N Gauge News has taken a close up look at the Rapido Trains UK N Gauge Class 28 'Metrovick' CO-BO diesel-electric locomotive, which is on course for release later this year.
The Rapido model represents the locomotives after their 1961 works visit with later style cab windows and will feature the following specifications:
Post-1961 flat screen version
Next18 decoder socket
High quality motor and drive systems
Directional lighting
Wealth of separately fitted and highly detailed parts
DCC Sound option
NEM coupler pockets
The following images are of the first painted samples and some tweaks have been specified for the production models. Manufacture is well under way and Rapido are expecting the models to arrive in the UK this year.
First up is the sample for D5709 in BR Green livery (Product number 905001)
Also on display was the first sample of the BR Blue version as D5701 (Product number 905006)
The shot below shows the underframe, which features separately fitted pipe detail, and un clip-able bogies for easy removal.
There are seven versions planned for release and these are now available to pre-order from all Rapido stockists, and direct from Rapido Trains who report that some versions are now close to selling out.
Additionally, Rapido are proposing a fictional RTC 'what if' liveried version. This will require a minimum number of pre-orders so if this is a livery you would like to add to your collection, get your order in!
For more information visit the Rapido Trains UK website. Our sincere thanks to Rapido for allowing NGN to photograph the samples.