I have been watching for some word when the Rapido RDCs would be avaiable; they had been listed in Walthers as due Oct 31. I just found this note on the Rapido site in their News section:
The factory is working flat out on HO scale RDCs. At this point, all of the Phase 1 RDCs are scheduled to leave the factory by AIR around November 15th. All going well, they will be en route to stores around December 1st. The Phase 2 RDCs - including our 6133 exclusive - will leave the factory in mid-December by ocean, and will be sent to stores in January.
In another area:
RDC DELIVERY SCHEDULE:Shipment 1 November 30 depart China, arrive in Canada in first week of December – CN Noodle, B&M Minuteman, C&EI, CNJ, LIRR, New Haven Script, New Haven McGinnis and PRSL.Shipment 2 January 3 depart China, arrive in Canada end of January – Remainder of Phase I RDC-1 unitsShipment 3 January 20 depart China, arrive in Canada end of February – All Phase II RDC-1 units.
George In Midcoast Maine, 'bout halfway up the Rockland branch
Jason personally loaded seven pallets of them into the truck!
I had not preordered any but I might try to hook one when they hit North America!
Regards, Ed
Ed:
Thanks for the Rapido video. Very interesting to see and hear about the production process. I wish I had the steady hands and good eyes!
I noticed nobody was wearing safety shoes except maybe Jason! Oh well, its their toes!
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
Good to hear the RDC's are still coming, despite delays at the factory. They look so much better than the Walthers RDC's.
This video should be mandatory viewing for anyone talking about bringing manufacturing back to the US by edict.
CG
ATSFGuyThey look so much better than the Walthers RDC's.
I agree. And, I was contemplating the investment of ~$30 or so each for the NWSL "speed-up" gearing that would allow my Walthers RDCs to overcome the 40 MPH speed barrier they have. I'm sure the Rapido models will operate at closer to passenger speeds.
Ed
I'd like to see a Rock Island or Western Pacific RDC, or better yet an ATSF Warbonnet RDC.