Behind the Scenes in the Model Train Industry

Visit Rapido's factories in China and learn about the challenges facing model train manufacturers today.

[@marcleslac2413]

Im happy you hire expert makers and make it a happy place to work.

[@RWSBaden]

Hi Jason, I'm delighted to see all those smiling faces at the LRC / Rapido Trains factory in China. Nothing better than having folks who like and enjoy their job. I'm also very impressed you speak Chinese, very nice. I'm also disappointed people would add negative remarks about your fine company, because the models are made in China. Who do those people thing built the Central Pacific railroad across the Serra Nevada Mountains? I believe if Kadar had not purchased Bachmann Trains, Bachmann might now be out of business. In my opinion, the quality of Bachmann trains went up after the Kadar purchase. OK I'm climbing down off my soapbox now. Back to the LRC factory, the downside of moving your factory is you'll be loosing all your experienced workers. I hope you don't run into too many growing pains starting over in your new factory. I wish you continued success and please don't forget us N scale guys. Merry Christmas Jason and the entire Rapido Trains crew. Cheers Rich.

[@503railfan]

good to see you treat your workers better than other manufacturing operations in china.

[@northjerseyrailfan9326]

Yes it's very nice

[@choopsk6734]

at 3:27 this machine does not have proper safeties. single button operation. operator could have their other hand in the press and cycle it.

[@Zach_Bloomquist]

I didn't know Jason speaks Chinese. Very cool. He is like the Anti-hipster in those bell bottoms. Looks like he walked out of the 1970's lol. Frankly he makes these uploads very fun to watch. Always like to get updates from Rapido. And to all the people out there that complain about the products being made in China, Get over it already. Would you pay $1000 for the same SW1200RS if it was made with american labor? Because it would certainly cost 3 times the amount it is now. I bet you would all buy only from Rapido every time if it was "made in the USA" right. Seriously the business model doesn't exist for the economic realities we live with. Almost all model railroading products are made in China, some in Japan, and very few anywhere else. Marklin and others don't count as they aren't major players in the US.

[@pwblackmore]

I think your move will win on a few counts - yes, of course the models should be cheaper for you to produce and, I hope, if they are not cheaper for the customer then at least you should be able to produce more of them; you will be providing jobs in an area that seems to be less competitive; and you should be able spend more on R&D and expand your lines. All power to you Jason...

[@saltleywsc]

Great video hope the move to the new factory goes well !

[@florajaskolka2149]

Good luck in your new factory! Thanks for sharing! Great video!

[@jschmid]

Wow awesome scenery, those little mountain hills are really cool. Looking forwards to updates on the new factory too.

[@dpallant]

I recognised the view from the Park Lane hotel there at about 2:20! My first hotel on a visit to China and blown away by the size and quality of the rooms! Great videos. Very interesting and looking forward to more of your N gauge work with Revolution Trains.

[@Alphaminer100]

Looks good, now you have some space to make HO scale CLRV's and ALRV's!

[@themidlandcompoundarchive9430]

Nice to see the production of it all, nice new building as well!

[@chrislef2002]

This is a great video - Great Insight to the Chinese factories, the latest setups and tools, and the Travels by Train in China. Nice. -Chris

[@shawnhogan8726]

Thanks for the fun and informative update! Only 20 minutes from the Li River? Icing on the cake I say(almost tempted to move for a job there, then I could practice my other hobbies, canoeing and fishing!)

[@Southern_Pacific]

another great video Jason, I enjoyed the behind the scenes look at the industry. I also just finished reading your latest email update. I think i'm all caught up with Rapido news now, some fantastic new models coming out in HO but PLEASE don't forget us N Scalers. Dave

[@harrimanfox8961]

I'm so grateful of how well the Working conditions there.

[@rapidotrains]

Thanks! We pride ourselves on that. Ms. Wang (in the video) has recently been promoted to process engineer and she's loving it. Not bad for someone turning 23 next month!

[@aliiskandar5378]

huge effort, for a tiny train. not just a toy train. good luck for the new factory

[@croasdail]

Love seeing how this all comes together.... very cool. Keep it up.

[@bernardchristensen787]

Smart move, best of luck, looks like you have assembled a great team. Looks like this will be a win win for all involved.

[@davidmuse7004]

Very interesting to see the process you have to go through, but it's worth the effort. Thank you for the inside look Jason!! D. Muse . WTCMRR

[@stevie156478]

It's cool to see that Rapido is moving out to more rural parts and creating jobs in areas that really need them.

[@billfitzpatrick6910]

Pick any town in the US . The jobs are really needed in all of them

[@ProfessorPille]

Great video, as usual!

[@BNRailNut]

All the Best Rapido Trains on the new Factory it is HUGE

[@TonyFleetwood]

i always enjoy the factory updates from china. i know everyone thinks china is the land of cheap plastic, but honestly, the workers put out what is provided. if you provide crap you get crap assembled. not the case with y'all :)

[@nkimakowich]

That is exactly what I had on my mind as well. Love to see these videos and see the work and attention to detail that they actually put into it as well. You can see the hard work involved. Very cool.

[@currentbatches6205]

Anyone who thinks there's some reason that folks in China can't do work as good as elsewhere has not seen the Great Wall.

[@Perfusionist01]

Quite fascinating. Thanks for sharing tis info. Good luck with the new factory.

[@BATTRAIN1]

Jason, love the videos. Learning how it all comes together makes me feel more inclusive in the hobby. I have never met a person that has traveled that is a racist or bigot. These trolls need to get out of their mommies basement and get some enlightenment. Thanks for all you do Jason, not just with trains.

[@ToyManTelevision]

Amazing. Love to see these places. I understand that model railroading is becoming quite popular in China as people there are making more money. And in fact international railroads. Not just Chinese. Even a lot of western American narrow gauge

[@rapidotrains]

Absolutely. The Chinese market is a growth market.

[@pitrow66]

very cool video. Thanks for sharing.

[@antonbruce1241]

That "what's just down the road" is sure beautiful.

[@rapidotrains]

👍

[@larrymonske8086]

I love to follow you guys it is exotic locations and having fun working.Thats so important , Ive had jobs that I dreaded to go to work thats bad.I worked at a barrel factory for 5 bucks an hour.

[@larrymonske8086]

How long did it take you to learn Chinese Mandarin?

[@philliplee980]

very cool. awesome video.

[@benzbabecki6309]

Will your current workers transfer so you can retain the talent and skill sets? Also thanks for sharing this Jason!

[@tombarnes7196]

Hopefully, there will be a labor force that can keep your factory supplied with workers. Yes, it is very beautiful.

[@tupsters1601]

great video!!

[@rapidotrains]

Thank you!!

[@alexanderpoirier3350]

Absolutely beautiful landscapes in China, very mystical actually. Very happy for you and your company as well Mr. Shron and many congratulations to you and Rapido Trains for the excellent work that you do. Here is to another successful year to all at Rapido Trains! Just out of curiosity, but two questions, pardon my asking. The first is will there be a possibility of dome cars in N scale at all? And the second is how the RDC and RAPIDO sleeper are doing? (Not the models but the real things).

[@joncalon939]

Sure the building is huge and clean, but how is the layout situation in Guangxi (sp?) as compared to where you have your existing factories? Will you have to train everyone or will the skilled labor in Guangdong (sp?) move with the factory and take a pay cut?

[@megaman3344]

Very cool! Also, do you think you could soon make a review of the ho scale VIA rail f40 rebuild? I'm thinking of getting one

[@ichabod0391]

Wow... Very impressive. I am really surprised at the total modernization of China itself... 👍

[@Castlebridge-00]

The move looks to be on the right tracks. Waiting for the updates.

[@trainroomgary]

Cool 😎 Well done 👍🚂

[@awizardalso]

I'm an HO scale model railroader. I'm also an old school model railroader and only have the old type of DC powered trains. This new DCC computer type systems is far out of what I can afford. I just buy things I find for sale on eBay.

[@rapidotrains]

👍

[@jameswavy9494]

although will say you guys make the most intertaining train videos, everyone else who has legit railroading youtube shows can't make good jokes. Jason looks the actor David Cross

[@andrewr2825]

I wish you well in your new location. I hope the Chinese “red tape” was easy to manoeuvre through!!

[@yueqin8314]

原来在东莞生产的啊，质量真是不错。

[@Maurice00PA]

Thanks for the interesting video. One question: You said the new location was about 500 miles from the old. Won't that increase shipping costs?

[@edwardlorence]

Hello from Chi Town

[@MrDavil43]

Fascinating stuff. I wonder what those Chinese workers think about the western mindset that goes nuts for model trains, apart from being grateful for their jobs? I have the UK National Railway Museum Stirling Single on order which Rapido is making. Knowing more about the company makes it a bit extra special!

[@POUNCEMAN1]

Hi ! Love your Product ,, Question ,,, Will you make trains that will operate just on DC voltage ,, and not DCC ,, Thanks

[@rapidotrains]

Of course! All of our locomotives are also available in DC.

[@riderstrano783]

I really love your guy's products and I have a ton of respect for the Chinese manufactures, but it still is a shame we can't have more manufacturers in the USA or Canada. Can't wait for my 3 lightweight parlors! Will there be any other NH lightweight equipment in the foreseeable future? Will you guys ever make some Chinese or Japanese models? I have a KATO models N scale 4 car set that my dad go for me while we were in Tokyo, and I wish I could find some HO scale models of them. Would definitely pay for an N700 Shinkansen model in HO.

[@bert26a]

Great video, were you wearing bell bottoms?

[@rapidotrains]

Jason always wears bellbottoms. The 1970s keep calling and asking for them back.

[@9501599]

Did the workers at the old location have to shift to the new location, or did you have to employ more workers??

[@OwenConcorde]

What about the O gauge manufacturers like Lionel and MTH? I heard about MTH making stuff in China and I'm just not sure if they make their trains in Guangdong since you said it's the world's model train manufacturing capital.

[@JBS319]

You were doing work on the train whereas if I had a view out the front, that's probably what I'd be looking at for the entire ride.

[@rapidotrains]

Indeed, best to enjoy the view!

[@48firefox]

very interesting video. could you tell me where Hornby and Bachmann UK 00 gauge are made? Is there any factory tours around on youtube for these factories?

[@mrsbear48]

Peppa pig's

[@sparky107107]

jason. some day i would love to tag along with you to China. do some videos from a model railroader stand point

[@sparky107107]

maybe i will start out with you guys at markham... lol..

[@alexpaumen3937]

I'm still waiting for the day you rerelease the FPA-4s, FP9's, LRC coaches, and the Canadian.

[@jetbee1106]

Hope you might consider doing a re-run of the CN turbo train in HO

[@rapidotrains]

We are considering it.

[@alexanderpoirier3350]

Hey there Jason! Two quick questions for ya; 1) In N scale, have you guys made the 1100 and the 1600 Series Rebuilds or just the 1100 ‘Classics’? 2) Have you guys moved the factory yet or are you still currently in Guangdong? Thanks and keep up the great work!

[@rapidotrains]

We did the 1600s a couple of years ago. Now we're doing the 1100s and 1400s (and Cubans!). The Rapido factory has moved to the location shown in the video. The LRC factory is still in Guangdong.

[@phantomrailproductions]

DUDE! I NEED 2 LOCOS AND 20 CARS! Those are great!

[@rapidotrains]

Thanks!

[@richardcolemanjr3749]

Guys are modern cars like the NSC plastic pellet, 3 bay covered hopper and covered steel coil car coming?

[@kimflycht2258]

Dear Mr. Jason Shron Will we be seeing the Smithsonian show "Mighty Trains" with the clip of You telling about the "Canadian" from Via?? Happy Christmas and good New Year!!!???? DOOH!!!! It is the other way round!!!

[@rambojambone4586]

enjoy your video I'm a model train fan where did you get those bell bottoms?

[@rapidotrains]

I get them all from Fuzz Dandy. www.fuzzdandy.co.uk -Jason

[@dabulphilly]

Love that u guys actually show who makes your models there’s no slave shop that means a lot I know China out sources us with man power and cost but I understand

[@interlinkplus8236]

I hope the new place is warmer...noticed everyone wearing coats while working. Does adequate heating cut into profit too much?

[@rapidotrains]

They wear jackets when it is less than 25 degrees. It's southern China. It is usually above 30. Very few buildings have heat in southern China. Not even the hotels.

[@Edyth_Hedd]

I don't think I've ever seen an outdoor shot in urban China where the sky was sunny and blue.

[@munirahmed2903]

I love us model Train

[@trainboyyy4312]

yes a new video

[@Frob25]

Goviacn Ont, I know right?? They have been slacking on videos lately, lol.

[@orim298s]

Question. How much does it cost per unit in parts & labor to manufacture The Rapido HO Scale FP7 (DC/DCC/Sound) in China? What would be your shipping cost per unit to your warehouse.

[@rapidotrains]

While we share more information than any other model train manufacturer, we aren't prepared to open up our books on KZbin. Sorry!

[@orim298s]

Ya I'd figured that it must be a real cost savings with the labor there. With the average hourly wages of $3.60 and most jobs are paid by the number of pieces you do not hourly. Thanks for giving us great trains & rail cars.

[@stephan4ever64]

Interesting video. 1:22 What's the name of the technology that print text on trains?

[@rapidotrains]

That is a tampo pad printing machine.

[@larrymonske8086]

Kharsh mounds all over asia I saw them close in Thailand.

[@jesatfis1]

Any videos in the new factory yet ?

[@hongmaichen3085]

Will this big move affect the production of 2018?

[@rapidotrains]

It shouldn't. Thankfully we have two factories.

[@nemmrrc]

Most definitely upgrade the elevator

[@johnsmith-piper4311]

Just wondering if I work for you could I get as many trains as I want for no cost lol

[@Modelersguild]

Look at those mountains, wtactualf

[@pkgautam6002]

Nice

[@JohnHill-qo3hb]

Jason, what Navy did you get those serious bell bottom pants from?

[@rapidotrains]

I got them from the 1970s. They apparently want them back. -Jason

[@JohnHill-qo3hb]

I should think that they would...LOL.

[@hollpoll]

Thanks for being so open and forthright about the state of the model train industry in China you are the only manufacturer really telling us what is going on and showing some of the stages of production. Is there no possibilty that perhaps in the not too distant future you can move the manufacturing back to the USA now that under Mr Trump business conditions are improving ? Stewart

[@rapidotrains]

Business conditions have always been good in the USA. The issue is simply a matter of cost. It takes about 8 hours to assemble and decorate a passenger car. At $15 - $17 per hour, you're looking at over $100 just for assembly. By the time you factor in tooling, overhead and wholesale discounts, that passenger car will retail for over $500 if made in North America. We wish we could make them locally.

[@Zebrails]

As previously inquired, will those present workers also be transferred, or will you need to hire new ones to be trained?

[@rapidotrains]

The skilled masters and managers will come with us. New assembly workers will be hired and trained.

[@Zebrails]

Thank you very much for your response. I can certainly appreciate the tasks you have before you. I believe your company has opened the eyes of modelers both new and especially old.... old... I mean, those of vintage experience. Awesome history/background Jason explains... an encouraging moral booster for those with old and new dreams as well. Continuously inviting and entertaining videos... and the same with your product instructions! Beautiful future, visually and heartfelt. John [my two loves, Zebras + Railroads = Zebrails.]

[@IamMagPie]

How many percent would prices increase if production was done in Canada or the USA?

[@rapidotrains]

Prices would increase 600%-700%.

[@IamMagPie]

@@rapidotrains I was expecting a big increase, but six or seven fold? I collect Roco model trains (still made in Austria and Europe, and a highly detailed locomotive with ZIMO dcc sound decoder is approx. US $ 350-400. Märklin had some years with production in China (although they do not like to admit to it, with a lot of quality issues). They now manufacture in Germany or other European countries, still with competetive prices. I know it is impossible to boycott the country that gave us the world-wide flu of 2019, but I'm willing to pay more for models made in the West.

[@craigtalbot6930]

Assembling the wheelsets sure looks like a boring job. Is it too expensive/difficult to automate that?

[@farmerdave7965]

I love your locos but I do not need all that detail on the underside where it won't be seen.

[@el18]

Is rapidotrains the owner of the factory or just the only one customer?

[@norbertboge3391]

Wonder how this going a the moment

[@rapidotrains]

All going well. The factory has been open since March 1.

[@jameswavy9494]

what? It's Really expensive in that part of china, a year ago they had there factory in Canada, where they're from, China is more expensive?

[@anthonylong5838]

Awful lot of haze in those city shots... Reminds me of the brown cloud that used to hover over L.A. That air quality though.....

[@rapidotrains]

The air in southern China is much cleaner than in northern China. The haze in Guangxi is from leaf burning. You could smell it everywhere. -Jason

[@BattleshipOrion]

you guys should make chinese trains to thank your factory workers and sell them in america just like kato does with their japanese trains

[@BattleshipOrion]

by the way hows the rapido train car?

[@rapidotrains]

The RDC is doing great. The sleeping car is a phenomenal money pit! You can read updates at www.rapidotrains.com - look for the links under "preservation."

[@anindrapratama]

bachmann already made chinese trains thou

[@djmorgan8783]

I'm worried about all people that lose their job When you guys move

[@rapidotrains]

Have no fear. There is a labour shortage in Chang'an. There are 25 help wanted signs outside the factory, and none of the assembly workers have been there more than a couple of months. That's one of the main problems in the area.

[@kenneymitchell2179]

You see, you said something that I just don't understand. If labor is hard to get as well and the cost of operating there is also High, why is it that you cannot operate in the states or Canada? I'm not trying to beat you down or anyting oh, you hadn't mentioned it in this video and another video as well as to what it cost to operate over there.

[@rapidotrains]

It's still much, much lower than the costs over here.

[@kenneymitchell2179]

@@rapidotrains thank you for your reply.

[@Trainsbigandsmall]

Marklin and Piko can still keep their manufacturing in Germany.

[@rapidotrains]

Piko's factory is down the street from our old factory. It's one of the biggest in Dongguan.

[@shnorth888]

While Marklin and Piko still manufacture some models in Germany, usually higher end stuff, they also have operations in other countries. Marklin has a large operation in Hungry.

[@Poliss95]

Marklin have a big factory in Hungary.

[@Trainsbigandsmall]

Piko still has their factory in Germany

[@rapidotrains]

I know nothing about their factory in Germany, but I know about their huge factory in Dongguan. It's regarded as one of the best model train factories in China. If you are suggesting Piko makes all their trains in Germany, then I'm afraid you are mistaken. -Jason

[@douglasschultz9808]

I can barley handle learning Spanish let alone Chinese.

[@whiteknightcat]

Obligatory vitriolic trolling post here. Thank you. (I'll just see myself out now.)

[@espeemike3698]

Horrible smog in China!

[@rapidotrains]

It was the leaf burning from all the farms. You could smell it everywhere. -Jason

[@peppermills9554]

Then you better lower your prices for the customer. Yours are too high and many won’t pay that much

[@rapidotrains]

If we have to move in order to stay profitable, then lowering our prices is not the answer. Sorry you think our prices are too high. The only way to lower our prices is to leave off the detail or only do mainstream models, and we have no plans to do that.

[@themidlandcompoundarchive9430]

And that's why I like the company, price doesn't matter when you get a quality product in the end!

[@N_scale]

rapidotrains micro trains has high quality and is assembled in Oregon. Pretty sure profitable as they are on second generation of ownership.

[@mikewinstanley7423]

Go buy bachmann if you want cheap toys these are museum quality models now grow up or shut up

[@abbush2921]

I read an article Financial Times (London) on Hornby and the industry in general and they where saying that prices and hobbyists ages would eventually kill the hobby .