FIRST LOOK AT RAPIDO TRAINS UK'S LION

Rapido representatives brought two engineering prototypes of its OO gauge Lion and Titfield models to the Rails of Sheffield new store opening on April 15 (see separate story). Both were working models that are being assessed for feedback to be given to the factory ahead of production.

With delivery expected in 2023, to coincide with the 70th anniversary of the famous Ealing Comedy, Lion, in ‘Titfield’ guise, will be joined by a GWR 'Loriot' wagon, complete with ‘Dan's House’ coach body, a GWR 'Toad' brake van, a Great Eastern Railway Buffet Car and Pearce and Crump's Bedford OB road coach.

Attending the event, we felt that the OO gauge model is surprisingly heavier than expected for something so small. All the black parts are die-cast metal. The model is capable of moving more than 20 wagons according to a video shot by the company. The tender houses the Next 18 DCC decoder and speaker, the connection to the locomotive being through a six-pin plug and socket.

An NEM socket is fitted to the tender only, and despite there being no holes in the underside, the sound is impressively loud. We took the opportunity to run the model around the Rails test track, and a video of it in action can be watched on World of Railways. The Titfield Models will be available as packs:

• (SKU922001) A deluxe pack, containing sound-fitted

Thunderbolt, Dan’s House and Loriot with W67840 plus 4mm:1ft scale figures and a commemorative booklet.

• (SKU922002) A standard pack, containing Thunderbolt, ‘Dan’s House’ and Loriot Y with No. W68740.

• (SKU922003) Contains the Buffet Car and No. W114814 (masquerading as W68740), plus 4mm:1ft scale figures.

Lion will also be available separately in DCC Ready and DCC fitted form.