Rapido Trains announced that the United Aircraft TurboTrain is returning to HO scale with the release of the Turbo 2.0. The model is scheduled for release in mid-2023.
The Turbo 2.0 will be offered in the following paint schemes: Amtrak (early and late), Canadian National, Penn Central/U.S. DOT, United Aircraft/U.S. DOT, and VIA Rail (with and without CN “wet noodle” herald on nose). Rapido will be offering the Turbo 2.0 in three- and five-car sets, four-car Canadian coach sets, and single U.S. coaches.
Features on the Turbo 2.0 will include a new drive system with improved slow-speed performance; completely redesigned single-axle trucks with needlepoint axles; redesigned, roof-mounted SMD interior lighting system; golden-white light-emitting-diode headlights; and all-wheel electrical pickup. The train will be available with three different Power Dome Cars and six different Intermediate Cars. In addition, Rapido is tooling IC-34, the Canadian Turbo coach with additional luggage space.
The Turbo 2.0 will be fitted with a dual-mode ESU LokSound V5 decoder. A sound decoder and speaker will be in each Power Dome Car. The train will operate on curves down to 18” radius. The Turbo 2.0 is not compatible with the 2008 release.
Pricing for the Turbo 2.0 will be $89.95 (single coach, U.S. roads only), $319.95 (CN/VIA four-car coach set), $749.95 (three-piece set, United Aircraft/U.S. DOT and Penn Central/U.S. DOT), and $899.95 (five-piece sets).
The order deadline for the Turbo 2.0 is June 15, 2022. For updates on Rapido’s HO scale Turbo 2.0, visit rapidotrains.com.
