We can't believe it either, but it's nearly the end of December! And that means... it's time for another Rapido Trains UK Update! 

We're delighted to share a number of project updates with you today as well as a couple of new announcements. Read on to see all the latest news, including some updates for our EXCLUSIVE projects too.

In the first of two ' What if?' announcements - Rapido have revealed this striking lined blue edition of the LNER Class D40 4-4-0 steam locomotive - named 'Thistle'. This was originally the result of a jokey 'Rejected livery' post but proved so popular with modellers that they just had to make it! This is available to pre-order now along with the rest of the range. 

DCC Ready: £195.45 • DCC Sound: £293.20

Rapido have also announced this special 'what if?' version of their forthcoming GWR County Class 4-6-0 in OO Gauge! These locomotives hauled all number of expresses but sadly never received BR lined express blue  livery in real life. Rapido have righted this wrong in model form with this eye-catching new model - available to pre-order now! 

DCC Ready: £212.45 • DCC Sound: £310.20

Moving on to some project updates, Rapido have just revealed decorated samples for their glorious newly tooled range of Caledonian Railway 'Single' No.123 4-2-2 steam locomotives in OO Gauge! One of the most distinguished locomotives ever to run on our railways - Rapido are modelling this in OO Gauge in CR lined blue, LMS red, LMS black and BR black liveries. 

DCC Ready: £212.45 • DCC Sound: £310.20

We have also received these decorated sample images for our own EXCLUSIVE model depicting this beautiful locomotive in the Caledonian Railway dark blue colour scheme -as requested by you - the modellers! 

DCC Ready: £224.95 • DCC Sound: £324.95

Rapido have just received more decorated samples for their newly tooled range of USATC S160 2-8-0 steam locomotives in OO Gauge!  These samples showcase some of the most memorable preserved versions - following on from the recent reveal of the wartime variations. 

DCC Ready: £229.45 • DCC Sound: £322.95

We are also excited to reveal this decorated sample of our special EXCLUSIVE model  depicting No.2582 'Pvt H.J.O'Brien' in this unique version of the USATC colour scheme with white lining and white lined wheels. This locomotive was unveiled in this livery as a dedication to the Private, of the 741st Batallion, who was killed in an air strike on 24th Dec 1944. In case you missed it, we also recently showcased deco samples for our other EXCLUSIVE model in Longmoor Military Railway livery. 

DCC Ready: £269.95 • DCC Sound: £379.95

Following on from the reveal of various other Evolution Bogie Coach decorated samples in recent months - Rapido have now showcased samples for their beautiful LNWR liveried models! These models are expected as part of Batch 1 and are now sold out at Rapido - so that means what we're ordering is what we'll get! Pre-order yours now to avoid missing out.

 Single Coaches: £59.45 • Triple Pack: £169.95

Finally, Rapido have also let us know that their newly tooled range of LMS 20 Ton Iron Ore Hopper Wagons are set to arrive in Q1 2026 as well. A whopping 17 variations are set to be released with various detail differences in all sorts of colourful liveries. 

Single Wagons: £29.50 each

Also expected in the first quarter of next year are Rapido's newly tooled range of GWR Diagram O19 'Open C' goods wagons in OO Gauge! These long wheelbase 'Tube' wagons are available in 13 different guises - including GWR, BR and PLA liveries. 

Single Wagons: £30.55 each