I just got an email alert from Jason Shron of Rapido Trains, saying that they are branching into steam, specifically Canadian steam. They plan to release 2 per year, beginning with the Royal Hudson in 2017, Canada's 150th birthday. I am so excited by this news, because Rapido's quality and fidelity to prototype is second to none.
Here's an excerpt from the email, followed by a link to the release schedule.
Those of you who know me are probably wondering: "Steam? Jason wants to bring out steam?" If you don't know me, I model 1980 and have been known to refer to steam engines (in jest) as ugly, black, smelly things.
The fact of the matter is I had an epiphany at the Great Edmonton Train Show in September 2014. I met many of you there and was struck by your longstanding dedication to our hobby. Looking at the faces lined with decades of model railroad experience, I came to the realization that Rapido needs to bring out Canadian steam engines - and fast - so that the model railroaders who grew up with steam would be able to enjoy affordable, accurate Canadian steam locomotive models in their lifetimes. This is also an opportunity to introduce Canadian steam to a new generation of younger modellers.
After the first day of the show Bill and I sat down for a drink (Lagavulin, if you will ask). And I said, "We need to do Canadian steam." Delighted that he had finally got through to me, Bill asked, "Which engine?" My response: "All of them."
http://www.rapidotrains.com/iconsofsteam-schedule.html
Good to see you here, it's been a while, and that does sound like "great news".
While I don't model anywhere close to the steam era I'm sure I will pick one up if there is one appropriate for the eastern region.
Spitfire Wrote:Great news for Canadian steam modellers!!!
Yeah, the Rapido news is pretty nice, but it's just as nice to see you back here, Val.
Wayne
Hi Val,
Thanks for the news! Good to see you here again. I referenced some of your great work on your website just this weekend...!
Andrew
I salute the impressive program Rapido is undertaking, but I took the news as if they were announcing a "new" Big Boy or Challenger. Most of them are mantle pieces on steroids. And don't get me wrong, I perfectly understand the business decision behind that, they will sell like hot cake: brass-level models that runs like a charm.
However, I'd like to see more variety in term of locomotives, a not a 70% line up of passenger locomotives. Would have been nice if there was a few small steam engines to complete the array of operation type. A set of 2-6-0 and a set of 0-6-0 would be nice (CPR 0-6-0 with the rounded skirts are really sweet
http://www.trainweb.org/oldtimetrains/ph...m/6304.jpg). Something very common but painstaking to model without lots of efforts and that would fit many needs.
That said, enough ranting, and thought I woun't probably buy any of them, I was overjoyed to see the pair of 4-6-0 and the CNR 2-8-0. Those will be very fine engines on any size layout, particularly the 4-6-0! If I were to switch my layout back into steam era, at least 3 models would find there way without alteration which, I must admit, is impressive.
Knowing how Jason is a passenger train nuts, I suspect we will see new passenger cars in the future to compliment those excellent models!
Mat
sailormatlac Wrote:I salute the impressive program Rapido is undertaking, but I took the news as if they were announcing a "new" Big Boy or Challenger. Most of them are mantle pieces on steroids. And don't get me wrong, I perfectly understand the business decision behind that, they will sell like hot cake: brass-level models that runs like a charm.
However, I'd like to see more variety in term of locomotives, a not a 70% line up of passenger locomotives. Would have been nice if there was a few small steam engines to complete the array of operation type. A set of 2-6-0 and a set of 0-6-0 would be nice (CPR 0-6-0 with the rounded skirts are really sweet http://www.trainweb.org/oldtimetrains/ph...m/6304.jpg). Something very common but painstaking to model without lots of efforts and that would fit many needs.
That said, enough ranting, and thought I woun't probably buy any of them, I was overjoyed to see the pair of 4-6-0 and the CNR 2-8-0. Those will be very fine engines on any size layout, particularly the 4-6-0! If I were to switch my layout back into steam era, at least 3 models would find there way without alteration which, I must admit, is impressive.
Knowing how Jason is a passenger train nuts, I suspect we will see new passenger cars in the future to compliment those excellent models!
Mat
One of the main reasons I don't model the steam or transition stuff, is that unless it is PRR or famous, no one makes a model of it. Except fro brass that will cost you an arm and a leg.
Hi Val---good to hear from you.The announcement from Rapido is great news for anyone interested in Canadian steam and I hope there will be more classes to follow, in particular CNR and CPR Mikadoes .I also hope that Rapido looks at other Canadian steam locomotives such as the Toronto Hamilton and Buffalo (TH&B) Consolidations and Berkshire types and the Ontario Northland RR. Northerns---I may have to sell some of my brass with all these new items on the market
Thanks for the warm welcome! I do wish they'd include Mikados on their list, and I also wish they'd produce the Northern a little sooner. I get the sense that Jason is open to suggestions here as it seems his desire was to give people what they wanted. I'm going to send him an email and mention that we need more freight haulers.
Hi Val! As odd as it may seem I thought of you when I seen these announced steam engines.. Good to see you again.
