Rapido J70 Wisbech & Upwell Tram Pack - DCC Sound Review

Today I review the new DCC Sound J70 Wisbech & Upwell Tram Packs from Rapido in 00 Gauge.
Early Access: / @thatmodelrailwayguy
MERCH: shop.thatmodelrailwayguy.com
A few years back Rapido collaborated with Model Rail Magazine to bring the J70 Trams to the hobby. Now Rapido are back at it again with a new train pack bringing both the J70 steam trams and the Wisbech & Upwell carriages together which were previously available as part of the Titfield Thunderbolt sets.
Both were very highly regarded when originally released and this also marks the first time the J70 tram - or rather the C53's - have been produced in the pre-grouping GER livery, a much requested version. Today I'll also be taking a look at a DCC sound fitted version so we can really put this train pack through it's paces. Will the models live up to their previous success or have our expectations increased since the original release? Watch on to find out.
Chapters:
00:00 - Intro
00:53 - Specs
02:14 - Loco Detail
06:20 - Coach Detail
08:53 - Running Test
10:32 - DCC Sound Functions
12:24 - Running Session
16:35 - Final Thoughts
Thanks For Watching 🚂

[@nigelcole1936]

Toby or not Toby, that is the question. Great video thanks

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Ahh very good! Thanks for watching 🤩

[@EmperorJack1000]

Well played.

[@SaxbyGus-gn2gy]

Henreta or not henreta that’s the question

[@nilsstreisel7994]

Wow

[@comicfan1324]

The answer is clearly Toby

[@matthew_thefallen]

"Look it's Toby!" What a beautiful train pack!

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

If I had a penny... 😂 Thanks for watching 👍

[@railwayjade]

Some light weathering will make this loco and train extra nice! I LOVE that you included a bit of an ops session

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

I've seen a few of these weathered and they look stunning! My pleasure, I always include some running in review videos so everyone can see how it runs in a real life situation. Thanks for watching 😃

[@McZachoman]

That looks like an incredible pack - Rapido are really working to give the industry more great models. Thanks TMRG, very informative.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Yes they certainly are. With everything they've announced already we really are in for some good times! Thanks for watching 😃

[@LBSC70]

Rapido definitely knows what they're doing

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

They certainly do and I think it's fair to say that between them and Accurascale, they've lifted the standard across the hobby. Thanks for watching 😃

[@anthonybarber3220]

They still got more coming too. They’re rereleasing the GNR Stirling Single, and making Alfred and Judy. Also Accurascale are making 3 of the GWR Panniers, including the 57xx (Duck’s class). Thomas fans are definitely eating good right now.

[@michaelwhiles5282]

An excellent package well presented - many thanks.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

My pleasure Michael. Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for watching 😃

[@petertate8366]

That just looks so right on the Pitley layout. Fantastic 😊

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Yes being a single line it really does have that Light Railway look - especially around the dirt crossing! Thanks for watching 😃

[@aLl-soRTs-vw67]

Nice to have something different, the tram looks quite cool!

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Yes it's not often tramways get to take the spotlight all that much but I think the W&U holds a special place in people's hearts. Thanks for watching 😃

[@darkfrag83]

Interestingly they included everything etched number plates and the cow catcher insert in the locos produced for model rail. Oh....and the coaches look rather nice behind small industrial locos too. I run a single one with a w4 peckett and it looks right at home

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

I did think that was the case - though never having had one myself I didn't want to say that in case it wasn't true. They do don't they. I had the coaches running behind a Rapido Hunslet with a few extra genesis coaches while the J70 was running in. Was definitely giving me a Stately Trains vibe! Thanks for watching 😃

[@treinenliefde]

Indeed a beautiful set. I'm glad to see Rapido making more of them, the tooling was so well done it would've been to shame to have it be a limited edition. Oh and quick note, the valve gear isn't actually complete on the skirted examples, sadly. I believe the anchor link (the part that connects the crosshead to the combination lever for reversing) isn't modelled, but it might've been another part.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

It is good to see these return, I'm glad they managed to work out a deal with Model Rail. To be honest I haven't had the skirts off on mine to take a proper look, I was just impressed to see they'd included quite a bit of valve gear at all when I looked underneath. Thanks for watching 👍

[@Legomastr365]

This was a wonderful review, but I want to take a moment to appreciate how much the finished layout with the back scene made the running session so much more immersive! Very tempted to pick up this set now and do a full weathering and detailing job!

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Thanks, the layout is definitely looking much better now! As a Member I presume you've already seen the latest layout update video where I talk about how all these little things came together at the last minute to really help the layout stand out. Thanks for watching 🤩

[@Legomastr365]

@@ThatModelRailwayGuy I actually haven't yet! Im waiting to experience the finale with the rest of your subscribers (also because im a little sad that the layout building series is over but I'm excited for what's to come!)

[@thereal_havanthawk]

I have been needing to get this for my little layout!

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

They certainly do suit small layouts - great for a light railway theme! Thanks for watching 😃

[@loispadgett6306]

They are so cute running on your layout. Thanks for sharing them. Happy Trams.. 😂 GOD BLESS from America 🚂💖🚂💖🚂💖🚂💖🚂💖

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

They do have a certain charm to them don't they! Thanks for watching 😃

[@JohnPW22]

Lovely set!

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

It really is, very glad to finally have these in the GER colours! Thanks for watching 😃

[@crazybattlegoose8872]

I got the same pack and was disappointed they didn't have the extra cow catchers without the coupler holes, I didn't know they were offering to ship ones though! I'll be doing that right away. Will say though even after running in and wheel cleaning mine stalled constantly. I've ended up taking the cab off and drilling a small hole through the boiler to run stay alive wires to the decoder (didn't have enough room with chassis for me). But its a beautiful and lovely loco!

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Yes, all you need to do is fill out the Warranty Form on their website and they'll send them out to you - have to admit I haven't done it myself yet but I've heard that direct from Rapido. Yeah I definitely think I'll be fitting a stay alive to mine too. I think it's a combination of the short wheelbase and no springing on the centre axle that causes the loco to rock on the slightest dip or bump. Looks like I'll be getting the drill out too in that case - at least the body is enclosed enough that it won't stand out. Thanks for watching 😃

[@modelrailfan37]

Rapids really are the kings of releases at the moment! I’ve only got two locos on order from them right now, though I’m guessing that number will probably change soon, provided my bank account doesn’t go empty because of them of course 🤣 Great review as always, even though there aren’t any J70s preserved that model fits right in on your layout! Always remember rule one!!

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Yes, after previously announcing quite a lot stuff over the last 12 months we've actually started to see the new locos arriving into stock. With the amount still left to go on their list I hope we see the same frequency of arrivals, if not more over the course of 2024 too. The J70 was definitely a Rule 1 purchase. I said to my myself when they were originally released by Model Rail that I'd only get one if they did it in the GER livery... and here we are a few years later! 😅 Thanks for watching 👍

[@modelrailfan37]

@@ThatModelRailwayGuy ya! I’m really excited for the Y7 and E1, though I’m also extremely tempted to order a J52, Single, and O1.

[@bobingram6912]

With a bit of dirt and weathering to take the shine off, it looks to be a well researched and built little set. Great in depth review👍👍👍

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Yes I've seen a few of these weathered in the past and they do look even better when done properly! Thanks for watching 😃

[@fredtedstedman]

delightful models !

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Aren't they just! Really makes me want to build a light railway layout now 😅 Thanks for watching 👍

[@joshslater2426]

Rapido have really been proving their worth in the model industry, with the J70 tram just being one example. Whilst the nougat wood colouring may not seem right and could be fixed by weathering it, I think it looks rather nice when combined with the dark blue. I wonder if Rapido might make more GER locos in the future.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

I believe this is the Stratford Brown livery that the GER painted their stock in rather than attempting to be a natural wood colour which would be incorrect. As for more GER locos, Accurascale have the Buckjumpers arriving later this year I believe. Thanks for watching 👍

[@trainswithnickyt]

3:00 Oh look, it's Toby. No, it really is! Most of us know that Toby was based upon a W&U tram loco, but specifically, he is a GER C53, class number 127. That information is taken from "The Island Of Sodor - Its People, History and Railways" written by Rev Awdry, so what you have here really is Toby. Of course, Henrietta meanwhile was one of the 4 wheeled coaches from the line, rather than the longer bogie coaches, but they are only available in kit form as of now. I also own one of these packs, at the time I went for the non sound option, although I'm sort of regretting that now.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Yep that's exactly what I was referring too when I mentioned the connection of 127 to Toby. Rapido sell some of their sound decoders separately but not the J70 - although they might consider it if enough people ask. There's always the YouChoos sound project too. Thanks for watching 👍

[@trainswithnickyt]

@@ThatModelRailwayGuy sound isn't essential for me, it's only the Titfield Thunderbolt deluxe set in my collection that is so fitted, but having the option for a later date would be good. It's a shame that Rapido cancelled the early class 04 project that was also a tramway loco/Mavis

[@FENCYCLIST]

It's a fantastic model, mine came last Thursday, although the J70 and passenger service had finished, I remember seeing the fruit trains running along the roads and past the fronts of shops, think they where pulled by a Drewry 0-6-0 engine

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Awesome, yes that sounds about right. I think the W&U was the first railway in the UK to be fully taken over by diesel power. Thanks for watching 😃

[@greatwesternproductions2857]

That running session, devoid of music or narration, was absolutely amazing. No offence, your music and voice are very good but just like listening to the little engine speak for itself. Sad one of them doesn’t have a bar. Mr Valentine won’t be impressed. Cheers and keep up the great work - Alex.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Whenever I'm reviewing a sound fitted loco I always make sure there's no music and my final thoughts don't come into the very end. There actually is a bar in the Titfield Thunderbolt version of the coach. Thanks for watching 😃

[@h_draw]

5:12 IMO, all accessory/detail, or extra parts bags on any product, be it a loco, model aircraft, or even a figure should always be resealable, regardless of the cost of the product. A great review of a lovely set, might keep an eye out for this, or any rapido tram next time I’m in the market for a loco.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

I agree and it's great to see more and more manufacturers doing this recently. Thanks for watching 🤩

[@tagsdm]

Nicely done, That Model Railway Guy. They appear to have done well with this pack. Loco and coaches look very smart. The digital J70 loco has removable skirting. I wonder if it's possible with the Rapido model. That would mean displaying the Walschaerts valve gear, though. Quite a job for this tiny loco. Off topic a bit, I must say the layout looks fabulous!

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

The model itself doesn't have removable skirts but Rapido have done versions in the past without the skirts. The valve gear did look fairly intricate on those ones but I'm no expert on the valve gear so I imagine there were compromises somewhere - as there are with all models. Thanks for watching 😃

[@ianstewartbrown5308]

Would love to weather one of these

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

I've seen a few examples of these weathered up and they do look fantastic! Thanks for watching 😃

[@malcolmhumphries3284]

There was a 4 wheel brake coach with that plate ( so the guard could walk through) , but it was on another line by BR time. Some early photos show a small air brake hose going through the cow Catcher grill when they operated the coaches.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Ah that makes sense, the Guard's don't need any health and safety 😉 Yes I imagine that some of the pipework in the detail pack is for the brake hoses. Thanks for watching 👍

[@malcolmhumphries3284]

@ThatModelRailwayGuy if you look up wisbech no 16 brake coach on Google a 3d printed coach comes up , I've got a D&S models kit built coach in Brown which looks good with my BR Brown rapidos.

[@sailingschooners8668]

As you said, these carriages would go well with Railway Children set ie Bachmann.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Did I? I don't remember saying that, were they used in a version of The Railway Children then? Thanks for watching 👍

[@sailingschooners8668]

@@ThatModelRailwayGuy They would look better than what Bachmann supplies on their set of The Railway Children...

[@RobA500]

Nice looking set, but I do have to watch the penny's now.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Yes when prices were lower I think people were more willing to spend on models outside their usual location/era. Now though we have to be a bit more discerning. Thanks for watching 😃

[@dougbull3289]

Love that, may have to get one. Wonder where they stored the coal.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

I think there was a small bunker on the footplate near the firebox. I can't imagine they had huge capacity but then it probably wouldn't need a large amount anyway. Thanks for watching 😃

[@dougbull3289]

@@ThatModelRailwayGuy 👍

[@FrenzyFaz]

its toby!

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

There's always one 😂 Thanks for watching 🤩

[@RobA500]

@@ThatModelRailwayGuy Ha ha you asked for that!🤣

[@FrenzyFaz]

@@ThatModelRailwayGuy I only did it because you said it lol

[@garethparkin9498]

I thought it was a little jerky in operation. Nice model though. I wonder if fitting pickups maybe on one of the carriages might help in particular for DC running

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Perhaps a little but I think that's more due to it being fussy about the track with such a short wheelbase - on the rolling road it was smooth as butter. Yes using the coaches for extra pickups could work on DC, although I imagine it would need a bit of surgery to make possible. Thanks for watching 😃

[@MrNoUsername]

I hope No.127 will be released again as a stand alone model. If Hornby can release Tiger from the LMR train pack as a stand alone model, Rapido can do the same with J70 No.127 from the GER train pack

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Two very different situations I'm afraid. Hornby are looking to get as much use out of the Lion/Tiger tooling as possible and believe selling it individually will increase uptake on those who already have one of the other sets. Meanwhile, Rapido had to get special permission from Model Rail (the original commissioners) to allow for the use of J70 tooling to make this set. Any further individual loco runs would most likely come from Model Rail. Never say never but, given that most people who want a GER version will have probably got this set, I imagine there probably isn't enough demand to warrant a whole new run. Even if there was, I imagine they would do a different number to try and capitalise on those who already own the set and feel it needs a companion. That's my feeling anyway, we'll have to see what happens. Thanks for watching 👍

[@anthonybarber3220]

Rapido isn’t done either. Their GNR Stirling Single is being brought back, and they’re making Alfred and Judy, which are Bill and Ben respectively.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Yes they also have the Met E Class due fairly soon, B Set coaches, the Jones Goods, SECR O1, the new fireless loco... plus other stuff that I'm not allowed to talk about yet 🤫 You might like this video I made recently from when I was at Rapido HQ: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n4K0p2eOhrKrb6c Thanks for watching 👍

[@pauljonnson1181]

Nice but the price is a bit dear for me

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

I understand but considering there are single locos from the bigger manufacturers that cost this much (or even more!) the fact you can get a whole train here without skipping on the detail is pretty impressive. Thanks for watching 😃

[@Tencentsthetug]

It's sad to see so many locos haven't survived the BR period I dont think of the tram being toby I think it has its own personality

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Definitely. You can see why though because if you start preserving everything where do you stop? I suspect the W&U is more popular now than it was during during it's actual operating period. Thanks for watching 😃

[@Tencentsthetug]

Your welcome

[@kylemaccauley6065]

What’s the difference between a gwr hall and a castle they look almost identical to me

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Not really relevant to this video but the Hall has 2 cylinders where the Castle has 4 - along with a bigger boiler too. The easiest visual differences to see are the position of the external cylinders and the steam pipes, which are straight on the Hall but bend on the Castle. Thanks for watching 👍

[@PaulSmith-pl7fo]

Hi TMRG. Shame it's only available in OO gauge!

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

They had planned to do these in O Gauge as well but the project was cancelled due to lack of interest. Thanks for watching 👍

[@TheTrainspotterFromTauranga]

I wonder where Rapido got the sounds from, given that none of the real J70s were preserved.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Yes I wondered that too. I know YouChoos sell a decoder for this model which uses the GWR Railmotor sounds and whistles from a J15 so I'd imagine it's a similar situation with Rapido's sound decoder too. Thanks for watching 😃

[@CrimLine]

Got my set for a bargain of £230

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Yeah it's always worth checking out the retailers as they often have a 15% discount over the RRP like this. Thanks for watching 😃

[@SrPeloSatsumaGT]

Is that Toby?

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

02:54

[@JayHocksenarTrainboy]

Toby

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

02:54 Well thanks for proving me right I guess 😅 Thanks for watching 👍

[@JayHocksenarTrainboy]

@@ThatModelRailwayGuy the carriage looks like toby's carriage Henrietta

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Make it stop! 😂 (Although wasn't Henrietta the 4 wheel coach rather than a bogie coach?)

[@ListerDavid]

Is it electric?

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

The prototype or the model? The real life locos were steam trams, hence the chuffing sound on the sound decoder. The models run on 12v power like most conventional model railways. Thanks for watching 😃

[@Valleys56xx]

I'll buy a new washing machine, ta.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

I'm assuming that's a comment on the price. That's fair but I think long gone are the days where people buy every loco they like the look of. If though, you're modelling the W&U I imagine most people would be able to justify the cost. Thanks for watching 👍

[@roguerailroader4132]

Is it me or is anyone else being dazzled by Rapido while Hornby just kind of bores them? No just me? I mean it’s like Rapido knows it’s market and potential market while Hornby seems to think it’s the same as it has been. This just proves it while Hornby…eh they seem to think we want more from the Pioneering days of steam. There’s my two cents

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Hmm... everyone is entitled to their own opinion but I can't say I see it that way. Rapido has obviously leaned very heavily into the high detail/premium side of the market with a focus on pre-grouping locos made for modellers rather than collectors. Meanwhile Hornby in the last few years have kickstarted the industrial loco craze, made significant upgrades to their locos evidenced by the 9F, P2 and new A1/A3 (among others), brought TT:120 back to the mainstream, established an Era 1/Pioneering range (which you could say Rapido have jumped on) and created the new HM7000 and TXS system along with their new steam generators too... all while continuing to add to their budget Railroad range and bring out high end models for the collectors too. Each company is different, with different priorities and different ways of doing things. Rapido, like Hornby have announced a lot of things which they're yet to deliver. But to suggest that Hornby is just churning out more Era 1 stuff doesn't really take in the big picture in my opinion. Sadly there are some, and I'm not necessarily including you in this, that will take any opportunity to bash Hornby while praising other manufacturers. I can't help but feel if Rapido or Accurascale had done all the things Hornby have accomplished in the last decade, people would be jumping for joy. Things have gotten a bit tribal in the hobby and for one I find it baffling. Those are my two cents anyway... thanks for coming to my TED Talk 😅

[@roguerailroader4132]

@@ThatModelRailwayGuy In fairness I think we can both agree that every modlers needs are different. You are quite right about one thing the manufacturers do cater to different needs. Likewise also have their strengths and weaknesses as does well anything really. Now given I am what you might call “just another yank” or something along those lines. Anyway I'm not saying Hornby is entirely bad. Actually about a quarter to half my small OO collection is Hornby at the moment I believe. I guess if I have any bias on them it would stem from a lot of peer reviews who look at their locos and other models and well it comes often in a mixed bag most times. I won't say they are the worst I mean at times it sure looks like Bachmann has a head start there in quality per price. So it may seem from time to time which I guess is dependent on who you ask. I guess the main takeaway I was originally getting at is Rapido has amazed me with this. I had missed out on getting a J70 before and they did this, where as in often the case seems to be if you don't get the model you want when it comes out and it is limited in supply you have to resort to the other numerous ideas from kitbash to a full on kit from chassis to body shell. Tho with taking in what you said yeah perhaps that is indeed why say Hornby hasn't done any rereleases of older models like E2 (Especially in Southern Railway livery) or anything of that sort. Good on them for finishing what they start I'll give them that. Hope that clarifies my point.

[@joshslater2426]

Personally I still like Hornby and their products. Their 4 and 6 wheel coaches in particular I think are very nice. Although I tend to buy Bachmann locos, I will admit that Hornby’s would also be nice to get. Despite this, I see great promise in Rapido. I would love to get their Titfield Thunderbolt pack one day, or maybe their J52 or Y7. I can’t wait to see what they make in the future.