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HO Scale Manufacturer Videos / Product Updates


mdvle
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5 minutes ago, mdvle said:

Latest Rapido video, featuring Rapido owner Jason Shron's in progress Kingston Sub layout

 

 

 

I think Rapido needs to make flex track that is as accurate and then as finely detailed as their models.  Running them on the usual stuff pretty much destroys the illusion for me.

 

Andy

 

Andy

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1 hour ago, Andy Reichert said:

 

I think Rapido needs to make flex track that is as accurate and then as finely detailed as their models. 

 

I seem to recall that in their very early ads in MR they did feature track... never got released though.

 

Here's an announcement from the MR website, dated June 21st 2013.  The Rapido page is a dead links though.

 

Apparently the original announcement was 2010, on  the back of the MR How to Model Realistic Track magazine, which is where I saw it.

Edited by Dr Gerbil-Fritters
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My recollections, with some links.

 

The original announcement was likely the 2010 ad mentioned above, but at that time it was more of an idea than a ready to go project.

 

Properly announced June 21 2013 - https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Rapido-News-47---It-s-Track-Time-.html?soid=1101318906379&aid=AOKdDCSxJsk

 

Then the "failed" product testing when they took some of the Bendy Track up to Orangeville ON and tried to run a 1:1 scale GP9RM on it -

 

In October 3rd newsletter they announced they had okayed the production samples - https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Rapido-News-50---Two-Brand-New-Products-.html?soid=1101318906379&aid=9WEn4KP-tdI#anchor4

 

They apparently delivered some in late 2013, but then in July of 2014 they discuss that they had production problems with the factory they had been using (this was about the same time much North American track was hard to get due to production problems) - https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Rapido-News-58---Independence-Day-Announcement.html?soid=1101318906379&aid=Ynbcu3xHx78#anchor5

 

Can't easily find it but eventually they simply dropped the track

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I bought a box of the Bendy Track, after it was discontinued I think.  It looked good (but not very British). It was fragile; pushing down on the ties on rubber roadbed would separate them from the rails.  I asked Jason, and he confirmed that it was discontinued for such reasons.

 

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  • 2 weeks later...
  • 2 weeks later...
  • 2 weeks later...

Rapido have several updates

 

Reminder of the order deadline for Jordan's Amtrak Turboliner (March 17th) - https://twitter.com/RapidoTrains/status/1236459717930749952

 

- several pictures posted to Twitter of the PS Dining Cars almost complete and ready to leave the factory, arrival expected April/May.

 

Amtrak - https://twitter.com/RapidoTrains/status/1237086551118577667

Ontario Northland - https://twitter.com/RapidoTrains/status/1237535214013779970

CN - https://twitter.com/RapidoTrains/status/1237724964217860096

 

Finally, video featuring the FA-2 and FB-2 units arriving shortly (along with a relaxing Bill Schneider with cat, and at the end a new mailing address for Jordan :))

 

 

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Rapido have announced on Facebook that the Amtrak RTL Turboliner has enough orders and thus it will proceed.

 

Orders are still being taken, the order deadline won't be announced until later in the year (likely when they have samples to show).

 

https://rapidotrains.com/products/ho-scale/diesel-locomotives/ho-scale-rohr-turboliner

 

They have also announced on their website that per the order by the Province of Ontario their office/warehouse will be closed starting Wednesday - while staff are working from home orders can be placed, but no in stock items will be able to be shipped while the closure order is in place.

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  • 3 weeks later...

ScaleTrains just held a live Q&A on Facebook.

 

Items discussed, based on my recollections and scribbled notes (ie. could have errors) - video should be available on Facebook.

  • they track suggestions for new models, requests should be sent to sales@scaletrains.com
  • steam loco - working on one, research package sent to China last winter (guessing this means for CAD work to be done)
  • 4-axle diesel - tooling should start soon on their first offering
  • kit classics - second item coming, likely early next year
  • another museum quality model coming
  • AC4400 - likely, another couple of runs of the dash-9 first though
  • AC6000 - possible future project
  • SD70ACU - not in short term
  • 3 year new tooling plan, 5 year research plan
  • SD40-2 - tooling costs to date around $250k, spending another $100k for tooling updates for different versions
  • selling parts - trucks, couplers, wheels coming soon - replacement parts not really planned, logistics issues.
  • engine announcement at NMRA show this summer, now unknown given show cancelled
  • undecorated - sales abysmal, cancellations very high
  • looked into other scales (S, O, Z)
  • river counter / operator - about 85% rivet counter, 15% operator
  • do discuss plans with some other manufacturers where a trusting relationship has been built up to try and avoid duplicates
  • structures - would like to do
  • vehicles - nothing in short term, maybe
  • looking for feedback on the idea of doing fantasy units / foobies - sales@scaletrains.com
  • C39-8 sales merely okay in HO, lost money in N - similar story on carbon black cars
  • 5188 / T4 Gevos - sales better than expected
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Athearn has started doing live shows on YouTube they are calling "Athearn Train Tuesday"

 

They cover some upcoming products, some personal model projects, and also do a Q&A with the audience.

 

Some notes from the 3 so far (beyond the standard response of interesting/responsible to requests).

  • April 7th
  • more 75th anniversary items coming
  • interested in upgrading the GP40X to Genesis
  • 3 more new models to come this year
  • hinting that the P40/P42 are being upgraded, maybe to Genesis, news later this year
  • April 14th
  • steam locos - existing tooling being upgraded
  • steam locos - interested in doing some new items
  • California Cars/Surfliner - possibly, high on list of requested items
  • GP38-2 in modern UP paint - likely this year
  • modern tank cars - looking for feedback on what type of modern tank cars people want
  • April 21st
  • UP 844 - new run coming soon
  • assembly for dual sugar cube speakers for big boy will be available, and assembly to add them to existing big boy models likely to be available.

Videos:

April 7th

 

April 14th

 

April 21

 

 

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Athearn Train Tuesday - April 28th

From the Q&A:

  • a lot of GE stuff in the works
  • won't rule out a P30CH
  • SDP40 - hopefully
  • fuel foilers / impack cars - new run likely soon
  • low & high snowplows in parts line - viewed as a good idea
  • one of this summer's announcement has been worked on for 3 years
  • consider SP Pacifics as part of any future steam projects
  • 72' cryo-trans reefers - they want them so good chance
  • surfliners/california cars - lots of interest from outside of California as well, have 2 locos to pull them so should be high on list
  • SPFE 57' reefers - asked, no real comment
  • dd40x (dd40ax) - good things coming

They also, in response to questions, had 3 items where they would like info or feedback (help@athearn.com)

  • CN tank train cars - interested in doing them, but need info.  If can help with research then email them and mention Matt in email so it gets to right person
  • Genesis well cars - are people interested?, what features would they want?
  • Heritage Units - any future heritage units they do, what sort of finish do people want on them?  The normal satin finish, or a shiny/high gloss finish?  Janek was asking for this feedback.

 

Edited by mdvle
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