It''s the end of another month and that means it's time for an update from our friends at Rapido Trains UK! 

They have just announced new batches of their OO Gauge GWR "Iron Mink" Vans, "Not Quite Mink" Vans and GWR 4-plank opens too! There are lots of new and colourful liveries to explore and pre-order now. 

Aside from these, Rapido have just received a whole host of new decorated samples and have issued various other project updates. Scroll down to see them all - it's certainly another busy month for the team with plenty of progress updates and new products arriving.

First off, Rapido have announced a new run of their super popular GWR "Iron Mink" and "Not Quite Mink" Vans in OO Gauge - including new detail variations such as the GPV door design not used in the original batches. They also feature a new tooling for greased axleboxes. 

There's a huge range of new options available here including usage with the GWR, LTSR, MR, LNWR, LMS, TVR, Cambrian, Caledonian, LSWR, BR and private owners too! For all you G.Fawkes  fans there's two new variations of that too! 

Single Vans: £27.95 each

Also announced today is a new run of Rapido's GWR 4-plank open wagons in OO Gauge! In total there are nine new variations to choose from in new GWR red, GWR grey and Barry Railway liveries - including versions with or without poseable sheetrails where applicable. These models also benefit from the new greased axlebox tooling. 

Single Wagons: £27.95 each

Moving over to some new project updates, Rapido have just revealed some new decorated samples for their highly anticipated range of Evolution bogie coaches in OO Gauge - depicting the Midland Railway, Somerset & Dorset Joint Railway and Great Northern Railway. These are looking absolutely splendid and we can't wait to receive them - see more photos on our site! 

The delivery of Batch 1 has been split into three stages, with some set to arrive before the end of the year and the rest coming along in early 2026. Many of these are now sold out at Rapido and we have limited quantities remaining so get your pre-orders in to avoid missing out! 

Singles: from £59.45 • 3-Packs from £169.95

Don't forget that aside from Batch 1, there are TWO MORE batches of Evolution coaches expected across 2026!  The order book deadline for Batch 2 CLOSES ON Monday 3rd November so get your pre-orders in now to avoid disappointment. 

Rapido have also updated the tooling for their London Transport and Metropolitan Railway vehicles - which will now feature round-topped doors, removed luggage door windows and removed guards duckets. This follows on from customer feedback and makes the coaches even more prototypically literate. 

Singles: from £59.45 • 3-Packs from £169.95

Moving on to some steam locomotives, Rapido have displayed decorated samples for their beautiful new range of Midland Railway 483 Class 4-4-0 steam locomotives in OO Gauge! As you can see these are looking fantastic, with a lovely finish complementing the colourful liveries the class was seen in throughout its life. 

There are a number of variations available to pre-order in Midland Railway crimson, S&DR Prussian blue, LMS black and BR black. Delivery expected TBC 2026. 

DCC Ready: £178.45 • DCC Sound: £271.95

Rapido have also just received decorated samples for their entire range of LNER Class J52/2 0-6-0ST steam locomotives (ex-GNR Class J13s) in OO Gauge!  The range covers the earlier 'J13' versions from the pre-grouping days right through to the end of BR steam as well as the preserved example no.1247 that can be seen in the National collection!

As you can see these models are shaping up very nicely indeed and pending some factory feedback they will be completing production in the near future. Delivery expected Q1 2026. 

DCC Ready from £140.20 • DCC Sound from £237.95

As part of this update we've received some images of our own EXCLUSIVE model which depicts No. 68845 in this unusual Doncaster Works Yard livery.  

DCC Ready: £164.95 • DCC Sound: £279.95

Last but not least, Rapido have revealed decorated samples for their newly tooled range of GWR 'Open C' Goods Wagons in OO Gauge as well! These long-wheelbase vehicles were designed as tube wagons but that wasn't their exclusive load of choice - and you can model a variety of tied down loads thanks to the separately fitted lashing rings.

A wide variety of these wagons are to be produced in GWR, BR and  Private Owner  colour schemes with delivery expected in Q1 2026. 

Single Wagons: £30.55 each

Rapido have apologised profusely for the shipping delays experienced by the Port of Par Bagnall 'Twins' in OO Gauge. Unfortunately the nature of international shipping means things can sometimes take longer than expected due to customs checks, poor weather or other issues. Thankfully these are still on the way and should hopefully arrive in the coming months! 

SINGLE - DCC Ready: £118.95 • DCC Sound: £212.45

TWIN PACK - DCC Ready: £237.95 • DCC Sound: £424.95

Last month Rapido advised that the new range of Andrew Barclay Fireless 0-4-0 locomotives had unfortunately returned to the factory due to QC issues. These are now nearly back in the Far East and we look forward to hearing more as to when they will return to the UK. 

DCC Ready: £118.95 • DCC Sound: £212.45