Brand New Rapido Trains Gunpowder Vans | Unboxing & Review

[@ianrsigel]

A minor correction with a bit of historical context: When confined explosives ignite, fasteners such as nails, screws and rivets become lethal projectiles. Terrorists will often pack their lethal packages with nails for an inctrease in the kill radius. Similarly, in WW2, we quickly transitioned from riveted tanks to welded to help minimize crew casualties when the tank was hit by armor piercing rounds. Sorry for the tedious rant. I truly appreciate your channel.

[@SamsTrains]

Ahh interesting - yeah that makes sense - duly noted! Thanks for sharing, Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@OlivierGabin]

Thanks for the technical and historical precision. It's some details you never though about.

[@brianartillery]

@barnabyjoy - Indeed. It's an effect known as 'Spalling'. The impact energy shockwave travels through the metal, and causes the inner face to tear off into jagged fragments. The damage on the outside, might be minor, with no penetration, but inside, a large, uneven chunk will be missing.

[@chorlton4]

The revue seemed spot on , well balanced and considered. Rapido always price quite high in the US HO market relative to their competition. It will be interesting to see how they develop (or not). The WR 16xx loco produced for one of the magazines has had mixed reviews and issues

[@SamsTrains]

Thank you so much! Yes their prices are usually quite high - but from what I've seen in the past the detail and quality usually matches.... that wasn't the case here sadly! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@stretchedits]

Hi Sam, I bought my Rapido Gunpowder van direct from Rapido, it cost £32, which is more than I've ever paid for a wagon. I wanted to see for myself if it was worth it especially as I have their Hunslet tank on order too. Mine doesn't suffer with loose buffers like yours does, but it does look amazing. My praise for Rapido is more to do with their service, I received my email from them on 9th March, wednesday lunchtime, I paid the balance straight away, received another email 4 hours later saying my order had dispatched 48hr tracked, and received my van Friday morning, now to me that is pretty impressive. We need more companies like this in my view, I would happily pay a bit more than the usual £20 for a service this good. Oh one last point, have you seen the RRP for the 00 gauge Bachmann Vanwide 4 wheel van, £32............All the best and thanks for reviewing these wagons, Dave.

[@christopherstokes9393]

I was going to say "£28 is excessive for a 4-wheel wagon: I got an Oxford Mk3 coach for £26!". But then I remembered that the couplings on the Oxford coach fell out straight out of the box, and were very difficult to repair... so I can't recommend that model at any price. Still, these gunpowder vans sound like something I could recommend at the right price: just not *this* price!

[@SamsTrains]

haha absolutely - Oxford have shown up a lot of manufacturers when it comes to price! But yes, Oxford's models do have trouble sometimes... couplings is quite a common one... but these vans had trouble too... and they were double the price ;D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@davidbugler4597]

I suspect the mystery accessories may be blanking plugs for the NEM coupler pockets, to be used if you want to fit 3-link coupling chains to the hooks provided. Not that I know anything about NEM couplings, since I work in 0 Gauge where 3-link couplings are standard anyway. As a separate matter, what about creating a 3D-printed coupler gauge to easily check every loco and wagon against the standard height. That would allow you to judge instantly which item is at fault when something fails to couple up properly.

[@andrewdking]

He's already got a NEM pocket height gauge device. I purchased one from DCC Supplies after I saw Sam use it once in a different video

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks for sharing David - I don't think they're for the NEM pocket, as that can be removed completely! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@zepheris_]

No issue with either of mine. I have a pair of GWR black gpv ones. Amazing detail I really like them.

[@tobyytlai]

Rapido and Accurascale seem to have a theme going on: relatively expensive wagons but relatively reasonably priced locomotives

[@gkjsooley]

Hi Sam - nice to see some praise for the relatively young, upstart manufacturer from my homeland (🇨🇦). I have a lovely CN MLW 420 diesel-electric from Rapido that has the sad habit of shedding details along the track. So your comment re: assembly quality is well received from my POV. Cheers from Ottawa!

[@ged8896]

The accessory pack contains the wagon label clips, one per side. It would tell the shunter/marshalling yard staff what was in the load, total weight and destination.

[@SamsTrains]

Duly noted Ged, thanks very much for letting me know - do you know where they fit on exactly? Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@ged8896]

@@SamsTrains Hi Sam. The label clips should fit on the underframe, usually towards the left hand side. Maybe there is a hole for mounting somewhere>

[@LesPaulDavis]

I’ve got two of the Dapol alternatives on order, in the “conservative” GWR livery. They were £10 each, be interesting to see how they compare. I suspect they won’t be a third of the product of the Rapidos, despite being a third of a price… Looking forward to running them with my Oxford Railgun.

[@philkeller4170]

Dapols vans use very old tooling and are dimensionality wrong in several areas compared to the real thing! This is a common theme many commentators to the channel total fail to understand when the trot out 'but XYZ company does them cheaper'. Lots of serious modellers are actually striving for ACCURACY in what they model (not just because it looks nice) and are prepared to pay if necessary to achieve that goal. Sam rarely comments on whether something is entirely accurate to the prototype dimensionally - and with wagons this is actually pretty crucial as many RTR manufactures have been churning out wagons (particularly steam era ones) with the wrong wheelbase, wrong type of brake gear, wrong type of underframe (e.g. wood in place of steel), etc as they seek to use outdated tooling to make a quick buck. If you are a serious modeller these things matter just as much as the standard of the decoration or whether the wagon as sprung buffers etc. As such while Dapols efforts may be good enough for a casual modeller who just wants something cheap and looks vaguely right, those who actually care about trying to model the prototype properly will be prepared to pay more for Rapidos products - which are guaranteed to be pretty much 100% accurate.

[@LesPaulDavis]

Some emotive language there, why can’t model railways be a broad enough church to encapsulate both schools of thought? On many occasions, Sam makes no bones about the fact his reviews and the channel as a whole are not about 100% accuracy. There are other channels for that and they may well determine paying THREE times as much for a van is worth it in the name of absolutely accuracy at all costs…

[@ausfoodgarden]

@@philkeller4170 As Paul says, Sam doesn't concentrate on "prototypical accuracy" but more on overall quality and performance. He probably doesn't have the knowledge to go down the rivet-counter route. Neither do I for that matter, if he'd reviewed the LMS version I might be able to compare that to images of the real thing. Regardless, I'm sure those willing to pay the premium for a more accurate RTR model would be disappointed with drooping and wobbly buffers. These models do look very good overall and certainly head and shoulders above something like the Dapol version and well worth paying more. But that much more? In case you're wondering I play both sides of the fence, my "special" models are made to look as close to real as possible using RTR, Kits, and modifying with etched and cast items etc.. The mainstream ones are just decent RTR with any cheap mods I can manage, to make them look a bit closer. I feel there's room for everyone from 'toy train" to P4 modelers and Sams reviews are clearly aimed at the more "entry-level" end. Geez that's a lot of text! I'll shut up now 😊

[@SamsTrains]

And just to throw something out there, “dimensional accuracy” is not costly to achieve. To suggest that the dimensional accuracy of a wagon justifies double the price is nonsense to my mind. It’s a one time thing - achieved by basic research during the design phase, as simple as studying a diagram... spread the cost of this simple research by the number of products produced, and it amounts to nothing. Dapol’s inaccurate rolling stock is ancient, and comes from a time when accuracy wasn’t too important. There are plenty of far more recent models that are both accurate and affordable.

[@OlivierGabin]

@@SamsTrains By the way, you will certainly agree with me, manufacturing a model train ends always with doing some compromises. I don't have a working diesel engine in the N scale SD70M I had run this morning, that's because you physically CAN'T do that. About accuracy, my position is clear and stand in three words : I don't care. I'm using German track with integrated ballast that is anti-prototypical to anything outside Germany, and couplings that are totally anti-prototypical, even worse than tension-lock UK couplers. It's because I want something easy to run, and I ACCEPT some compromises on accuracy to achieve that. The OO scale itself is the BIGGEST compromise of UK rail modelling, people who wants a better looking track for UK trains uses P4 or EM. People who wants to buy any 16,5 mm and run RTR UK models on it deals with this compromise, me the first. Of course, you have a market for highly accurate models, that's why you have brass kits, EM/P4 conversions, and things like that, but sorry to remind this, it is a niche market. I can't pay for a Weinert German brass kit around 1000 €/GBP 950 and spend monthes to built it just because it is accurate. I prefer spending one third of this price on a RTR Piko or Roco that might be awfull on accuracy but that requires me just to open the box and put it on the tracks to run it. It's my choice, and I am not alone. I also agree on the fact that accuracy, or better a reasonable level of it (dimensional one first) does not requires skyrocketing prices. ALL models are conceived with CAD software that churns the numbers for you, they are the same used by Piko for their 20 € vans and Brawa for their 40 € ones. There is no excuse to supercharge the price for accuracy, especially when the overall finish and the materials used are questionable (buffers and axles, plus die casting). In short : you can have dimensionnaly accurate models on a budget, and there is a market for people who just wants to buy the model that looks like the prototype but is not totally identical 76,2/87/160 times smaller if the price is right.

[@RobA500]

Shame about the wobbly buffers but they do look good otherwise and to be honest the level of detail is around the same as the Oxford models, so price is a little steep for a single box van. I can confirm the APT-e is a great bit of kit even in DCC ready guise. More detail on the inside than out but that is down to its sleek streamlined design, great seeing the computer LED's blinking away as it goes along I will DCC fit it soon but wasn't too bothered about sound as I still think it's a bit naff and tinny sounding even on the best of models.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks Rob - they sure do look good - easily the best looking vans I've got... but besides the finish, you're right they're hardly more detailed than what we've seen already. The APT sounds amazing - I've heard great things about it! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@Jimyjames73]

Hiya @ 4:23 - may be they are small boxes of 'Gun-Powder'??? Or may be I've just noticed @ 10:51 on the Grey Van - on the left door 2 3rds down - there seems to be a white rectangle plate thingy / the 'notice' sign - does it fit into that perhaps maybe??? 🤔🚂🚂🚂

[@jonharbour9166]

I could have been lucky Sam. My two GWR GVs arrived today in Australia and they were flawless - no off centre wheels, all buffers well secured. Price was okay... I pre-ordered them from Rails and living in Australia we lose the 20% VAT off the price as well... Happy days!

[@musicalaebsrailways5615]

As an American, I can confirm that Rapido does this all the time. Passenger cars for over a hundred dollars with similar cars going for 30-70, depending on the quality, unpowered cab-cars(either coaches with cabs or engines without motors, both have decoders) going for upwards of 300 as much as a locomotive, flatcars for 50 and so forth

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot for sharing - that's unfortunate - happy to pay the money if it's reflected in the model... but if it's not, uh oh! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@graemehansell7642]

Hi Sam. Great review as always. Did you ever find out what the accessories were?

[@MrLoewietje]

Once again a very balanced review, and I agree 100%. Mine were both well assembled, but having also bought the Oxford banana and ventilated vans, there is not enough improvement above the matter to justify the high price of the former. No tension or screw links included, nor sprung buffers. Maybe they originaly planned to include those, they are still mentioned as such on Hattons Productpage about the GPV. Anyway, keep up the good works!

[@scendalbymodelrailway]

Think you have been a bit lenient on the quality mate. Two Box wagons with each having two faults?

[@brianmicky7596]

Hi Sam, Nice review, like the G.P. W.s , all getting out of my price range now adays , did you find out where the accessory pack went?? , All the best Brian 🤗😎

[@David_Mattox]

This is great. Finally we have an idea of what the Thomas equivalent of MUNITIONS looks like.

[@dasmann3904]

All I can think of when I see anything explosive is Billy Shoepack from Tugs saying “Dynamite!”-Das Mann

[@SamsTrains]

haha!! xD

[@ianjackson6751]

Hi Sam.the darker wagon if not black.looks like the newly restored one at Minehead WSR go on railcam Minehead Station you can see it just. Cheers.

[@richardlennards7823]

My vans arrived the other day, the review was spot on right down to the point of one of the buffers was lose. I contacted a mate who’s vans also arrived and one of the buffers was also lose. A little sceptical about ordering the new GWR wagons. At the price and if bits are falling off.

[@TATICMOOR]

This is the first review by someone than reading about them in a magazine. They look great Sam, but the pricing is off putting with the detailing problems, which can be fixed with a spot of glue and a wheel set swap out. Though if it is a one-off issue then okay, but if a manufacturing issue, then the QC is not up to scratch. Still, they are a great wagon to have on any layout once the QC is sorted out.

[@jameshatfield1194]

Rapido and Accurascale are new to the market but both have priced themselves off my shopping lists I prefer to buy old wagons and restore them which is more fun

[@sparkshot]

Yeah screw modern RTR proces. Like seriously, get out of town. Gimmi that older shit! Good enough.

[@SamsTrains]

Based on these wagons, Rapido have done that... can't comment on Accurascale at the moment though, as I'm yet to try one of their models! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@OlivierGabin]

Got the same issue... Honestly, I prefer buying old Dapols, Oxford Rails if good and, especially, Parkside kits, more sound for the pound overall, before doing tons of 3D printing. And with the kits, I just have my own ass to kick if the quality control is lame.

[@sparkshot]

@@OlivierGabin Same here. I design/build my own kits and prefer buying cheaper Dapol n Oxford wagons plus 2nd hand ones. Even 20-30 year old wagons look detailed in some cases, not arsed about underframe detail personally. Nice n all that but just extra cist you only see if Mr Hand 1/76 scale god is involved.

[@agentM1991]

With a price of about $35 to $40 these freight cars are on par with freight cars here in the US. Very cool gunpower cars. But the review was spot on. The is a lot of money for what is a basic van in my opinion. Will you be reviewing anymore American freight cars? What about more passenger cars? Thanks for sharing. Sam.

[@mcfafl9737]

Great review. I have just bought the new Dapol GWR gunpowder van and from what I’ve seen of the rapids vans I do prefer my Dapol ones.

[@SamsTrains]

Dapol's are certainly better value, that's for sure! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@johnrchurch6147]

The accessories look like the wagon làble clip that is normally fitted to the underframe one each side.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks John - others have said that too - any idea exactly where they fit?! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@Poliss95]

Sam. Have you read the Rapido UK newsletter where they include a link for instructions on how to fit the label clips?

[@davidhinks8384]

Hi Sam, I didn't splash out on one of these but got a Dapol one instead. 32g in weight, no printed builder's plate and no underframe detail. definitely a more matt finish too. Spoked wheels and the same roof as your NE van on my GWR version. The printing is cool. All buffers are secure, still, not bad for £10.80 from rails, I also got me a GWR fruit D and both came in under the price of one of the Rapido's. I'd be happy at £25 on this one. Did you consider the Rails GWR MInk's from Rails which have just been reduced to the same price, designed and made in the UK? As always, thanks for a great review, love your interpretation & atmospheric music of how the different liveries publicise the danger .

[@SamsTrains]

The Dapol ones certainly are better value - I have a couple myself - but definitely not quite as good... and they have those dreadful couplings... arghh!! Better build quality though, arguably! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@OlivierGabin]

@@SamsTrains Couplers are always a nightmare on Dapol rolling stock. I had issues in N gauge with them before having issues on some OO gauge wagons. In short : with Dapol, replace the couplers as soon as you can.

[@flyingvillager1472]

American here this is pretty expensive for cargo. For what you paid for one of those carts is about the cost of a low-mid range coach from bachmann. Most of our box cars would go for a decent amount less than that. Still really good looking vans but indeed they are a bit much to have the issues they did

[@richardlennards7823]

Waiting for my pair of GWR gunpowder vans I will let you know if I have similar issues yes the price is a little steep but I want to see what standards they are built to.

[@kellyashfordtrains2642]

I liked the loud explosion at the beginning. I'm inching towards buying a gunpowder van myself, from ebay. Exploding Gunpowder Vans aside, do watch your two belated birthday videos from me on my channel, and comment your thoughts on each. I've added the effect of Birthday Balloons for the running session at the end of the first video. Happy Belated Birthday, Sam. Don't say I never do anything for you. 13 kisses on each cheek to make 26.😂🥳

[@SamsTrains]

haha - was that as scary as a ghost I wonder? I will watch my birthday videos - thank you so much for making them! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@davidstrains4910]

Decent review there Sam, I got my APT-e yesterday and it’s fantastic, when I think about it I would buy one of these wagons regardless of what the price is, compared to something by Oxford, with rapido I know it’s made by a company who can design things.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks David! oh wonderful - they're good then?! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@muckmoses6521]

Did you watch the video? They might be able to design things but they can't build them.

[@davidstrains4910]

@@muckmoses6521 Yes I did watch the video thank you for asking and I found to very good overall but from what I saw yes there are some issues but they are not serious ones in my opinion, I also think that some considerations need to be made, yes I accept that the buffers should have been better and yes it is on multiple wagons and they shouldn’t have wobbled around but issues like one wheel not on perfectly that may just be an isolated issue that has affected one wagon as it wasn’t seen on the other wagon and the one that was a bit tight and had a bit of resistance that may also be an isolated issue with one wagon as shown in Sam’s video the other van travelled freely, I also think that the axle with resistance may need a bit of oil, now I know Sam doesn’t oil things right when he gets them so they are completely raw but they have been in transit to the UK for quite some time so the lubrication may have dried, the wagons themselves have been in transit for quite some time, I think they shipped them from the factory on January 12th so they have been travelling for quite some time, this was even mentioned in one of their newsletters and I have heard but don’t know if this is true or not that Rapido ship their UK products to the UK via Canada but like I say I don’t know if that is true and Rapido only received the gunpowder vans in the week that has just gone so I accept there are some issues that need to be addressed (buffers) but some other issues I think are isolated incidents (wobbly wheel and wheel that had some resistance) As for you saying they can’t build excellent models Im afraid you are completely wrong on that, so far with rapido trains on multiple different videos and myself as I said in my comment I received my APT-e which by the way is made by rapido on their products they’re a company that can design and build fantastic models, the APT-e is regarded as one of the best models in OO gauge model being praised by various customers when it was first released back in 2016 and in the model press and it even came second in model rails model of the year, other products like the Stirling single and dynamometer car, even the J70 tram have all had praise from what I have seen, contrast that with Oxford rail who on multiple occasions have been criticised for poor design and terrible build quality, the Adams radial had a rear axle which caused the driving wheels to be lifted off the track and second they had poor motors which made the locomotives travel at a pace slower than any snail, the deans goods had motor issues, their mk3 coaches were done in incorrect colours, the N7 that Sam looked at n last year had a terrible chassis and the factory knew about it and while the replacement that Sam got didn’t have these issues it’s still an Oxford product that failed, the 10 ton pre grouping van that Sam looked at recently had couplings that didn’t even work properly and it derailed, the pilchard wagon has flanges that will touch the bottom of the wagon of it is filled up with something and finally the J27 had crank pins that were not tightened properly and as a result in Sam’s review of that it nearly self destructed, I have heard issues on Oxford product on multiple occasions and on other channels whereas compared to Rapido trains on multiple occasions they have received praise for their products, in my opinion and everyone has different ones I would rather buy an expensive Rapido product instead of a cheap Oxford rail product.

[@OlivierGabin]

@@davidstrains4910 We are back to what I consider now to be the first deterrent to do UK modelling : the overall piss poor quality control on the assembly line. I can admit that the issues put forward here are a problem on the first production batches, but it is not the first time, and I have been personally touched by those issues (Oxford Rail Adams radial and Hornby s15 - TWICE for this one). For Oxford Rail, I have carefully checked the coupling rod pins on arrival of my model, they were OK. I had 2/3 OR wagons which had issues on arrival (usually, couplers not fitted or small parts loose) and the GE van tested by Sam had obviously a manufacturing issue with its couplers mounts, clearly abnormally bent upwards. It's a drag for a basic customer like me to toss the coin anytime I buy a UK model not knowing if it will be OK out of the box or flawed due to a botched manufacturing. It is a common problem on UK models, I have none of this on my continental/US/Japanese ones (including Rivarossi, an Italian brand owned by... Hornby !). As I say anytimes I talk about this, if I would have to start model trains today, I will immediately ditch anything British due to a poor quality/price ratio.

[@markdunwell3288]

Very interesting video Sam. Very honest and informative. You are quite correct in saying the wagons are overpriced. I would not pay that kind of money for a wagon with wobbly buffers and wonky wheels. The livery is stunning and i like the G W R version. I've got some WRENN Gunpowder wagons and they are pure Pullman . Once again thank you Sam 👍🐖🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[@zippingcruises7712]

Great models Sam. Quick question, what’s your favorite engine you’ve ever seen in real life.

[@SamsTrains]

Thank you!! Ooh that's very tricky... I think that would have to be the C1 Atlantic! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@robofbarnes]

Great looking vans but sounds like Rapido need a sharp conversation with their manufacturers about quality control. No excuse for wobbly wheels, dodgy axleboxes & loose buffers at this price.

[@andrewdking]

Today I purchased a brand new, newly tooled Hornby Maunsell SR Restaurant Car for £30 !

[@federico339]

Great video, I guess that having different tooling for different variants must be the main reason for the high price, as I'd guess that would negate a lot of economy of scale, which I guess they are already missing out on as they are developing a more expensive more niche product. Having said that I find a bit harder to justify having separately fitted axle boxes, as that can (and has in your case) cause fundamental issue with the wagon.

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah I guess it could be that - and agreed - the axleboxes (and whole models for that matter) are very over-engineered... why the chassis isn't made up of fewer pieces I don't understand! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@OlivierGabin]

I have to take a look at one of my continental vans around this price to see if it is manufactured like this. Last time i ran a recently acquired Tillig DB reefer bought around the same pricetag (40 €/GBP 37), I had zero issues on buffers and axles, but I did not look at the construction of the chassis. I seemed that it was a one-piece injection one. I will check this this week and give you an answer on this.

[@LogansLocos]

Rpaido @ 3:51 lol enjoyed it as always Sam

[@Marco-xz9sc]

Hello, everybody today I will be reviewing Hornby’s new and “original” OO gauge Gladstone

[@Deuce_and_a_half]

They have a typo in the back of the box, it says Rpaido instead of Rapido lol. I might consider getting the Royal Ordnance livery for a military train, but I don't know on the price.

[@peterball8241]

The detail pack looks like blanking plates for the NEM sockets if using 3 link couplings, but if this is the case they should have also included some links.

[@SamsTrains]

I thought exactly the same thing too Peter - it turns out they're not though! They go on the underframe somewhere... but still not sure where! ;D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@trr94001]

Rolling stock prices in the US are quite high. That’s why all of my cars are used and quite a few are older than I am.

[@lapiswake6583]

They look nice, especially the fully legible builders plate which is a first for 00 4-wheel wagons like this I think. The price puts me off though, but still may get one from my local shop.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks Lapis - I'm not sure if that's a first... I feel like I've seen that before on wagons - but yeah, not worth the money overall :( Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@bonzomcdrumcat4989]

Hey sam, did you go to the railway exhibition in Alexander palaca today?

[@paulisnotonfire]

I'd quite like to get one or two of these to go with my Dapol ones and have a small rake of GPVs to run around. Shame you've suffered a couple quality control issues, as the few things I've gotten from Rapido have been fantastic.

[@SamsTrains]

Fantastic! If you don't mind the price, they sure are great wagons... and they might show the Dapol ones up a bit if you place them together!! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@OlivierGabin]

@@SamsTrains Agreed on the price. I have bought non of them yet because there was none that matches my modelling periods (UK 3 to 5), but with this test, I am a little bit deterred to buy something from them. I might try someday, but the wagon I will buy ought to have no problems at all with buffers and axles. Else, the brand will be ditched as lemon tree with Heljan in my buying lists.

[@foxhillrailway2252]

Great van Sam... my fav was the GWR black/ DGrey... bit pricey but nicely decorated... thanks for showing us them... Imagine in the next live stream you fet a request for Egg n G Powder van rake... 🤣ATB mate Neil

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot mate! Yeah very nicely decorated - one of the best I've seen for that! haha that'd be awesome!! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@ParkstadJr]

i do like those vans also i have a question do you know if the triang flying scotsman has a seperate smokebox door or is it part of the mold?

[@pedalcarguy]

Hi, just checked. The smokebox door is part of the mold.

[@ParkstadJr]

@@pedalcarguy okay thankyou

[@thebritfarmer]

I have one ordered in BR Bauxite. I do think for the price the buffers should have been sprung and 3 link couplings provided. What would the price be had they done that though? 🤔

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah I agree Scott... and I dread to think, haha!! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@geobrower3069]

Here in Canada, Rapido offer an excellent warranty which would've taken care of those issues. But, they should have never left the factory in that condition.

[@EJ3Baller]

Nice review Sam. Those are some pretty interesting vans.

[@SamsTrains]

They definitely are that! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@Darrenh84]

So which is better? Rapido gunpowder van or Dapol gunpowder van? Opinions please

[@chasesrailwaylinesrr6447]

For some reason these remind me of your derailing gunpowder vans but these are better and will not explode!

[@SamsTrains]

haha to be fair these do not derail, lol! ;D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@astonnapper-woods1230]

Morning Sam. I have been waiting for this review :) Our views are pretty much identical on models. Great review :)

[@SamsTrains]

Morning! Ahh that's good to hear - appreciate the kind words, Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@OlivierGabin]

So, the question, is : is it worth the price ? You get a Roco/Brawa/Tillig/Rivarossi van for this price, you are in continental HO zone here for the price, you should have the same level of quality. Short answer for me : no... Yes, the details/paint/printings are excellent, details more than OK, couplers OK, and even excellent (even if I replace them anyway by Roco universals), chassis very well detailed, a nice plus. And dynamic qualities are OK. But what is a no-go for me are the wobbly buffers and the problems with the axles, unknown on german models of this pricetag. Sorry Rapido, but Brawa, as an example, does never sold me a model with crappy uncentered axles or wobbly buffers, and, of course, none with both. With a good quality control and a maximum retail price of GBP 20-25, that would be acceptable for me. Rapido, you know now what to do, do you ? Anyway, Sam, thanks for the test. I was tempted to buy one, you show me it was not worth the expense for the moment.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks Oliver - I'd agree with that - you can do better from other manufacturers on value! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@rottenroads1982]

BR class 28, OO9 scale model railway. I am still waiting. Also, I would love to see all the LMS locomotives.

[@star86703]

This review went with a big bang also I watch your very first live stream you ever made you didn't do bad job on it at all

[@SamsTrains]

haha it sure did! Ahh nice - glad you enjoyed it - I remember being quite nervous!! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@gabrielcalangi1316]

Hello sam its me again and if you don't remember that you mentioned me...go to 3:03 in your last live video and you can see for yourself...cheers mate and have a nice day

[@SamsTrains]

Ooh yeah I remember - awesome!! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@MinegateTransport]

Wow those look incredible! I must get myself one great video again Sam!

[@SamsTrains]

Thank you! They sure do look great! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@paulwilson3083]

Another no holds barred review Sam, unfortunately Rapido have made the same mistake as all the other manufacturers, WHY don't they send them to you for a private review before releasing them to the general public, the faults and findings could then be rectified before realise, an old saying comes to mind,. Pride before a fall, a simple solution to all manufacturers big and small, keep them coming Sam and shame the manufacturers into giving us better value for money, thank you Sam.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks Paul - haha I guess it'd be too late to correct most of this stuff by the time samples were produced... ideally the design needs to be right before tooling, and that probably takes experience... their trouble here was that they over-complicated and over-engineered things! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@LleshGordon2122]

Hey, Sam have you already want being tell you bro is everything this is gonna very proud actually what is your favourite thing a model railway of each LMS bit black 5 or duchess of Hamilton I know probably keep it up.

[@richardserridge2767]

Love those vans! Like the idea of owning a gunpowder van!

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks Richard - they sure are cool! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@matthewneleigh567]

This is kind of what I've come to expect of their North American stuff to be honest- great detail and paint, occasional (or more than occasional...) mechanical problems, and prices that make one think twice before ordering. That said, I've still ended up with a number of their products, as they've had a tendency to do unique things nobody else has made.

[@SaltyVan]

Sam can you review the Rapido Stirling Single?

[@chasesrailwaylinesrr6447]

The bachmann blacksmith car is still in first to go with PLEASE try bachmanns new 4-4-0s they are amazing !

[@SamsTrains]

I've heard they are amazing - maybe one day!! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@chasesrailwaylinesrr6447]

They have dcc sound lights and more!

[@lindaoffenbach]

Good heavens Sam. Mind you, these are about double the price of German premium brands, such as Roco, Märklin/Trix… It must be said though that Roco offers sets of wagons in 3 at ~100 Euros. These from Rapido do have some quality features but are miles away from aforementioned. I’ve seen Rapido’s workshop on YT which was quite the chaos; literally people slapping together the models around a table, lol. Lack of control as it seems to be confirmed here. We're perplexed about the price and its justification. Great review as always.

[@SamsTrains]

Wow really?! I always thought the German stuff was crazy expensive too! I'm guessing the KZbin videos are a joke... they seem to be a bit more serious when it comes to their actual models... though it's a pity they didn't use better quality control... or even proof read their packaging ;) Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@TheLoachman]

I am eagerly awaiting my SECR open wagon in BR grey, which will be my first British-pattern Rapido product. I am much more familiar with Rapido's North American-outline models (Jason is trying to bankrupt me) and have yet to have any complaint whatsoever. Your wheel problems surprise me, and it may be worth your while to contact Rapido and let them know. Rapido's models are not cheap, but the level of detail, quality, and innovation are well worth the price. The British market is much smaller than the North American market, which may affect prices somewhat, but Jason has also recently explained the reasons behind Rapido's overall price increases.

[@Poliss95]

I wouldn't be too sure about that. North America might have a much larger population, but how many model railways? How many have even travelled on a train?

[@peters1127]

@@Poliss95 I give you an Amen to those comments.

[@darkfrag83]

Price is pretty comparable to new Bachmann offerings....their new VEA van is around £35 from a retailer...

[@paulsngaugechannel]

Hi Sam, what a lot of money for a box van, or as my dad used to call the gunpowder vans , box can. I could never justify paying that amount of money for a van. Good detail or not. I like the comments ( and drivel ) from everyone . Being practical, if the rivet counter wants exact size, and detail, will always be sadly disappointed. Once you start reducing from 1:1 there is often compromise. Great video and review.

[@SamsTrains]

I think so too Paul - it's not worth the money unfortunately! From what I've heard, they've done pretty well on realism though! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@thequietestengine]

I rather like the wobbling of that particular van, not at that price but it gives it the impression of a rumbling slow goods clattering about. Just don't couple those vans to the derailing egg vans, or everyone'll...... scramble ;)

[@18EStudios]

As someone from across the pond, people over here are used to paying between 40-80 USD (RRP is usually 50-100 USD) for Rapido's rolling stock and it's worth it coz a lot of US freight cars are more complex in terms of detail unlike a majority of UK equivalents which are very simple in my opinion. Dapol also make a gunpowder van for around £10-14 and from what I remember it doesn't look quite right and I personally never liked it so with that you get what you pay for which is a cheap wagon in those regards. Personally I prefer the Rapido one but this is just my opinion of course. Looks like the brake shoes on the GWR version are touching the wheels and on the LNER one they're not so could that be why the wheels are not rotating smoothly? Btw the bits in the detail bag are wagon label clips although a small piece of paper with a diagram would've been useful here. Enjoyed the review however :)

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks very much for sharing! That's true - the Dapol one is much older, but I've zero doubt that if they were to do their own version of this in 2022, it'd be much better! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@Poliss95]

I hate accessory bags that don't tell you where the pieces go. Rapido seem to think their customers are psychic. Problems with the wheels and loose bits? I had all the same problems on my Rapido loco. For the price they charged you I'd expect opening doors as well as the other features you mentioned. Of course the NE wasn't as scared of gunpowder vans as those in cider drinking country. The north east was packed with munitions factories such as Armstrong's and Vickers.

[@gabrielcalangi1316]

Hello Sam...i hope those don't explode while the locomotives are pulling them haha...by the way you mentioned my name in your last live video and not gonna lie you almost nailed the pronunciation and im not mad about it haha

[@SamsTrains]

haha hopefully not... I didn't couple them too close to the steam loco just in case!! Oh really?!? I literally never nail pronouncing anything... thanks for the boost!! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@jamesdunloptrains]

Awesome video today Sam thinking about getting some of these

[@sparkshot]

Sam: Sprung buffers are not pountless. You keep saying it in vids but that is because you use the snowploughs....I mean tension locks. For us who use 3/screw link and other more scale couplers they help and are far from pointless. Also ~£30 for a wagon is a bum widener! No ta. I'll buy the older stuff! 🤣

[@kellyashfordtrains2642]

Ghosts don't scare me as much as a gunpowder van blowing up does. The explosion is so loud when it erupts, it makes me jump. Now for my confession. I bought the same blue 0-4-0 Percy lookalike engine from Cheltenham Models Shop online, for just under £50. I've gone against what you said, I know it's a lame excuse, but curse you for making me fall for it hook, line and sinker.

[@austrobb]

Just picked up a 6 pack of hopper cars a couple months ago from rapido and I must say the detail level and quality is amazing but still sucks shelling out $45 USD per car. Wish they woulda had coal loads included for that price as well.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks for sharing! Yeah that's it... high prices are fine... but it sucks when features are missing! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@OlivierGabin]

Agreed. High prices involves high level of features and quality. Look at Brawa for continental models, and cheaper brands like Roco of Piko. Not the same price, but for good reasons.

[@FlyingScotsman-vv1jh]

Fantastic review there Sam. I agree with the quality statement. Might invest in a pair😊👌🏻

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks very much - haha why not?! ;D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@SDD3204]

Very good review indeed. Now that I have received my own two Gunpowder vans here in USA, I suspect you were unlucky with the examples you have received. Having said that, luck should not enter into it should it, regardless of price... ? My own two examples have no loose buffers and the wheels are spinning fine, but it is quite likely that Hattons checked mine before despatch. The underframe is superb, but I was personally a little disappointed with the depth of relief of the detail on the body moulding. i.e. They did not seem to shout out to me as much as I expected, or indeed as much as the lovely Oxford GE Vans that arrived with them. I agree they are expensive, but I would caution in comparing your product reviews with the ridiculously low prices of the Oxford Rail range. In my opinion the Oxford Rail range is just as underpriced as the Rapido is over priced. Were they not owned by Hornby, I would be concerned for their future, and owned by (overpricing?) Hornby as Oxford Rail is, I do still wonder how long their quality-price situation will stay? A more reasonable comparison would in my opinion be to a normal, or average price, range such as, (given the huge price hikes of Hornby), Bachmann wagons? Yes cost is a huge issue for us purchasers, and by all means make introductory, technical and summary points about price, but please don't harp too much just on the cost alone during your reviews Sam. ;-) live.staticflickr.com/65535/51968057865_bb0e2b5853_b.jpg

[@kenjimaurerfromdisneyland2001]

0:15 - insert fireworks please.

[@SamsTrains]

haha my thoughts exactly! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@MrJoeyWheeler]

Ooh, gunpowder vans! Those look smashing! I do love a good gunpowder van. They have such a snazzy look to them - at least these ones do. Although nearly £30 is past my tolerance for single wagons. New tooling, sure, but I find those kinds of prices to be simply unacceptable.

[@SamsTrains]

Yes!! They sure do look great - very snazzy indeed! But yeah... daft price unfortunately :( Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@OlivierGabin]

@@SamsTrains I accept this kind of prices for continental wagons, but it is because there is ZERO issues on build quality. If Rapido wants to be the Brawa of the UK modelling, they ought to have a better quality than the pre-Treuhand Piko (I mean before the relaunch of the brand in 1992 by western investor after the demise of the GDR).

[@datguymiller]

Hey Sam, already can tell this is gonna be great, what's your favorite model you've gotten of each of the big four, LNER GWR LMS SR

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot Miller - ooh hard to say... I really like the B12, Dean Goods, Coronation Class, and Merchant navy... from the top of my head! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@muckmoses6521]

Most of my rolling stock has wonky wheels and misfit buffers. I get them from bargain boxes at exhibitions and they don't cost anywhere near that much...

[@dublodave7860]

Why don't you compare them with the old Hornby-Dublo/Wrenn models which can be found for less than a tenner?

[@anthonyjackson280]

on the dragging van it looks as though a brake shoe is rubbing on the eccentric wheel.

[@johndelaney5197]

Hi Sam I was just wondering, when creating 3d models in SketchUp for 3d printing do they automatically fill or is there a specific function for that . I'm asking as I'm making a dolgoch model to run on oo Guage track.

[@SamsTrains]

Hey John - you don't have to worry about infill in Sketchup - the 3D printer slicing software handles all of that... your sketchup models just need to be an outer skin preferably without any internal geometry! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@NWRJ_WStudios]

Great Video Sam well done Cheers Jasper & Willow

[@SamsTrains]

Thank you so much guys! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@terrycharleslewis7565]

Lovely product but way too pricey for what they are. Great and fair review as ever Sam, regards, Terry.

[@Barrow_Home_Media]

Hi Sam. I have good news. My black 5 is working

[@PatGilliland]

Thanks Sam - I was looking at these but the price is a little eye watering.

[@SamsTrains]

It sure is Pat, haha! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@vincentmorris8431]

"Thomas the Tank Engine is brought to you by D. Fusit Gunpowder - the high-powered explosive for all the family."

[@jameshardy4354]

Never mind sprung buffers what about opening doors

[@azuma892]

Hi Sam do you plan to review the Rapido APT-E?

[@SamsTrains]

I don't unfortunately, cool as they do look! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@MatthewChenault]

“If you open this door, it will kill you and you will die!” - Sam’s Trains, 2022

[@miguelangelgarrido7233]

Muchas gracias por subir trenes rapido ul excelente modelo

[@SamsTrains]

Thank you Miguel! :D

[@briandesens144]

Awesome video Sam's trains

[@SamsTrains]

Thank you! :D

[@GreatWestern5199]

3:53 Did anybody else notice that Rapido managed to spell their own name wrong?

[@SamsTrains]

haha yeah... though I didn't spot it at the time, lol! ;D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@ciaranburke3243]

Great review sam do like the raven, it's nice to see some new stuff appearing, but overall I have quite a few Oxford wagons and there are better value and nicely detailed 👌

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks Ciaran - I love the Raven too!! Yeah I'd prefer to buy Oxford wagons... I could get 2x as many then! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@OlivierGabin]

@@SamsTrains And they are not less accurate as the Rapido ones I think. Maybe coarser on details and lightly built, but nice to see, good to run, and good value for money.

[@brianartillery]

I'm amused that the wagon you coupled gunpowder wagons to, bears the logo: 'Cosy Fires'... 🤔🤔🤔😆😆😆

[@SamsTrains]

haha!! I literally didn't intend that, lol! ;D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@teamsoap101]

The couplings definitely look much better on these waggons compared to the oxford rail van I fear Hornby had maybe dealt a meddling hand with oxford rail to make their waggon worse than Hornby's offerings somehow.

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah definitely - nice and sturdy, and 100% fit for purpose! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@russellbenton2987]

Fair review Sam . Nice but expensive . I won’t be buying at that price . The purists will be frothing at mouth but I still run my old Wrenn Gunpowder vans and I think you can get Dapol ones which are the old Wrenn ones at about £12 .Still look on the bright side it’s less expensive than Bachmanns new vent van at £39.95 ! Rapido trains a company run by train nuts who know there are enthusiasts out there with more money than sense !

[@russellbenton2987]

@barnabyjoy never had an issue with Wrenn . Solidly constructed . Not a patch on detail of course compared to Rapido . But it’s a good low cost option