The Rapido Trains HO scale RTL Turboliner paid a visit to our Milwaukee, Racine & Troy staff layout recently. Join Model Railroader editor Eric White and senior editor Cody Grivno as they take a look at the features on this ready-to-run model and take it for a tour of the Milwaukee, Racine & Troy. How fast will the five-car train go? Stay tuned to find out.
Rapido Trains offers the HO scale RTL Turboliner in a five-car set (Amtrak phase 3 early, phase 3 late, and phase 5) and a two-car set (Amtrak X2000 Demonstrator). Single coaches and coach/snack bar cars are also available.
The Rapido Trains HO scale RTL Turboliner was designed using a combination of blueprints and field measurements. The sounds included with the Digital Command Control models were remastered from videos of the prototype trains.
Similar to other Rapido models, the RTL Turboliner has numerous underbody details. The trucks include third-rail shoes. These were used on the prototype when the train operated through Grand Central Terminal and Penn Station in New York.
Additional features on the Rapido HO scale RTL Turboliner include working headlights, marker lights, and cab-mounted strobe lights; separate, factory-installed grab irons; detailed interiors; tinted window glazing; and interior lighting.
Five-car sets with Digital Command Control and sound sell for $949.95. Direct-current sets without sound are priced at $749.95. Two-car X2000 Demonstrator sets are $649.95 (DCC and sound) and $449.95 (DC without sound). Single coaches and coach/snack bar cars have a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $129.95.
Trains.com Product Review videos showcase the latest new items from manufacturers of products in Z, N, HO, S, O, and large scales. In the videos, you can watch locomotives in action, take a close-up look at details on freight cars, see kit components, and much more.
If you are a manufacturer and have products you would like reviewed, please email Senior Editor Cody Grivno at cgrivno@kalmbach.com for more information.
Interesting this train has a mechanical linkage between the turbine and the wheels, I would have guessed the turbine powered a generator which powered electric traction motors.