Rapido Trains launches UK business with six new models

Rapido Trains has announced six new models as part of a plan to declare its official return to the UK model market. Models are to be produced to its own designs, the company having previously manufactured exclusive model commissions for Locomotion Models, Model Rail magazine, Rails of Sheffield, Realtrack Models and Revolution Trains.

The UK arm of Rapido Trains Inc. launched today with six new British-outline models for 1:76 and 1:148 scale is promising to bring to market a Western Region Hawksworth ‘15XX’ 0-6-0PT, Hunslet 16in 0-6-0ST and RCH/GWR Dia. Z4/BR Dia. 1/260 gunpowder van for OO gauge.

The Rapido Trains UK team has said it is "already working on more projects to expand the range, focussing on ‘OO’, ‘N’ and ‘O’. However, producing ready-to-run models in scales such as 3mm:1ft or ‘O-16.5’ have not ruled out as long as there is demand for them."

A BR Western Region Hawksworth ‘15XX’ 0-6-0PT is announced. Read the full story here. KENNY FELSTEAD

Its second locomotive, a Hunslet 16in 0-6-0ST should please industrial fans. Read the full story here. NATHAN WILSON

Its stalled gunpowder van project is to proceed, with deliveries expected late-2021. Read the full story here.

N gauge

Meanwhile, N gauge modellers are being promised a MetroVick Type 2 Co-Bo (later Class 28).

The unsuccessful Metrovick Co-Bo will fill a gap in the pilot scheme locomotives for N scale. Read the full story here. P J HUGHES

1:76 scale vehicles

Continuing its theme of model buses, Rapido Trains UK is promising a 1:76 scale Leyland Fleetline double-decker bus and Birmingham City Transport Guy Arab.

Further models of its already-tooled Guy Arab bus are to be produced. 

Its Leyland Fleetline bus, under development, is to be introduced under its Rapido Trains UK umbrella.

Rapido Trains President, Jason Shron, said, “The UK model railway market is one of the most important in the world and we’ve been sniffing around the edges for a while. Now it’s time to show the British modeller what we can do.”

Sales & Marketing Manager, Richard Foster continued, "It’s a huge privilege being able to develop a range of models from scratch. We will bring to the UK market the high level of detail, innovative thinking and sense of fun that are hallmarks of Rapido Trains Inc.” Operations Manager Andy Hardy said, “ Joining the Rapido team offers a fantastic new challenge and the opportunity to lead and develop a fantastic new range of UK models. The UK model railway market is thriving with a huge potential for development and innovation."

All four railway models in the initial release programme are at early stages of development, with bus models expected to arrive spring/summer 2022.