Rapido Announces a New Run of the UAC TurboTrain!

While it looked fantastic, Jason will be the first to admit that the first run of the Turbo way back in 2007/2008 was mechanically sub-par. We were a fledgling manufacturer at the time and perhaps bit off a bit more than we could chew. But now, with 15 years of engineering experience under our belts, we're going to give this special train the treatment it deserves and immortalize its legacy in HO scale.

[@larrytayler9165]

Well, that left me in tears. And my bank account in tatters! Thank you, Jason - nice to see the original Rapido Turbo reborn.

[@rapidotrains]

It's been a long time coming!

[@geobrower3069]

Yup, me too! I've got two originals, gotta think of which one I'm keeping now I've ordered the new model. Cheers, Geoff

[@PBlrmkr]

Good to see an HO model getting a cutting edge update after all of this time, especially with the all of the lessons learned.

[@rapidotrains]

We've learned as we've grown.

[@anthonyxuereb792]

Your model ran like the best I've seen on YT, very impressive to say the least. Also, I have watched some videos on these turbo trains and never have I seen the incredible steps!

[@d-rail7271]

Even with the issues the old one is still gorgeous. Glad to see it's finally getting the model it deserves. And HO Kingston is looking great too!

[@rapidotrains]

Thanks a lot!

[@markmanz8897]

This model is why i started paying attention to Rapido. Version 1.0 is the most beautiful shelf-queen i have ever purchased. And i still purchase Rapido trains and buses. Great company and great people.

[@rapidotrains]

Thank you! We had some growing pains, but now we're rolling!

[@jeffallen5698]

Always loved the Turbo!! Watch it countless times at my grandmother's apartment building by the eglinton go station..will start saving my money!

[@rapidotrains]

Awesome memories!

[@jgodfrey546]

I was on the eastbound platform for that last departure from Dorval. Memories...

[@rapidotrains]

Must've been so bittersweet to have witnessed that!

[@jgodfrey546]

@@rapidotrains Indeed it was. I was as big a fan as Jason

[@Drennan1]

Yes!!!! Although I have a working turbo currently….after 1000+ hours of work…looking forward to this. Thank you.

[@rapidotrains]

You're welcome!

[@ALLmyTRAINS]

Amazing video! Thank you guys for all efforts to keep memories of this amazing train! I was lucky to collect all 6 sets with all cars from previous production! So far this is one of my favorites train design ever! And I do have over 150 passenger and high speed trains in my collection! Thank you, thank you and thank you!!!

[@rapidotrains]

Whoa, epic collection!

[@frankhellman6879]

It's really great to see so much enthusiasm for the trains & the hobby. And a wonderful basement full of enjoyment.

[@rapidotrains]

Jason lives and breathes trains. And Star Trek. And Dr. Who. And...

[@DarthSantaFe]

Good to see these are being redone! I managed to fix the gear issues in mine (Bachmann N scale PCC gears were an oddly good fit) and will be keeping it since it’s now a smooth runner, but this will be great for those who don’t want to get down into the fine tuning like I did.

[@rapidotrains]

Interesting! Glad you found a fix.

[@scotabot7826]

Nice!!!! I continue to be blow away every time I see Jason's layout. The scale and realism is so authentic, it would win grand prize at any show it was entered. I'm just amazed, as its just like looking at a picture from the past!!! I love this company, and it's products!!!!

[@rapidotrains]

We are all equally amazed at how much he's accomplished over the past couple of years.

[@JBS319]

Is that actual water in that pond? If not, Jason sure did a good job making it look like it is. The reflections are a beauty. Both the Turbo Train and Turboliner coming out back to back in HO! Is Jason going to relegate the old Turbo to the shelf or the yard? Or is he going to run both. It’ll be fun that for the 15th anniversary of Rapido the new Turbo will be getting delivered!

[@joshfullbright7678]

two part table epoxy most likely, envirotex lite in the US

[@rapidotrains]

Nope, it's all two-part resin! And he'll probably put the old Turbos on display, as they're a part of our history!

[@1737sd40]

An excellent video, I would rank it one of your top 5. I appreciate your honesty about the first run of Turbos. Love in the historical footage of the Turbo especially seeing the steps coming up as the doors close.

[@rapidotrains]

Thank you kindly! The shortcomings of the first Turbo have weighed heavily on Jason's heart for years.

[@ADPeguero]

I used to live in an apartment building in the banks of the Harlem in the Bronx , Marble Hill, in 1979. As a kid I remember seeing the Turboliners running the tracks. It was a nice scene during the winter to see them running in the snow and seeing the Hudson thawing. (like small icebergs) It was a really nice scene. Too bad I missed seeing the UAC TurboTrain running the same tracks.

[@rapidotrains]

Awesome memories! Hopefully you took tons of pictures!

[@ADPeguero]

@@rapidotrains Wish I did. I was 8 year old and only lived there for a year :-) The memories live with me. Recall those memories as if it were yesterday.

[@154Colin]

👍 Looking forward to the comparison video. The advancements you people have made is downright scary. Good luck with the new release. 😊

[@rapidotrains]

Thanks! We can't wait!

[@1Nanerz]

Yesss!!! Congrats Jason. You’ve earned it

[@rapidotrains]

Can you sense the excitement?

[@509brown]

Count me in for this one, spectacular model and an inspiring story!

[@rapidotrains]

Thanks!

[@brendanschyve6876]

140mph? Aren't you forgetting about the NYC M497 (which would be a really cool model, by the way) ?

[@rapidotrains]

M497 was an experiment, whereas the Turbo was a production train. The USDOT Turbo clocked 170.8 MPH and that is still the North American record for a production train.

[@roberttrains8696]

Awesome video guys Jason layout look great thank Jason for letting us in to see your layout.....Robert Trains

[@rapidotrains]

Thank you!

[@thunderturbine8860]

Just put in my preorder. This model will be an awesome addition to my train collection (and my first ever VIA model)

[@rapidotrains]

And a fine first VIA model it will be!

[@thunderturbine8860]

@@rapidotrains Indeed 🙂

[@pcjely]

Amazing post credits video too. Bitter sweet on many levels but great news for the future model.

[@rapidotrains]

It's a tough video to watch!

[@douglasschultz9808]

I would like to afford Rapido someday. But until then I continue to appreciate all the inside looks Jason gives us. Keep up the good work guys!

[@rapidotrains]

Thank you!

[@bobbyt9999]

Great video. I got to ride from Montreal to Toronto back in 1975, pre-Via era. I can't say that I remember getting into Toronto because I discovered very quickly that the bar was up in the dome. Unfortunately my trip back was on the Rapido so I still didn't get to have the full, complete thrill of riding this piece of history on my trip home.

[@rapidotrains]

Awesome memories (or lack thereof as it were)!

[@mec253]

I was in Belleville in October 68 with a CN/GTR conductor friend. We saw a test run on the Turbo. That thing was flying. We each got one picture and it was gone.

[@rapidotrains]

What an amazing memory! Hopefully you still have that pic.

[@mec253]

@@rapidotrains I do.

[@brfriedm]

We need PRR E44's also in HO!

[@rapidotrains]

Hit up our product suggestion form!

[@douglasayers1485]

Beautiful layout

[@ken0272]

I remember the daily commute going into Montreal, waiting at the Dorval CP station, and seeing the Turbo pull into the CN station there (which was more like a couple glass of booths compared to the vintage CP rail station) about 30' away...so cool. White and Red CN, never rode on it, but my Uncle (worked for CN) toured me through it ...!

[@rapidotrains]

We miss them so much!

[@danielcraig2573]

It is awesome that the model that led to the formation of Rapido is coming back again. I bet it was hard to see it be retired. It will be great to see it operating full speed ahead.

[@rapidotrains]

It's very fitting!

[@stevedale4800]

So, these are still in the Ready for Production stage? Cant wait!

[@canadiantimberwolf1]

WOW, I remember seeing the Turbo with its nose open when at the Union. Had to be around 1979 or in and around there. I am considering getting back into model trains. One area I would love to do and have not seen anything on the market is a Static Display Model, I can put together and place on a shelf or on my desk. In a case like you would do with a car model. I can build it with glue and paint it or decal it, and perhaps a small battery for some lights, and maybe a bit of sound. Never seen anything like that. I love what you do, and thank you for doing what you do.

[@rapidotrains]

Interesting idea!

[@canadiantimberwolf1]

@@rapidotrains Thanks I hope I have just inspired you to try something new and useable with your wands like cab lights or horn or notch 8 setting somehow. Once again guys, thank you for a brilliant company and for allowing past locomotives and cars to come back to life. Although I would mind seeing the PH.L & B from late 1800. That's Port Hope, Lindsay & Beaverton Railway...

[@luke_atthat]

Impressionnant! Félicitations pour votre persévérence.

[@rapidotrains]

Merci!

[@andrewferguson5653]

I'm really pleased that Rapido is re-releasing the Turbo. I remember watching it at Oshawa, and it's final run at Bowmanville, but I never had a chance to ride it.

[@rapidotrains]

Many of us hadn't had the pleasure either.

[@DwayneKlassenTheCoachForMen]

Nice! But will it blend?! Not on my layout. lol, I was lucky enough to ride CN's Turbo when I was 8 years old in '75 from Toronto to Montreal. Just to ride it! My dad knew how much of a young train freak I was, so we traveled from Kamloops to Toronto on CN's Super Continental to pick up a factory-ordered pickup truck in Oakville. A summer to remember! What a thrill! Now, if I can only convince Rapido to build an SD40-2 CP Rail in the multi-mark scheme in N scale. Oh and a B unit! It would be a "Take my money!" moment!

[@rapidotrains]

What an awesome memory! Also, EVERYTHING blends...

[@YukariAkiyamaTanks]

Finally! Thank you rapido!! Just pre-ordered the VIA ones, I was very young when turbo 1.0 came out, only have 1 car of it. Been wanting one if these for years. When will these bad boys be out?

[@rapidotrains]

Not till at least early 2023, so you've got time to save those pennies!

[@mels4796]

wonderful

[@rapidotrains]

Thanks!

[@thetaxman5302]

Nice to see some Overland boxes in that room!

[@rapidotrains]

Well we can't make EVERYTHING...

[@Trip-the-Sungazer]

Yay Rapido's Turbotrain is back!!!

[@rapidotrains]

Right?!

[@chuckabbate5924]

Man tip o the hat to you Mr. Shron. Ans a New Haven fan, o brother thanks a million...

[@rapidotrains]

My pleasure, Chuck.

[@trainglen22]

Still my favorite train that Via Rail operated. Remember them well, especially the morning train to Toronto.

[@rapidotrains]

👍

[@trainman1971]

I saw the screenshot link for this video in the newsletter. Before I could even scroll far enough to see the caption, I said "Oh, that's Brockville!" My trips to Canada have only gotten me east of Oshawa 5 times between 2004 and 2019 (two by rail to Ottawa, twice driving to Ottawa, once as far as Napanee. I've only been to Brockville once. Only got to sniff my way to the station for a few minutes (no time to fan on that trip, having to be in Ottawa by dinner time and I was late). Yet, I recognized a model of a place I've only seen 3 times for a combined 15 minutes over a 15-year period. My non-railfan friends would laugh at me for that. Railfan friends are nodding in understanding.

[@rapidotrains]

We totally get it!

[@miguelangelgarrido7233]

Hola buenas noches excelente video el final es tremendo abrazo grande

[@rapidotrains]

Gracias!

[@JeffShultz]

I keep waiting for Jason to put a 4K outside the window with a trip on the Canadian on a loop, like the Hogwart's Express ride at Universal.

[@rapidotrains]

We have the technology...

[@mr.shadestrains6033]

Awesome 🚂😎👍👍👍👍👍

[@rapidotrains]

Thanks!

[@VoxelBro]

Finally figured it out! The horn in the intro is from the Turbo Movie!

[@rapidotrains]

Correct!

[@stuartaaron613]

Mazel-Tov! Great news about the redesigned TurboTrain. I considered buying the original models back on 2008, but for various reasons declined. As I saw the problems with them (I worked at a very good hobby shop on Long Island) I felt that I made the correct decision. Now that you're making a new run of them incorporating the lessons learned from the first run I will definitely be ordering a set, the big issue deciding which one. I'm also glad to see that you decided not to go overboard with the "special effects" (recall the problems Lionel had with their O gauge Amtrak Acela train set). Also, I received your latest email newsletter. I would love to apply for the position you are offering, but at 60 years old, living in Florida, taking care of various family members down here, and being a mentor to a group of teenage and preteen model railroaders at my club, relocating to Ontario is sadly out of the question. However, if you need overflow help and don't mind shipping some repairs down here please keep me in consideration.

[@rapidotrains]

Sometimes less is more when it comes to special effects. Thanks for your comments!

[@giacomowilliams4565]

Hey rapido just wondering if your going to do the n gauge of the apt, very interesting video on the turbo thank you

[@rapidotrains]

Quite possibly!

[@markelman198]

These trains look awesome, shame none were preserved.

[@rapidotrains]

We agree!

[@pieroluciano3272]

Nice News! Are these new speakers good enough on their own or do you think adding a sub-woofer would enhance the locomotives - like 1.1 sound? Jason, when are you going to add a LCD TV behind that window along with the ambience of train sounds slightly in the background? I think that would look sweet! Hmmmm... here's an idea Jason, why not buy yourself an old VW bus and modify it, so it looks like the Turbo Train! 😀👍

[@rapidotrains]

Today's speakers are pretty great, so you should be fine. And don't give Jason any ideas!

[@ollychap1985]

Will it be available in the uk ? does it have a tilt mechanism? Would look great with the apt-e on the same layout

[@rapidotrains]

It doesn't have a tilt mechanism, but it should be available to order through our UK site in the coming weeks. rapidotrains.co.uk/north-american-products/

[@MikesProjectsandHobbiesMC]

Just ordered. Will it really be available at the end of this month?

[@Andrecio64]

The last detail needed is the tilting car system

[@mamarussellthepie3995]

Epic

[@rapidotrains]

Thanks!

[@dexecuter18]

Loved the N scale rendition in the brief period of time that I owned it. (Turnout fixtures are expensive) Glad the HO guys will also be getting a proper set of their own.

[@rapidotrains]

Sorry you had to sacrifice your Turbo, but it sounds like it was for the greater good.

[@markmanz8897]

Is the sad music at the end of the video going to be included in the sound decoder on the model?

[@rapidotrains]

hmmm...interesting idea...

[@seanspennywisemiserrr]

HO scale Turbo Yada Yada Yada lol. When will you be re-releasing the n scale one? I'm a big fan of the Turbo and much like you Jason, I traveled on it from TO to Montreal as a kid. I think it was these trips that got me into model trains. Take care. Sean.

[@rapidotrains]

It'll be a while before we re-run the N scale version!

[@IsaacAmadeo]

While I absolutely want to see a train with working doors, perhaps starting on something with a less complex door system would be best. Perhaps we can start seeing rolling bearings on rolling stock :) Can't wait to get my hands on an amtrak turbo! Jason your story was very touching. Hopefully after all these years you will have a turbo that is what you meant the original to be all those years ago

[@mattlander9119]

Rapido do already use ball bearings on some of their coaches

[@rapidotrains]

Thanks for your kind words, and for watching the whole video! 😄

[@IsaacAmadeo]

@@mattlander9119 which ones?

[@IsaacAmadeo]

@@rapidotrains

[@EriXCorleone]

Goosebumps at 3.00 👌😂

[@rapidotrains]

An epic train deserves an epic launch!

[@rayjameson1883]

What sort of trade-in allowance will those owning Turbo 1.0 get if upgrading to Turbo 2.0?

[@rapidotrains]

Unfortunately there is no trade-in possible. We can't reuse the old parts for the new train.

[@ldaudelin]

I'm starting to save money right now!

[@rapidotrains]

Good stuff! You have at least a year.

[@dundasjunctionmodelr.r-jam8267]

Very cool train, I had the original Turbo running on layout, I borrowed it, new one should be better

[@rapidotrains]

It's guaranteed to be better!

[@dundasjunctionmodelr.r-jam8267]

Good because I ordered one , the White CN version

[@guyloisellegl]

Will there be a retrofit kit for the original run?

[@rapidotrains]

Unfortunately the old Turbos aren't compatible with the redesigned sets. Sorry about that.

[@trevorderper5050]

I hope you guys do a new run of the N scale Turbos soon.

[@rapidotrains]

Won't be for a while!

[@mgr_video_productions]

Awesome. Also just realized something: Jordan is an American version of Jason Shron. Him wanting a Amtrak Turboliner is an example of it. 😂😂😂

[@rapidotrains]

🤣🤣🤣 Don't let Jordan hear you. His family has been in Canada for about 200 years!

[@dennismarlow3830]

will the new locos work with the original coach cars?

[@rapidotrains]

Unfortunately not, as it will have a completely new coupling system.

[@raulbluesman9463]

I would need so much space for an H0 layout... are you going to also do a second run of the N scale turbo train?

[@rapidotrains]

Hard to say now, but maybe down the road at some point!

[@robertke1393]

Will there be a NYC version?

[@rapidotrains]

NYC ceased to exist the same year the Turbo debuted!

[@sylmaryi]

beautiful layout!! especially the trees, they are just wonderful with all the nice and realistic branches. does anybody know how they are done? any tips would be really helpful. thanks in advance.

[@rapidotrains]

Jason used Supertrees from Scenic Express.

[@sylmaryi]

@@rapidotrains thank you for the info, will check it out.

[@Gargraves100]

My layout is set in 1953, but will jump to the 1970s when I run the Turbo. One question: will it go around an 18" curve?

[@rapidotrains]

Your layout, your rules! With the short cars and single axle trucks, it should handle them fine.

[@tonypetts6663]

Always loved the turbo train since I saw it in a ladybird book as a small child. Just want to know are you going to make it available in the UK do I can finally get one.

[@rapidotrains]

rapidotrains.co.uk/?s=Turbo&product_cat=0&post_type=product Available for preorder now through Rapido UK!

[@tonypetts6663]

@@rapidotrains thanks, that's great.

[@marcello1040]

At the 7:11 demo of this Video Jason is pressing a button on his Hand throttle to make it finally to move .. My Question is what is the Function button that your pressing?

[@rapidotrains]

"increase fast" - it bumps the throttle up 10 points.

[@marcello1040]

@@rapidotrains THANKS

[@brandongaines1731]

So, will the redesigned HO Turbo have a top speed of 140 scale mph?

[@joelvale3887]

Can we replace all the bad parts from the first UAC Turbo train with some parts from the new Turbo train?

[@rapidotrains]

Unfortunately parts from the old 1.0 TurboTrains aren't compatible with the updated versions. Sorry about that.

[@churrodead7191]

How likely are we to see a second run of the n scale turbo?

[@rapidotrains]

Not likely for a while, but one day.

[@etmccaus]

I'm cheering while my wallet weeps...

[@rapidotrains]

This will build your wallet's character.

[@MTHDCS]

Will it have smoke units??!!

[@rapidotrains]

No smoke units, sorry about that.

[@DwightinToronto]

Quite a few folks are interested in a re-issue of Rapido’s N scale Turbo (including me). Might you kindly narrow down what “not for a while” means? Before 2030? 2035? Sooner rather than later hopefully.

[@rapidotrains]

Hard to say exactly, it all depends on demand....

[@mikeupton5406]

Model railroad noob. Did not know about the Turbo train. I see CN on the nose in some pictures. I am contracted as the nightshift yard crew assist for Green Bay CN yard.

[@rapidotrains]

Neat! Even a lot of experience modellers don't know about the Turbo.

[@randomrazr]

in reality, why did the via turbo train cease?

[@rapidotrains]

It's a long story. In short, Pratt & Whitney was promised an order for five more trains from CN. CN didn't come through, so the project was abandoned. Once the spare parts ran out for the last two sets, they had to be retired.

[@northlanderdude]

The turbo doesn't fit my VIA modelling era, but I'll get one anyway. Hopefully the diaphragm for the new HO model will be solid like the N scale one.

[@rapidotrains]

We think it belongs in everyone's collection! And we're looking to replicate the N scale coupling system.

[@JBS319]

It is a shame the Turbos went as early as they did in Canada. But I guess the same issues held true with the RTG and RTL: after the fuel crisis, turbines just became too expensive to operate. Though if folks in the states can bring the Pennsy T-1 back from the dead, I’m sure Jason and other VIA fans have wondered if they could do that with the Turbo. You can dream, I guess, or get it in HO and run it on your layout.

[@rapidotrains]

It's really too bad they were all destroyed. We could've restored one to its full glory for the VHA.

[@JBS319]

@@rapidotrains at least the LRCs won't meet the same fate as with LRC locomotives already preserved, it only makes sense for VHA and ExpoRail to pick up a few LRC coaches to complete. Sometimes the loss of something loved leads to preservation efforts so it will never happen again: the loss of Penn Station leading to the landmarks preservation movement that saved Grand Central, the similar movement that followed the destruction of Euston Station in London going on to save St. Pancras, and of course the scrapping of the Turbo leading many years later to the creation of the VHA.

[@Incognito.culture]

WOWEEE! could I have one??!

[@rapidotrains]

Sure!

[@jsgaming3248]

did UAC TurboTrain have ditch lights?

[@rapidotrains]

They did not, just the flashing beacon.

[@cmdrflake]

Are you going to have the Turbo with the kerosene odor?

[@cmdrflake]

JK

[@cmdrflake]

The best legal cab ride there ever was!😎👀

[@rapidotrains]

That ain't a half-bad idea...

[@hamiltonsullivan6563]

I get that all the origonal turbos have been scrapped but have you ever though of paying a company to rebuild a full size from scratch... starting with a rolling chassis? Simular to the T1 project

[@rapidotrains]

Don't give Jason any ideas...

[@hamiltonsullivan6563]

@@rapidotrains no promises

[@microbusss]

I'd like one in Phase 1 Amtrak!

[@rapidotrains]

Head on over to our website or to your favorite dealer!

[@microbusss]

@@rapidotrains sorry no dealers here & Caboose went bankrupt

[@ken0272]

I think CN issued a cardboard punch out model of the Turbo at some point, I recall I had one at one time...anyone remember those?

[@BHARGAV_GAJJAR]

Ah Turbo train Boston to New York in half the time. But does your model have 3 miniature gas turbines with 2 with 90 degree gear box going to the main gear box ? Anyways that one part in my opinion was a bad design choice, I would just use gas turbines to generate electricity driving motors on each car.

[@Trip-the-Sungazer]

300th liker of this video!!!!

[@rapidotrains]

Yay!

[@canadianbehaviour8280]

Wonder if they'll consider doing a run of VIA's new Siemens Chargers

[@rapidotrains]

You never know!

[@canadianbehaviour8280]

@@rapidotrains Man that would be awesome!

[@hoscalerailfan]

I mean, Jason had to bring back his favorite to go against the turboliner.

[@rapidotrains]

We were actually worried about the two projects competing, but the Turboliner is already in production so no worries there.

[@hoscalerailfan]

@@rapidotrains I think they actually compliment each other quite well.

[@christopherfurman360]

Nooo, there goes my kids education fund

[@rapidotrains]

They're better off being educated about historic trains!

[@railmaster84]

I’m a pro that plays with the big stuff for 16 years now. Why do I keep getting HO videos. 😂

[@rapidotrains]

Only the algorithm knows!

[@jimfrisk688]

such an iconic train and not one trainset was saved. SMH.

[@rapidotrains]

Agreed!

[@thunderturbine8860]

Sure is a shame that the Turbo's were retired and scrapped. Would've been neat to see one of those zipping up and down on Canada's lines

[@rapidotrains]

Maybe somebody will build one from scratch one day!

[@thunderturbine8860]

@@rapidotrains I really hope so

[@thunderturbine8860]

@@rapidotrains might have to give that a try 🙂 though I'm in Australia, so that'll be the first Australian Turbotrain 🙂

[@trainships1795]

Give me a Fantasy Turbo in New York Central Lightning Stripes, Santa Fe warbonnet, Union Pacific Armour Yellow, or Pennsylvania Railroad Pinstripes.

[@rapidotrains]

There isn't much that wouldn't look good in warbonnet!

[@jetbee1106]

Can you upgrade my original set???

[@rapidotrains]

Unfortunately not, as this will be all-new tooling.

[@jetbee1106]

Can you upgrade my original model??

[@rapidotrains]

Unfortunately this will be all-new tooling redesigned from the ground up.

[@Pkwlsn]

Is Jason wearing bell-bottoms? 1:15

[@rapidotrains]

The answer to this is "yes" 93.8% of the time.

[@alexander1485]

Why is the music so depressing at the end

[@rapidotrains]

Fitting for the moment...