rapidoandy

We have a new thread too ;-)

APT-E – back for another run! · TWO new 1:76 scale trainpacks · Extra Trailer Cars available too · Available from Rapido Trains UK stockists · Highly collectable! We’re absolutely delighted to announce that the ‘OO’ gauge APT-E is back! Originally produced as part of the National Collection In Miniature range, the National Railway Museum has given us permission to produce another batch as a standalone Rapido Trains UK product. The APT-E is an iconic four-car gas-turbine tilting train which set a British railway speed record of 152mph on August 10 1975. It marked the beginning of British Rail’s quest for faster trains, which ultimately led to the likes of the HST, Pendolino and Hitachi’s IEP. This importance of this revolutionary design was finally recognised in May 2013 when the APT-E won the prestigious Engineering Heritage Award. Designed using laser 3D scanning with input from members of the original APT-E development team, this ‘OO’ gauge model is every bit as revolutionary as the real thing. It boasts an impressive specification: • Two Power Cars, each with a five-pole, skew-wound motor and flywheel • Two Trailer Cars with articulated Swinging Arm Trailer Bogies • 3D scanned exterior for accurate body contours • Working tilt mechanism • Close coupling system • Full interior detail including illuminated test instrumentation • Working headlamps, tail lamps and interior lighting • Accurate sounds produced from archival footage • Designed for drop-in wheelset conversion to ‘P4’ and ‘EM’ scale Two four-car trainpacks are being produced - one with sound and one without. RRP is £379.95 (non-sound) and £479.95 (with sound). We know that some modellers weren’t content to run their APT-Es with just four cars (even though that how the real thing ran). So we’re producing additional Trailer Cars with seats and one intermediate bogie - perfect for those that want to imagine what the APT-E might have looked like if it had entered service. RRP for an additional Trailer Car is £119.95 Please be aware that this new batch of APT-Es will not come with all the extras – commemorative booklet, limited edition packaging – that the first release had. But the model itself is just the same marvel of miniature engineering that we produced back in 2016. APT-E is available through all Rapido Trains UK stockists, including Locomotion Models and the National Railway Museum as well as being available to order direct from www.rapidotrains.co.uk

I cant say to much at this point but work is underway :-)

Don't worry - the video used the same CAD from the launch on the 1st of the month - we had too many things to show off so held this back a few weeks. It is being corrected - if it has not been done so already - by the designers.

Evening all, Unfortunately we cannot automatically transfer pre-orders over. I wont go into the technicalities but suffice to say that between being separate legal entities and using different platforms it becomes rather complicated. However, we are more than willing to take your order through the UK website and the guys in Canada will be able to cancel the order at their end to take advantage of the better postal rate etc. Nearly everything is on the UK website now with the exception of the HO road trailers and two steam locomotives which will go up on Monday. Obviously if you wish to stay with the Canadian order for now and then switch over to us you are more than welcome to do so. If anyone has any questions feel free to drop me a message. I personally have had no involvement with North American modelling - if anyone can help spread the word to friends or groups that do I would be most grateful. If there's is a market for North American items here we may look at expanding our plans. Many thanks, Andy

Rapido Trains UK are pleased to offer Rapido Trains Inc. North American products to our UK and European customers. We are able to accept pre-orders for products that are on open order books in North America. Nearly all of the items have now been uploaded onto our website and can be found here: North American Products – Rapido Trains UK Unfortunately we are unable to hold general stock in our UK warehouse so pre-ordering is a must. Simply, the orders for a given product will be sent to us and we will then send them out to customers in the UK and Europe saving modellers the postage costs from Canada. Happy modelling! Andy

Rapido Trains UK are pleased to offer Rapido Trains Inc. North American products to our UK and European customers. We are able to accept pre-orders for products that are on open order books in North America. Nearly all of the items have now been uploaded onto our website and can be found here: North American Products – Rapido Trains UK Unfortunately we are unable to hold general stock in our UK warehouse so pre-ordering is a must. Simply, the orders for a given product will be sent to us and we will then send them out to customers in the UK and Europe saving modellers the postage costs from Canada. Happy modelling! Andy

Afternoon all. We are in the process of setting up something better for our North American fans - watch this space over the next few days. Although Rapido Inc is our sister company there are some complications around ordering each others products. Regarding Australia - it is now live on our website and you can order direct from us. Many thanks, Andy

Mr Tilt I love your carry case! Its so fantastic I wonder if can I pinch a copy of these images to use on our social media pages etc? Many thanks, Andy

Morning everyone. We did say we would listen to modellers - and several have asked if a second plain green model could be added into the initial range. So here it is - a plain green D5700: https://rapidotrains.co.uk/product/class-28-d5700-br-green/ It is very slightly different to the other plain green example featuring no electrification flashes on the body side as per the prototype. Enjoy! Andy

Hi Mike, Being truthfully honest I’m not sure - we have lots going on and it’s linked to various other things. Drop me a PM and let me know where I’m the world you are and I will see what I can do. Thanks Andy

Afternoon all! I am very pleased to say that at the end of last week we finally got a UK bank account! The result, after several days of hard work is we are now taking orders via our website. At present this is UK only (were working on the rest of the world as we speak - although I'm sure our retailers will be able to help anyone in far flung countries that would like to place an order now). We are also taking a deposit. The idea is to help our cashflow and bring some of the (secret) projects that are already well on their way to fruition forward in our plans. There are some very exciting things to come! Anyway, why not head over to www.rapidotrains.co.uk and order now! Many thanks, Andy

The Titfield packs are not yet available to pre-order. For those who have read the newsletter (soon to be on the website) we have stated the reasons for our announcement being earlier than planned. Once the final prices are confirmed we will be in a position(along with our retailers) to take pre-orders. Watch this space!

The springs (amongst other things) are already being corrected. It is amazing how many differences there are on the loco between its spells of operation and display since 1930.

Can I ask where that's displayed?

Something has gone wrong with the upload there! I will go and correct that methinks!

Watch this space ;-)

For anyone that asks about the screws on the ends of the axles : To make servicing the model, and assembly etc easier this is probably the best solution. However we will be including etches in a poly bag that include a number (and some spare) of crank axle covers that can be carefully glued in place to cover the screw to give an authentic look for those who wish it. Remember they will be tiny!

If you look at the CAD you will see the different images show some subtle differences. There are quite a number between Lion in 1930, Thunderbolt in the film and Lion now. We have some cunning plans...

Afternoon everyone. We have received a few comments regards the operation of the 16xx on some DCC systems. As a result, got Mohan George, the DCC and electronics guru in our Toronto office, on the case. Mohan tracked down the source of the problem: a rogue voltage suppressor. These are designed to protect delicate electrical components from unwanted voltage spikes. We'd specified 27V but, unfortunately, the circuit board supplier fitted one limited to 18V, which is prime output voltage for some DCC systems! So, what are we doing about it? Well, if you’re electrically handy, you can simply remove the suppressor. Otherwise, you'll just have to hold tight for the replacement circuit boards that we're having made to arrive. You can order one by clicking here: 16xx DCC Fix – Rapido Trains UK As soon as they land in the UK, we'll send it to you free of charge for fitting at home. If you’re in any doubt about fitting a new circuit board or modifying the electrical components, don’t worry. Drop us a line and we'll see what we can do to help. The boards are on their way to me now so hopefully we should be able to send these out in a couple of weeks time. Many thanks Andy

“We want the Titfield Thunderbolt!” - Rapido Trains UK launches range of The Titfield Thunderbolt models with five new 1:76 scale models fully licensed by STUDIOCANAL. Rapido Trains UK is delighted to reveal a range of models inspired by The Titfield Thunderbolt that will be available in time to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the film’s release in 2023. These will be the most accurate The Titfield Thunderbolt models ever produced and are being developed with full co-operation of STUDIOCANAL, which owns the rights to this seminal railway film. (Work in progress CAD image of Thunderbolt, Loriot Y and Dan's House) The Titfield Thunderbolt tells the story of group of villagers determined to save their branch line after British Railways announces its closure. When a rival bus company sabotages the newly acquired train prior to an official inspection, the villagers resurrect the line’s first locomotive, Thunderbolt, and, against great odds, obtain permission to keep their line open. The story was inspired by the group of enthusiasts, led by Tom Rolt, who took over the 2ft 3in gauge Talyllyn Railway in 1951 and thus kick-started the railway preservation movement. The film was the first of Ealing Studios’ famous ‘Ealing comedies’ to be filmed in colour and it was released in March 1953. (Work in progress CAD image) We will produce five new ‘OO’ gauge models: · Thunderbolt, aka Liverpool & Manchester Railway 0-4-2 Lion · The Buffet Car, aka Great Eastern Railway Diagram 603 No. 8 · No. W68740, GWR Diagram AA20 ‘Toad’ brakevan · ‘Dan’s House’, aka GWR ‘Loriot Y’ No. 41989 with fictitious Victorian coach body · Pearce & Crump’s coach GAM338, aka Bedford OB with Duple Vista body (Image courtesy of J Kinnard) Our Titfield models will be available in three packs: · Pack 1 (SKU922001)is a standard pack, containing Thunderbolt, ‘Dan’s House’ and Loriot Y with No. W68740. · Pack 2 (SKU922002) is a deluxe pack, containing sound-fitted Thunderbolt, Dan’s House and Loriot with W67840 plus 4mm:1ft scale figures and commemorative booklet. · Pack 3 (SKU 922003) contains the Buffet Car and No. W68740, plus 4mm:1ft scale figures. · The Bedford OB will be available as a standalone model in full Pearce & Crump livery (SKU920001). Work is well underway with Lion, Loriot Y and ‘Dan’s House’ at an advanced stage of development. (3D printed and hand painted test of the interior to give an idea of what may be possible) All models will be in stock by March 6 2023, the 70th anniversary of the film’s release, although it is expected that some models will be available during 2022. All models, including film and non-film versions will be available through Rapido Trains UK stockists or direct from www.rapidotrains.co.uk Identities and guises for non-Titfield models – as well as prices for all models – are still to be confirmed.

Hello everyone, Firstly, I am sorry it has taken me a couple of days to get onto this thread - this week as you can imagine has been entertaining! We are aware that on DCC there are issues for some people. We have been in touch with Model Rail, YouChoos and many individuals to try and ascertain in what circumstances faults are occurring (as it is evident that the fault is not apparent on all models) and to keep everyone in the loop. We are working on a solution which I hope to have some further news on in the next couple of weeks. Unfortunately, it is not possible to have an instantaneous solution as it involves people from three continents, different time zones and some testing to ensure that our solution does not bring further or unexpected issues. I would ask anyone that has an issue to drop an email to customerservice@rapidotrains.co.uk that way as soon as our solution is to had I can contact you directly. I know its frustrating, please be patient and I promise I will come back to you when there is a little more to report as soon as I possibly can. Thanks Andy

“I know where I can get an(other) engine, any time I want” – from Rapido Trains! Rapido Trains are excited to announce we have signed the world-wide exclusive rights to manufacture a range of models to celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the iconic film ‘The Titfield Thunderbolt’ in 2023. The range will feature a host of highly detailed new models of some of the favourite vehicles from the film alongside the historic liveries they wore outside the film. Full details of the range will be announced on Thursday 1st April at 12:00.

Gentlemen, I feel this is getting a little heated. As Luke has pointed out, he contacted us to ask for some advice. Its not a case of a non-functional model that would fall under warranty and head back to Kernow, but an "issue" as Luke puts it that he wished to seek clarification on. We are acting in a support capacity (much like any of the white goods manufacturers referenced above would offer). In this instance we are happy to work with Luke to understand his enquiry. I have been in touch with Model Rail recently to discuss the matter. The UK team are involved, the spares and items for the warranty repairs will shortly be with me and will be my responsibility to deal with here in the UK - its much quicker than sending models to Canada for repair :-). All we would like is for our (Rapido's, Model Rail and Kernow respectively as a team) customers to be happy and enjoy their 16xx models! Keep calm and carry on modelling! Andy

Hi Luke, Having consulted with my colleagues in Canada (they were behind this project) I have just emailed you a response to try out. Many thanks, Andy