Rapido Trains UK, Lion - Review.

This is a review of Rapido's Lion in 1980's condition.
Model code:913002.
Purchased from Hatton's during Black Friday for £100.
Model is well detailed, runs very well and is surprisingly weighty for a small model which does equate to good haulage.
Some negatives, I don't like the brass work finish, its a bit early 2000's need to look in to some development on paint finish like Bachmann's for example rather than electroplating.
The NEM pocket really isn't an NEM Pocket.
The boiler barrel assembly or join line is quite poor could of been hidden better.
No etched plates, no crew, no firebox flicker.

[@AdiPullen]

Hi matt I hope you are well I have same version of your self. Mine has issues on 2nd radius I believe both hornby and Rapido UK ones have pros and cons Hornby has better underframe detail I hope you have a good Christmas and New year to you and your subscribers Keep safe ARP

[@bluebellModelrailway]

Hi Adi, not bad thank you? I've not seen a problem on second radius so can't comment on that or Hornby's as I don't have one to inspect, however I can see from other reviewers that the construction an hiding of joints was better. Each as you say have good and bad.. Rapido I've always sort of believed to be a higher standard but I have to be honest I dont see them pushing and reaching for a higher standard, this goes from paint finishes used to assembly to accessories... I'm sure some will agree and some disagree it would be boring if everyone agreed with me. I am worried regarding the brass finish as its a prominent feature going forward on other models like the O1, or the Metropolitan E, and in some regard the stirling single.. Would be nice if they pushed the boundies otherwise they will be left behind. Merry Christmas and all the best for the new year.

[@vectorbrony3473]

A pity Rapido or Hornby never made a truely as built version of Lion. With a round top firebox and a few other origional features.