course! But wait, there's more! We also have new decorated samples. Check out the newest video showing off the fans and the CSX and Metra decorated samples.
Click here or the photo above to watch.
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The Metra SD70MACH is a handpainted sample! It looks great basking in the sun.
The CSX rebuilt SD70AC is a factory painted preproduction sample.
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Introducing Rapido’s fan-equipped SD70MAC! This model features three independently motorized radiator fans that operate at three speeds: off, half speed, and full speed. The fans automatically adjust to simulated engine temperature and workload, speeding up as cooling demands increase and slowing down as they decrease.
The fans activate with engine start (F8), with options to disable automatic operation or control fan speeds manually.
The operating fans are an optional upgrade tier to your SD70MAC. These have their own item numbers separate from the normal DCC/Sound versions. Please note, they will not work in DC mode. The motor for the fans will NOT be installed in the standard DC and DCC/Sound versions. You will have to upgrade to the operating fan tier.
If you would like to upgrade your direct order to the new operating fan tier, please fill out the form by clicking here. For all orders made through your local hobby shop, please reach out to them.
Let's see more decorated HO Scale SD70MAC samples!
| Please note the colors used for the 500 will be refined for production. | The cab windows will also receive tinting before production. | |
The CSX SD70AC looks amazing with the rebuilt section and the flared radiators.
We love the AC lightning bolt! These will have tinted windows for production.
| Note the PTC antenna on the roof along with the raised box. | |
The next set of HO Scale SD70MAC samples are unpainted. These show the rest of the roadnames, including KCS, Alaska and BNSF!
Check them out below.
| All of the SD70MAC samples! | |
On the left we see the CSX SD70AC and on the right we have the Alaska version.
Note: The Alaskan winterization hatch fell off before photos.
| This is the Alaska version with the equipment box behind the cab. | |
This is the BNSF H3 SD70MACe version.
Just picture them in a shiny coat of orange, yellow and black.
| On the cab we see the PTC box that the BNSF H3 schemes have. | Above we have the KCS version with the rebuilt dynamic brake box. | |
A closeup of the radiator section. Note the individual cables from the fans!
The fan grilles are being refined. Stay tuned for updates.
| The normal SD70MAC rear. Those fans look great. | |
The HO Scale SD70MAC Locomotives feature:
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NEW! Independently motorized fans at multiple speeds
- 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 with LED pulsating light
- 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, and emergency lights on the nose and cab.
- Metra: many unique rebuild details, including HEP, HEP cables, buffers
- 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”
Here are the 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. | | |
HobbyTyme Exclusive: HO Scale SD70MAC — Red River Valley & Western
The Red River Valley & Western is a regional railroad operating in North Dakota and Minnesota. They began operations in 1987 after acquiring trackage from the Burlington Northern. In 2023, the RRV&W purchased a handful of ex-BNSF SD70MACs—the largest power to operate on this railroad to date. Painted in their attractive maroon and yellow, these big AC traction locomotives power their road trains all across North Dakota and Western Minnesota.
Order them from a participating HobbyTyme seller today!
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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 fleet. These units wear the company’s striking scheme of red and gray and were delivered with CSX specifications including flared radiators, AC traction and the wide cab comfort needed for long haul operations across the Southeast. | 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. | 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. | 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. 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.
Reserve these SD70MACs now! You can do so from your local hobby shop or directly through us.
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Spring Creek Model Trains Exclusive: HO Scale Late Scheme Ski Train Cars
Ski Train fans, Spring Creek Model Trains is offering the Late Scheme cars! These cars feature the later logo with the car names under it. The stylized The Ski Train adorns the name plate under the windows. These cars were used in the early-2000s with the F40PH Locomotives that we are also offering.
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Here's the low-down on the cars:
- 3-Packs:
- Coach, Snack Coach and Club Car — 2 different roadnumber sets
- Single Cars:
- Coach — 3 roadnumbers
- Snack Coach — 4 roadnumbers
- Club Car — 1 roadnumber
Order them from Spring Creek Model Trains today!
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HO and N Scale LRC Is a Go!
We have met our targets for the N Scale LRC Locomotives and Sets, as well as the HO Scale Sets! This means development will continue! We can’t wait to get these into production, so stay tuned for more updates in the coming months as this project proceeds.
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HO Scale "Century" Series: ALCO/MLW 424 and ALCO 425 Locomotive
The early HO Scale "Century" Series: ALCO/MLW 424 and ALCO 425 Locomotive samples have arrived! Here are a few photos of them. We'll also have them on display at Trainfest in early November.
Please note, many samples have many extra details applied or are missing some. These samples are a bit of a Frankenstein creation as they are meant as engineering test shots. Tread plating on the walkways will be added last, hence some of the models not having it yet. These will be refined before production so they won't have 5,000 extra parts applied!
| The CP Rail rebuilt version with later roadswitcher details. It has the later modified grilles. | |
More of the CP Rail version. Check out the etched-metal grilles!
And below we see CP's rebuilt door that swings out.
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The later rebuilt roadswitcher rear with the giant numberboard and dual headlights.
We do like the rears.
| All sorts of lights on the cab. Even the green class lights! | For those that like to run their trains in the dark while crashing into things, the C-424s will light the way! Just look at those walkway lights. | This is the New Haven C-425. | That's a neat grille cover! | | |
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!).
| | Thank you to Kurt Cairns for showing off his beautifully weathered wins from last year's mystery box! Here you can see his HO scale CN FM H16-44 and a TH&B USRA boxcar at the terminal pier warehouse. | | Finally, RB (RustyTracksRR) sent us this lovely photo of our GMD-1 hauling some gorgeously weathered covered hoppers from last year's N scale mystery box. | | Click on the image above to watch the trailer! | |
Congratulations to the Railfan Film Team!
A huge congratulations to everyone involved in Railfan, which recently premiered at the Rendezvous With Madness Film Festival! In particular, we want to celebrate the incredible kids who opened their worlds to the camera, photographer Travis Huggett, whose portraits capture their unique personalities and passions, and director Ian Daffern, who brought their stories together in this heartfelt documentary.
Railfan follows Travis as he photographs autistic children in New York City who share a deep love of subways. Through the kids, their families, and their shared passion for transit, the film offers a touching look at connection, individuality, and the many ways we experience the world. It's a beautiful reminder that our differences are worth celebrating and that a love of trains can bring people together in unexpected ways.
| Tons of delighted audience members with their gift bags full of premiere merch and goodies.
Thank you to CAMH for hosting the event! | |
With the film's premiere behind them and distribution on the horizon, the team is working hard to bring Railfan to an even wider audience. Here at Rapido, we’re proud to help them on that journey! We’re supporting their fundraising efforts with two special Railfan x Rapido Trains raffle offerings:
Toronto Subway Display Backer Kit (Sold out!)
Amtrak TurboTrain Set Backer Kit
We encourage you to check out both raffles and support the film’s general fundraising campaign on BackerKit. Every bit of support helps bring this story to more screens and more people.
| The official movie poster above! | |
Congratulations again to Ian, Travis, all the young railfans and their families, and everyone who helped bring this meaningful film to life. We can’t wait to see where Railfan goes next!
Because trains are for everyone, and every story deserves to be told.
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Will the Rapido Elf on the Shelf bring you everything you hoped for? You'll just have to buy a box and find out! And remember, the SD70MAC order deadline has been moved to December 15th. We'll see you next week for the order deadline special.
Bobby
I'm out of it.
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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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