Model Railroader reviewed the Rapido Trains Inc. HO scale Santa Fe-rebuilt Budd cars in the September 2019 issue.
Rapido Trains Inc., manufacturer of North American prototype HO and N scale locomotives, freight and passenger cars, and accessories, as well as British-outline models, celebrated its 15th anniversary in November 2019.
Jason Shron, president of Rapido, shared some highlights of the company’s first decade and a half in volume 119 of Rapido News, the manufacturer’s online newsletter. “We’ve grown from a one-man show with one resin kit and some decals to one of the larger model train manufacturers in North America.”
Among the early offerings from Rapido Trains Inc. were an HO scale 4-section, 4-bedroom, 8-duplex roomette sleeper and an 80-seat coach. Retired Model Railroader senior editor Jim Hediger reviewed the cars in the January 2007 issue, noting that the coach and sleeper were “among the best-detailed mass-produced models we’ve ever seen.”
Shron notes that there have been a few bumps along the road. “The HO scale TurboTrain looked amazing, but ran like a pregnant hippo on crutches,” Shron said. “But still we soldier on. With each new challenge we get stronger.”
Over the years Shron has added several members to the Rapido team, almost all of them model railroaders, including industry veterans Bill Schneider (project manager) and Craig Walker (United States sales manager).
The Rapido Trains product line continues to grow, which you can learn more about on the manufacturer’s website, rapidotrains.com.
Shron thanked his customers for their loyalty over the past 15 years. “You, our customers, have shown faith in us and continue to support us,” Shron said.
“We love that you love our trains, and without you all of this would have been a pipe dream.”
