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Rapido Newsletter Vol. 190
©2024 Rapido Trains Inc.
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Dear Rapido Customer,
Rapido News 190 comes at you with even more HO and N Scale announcements! Grab a cool drink and lounge chair as this will be one action-packed newsletter to close out the summer.
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In this 190th issue...
- Rapido and Me
- New Samples for the FT Locomotive
- New Product Announcements
- New Videos
- Upcoming Shows
- New Updates
- An Upgrade On Our Backend
- Ethan's Rapido Summer
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 and artwork are subject to change before the final product release.
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Rapido and Me — Customer Photo Submissions
Hey there! Check out some of the recent photo submissions we've received from our friends, below. 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!).
Here's three more we wanted to feature for this month.
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A matched set of Maine Central RS-11s hustle a freight through a curve. Models and photo courtesy of Brandon Kulik. | |
The Turbo and the Turbo! Warranty model in front of our beautiful Rapido HQ signs. Photo courtesy of Alex Kung. | Here's an amazing scene straight in the Canadian wilderness with an RDC. Model and photos courtesy of Jason Baxter. | |
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New Samples For the FT Locomotive!
Get excited for these early HO Scale FT Locomotive samples! They have just arrived and were photographed on Bill's appropriately themed NYO&W layout. You'll have to do some imagining that they're painted for the NYO&W, but we'll leave that up to you. Anyway, on to the sample photos!
A reminder: these are early pre-production samples. All models shown are subject to revision upon final production. The etched screens are merely test parts and are NOT representative of what will appear on the final model.
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Just look at all of those details on the FT! | Couplers on the rear of the Santa Fe A-units — a first! | The next set of HO Scale FT Locomotive photos show the new dynamic, close coupling system (coupled or draw-barred) that is applied to ALL FTs. This sample uses the close coupling system. This allows units to be at a scale distance on straights while still negotiating model railroad curves. | |
Close, just like the real deal. | |
Those etched grilles are early samples and will be refined for production. | There is no order deadline set just yet, but now that samples have arrived, we expect to announce an order deadline shortly. In fact, we also expect to have a video showing off the features of the FT sample as well. Look out for that soon! | |
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NEW SCHEMES! HO Scale E-Units
The famous Rapido E-units have returned! Rapido is proud to announce a new run of EMD E-units in an assortment of new schemes that span the glory years right on up to the Amtrak era. The last announcement was HEP-equipped E-units, but this run will return it back to the steam generator era when these locomotives were in their hey-day. Click here or the photo above to watch the E-unit launch video.
On this run of E-units, we have all sorts of schemes from the 1950s through the 1970s, including the famous Rock Island Bicentennial E8A, the Santa Fe E8mA- and B-units, the SP E9As and more! Let's dig in.
| Just a sampling! Here are four E-units from the initial run. | The famous Rock Island Bicentennial E-unit. Photo by Ray Cook, courtesy of the Kevin EuDaly collection. | Rock Island 660 scoots by an Illinois Central locomotive at 21st Street, in downtown Chicago. Photo by Jim Boyd, courtesy of the Kevin EuDaly collection. | Joliet! Many things cannot be repeated in this awesome photo. Especially where it was taken and capturing the Rock Island E-units in passenger service. Photo courtesy of John Lassahn. | In the early 1950s, the Santa Fe decided to rebuild their pre-war 1937 E1 fleet for continued use. Designated as E8mA and E8mB locomotives, these essentially were new E8 carbodies with some mechanical bits such as the generators and trucks carried over. As such, horsepower was capped at 2000 HP (twin 12-567B 1000 HP prime movers) unlike the 2250 HP in standard factory-built E8s. Often relegated to secondary passenger trains, these could be seen across the ATSF system on trains such as the Grand Canyon, as well as local trains between Denver and Colorado Springs and other cities. The E8m fleet didn’t quite make it to Amtrak and the ATSF traded them in to EMD in 1970 for new GP38s. | Santa Fe 84 leads a short passenger train of DRGW equipment. Photo by Jim Boyd, courtesy of the Kevin EuDaly collection. | Southern Pacific wasn’t a big customer for EMD E8 and E9 diesels, but they did purchase 10 in 1954 (one E8, nine E9s). These would be assigned to some of their most important passenger trains such as the Sunset Limited, Coast Daylight and the Golden State amongst others. Starting in 1958, SP began repainting these into the “Bloody Nose” scarlet and gray scheme. Lasting until Amtrak arrived in 1971, one unit — the SP 6051 — had been restored to its original “Daylight” colors at the California State Railroad Museum and is still in service. | SP 6050 heads up a passenger train. Photo courtesy of Bob Zenk. | SCL 583 sits in St. Petersburg, Florida. Photo by Larry Eastwood, courtesy of the Kevin EuDaly collection. | What a scene! Take a minute to look at all of those vintage vehicles and that E-unit. Photo by Alan Bradley, courtesy of the Kevin EuDaly collection. | |
Rapido’s E-unit model features:
- E8A, E8B and E9A models offered
- 3D laser-scanned body shell
- Accurate nose and roof contours
- Seven different noses
- Three different back ends
- Two different nose sides – with and without lifting lug covers
- Three different steam generator options
- 36” fan, 48” fan or non-dynamic brake options
- Single- or dual-headlight configurations
- Freight or passenger pilots
- Three styles of side grilles
- Original porthole sides or rebuilt blanked sides (including unique variations)
- Skirted or non-skirted fuel tanks
- Original square, sloped or Hyatt roller bearing journal boxes
- Heavy die-cast chassis
- Smooth running drive system with all wheels powered
- Complete lighting effects – headlights, class lights, backup lights, ground lights, cab lights and more
- Numerous road-specific detail parts in both plastic and etched metal
- Accurate E8 locomotives sounds by ESU LokSound
- MoPower capacitor
Below are the schemes.
|  | The HO Scale E-units are the locomotives that keep giving! And we would like to give you the PDF catalog, which you can download below. You can also order the E-units below. | |
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NEW MODEL! N Scale F59PH Locomotive
Were you "N"-thralled with last months N scale announcements? Well, get ready to be "N"-vested with even more N scale models! Rapido is proud to bring you the N Scale F59PH Locomotive. Ever since the HO scale version stormed the modeling scene we've heard call after call for the 1:160th version. Now it's almost in your grasp!
Just like the N Scale F40PHM-2, this model has a 5% early bird discount that you can take advantage of until November 15. This model is conditional, however we will push it into further development and tooling once our minimum is met. We feel quite confident that our N scalers can prove Jason wrong and send this to the next level.
Below are more 3D CAD renders of the F59PH locomotive.
| The N Scale F59PHs have ditch lights, marker lights and headlights. The American versions will have the large style red marker lights. | |
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The F59PH was designed by General Motors Diesel Division for GO Transit in the 1980s, as the Toronto commuter railway was looking for a new passenger locomotive to upgrade its fleet. The two biggest requirements were quick acceleration between stations and the need for a separate HEP (head end power) generator. In the end, a total of 73 locomotives were built for GO Transit and Metrolink. By the 2010s, many GO units would be retired and sold off, as new MP40 locomotives began to arrive. Eight F59PHs (557-564) continue in service today for GO! Metrolink's would soldier on for a handful of more years before their own retirement.
Many of the GO units would see a second life on various commuter agencies across the United States, such as: Chicago Metra, Trinity Railway Express of Dallas and Agence métropolitaine de transport (AMT, now Exo) of Montréal. Some GO F59PHs also would become leaser locomotives to VIA Rail, Metrolink and others. Hint hint, you can run your Canadian with ex-GO F59PHs!
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Here's a great example of why you need TWO F59PHs pulling your sets. Dan G. caught a double-headed 10-car set. More power! Photo courtesy of Dan Garcia. | |
On the left is the non-working prototypical ditch lights. On the right is the factory installed LED ditch lights. | |
Please note that in order to achieve full functionality of the ditch lights on the N Scale F59PH, we have narrowed the spacing due to the F59PH’s open front stepwells. There’s simply nowhere to hide the LED and lightway! However, we recognize that many Rapido customers enjoy the precision and detail of our models. As such, each model will include an interchangeable anti-climber with non-operating ditch light assembly in a polybag for your prototypically accurate display purposes! The photo above demonstrates the prototype and operating light locations. | A Metra F59PH hauling Budd Gallery Cars — which we are also offering! Photo courtesy of David Vincent. | The glory days of Los Angeles commuting. An F59PH and four BiLevels take commuters home. Photo courtsey of Craig Walker. | |
The N Scale F59PH Locomotive features:
- Scaled from field measurements and blueprints
- Unique F59PH body and details — first time in N!
- Incredible underbody detail including separate piping
- Separate wire grab irons
- Working headlight, ditch lights and marker lights
- Lit American-style red marker lights
- Accurate F59PH sounds on sound-equipped models
- Will operate smoothly on DC and DCC layouts
Here come the F59PH schemes! For some of these schemes you'll note they never actually existed. We picked a handful of schemes to give you options when purchasing the cars to have a matching locomotive. Instead we created some neat F59PH schemes that we think should have existed! Scroll down to see all of them.
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This is the part where we need your help. Make sure you reserve ALL of the F59PHs you need before November 15, 2024 to ensure this project takes the next step. Check out the catalog below or order on our website.
Oh, by the way, the F59PH certainly needs something to pull, so keep scrolling down to check out the N Scale BiLevel Commuter Cars.
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NEW MODEL! N Scale BiLevel Commuter Cars
Please welcome the newest member of the N scale product line: the BiLevel Commuter Cars — the smoothest rolling cars around and fully equipped with track-powered operating lights! These passenger cars have been a staple for over 40 years carrying commuters to work everyday. We're excited to have these cars in N scale, but like the F59PH Locomotive, these models are conditional. We're N-thusiastic to make these models a reality!
Remember to order by November 15, 2024, to receive the 5% early bird discount!
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Headlights, ditch lights, lit number boards and interiors plus strobe lights on applicable models! | |
A coleslaw set! Note the wild mix of schemes on this 12-car set. Photo courtesy of David Vincent. | |
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Now, let's take a quick overview of the history of the BiLevel cars. The BiLevels have seen three builders: Hawker Siddeley, UTDC and most recently Bombardier. Their distinctive octagonal shape and low doors are easy-to-spot features that are pleasing to the eye. These were originally designed and built for Toronto's GO Transit to replace the crowded single-level cars on hand. Did you know that of the 1,500+ cars built, all have been assembled in Canada? A uniquely Canadian passenger car, that has strong roots in the United States, as well.
GO Transit has over 900 cars on their roster, making them the largest operator. Los Angeles' Metrolink comes in as a distant second with 184 cars, many of which continue to ply the rails in Orange County, California.
| Possibly the most attractive scheme on the BiLevels? A Sounder set races to its next stop. Photo courtesy of Jordan Smith. | The face of Metrolink for over 20 years. A single window cab car leads two more BiLevels with an F59PH pushing. Photo courtesy of Craig Walker. | |
Here are the N Scale BiLevel Commuter Car features:
- 3D designed body shell for unparalleled accuracy
- Single or double cab front windows as appropriate
- Correctly tinted windows
- Accurate painting and lettering
- All-new, smooth rolling inside bearing trucks
- Full pilot detailing with body mounted couplers
- Constant interior lighting in DC and DCC
- Controllable cab car lighting in both DC and DCC*
*Operating headlights, ditch lights and strobe lights (where appropriate)
And now for the best part: the schemes! Peep them below.
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Don't forget to order these cars, along with the N Scale F59PH Locomotive to take advantage of the 5% early bird discount! Order away to help this project advance to the next stage and make all of those commuter trains a reality. Check out the catalog or order below. | |
Rapido's HO Scale GP38 Locomotive is finally here and we take an in-depth look into all of the details and features. Join Jordan for a fascinating unboxing video by clicking here or the photo above to watch. Limited models are still in stock. See your dealer or our website while supplies last! | |
Are you ready for the HO Scale NSC 5304 Boxcar unboxing video? Let's join Jordan once again for another fantastic video highlighting all of the features of this important boxcar. Click here or the photo above to watch. If you liked what you saw in this video, make sure to see your dealer or check the website while supplies last. | |
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Rapido Live with Trainworld — August 22nd
Come catch us tonight at 8PM EDT, when we go live with Trainworld! Join Jason, Jordan, Jeff, with surprise guest Bill, along with Trainworld's own, Ken Bianco Jr. They will be discussing Rapido models and answering any questions you might have.
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Colorado Rail Prototype Modelers — September 21, 2024
Going to be in the Greely, Colorado area on September 21st? Come visit the first inaugural Colorado Rail Prototype Modelers Meet! This should be an exciting day, full of great models to look at. We'll have a selection of sample models on display and you can ask your pressing questions to Jeff, who will be representing Rapido. Hope to see you there!
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Tooling, Shipping and Arrival Updates
LOTS of new items are arriving soon!
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The Rio Grande and Northern Pacific 44-Tonners. | |
A study in orange: the New Haven and Milwaukee Road versions. | |
Canadian National above and Boston & Maine below. | |
The west coast kings: Santa Fe and Union Pacific. | |
Check out the details on the Southern Pacific 44-Tonner. | |
Can't forget Pennsylvania. Below is the generic blue scheme. | |
Rounding out the 44-Tonners is the all-red and industrial yellow schemes. | The Trainworld Long Island Rail Road exclusive! Click here to order from Trainworld. | |
HobbyTyme exclusives: Arcade & Attica, Tidewater Southern and the ever popular Hoboken Shore 44-Tonners. Click here to locate a dealer that works with HobbyTyme. | |
Get on the GO! The original above and the Metrolinx version below. | My personal favorite: Sounder. Below is the new Metrolink scheme. | |
Here come the Budd Gallery Cars! | |
Stack up your riches — with the 53' Husky Stack Well cars and the 53' Containers. | |
The Hudson H1a and H1b Steam Locomotives are almost here! | |
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An Update On Our Backend Upgrade
As you may know by now, we began a full overhaul and upgrade of our backend operations of our ordering system as of a little over two weeks ago. Of course, as we predicted, it did not go as smooth as our external consultants assured us. We have been through this before and we anticipated as much as we could. Many of you may relate, but wrangling technology never goes the way you think it should and so we are still tweaking a lot of the small manual issues and updates to the backend of the site here and there.
If you see something off or ordering your models are not going as expected, feel free to reach out to us via the Contact Us page. There is an option for IT/website errors, as well as any of the other standard warranty or order issues. Please click on the link that best fits your issue. We want to make this as smooth as we possibly can.
That being said, many of you have noted or asked if the site look will be updating to something more modern to match our new ordering system. Once we have this upgrade fully settled, we hope to eventually move to a major site upgrade as well. However, that is definitely a future project, as our small but mighty team can only handle one major technological wormhole a year. Thank you again to everyone who was so patient and understanding with us during this major shake up.
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Ethan's Rapido Summer
Hi, I'm Ethan and I am a repair technician in the warranty department at Rapido Trains, meaning that I repair all your detailed model trains that may have had a traumatic past or just need some oil. With over 16 years of modeling experience out of my 20 years of life on this planet, I have slowly climbed the hill of understanding how to fix models with great guidance, especially from my fellow warranty workers.
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A picture of me with my first Rapido model: a VIA 40th Anniversary F40PH-2D Rebuild. | In 2008, my grandfather would constantly bring me to the train tracks, as he worked for the railroad, designing the CNCP Telecommunications lines. It wasn’t long before we discovered a model train store across the street called George’s Trains. That’s when I met Dan Darnell and Jordan Smith, who worked behind the counter. As my interest grew, they were always there to help me with my research and guide me in buying the right products. I was devastated when I found out that they had gone to work at a new and, at the time, small company called Rapido. But I never thought that nearly a decade later, I would have the chance to work alongside them. Nevertheless, they were located right across the street from George's Trains, the place that started my journey. | Special access acquired to take photos of the new Siemens Venture set while doing testing and training in London, Ontario. | Going into university, I had my mind set on going into Engineering. While I enjoyed designing things, I also loved making it a reality. With many technological advancements within the recent decade, I decided to do a Dual Degree with Mechatronics Engineering (mix of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering) and AI Systems Engineering at Western University. Of course, this came with the added benefit of taking the VIA Rail to and from London every few weeks. | Rapido's VIA F40PH-2D Rebuild in the 40th anniversary scheme with a set of Rapido LRC cars. | In terms of my personal model trains, I model HO Scale for CN, loosely based on the Greater Toronto Area, including a compressed version of Toronto's Union Station, with the iconic arches being 3D printed. My layout includes scenes such as Bayview Junction and George's Trains, all themed roughly for the 2017-2020 era. I chose this timeframe to capture the CN leaser era, VIA Rail Canada 150 models (kindly produced by Rapido), and the CN "Heritage Units". While the steam era is appealing, I find more enjoyment in modeling the diesel era, as it's what I grew up with. Though I do have a small steam fleet, they mostly serve as display pieces. | A super detailed Dash 8 from the first run beside the new GP9RM Slug Set Late Version. | I have almost all the models I can ever dream of in my fleet. One, which was missing for the longest time, was the GP9RM slug set. I had one that was scratch-built using an ALCo cab, but of course it was incorrect. The new ones made by Rapido are amazing! Especially the beacon package on the late versions. The sole engine missing from my collection would be the GO Transit MP54. As far as I'm aware of, it has not been produced in plastic or brass, but it can only be a matter of time, right?...Surely...Please... | Rushing to catch CPKC 734 with UP 5260 after class. | Working at Rapido has been an absolute pleasure. With lots of challenging projects with different repairs, I never seem to get bored. Of course, there is the lovely benefit of having a therapy dog come in once in a while (Jordan's or Mark's dogs). It's like having your own dog, without the hassle of taking care of them. I also get the chance to test out new projects; and, as I'm sure all of you would guess, I end up purchasing a few and bringing them back home. | Latest run of the Rapido Dash 8 taken outside for a small photoshoot outside on the original Rapido layout. | |
Aside from my passion for model trains, I’m deeply into railfanning, which has become one of my favourite hobbies. I regularly photograph trains in Markham and London, Ontario, capturing everything from classic shots to dynamic drone views. I’ve built up quite a collection over the years, though I sometimes wish I could have started sooner, particularly during CN’s leaser era. It had such a unique variety of locomotives. Unfortunately, I only got into it in 2020 after I got my driver’s license, which gave me the freedom to explore different railfan locations.
When I’m not out railfanning, you’ll likely find me at the climbing gym. I’ve always had a long reach, but I realized that basketball and volleyball weren’t my strengths. So, I decided to channel my energy into climbing. It’s a sport that’s both challenging and rewarding, and I enjoy participating in it through my school club and at my local gym. Climbing has become a perfect complement to my railfanning, giving me a way to stay active and push myself physically.
|  | My first couple of days working at Rapido in 2023. | Even though I’m not sure what future summers have in store for me, I know I’ll always make time to return to Rapido. It’s more than just a workplace to me — it’s a place where I can meet with my old friends, and have fun talking about trains. And, of course, I’ll never miss the chance to add a few new models to my collection while I’m there. | |
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Thanks, Ethan! Those diorama shots are simply amazing! We're hoping you come back whenever you aren't busy...please?
On that note, another whirlwind newsletter comes to a conclusion. September is just around the corner and we'll be back with more order deadline announcements and maybe even more product announcements, as well. Until then, practice safe modeling.
"Bobert" (as the factory calls me in emails...)
Bobby Allard
Newsletter Dude
Rapido Trains Inc.
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USA: PO Box 796, Higganum, CT 06441
Canada: 500 Alden Road, Unit 21, Markham, ON L3R 5H5
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