It's the end of the month and that means only one thing - it's time for another MASSIVE news update and some new announcements from Rapido Trains UK!
This month they're expanding their Great Western Range, with an all-new GWR Class 45xx 'Small Prairie' as well as a new run of Evolution Coaches in the exquisite GWR lined crimson lake colour scheme. Aside from these new announcements, Rapido have also shared many updates on their existing projects too which you can find out more about below!
OO Gauge GWR CLASS 45xx SMALL PRAIRIE ANNOUNCED
The first of two exciting new announcements today is this all-new model of the GWR Class 45xx 'Small Prairie' 2-6-2T steam locomotive in OO Gauge, following on from Rapido's recently released 44xx Class. This prominent GWR tank loco returns to OO Gauge with this beautiful new tooling - available in a range of liveries from their introduction at the start of the 20th century until withdrawal in the 60s, as well as some preservation schemes too!
The models will feature numerous accurate tooling differences, such as the inclusion of original length running boards for certain locos which is a first for OO RTR! You can expect all of the top features too including NEXT-18 digital capability, sound options, plenty of details, a flickering firebox effect and much more. Pre-order yours today!
DCC Ready: £147 • DCC Sound: £242.20
OO Gauge NEW GWR EVOLUTION COACHES ANNOUNCED
If you're buying a gorgeous new GWR locomotive then you're going to need some lovely coaches for it to haul! Rapido have you covered here with a new livery announced for their growing range of Evolution Bogie Coaches in OO Gauge - complete in this exquisite GWR lined crimson lake colour scheme.
This new batch features the clerestory roof design, except for the full brake which has an elliptical roof. As with all other Evolution coaches these models will feature an unbelievable attention to detail and full lighting systems. Rapido have added this new livery to their third batch which will be releasing towards the end of 2026!
Single: £59.45 each • Triple Pack: £169.95
OO9 Narrow Gauge KERR STUART 'SIRDAR' DECORATED SAMPLES
Switching over to something a little smaller, but no less impressive and highly detailed - we have these new decorated sample images to share with you of Rapido's newly tooled OO9 Narrow Gauge Kerr Stuart 'Sirdar' 0-4-0T locomotives!
As you can see these are shaping up very well and are astonishingly pretty in their colourful liveries. These diminutive delights are packed with details and features - including full cab details while maintaining a quality powerful mechanism and digital capability. They're about to sell out at Rapido - so get your pre-orders in now to avoid missing out!
Don't forget we have an EXCLUSIVE version available here at Rails in an eye-catching War Department green colour scheme!
DCC Ready: from £118.95 • DCC Fitted: from £152.95
OO Gauge LBSCR 8-TON GOODS VAN DECO SAMPLES
Rapido have also just received these decorated samples of their LB&SCR 8 Ton Goods Vans in OO Gauge too - and they're looking absolutely smashing! These handy wagons are perfect to pair with other Rapido releases such as the LBSCR E1 locomotives, RCH 7-Plank Open Wagons as well as our upcoming EXCLUSIVE LBSCR 4 & 6 Wheel Brake Vans!
Single Wagons: £29.50 each
OO Gauge GER 5 & 7 PLANK WAGON DECO SAMPLES
In yet more decorated sample news, Rapido have just revealed these samples of their upcoming Great Eastern Railway 5 and 7 plank open wagons in OO Gauge! Bristling with interesting pre-grouping liveries that cover several railway companies, these models are a must-have for anyone modelling the constituent companies of the LNER!
Single Wagons: £27.95 each
OO Gauge LNER CLASS D40 4-4-0 ENGINEERING SAMPLE
If that wasn't enough for you - Rapido have also just received engineering samples of their upcoming LNER Class D40 4-4-0 steam locomotive in OO Gauge (aka the GNoSR V & F Class)! The models feature numerous tooling differences to represent both saturated and superheated boiler versions as well as changes made over the course of their lives.
There are many different eras and colour schemes covered in the range including the popular "Gordon Highlander". Don't forget EXCLUSIVELY AT RAILS you can also order the SECR G Class 4-4-0 - these locomotives were built for the GNoSR but instead ended up with the SECR down South!
DCC Ready: from £195.45 • DCC Sound: from £293.20
OO Gauge HR 'LOCH' CLASS 4-4-0 ENGINEERING SAMPLE
To pair along with 'Gordon Highlander' and acting as an encore to the highly regarded "Jones Goods" - Rapido have received an engineering sample of their all new OO Gauge Highland Railway 'Loch Class' 4-4-0 locomotive too!
This locomotive expands Rapido's Scottish range to include a new passenger locomotive which gives you the option to run trains that aren't just freights! There are plenty of eye catching liveries available so we can't wait to see decorated samples in the future.
DCC Ready: £186.95 • DCC Sound: £276.20
DO YOU WANT TO SEE A 'MARCIA' MODEL?
Ever since Rapido purchased their diminutive little Peckett 0-4-0 locomotive 'Marcia' they have been inundated with requests to produce one in model form! They've announced that they're actively looking into this - but it's not an easy one due to the amount of tooling variations and liveries. Is this something you'd like to see produced? Let Rapido know using the link below!