Rapido Trains & the Turbo
#1
Model and prototype in this Toronto Star article about Rapido Trains and the Turbo:

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Andrew
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#2
Nice story.

I have the original Bachmann demo model.
When then United Aircraft(Now United Technologies) first built the turbo train, they had a small N scale layout in one of the cars. Bachmann was contracted to design, and make a small model for the layout, in exchange for the rights to the model.(Thats why Bachmann was first to sell N scale models of it..Irv didn't want anything to do with N scale at the time..So the story goes).
When UA did a country wide tour and would show prospective customers, there would be a layout, complete with trees, houses, and a hand painted version of the Turbo Train demostrator model whipping around the track. After the tour was over, (I think VIA bought the demostrator),the layout was dismantled, and those involved with the project got to take home the pieces.
When I was working at Sikorsky Aircraft(Late 80's to late 90's), one of the "ready for gold watch" guys I worked with, was involved with the demostration project(He got to travel the country with the Turbo Train on the companiy's checkbook). actully had the original Bachmann model. He gave it to me,(I was N scale back then) along with a couple of buildings, and some track from the layout.
I will post pics.
Torrington, Ct.
NARA Member #87
I went to my Happy Place, but it was closed for renovations.
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#3
One of the few N scale pieces I hae left is a Bachmann Turbo.
When I saw the Rapido model at the show, boxed, I thought it looked large, like an On30 model, but seeing a full set at the hobby shop I think it looks perfect.
Now to convince Dayle that we need one.
David
Moderato ma non troppo
Perth & Exeter Railway Company
Esquesing & Chinguacousy Radial Railway
In model railroading, there are between six and two hundred ways of performing a given task.
Most modellers can get two of them to work.
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#4
Well, I don't have the Rapido Rapido, but I do have several Rapido passenger cars and I can tell you that the detail is amazing!

cheers
Val
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#5
I do have the CN Turbotrain and it looks good, sound great and run flawlessly.
The Turbo is an acquired taste from what I gather...


The stylised box:

[Image: 4-turbo-878b53.jpg]


The cushioning and packaging. Nothing broken, no missing pieces. You can't see it, but there's a remote for
DC ops (sound). Battery included

[Image: 1-turbo-878b66.jpg]

Also ordered the Turbo TwoPack: TurboClub and TurboCafe

[Image: 2-turbo-878b75.jpg]

An extensive and well written instruction manual.

[Image: 3-turbo-878b7e.jpg]
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#6
On the layout


[Image: 55-878e92.jpg]


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#7
Cripes those are nice. I almost want to buy one and keep it on hand for the day when I might have a much larger layout to run one on. I'm actually looking forward to Rapido's "The Canadian". I'm betting its going to be as equally impressive.
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#8
I looked through Kalmbach's 100 best RR photos today and they have the shot of the Turbo publicity run that ran into the truck -- pieces of truck flying up over the top of the train.
Of interest is that the turbo didn't derail. I think the nose was severely damaged and I'd be surprised if there weren't some dents in the bodywork.
I think that took place one day when I was in Toronto for a job interview at the end of university.
David
Moderato ma non troppo
Perth & Exeter Railway Company
Esquesing & Chinguacousy Radial Railway
In model railroading, there are between six and two hundred ways of performing a given task.
Most modellers can get two of them to work.
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#9
Those Rapido's look great.

I've got the Bachmann version in N Scale. In unrun, mint condition.
It still has the original scotch tape on the plastic box and all the cardboard outer packing.

[Image: 00325.JPG]
paris junction
CN Mile 30.73 Dundas Sub
Paris, Ontario
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#10
Wow that looks great!! My experience with Rapido Trains is that their stuff is really well made and highly detailed. Looks like the Turbo is no exception.

I recently noticed that they are coming out with a full set of The Canadian including 2 engines. Should be pretty darn nice.

Val
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