A recent "behind-the-scenes" look at what's happening at the Rapido LRC Factory.
Very interesting to see the models in the stages of development and manufacture.
I get bored after snipping a dozen grab-irons off a sprue — can you imagine having to do ten-thousand? The Royal Hudson is becoming more of a temptation for me
Regards, Ed
Rapido did similar thing a couple years ago as the first run of RDCs was nearing completion. Nice marketing idea, kind of dispells the Chinese sweatshop idea of how production is done over there - at least for Rapido
George In Midcoast Maine, 'bout halfway up the Rockland branch
gmpullman A recent "behind-the-scenes" look at what's happening at the Rapido LRC Factory. Very interesting to see the models in the stages of development and manufacture. I get bored after snipping a dozen grab-irons off a sprue — can you imagine having to do ten-thousand? The Royal Hudson is becoming more of a temptation for me Regards, Ed The Hudson really is beautifull ( so is the price $650 or &750 Canadian. Actually the whole icons of steam line will be something to behold the Royal is the first of 20 Canadian prototype models. I'm waiting for the 4-4-4 Jubilee and the Big CPR Selkirk which are farther down the pike 2021-2023, my arm may be twisted for a Hudson though. as well.
Very interesting, as I had not seen anything similar before. It gives an idea of the development and setup (affecting cost but influenced by the number of items made), plus the additional labor for each loco. This is no minor business undertaking, considering our relatively modest market size.
Paul
Modeling HO with a transition era UP bent
And this is why cars are not $1.98 today.
thanks Ed
I wonder how well the factory workers a paid?
Hey Ed,
Thanks for sharing that video. Very interesting.
Graymatter's wage question is also interesting. I would be curious to know whether the workers have a standard of living that is higher or lower than the average Chinese factory worker. I suspect that they are at least equal seeing that Jason seems to be a fair and honourable man.
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
hon30critterI suspect that they are at least equal seeing that Jason seems to be a fair and honourable man.
I wouldn't be surprised if their wage scale might be just a bit above average since there is a certain skill-set needed and I'm sure Jason wants to keep turn-over and retraining to a minimum.
Pretty much the same constraints, world over.
Glad you enjoyed it and hat's off to Mr. Shron for allowing us to see the inner-workings.
In one of his newsletters he mentions a few quality issues that had to be dealt with. I imagine facing these setbacks can really try one's patience!
graymatterI wonder how well the factory workers a paid?
You also have to ask what things cost as well, to get a good idea of a standard of living. I met a person from Switzerland that was my counterpart for the Swiss Government. I did the same job for the Canadian Government. They made twice what I did in wages, however, they spent much more to live in a two bedroom apartment than I did for a good sized house on acreage. There were other surprising things as well.
I usually see all of Jasons flicks but had not seen that one yet. I enjoyed seeing it and think I saw my two Hudsons I ordered having starring roles in that motion picture. I hope they are being paid scale or better and will pay for themselves.
Brent
"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."
Thanks for posting that, Ed, really interesting stuff . . .
I enjoyed it too. Interesting that there were big screen smart phones in front of a lot of the workers.
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
If you delve further into the Rapido Trains site and related Facebook (you don't have to be a member to browse the latter) Jason says he pays a little above the prevailing rates. That allows him to attract and retain better employees, and probably actually saves money in the long run. He also makes fairly regular trips to China, and that level of attention surely helps ensure the quality control remains high. Teleconferencing has many advantages, but nothing beats a face to face meeting with samples in hand when sorting out challenges in product development or production.
I've always liked Rapido. They seem to have a heart and soul that the other big wigs out in the industry don't have. This is just one of the many a examples. I also appreciate the thought and care put into the models. They aren't just slapped together and thrown out into the market. There seems to be an intense attention to detail (from what I've seen at least).
(PS: I got on two separate occasions a "maybe" on HO scale Amtrak Horizon fleet cars. Anyone up for a Surfliner or a Wolverine? I know I sure am! :) )
Rapido has probably the best marketing team in model Railroading, plus they seem to have higher upsinthecompany who actually genuinly love the hobby. :)