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Rapido UK Newsletter No. 52
©2024 Rapido Trains Ltd
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As we had battened down the hatches throughout December it was nice for some of the team to start the New Year by getting out of the house.
We headed to the Kent and East Sussex Railway on New Year's Day to have a ride on Marcia as she hauled her first passenger trains on the KESR mainline for over 40 years (we think)!
The expectation was we would need to wrap up warm so we could blow the proverbial cobwebs away, but nothing could have prepared us for the epic amount of rain that greeted us for much of the day.
Thankfully spirits weren’t dampened and Marcia, her crew and all her passengers and visitors had a lovely time. The BBC even turned up with a camera to report on the Rail 200 "Whistle Up Event", which Marcia proudly and loudly joined in with.
Once we had all dried off and got home the festivities felt like a distant memory, and it was back to work the following day.
We asked in last month's Thought of the Month what you thought we were going to do to beat last year, and we’ll be honest this was a loaded question to a certain extent. We already have a good few things planned, and we were determined to get them in the public domain to coincide with Model Railway Scotland; the reasons for which will become apparent fairly quickly as you read on.
With that in mind, we all had lots to do with some rather big announcements in January to finalise and quite a few deliveries on the way…
Let's dive into the first announcements, shows and updates of 2025. Cue the cliché 80s inspirational montage music!
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At the back end of last year, we had the arrival of the ‘Jones Goods’ and the announcement of Batch 1 of Evolution, and this appeared to have ignited a fire under our Scottish enthusiasts. We received a plethora of product suggestions and requests, and Scottish locos and suitably liveried coaches were a running theme. We already had the following announcements up our sleeve, so we thoroughly enjoyed seeing how close many of your guesses were. Let's get stuck into a rather special Scottish announcement, some new wagons and loads of new coaches too. | |
Caledonian Railway Single No.123 (OO Gauge) | |
We are very proud to announce that we will be following up on the stunning ‘Jones Goods’ and producing our second OO Gauge Scottish Legend; the spectacular Caledonian Single No.123. As one of Britain’s most famous locomotives, many of you will have seen images of CR No.123 on everything from postcards to books. CR No.123 has had quite the acclaimed life, so we thought we give you a little more info on this renowned engine. | |
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No.123 was originally conceived as a display locomotive, to be shown off as the Caledonian Railway's best at the 1886 International Exhibition of Industry, Science and Art in Edinburgh. However, CR No.123 was more than just a pretty face.
This unique locomotive was less a pinnacle of all that could be achieved and more of a respectful tribute to the designs of a bygone era. The true reason why her designer, Mr Dugald Drummond, decided to use the the single-wheeled design is yet to be discovered. However, when Neilson & Co. built CR No.123 in 1886 it became a beautiful sunset moment for the single-wheeler concept.
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Despite being the Caledonian's flagship loco, it wouldn’t be unjust to describe CR No.123 as dated technology, even by the standards of the day. With multiple-driving wheeled locomotives proving their worth and exceeding performance standards across the country, the once glorified ‘Single Wheeler’ design was sadly becoming a thing of the past as they were outpaced by their modern counterparts.
CR No.123 entered service on the Caledonian Railway shortly after the conclusion of the Exhibition. As a fully working locomotive, it was only logical to utilise it for more than just a publicity stunt.
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It would be used primarily for working Inspectors and Directors' trains with short rakes of saloon coaches. It was also utilised as the pilot loco for Royal Trains heading to Balmoral Castle. This involved running slightly ahead of Royal Trains, clearing the line and ensuring it was safe.
Although ‘Single Wheelers’ were a dated idea, CR No.123 was still a vessel for the builders to demonstrate engineering innovations and make it something special. She was fitted with a newly developed sanding system, which used compressed air supplied from the main reservoir of the Westinghouse air brakes. This made CR No.123 the ideal candidate to conquer the climbs of Beattock and Shotts Summits while maintaining a respectable average speed.
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With the Race to the North of 1888 becoming a highly promoted event by the British press, CR No.123 would be chosen to haul the Carlise to Edinburgh leg of this non-official race, gaining it further national fame.
Having already been renumbered by the Caledonian a few years before, the LMS renumbered her once more when they claimed ownership of the Caledonian Railway.
Assigned the power class 1P she was issued No.14010 and painted in LMS Maroon. In 1927 her existing Drummond boiler was replaced by a standard N17 class boiler. The most noticeable difference being that her safety valves were moved from the top of the dome to in front of the cab, and an extension ring fitted to the rear of the smokebox to accommodate the shorter boiler. In this eye-catching livery, the LMS returned her to a life of working Inspectors' and Directors' trains.
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Her final contribution to mainline duties was on the Dundee to Perth mainline, where she ran regular services. During this period, she was repainted into LMS Lined Black livery. When she was withdrawn in 1935 and set aside for preservation, she was the last single-wheeled express engine running in Britain.
Safely stored at St. Rollox, CR No.123 would remain there until 1953, when she was repainted back into her striking Caledonian Blue livery. This was in preparation for her to take part in a tour of the UK as a static display to celebrate the Coronation. This celebration was named the Exhibition of Rail Travel for Kings & Queens.
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In the late 50s, she was restored by British Railways and returned to steam. This last hurrah involved CR No.123 participating in a variety of railtours. She toured much of Scotland heading the Scottish Rambler, and even found her way as far South as the Bluebell Railway in 1963 with the Blue Belle railtour.
In 1965 CR No.123 finally retired, and was placed in the Glasgow Transport Museum (and then moved to the The Riverside Museum) where she remains to this day.
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This brand-new highly detailed OO Gauge rendition of CR No.123 will be available in its post-1927 rebuilt condition. You can choose from the beautiful Caledonian Livery (Railtour Condition), both LMS liveries, and a sleek ‘What if’ BR Lined Early Crest variant too.
Detail variations include an array of different parts meaning that no two liveries are physically the same. The Caledonian Blue models will also include prototypical front buffers with embellished thistles.
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You can look forward to a smooth-running mechanism, factory-installed speakers, NEM Coupler pockets, an ESU 21-pin decoder socket, cosmetic inside motion, and firebox flicker with a dynamic fire draw effect.
The order book is open, and you have the FREEDOM to pre-order your models directly from rapidotrains.co.uk today or from any of our Official Retailers.
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48’ ‘Evolution’ Bogie Coaches - Batch 2 (OO Gauge) | |
With the order books closing on Batch 1 last week we felt that another batch was viable, so we are expanding our OO Gauge 48’ ‘Evolution’ Bogie Coach range even further; covering more of Britain's often underrepresented Pre-grouping companies. We have chosen a nice selection of additional liveries from across the entire length of the British Isles, including several Scottish examples! | |
So without further ado lets look at the new range of liveries coming in Evolution Batch 2: | |
London and South Western Railway | |
Great Western Railway (pre-1904) | |
Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway | |
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Much like the coaches from Batch 1, Evolution Batch 2 models are a selection of generic 48’ bogie coaches, each detailed with an array of key features that modellers associate with their pre-grouping railway of choice.
Arc, elliptical, and clerestory roof designs are included in the range, and the roofs are easily removable so that you can fit figures into your coaches should you wish.
There is also a multitude of separately fitted parts and interior details to bring the coaches to life, including luggage racks, picture frames on compartment dividers and passenger emergency alarm “butterflies” at one end.
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All Evolution coaches are fitted with internal working lighting controlled by our magnetic magic wand.
We understand that the brightness of coach lighting is subjective. Some prefer them to be nice and bright so you can see all the lovely internal detail, whereas others wanted a more subtle effect to better reflect the lighting of the era. We have fitted a potentiometer to the lighting PCB which allows you to dim the lights to a level of your choosing. All you’ll have to do is remove the roof and turn it with a small screwdriver until you reach the brightness you desire.
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To complete the appearance of different gas and electric lighting fittings, the relevant models will feature separately fitted parts for battery and regulator boxes, a dynamo, roof-mounted gas lamps, plumbing, and gas tanks on the underframes.
Each coach is fitted with NEM pockets and has optional close coupling bars (modelled on vacuum pipes) included. The coaches also feature Fox pattern bogies fitted with electrical pickups. Some versions will feature extra footboards on the bogies and there are also additional central lower footboards on some designs too.
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Much like the liveries from Batch 1, Evolution Batch 2 will include Brake Third, Third, First, Composite and Full Brake non-corridor coach body variants. Multipacks will also be available for all liveries, and contain a Brake Third, Third, and Composite body version.
For modellers who wish to extend their rake, the single versions of each coach feature alternative running numbers to their multipack counterparts.
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“But the livery I wanted isn’t in Batch 2 either!” we hear you cry. Well, what can we say? You'll have to sit tight and be patient. However, you will be pleased to hear that Batch 3 is already being worked on and will feature Grouping and BR liveries along with a few extras. Check back later in the year and watch this space!
We have already received engineering prototypes, as the development of Batch 1 has progressed nicely. These will be available for you to see at all the upcoming shows we are attending such as Model Rail Scotland, Tonbridge Model Railway Exhibition, and The London Festival of Railway Modelling. Come and see them for yourself!
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The order book is now open, and you can order yours directly or from any of our Official Retailers. | |
LNWR D84 4-Plank Open Goods and D90 Loco Coal Wagons (OO Gauge) | |
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In 1904 the London & North Western Railway sought to increase the payload of its general merchandise open wagons and they turned to their new wagon superintendent, H.D Earl. His proposed new design increased the standard length of general merchandise open wagons to 18ft.
Introduced as a replacement for the shorter Diagram 9 Open Wagons, the new design would retain the same side-doored 4-plank approach of their predecessors. With the additional 2 feet of internal length, the new Diagram 84s proved successful.
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Following the success of the early 1904 versions, H.D. Earl set about updating the LNWR's ageing loco coal fleet alongside the D84s. Matching the proven 18’ long and 7’ 10” wide design, a new loco coal version was produced which featured additional bottom doors.
The first batch of these new wagons to roll off the factory floor were given round ends; however, this was changed to the conventional squared-off 4-plank design similar to the D84s when they went into full-scale production. This refined design was designated as Diagram 90.
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Despite being larger than the wagons they replaced, the D84s retained the same carry limit of 10 tons. Though they couldn’t carry more weight they could carry larger quantities of lighter materials, making them more flexible vehicles. The D90's 10-ton carry limit was greater than the D53 8-ton loco coal wagons they superseded, which is ideal when you want to move or store wagons full of coal easily.
For the first few years, production of the smaller D9 wagons continued in unison with the new D84 and D90 examples. However, in 1907 construction of the D9s ceased. This coincided with the D84 design being finalised. The final versions only diverged slightly from the various 1904-1905 prototypes.
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It is believed that approximately 2500 D90 Loco Coal Wagons were built, and just over 15000 D84s were passed to the LMS upon the grouping of the railways in 1923.
As World War 2 was drawing to an end, the British Government put pressure on the 'Big Four' companies to provide the Belgian Railways with rolling stock. The LMS agreed and provided 2000 D84s; these were then laden with coal and shipped to Zeebrugge. It isn’t clear how many of these our European neighbours deemed satisfactory and subsequently purchased, but several are noted as having spent the rest of their days on the European mainland.
Both prototypes survived through to the nationalisation of the railways; several examples were also inherited by Royal Naval Armament Depots and the Port of London Authority for private use; and a handful even made it into preservation.
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These new models will feature body tooling variants to cover the D84 4-Plank Open Goods Wagon and D90 Loco Coal Wagon variants. There are also versions of both models with either flush or overlapping side strapping.
These new models have the usual wealth of full external, internal, and underframe detail. Detail differences within the range include different brake handles, door types, headstocks, buffers, and axle boxes. All models feature split-spoked wheels and are finished off with brass bearings, NEM coupling pockets and a high-quality livery application.
The D84 4-Plank Open Goods Wagon has 12 different liveries for you to choose from and the D90 Loco Coal Wagon has an additional five. They are available to pre-order now directly from our website or from any of our Official Retailers.
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Ivor the Engine Train Packs (OO Gauge) | |
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We would like to draw your attention away from Scotland and the North-West and focus on the top left-hand corner of Wales.
In a shed, in a siding at the end of the railway lives a locomotive, and we are very pleased to say that the locomotive is now very much alive!
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We have received working engineering prototypes of Ivor the Engine, and the different rolling stock that features in the Ivor the Engine Train Pack and Rolling Stock Packs.
These prototypes are very early versions, so more work is needed on Ivor’s electrical innards, but we are pleased to say that these samples work and run nicely. We can’t wait to see what you think of these prototypes at all of the upcoming shows we are attending, and we will have them with us this weekend at our Rails of Sheffield takeover.
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Furthermore, Daniel Postgate, son of one of the original creators, Oliver Postgate, has made his first draft of the new Ivor the Engine story that will be included in the rain packs. Oh, and he has also begun work on his illustrations to go alongside it too. To say we are excited to be an integral part of the first new Ivor story in many years is an understatement. | |
Finally, the card figures and buildings that are part of both the Train Pack and Rolling Stock Pack are progressing nicely alongside the extremely charming DCC Sound profile. We are hoping to have samples and videos to show you very soon. | |
LMS 12 Ton Van weaks (OO Gauge) | |
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Although we like to research our models meticulously, sometimes we need to make a few tweaks so they are historically correct. So, we’ve done some updates to two of the upcoming LMS 12 Ton Vans.
These adjustments make them match their prototypes better. Here’s a few pictures of what they look like now.
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No. 155005 in LMS early grey (SKU 970101) now sports VENTILATED VAN on its doors, this was seen in the early grouping days before being shortened to simply VENTILATED. | |
At the other end of the van’s lifespan, the axleboxes on BR Departmental No. DM179979 (SKU 970111) ha been updated to the correct BR pattern. | |
Port of Par twins are staying alive! | |
Over the last few months, we have updated you on our developments regarding Stay-live capacitors, and progress has been good. With the work completed we managed to confirm that our upcoming SECR O1 and Andrew Barclay 0-4-0 ‘Caledonia’ Fireless models, along with our Stirling Single would have capacitors. At that stage, we believed that it simply wasn’t possible for us to fit any more technical gubbins into the Port of Par Bagnall twins due to their size, despite our best efforts. | |
However, we are pleased to confirm that thanks to design input from our colleagues at ESU,r perseverance has paid off, beating the odds and squeezing a Stay-Alive into these lovely little locos. Check out the video and see for yourself! These models are in production and remaining numbers are limited. | |
Since the last newsletter we have received a large number of colour samples of various wagon projects. Lets dive in an take a look. | |
SECR and LBSC versions have also been received - these wagons make great companions for our forthcoming LBSC E1 and SECR O1 locomotives. | |
The "faded" livery BR versions (above) and GN, LNER and WD versions have also been sent for review. | |
Our Dia. 1/801 fish van sample have also been sent for review including the fish, newspaper and departmental versions. | |
All of the above wagons are now ready to ship from our factory. Once the local holidays are finished these should be setting sail for the UK with an arrival scheduled for late March / early April. | |
Whilst the factory has been busy completing wagons the decoration shop has been busy continuing to paint and print our LBSC E1 and second batch of 16in Hunslet shunters. | |
The tanks and boilers of the Marsh mber E1 engines are starting to get their details added. | |
As are the Southern Malachite versions. | |
The distinctive 'wasp stripes' are now being added to the bunkers of some 16in Hunslet models. | |
Usually, we give you several weeks' warning of pending order book dates, but the February ones have fallen quite close to this newsletter in the end (but we did tell you last month). So, we are ringing the bell and calling last orders on the following upcoming projects next week on Monday 3rd February: | |
USATC S160 - One of our most anticipated loco projects to date. With tooling to cover over 70 years of these locos' lives there is something for any modeller from the mid-1940s onwards. | |
N Gauge Iron Minks - At the other end of the spectrum we have the tiny GWR Iron Mink vans in N gauge. This batch includes GWR and BR versions alongside a collection of 'Not-Quite-Minks' all available in triple packs. | |
If you fancy adding either of these to your collection then get your orders in quick! | |
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The order books closing in March are a little bit further away on Monday the 31st of March and will see the following projects move into production:
Remember if you want to order any of these models you can do so directly through our website or with any of our Official Retailers.
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Now that the storms that hit us last month have dissipated, we can get a better idea of when things are arriving over the coming weeks. Here’s a quick update on what products will be arriving imminently. | |
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GWR B-Set (OO Gauge)
We would like to thank everyone who has been patiently waiting for their B-sets, and we are very pleased to say that your patience has been rewarded.
The B-sets are in the UK and should be on the way to customers by the time you are reading this. Keep an eye on your emails if you have ordered them directly from us and don’t forget to share some pictures of them on your layouts once they arrive.
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GWR N19 and O18 Open Wagons (OO Gauge)
Following closely behind the B-sets are these fantastic Western Region wagons. These have been on a boat for a couple of weeks and should be landing in the UK during the second week of February (hopefully) allowing us to ship them before the next edition of the newsletter.
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Exciting Retailer Exclusives | |
Over the last few months we have been working with a number of our Official Retailers to produce a number of exclusive wagon projects - most of which are due for delivery in Q1. | |
Locomotive Builders PO Wagons - Fundraising for Marcia | |
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Fancy helping to keep a beautiful little loco in steam, and get a wagon or two in the process?
Just like every sector of the preservation movement, fundraising is a key part of keeping the locos and rolling stock we love running. These exclusive wagons are for raising funds for Peckett No.1631 'Marcia', the KESR's smallest locomotive.
These wagons are a homage to four of the most famous British industrial locomotive builders, these delightful wagons feature liveries directly inspired by the fonts, styles and liveries from their namesake builders' advertising materials.
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G Fawkes Open Wagon - The Wagon Yard | |
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Wagon experts The Wagon Yard have commissioned this banging exclusive G. Fawkes RCH 1907 PO Wagon. Bound for Westminster, this suspicious-looking wagon is the perfect one to complement our previous G. Fawkes Iron Mink and our upcoming AB Fireless in G. Fawkes livery.
With the very limited stock still available, we recommend getting your orders in before the stock has all gone BANG!!!
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B. Cowburn & Son - Frizinghall Models | |
Our friends at Frizinghall Models are no strangers to our exclusive wagons, having taken the Lister & Co. version in PO Wagon Batch 1. To complement this, they approached us and asked for another suitable local wagon. Finding images of a B. Cowburn and Son wagon that matched the Batch 2 tooling, this bright red open wagon is bound for Bradford, Frizinghall’s home town! How could we possibly say no? | |
Fish an - Bluebell Carriage and Wagon / The Wagon Yard | |
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A combined exclusive for both The Wagon Yard and the Bluebell Railway Goods Division is this fantastically fishy bit of freight stock. Bluebell's very own Fish Van which was restored by the Goods Division is believed to be this exact BR Diagram 1/801 Fish Van.
Sport the rather interesting marking of ‘NOT TO WORK BETWEEN TONBRIDGE & BATTLE VIA ROBERTSBRIDGE SOUTHERN REGION’ this was very much a BR Southern Region van and was too wide to run through the particularly slim sections of the Hastings Line.
This wagon is perfect for Southern Region BR modellers who want something a little different in their freight trains, or those who just like a wagon oddity.
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This exclusive covers a rather seldom represented railway in ready-to-run, the Cheshire Lines Committee. The CLC utilised wagons that were built by the GNR and are almost identical to our upcoming GNR vans. So, keen to ensure the CLC isn't resigned to the history books, The Wagon Yard has commissioned a batch of CLC liveried 19ft 10t Covered Goods Vans. | |
LBSC D8 Van - Bluebell Railway Goods Division | |
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The Bluebell Railway have quite an impressive fleet of wagons, including a rather smart LBSC D8 van.
With the announcement of our LBSC D8 Van in OO Gauge, it seemed only fair to offer an exclusive livery to the guys who restored the real thing. The Bluebell Goods Division Exclusive D8 model is in its current preserved state and numbered 8196.
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Model Rail Scotland
Ok, so the cat is out of the bag now, and it’s making more noise than a freshly squeezed Bagpipe. Our attendance at the upcoming Model Rail Scotland show is no coincidence. In case you missed the news, the ‘Jones Goods’ is now in the hands of the public, the ‘Caley vans’ are arriving any day now, and today’s announcements are crammed full of colourful Celtic commodities. As you can see, we have pulled out all the stops to ensure we would make this year's show a truly special event for everyone attending.
Held on Friday 21st, Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd of February at the Scottish Event Campus Glasgow, Model Rail Scotland is a show not to be missed. Come and see all the very latest samples and products on stand A15.
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Tonbridge Model Railway Exhibition
As usual, we will be making our annual pilgrimage to the Tonbridge Model Railway Clubs Exhibition. It’s held on Saturday the 15th of February at the Angel Centre in Tonbridge, and we highly encourage anyone local to come along and see us. This is by far one of our favourite local shows of the year.
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Scottish Railway Modellers Award
We don’t like to put a huge emphasis on awards that we have won and prefer our models, customer service, shipping and aftercare to speak for themselves; but this one is a little different.
With the ‘Jones Goods’ hitting shelves just before Christmas and a slew of delightful Scottish models on the way, it is immensely gratifying to know that our efforts aren’t wasted and our continued interest north of the border is recognised by the people we hoped to please.
We are the proud winners of the Scottish Railway Modellers: Small or Specialist Model Railway Manufacturer of 2024. Thank you to everyone who thought of us when voting, and fingers crossed we win again next year!
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Supplementary Scottish Steamers!
And I know what I want.
When the timing is right
Then I'll take what is mine
I am the clansman
Iron Maiden. “The Clansman”
From what we can gather, those of you who picked up one of our ‘Jones Goods’ have been thoroughly enjoying them over the last month or so. CR No.123 is now available for pre-order and we suspect it's going to go down just as well as old ‘Jonesy’, if not better. We’ve announced a variety of Scottish-themed coaches in Evolution Batch 2, and our very first Scottish wagon prototype will be shipping to the UK in the next few months. Can you spot the theme?
The Scottish steam era hasn’t really had this much attention and affection from other manufacturers, with only a limited scattering of locos appearing over many years.
As we weighed up our options for the year ahead it got us pondering whether we should make more? This month's Thought of the Month is nice and simple, do you want more Scottish prototypes from us, and if so, what would you like?
Or should we look in the other direction, casting our gaze on the land famous for confusing road signs and woolly residents?
Are there any other forgotten regions or counties for which we should make models?
What do you think? You can let us know by clicking the button below.
JASON: You know, they filmed Doctor Who in the Nant Ffrancon Pass
south of Conwy in 1967. It stood in for Tibet. I'm voting for Tibet.
RAPIDO UK: Thankfully you only have one vote.
JASON: Doctor Who fans are all over the place. Don't underestimate us! We won't be put down! Vote for Wales! Vote for Tibet!
RAPIDO UK: Would you please leave our customers alone?
JASON: Look, I really think you should – Oh! "Planet of the Spiders" is on! Gotta go. Bye!
RAPIDO UK: *sigh*
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Well, that wraps up January nicely and starts the ball rolling for what should be a rather busy year of announcements, arrivals, and adventure. Bring on the rest of 2025!
Many thanks for reading and happy modelling!
The Rapido Trains UK Team
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