Aiming at creating a low operating cost alternative to a conventional passenger train, Budd introduced it's RDC models starting in 1949. Nearly 400 units were built over the next thirteen years, entering service with railroads worldwide. The RDC proved to be both reliable and effective in use and examples are still operated today.

Budd offered its RDC in five major variations. The RDC-1 contained coach seating only. The RDC-2 was a combination coach-baggage. The RDC-3 was a combination baggage-mail-coach. The RDC-9 was a trailing coach unit with no cab and only one motor. And the RDC-4 was a shorty RPO/baggage only.

Why is the Rapido RDC called the "Absolute" RDC? Because once you buy the Rapido RDC models, you'll never need to buy another one again!

Like so many other prototype locomotives, Canada's RDCs tended to be just a little bit different. The Rapido Canadian RDC models feature accurate Canuck modifications, such as the unusual headlight and number board assembly used on CN's Phase 1 units, as well as accurate Canadian horns and diaphragms.

The Rapido American RDC models feature numerous road name-specific details, including two different blister designs for the Phase 1 units; etched window safety grills; shop-built headlight assemblies; pilots or no pilots as appropriate; accurate interior colors for each road name; and diaphragms.

All of the RDCs feature full interiors; full underbody equipment; lit number boards, headlight and class lights; and the option of amazingly accurate sound.

Using the normal big motor housing on the Rapido RDC model was a no-go as Rapido  wanted to include their typcially very high level of interior and underbody details. The prototype RDC has two engine compartments under the floor. So Rapido has placed two small motors and flywheels in those engine compartments.

Rapido Budd RDC's feature Rapido's unique stainless steel finish developed after extensive testing. The end result is a top-secret method that includes spraying different specially-formulated finishes at specific temperatures to reach the warm, stainless feel of our final product. Prepare to be impressed.

The first production run comprises just RDC-1s. As it is, Rapido is announcing fewer than half the possible RDC-1 paint schemes. Even so, that is nearly 100 different models. So if you don't see your favourite (or favorite) scheme listed, please note It may be that your railroad did not have any RDC-1s, or just is not in the first run.

Rapido has quite a bit of information about the Budd RDC on their website, with more being added going forward. For now, modelers may wish to review the latest Telegraph HERE, or the specific RDC pages HERE.

Features:

• Accurate Phase 1 and Phase 2 details and fluting as per prototype
• Correct Phase 1b, Phase 1c and Phase 2 roof blisters as per prototype
  
• Rapido's acclaimed "stainless steel" finish
• Full interior detail with constant lighting
• Two five-pole, skew-wound motors hidden in the actual engine bays
• Crazy amount of underbody detail
• Separate underframe piping and conduit
• Lit number boards and class lights
• Optional working front door Mars light, if appropriate (two included in the box)
• Fabricated or cast truck sideframes, as appropriate
• All wheels powered (even though that wasn't the case on the prototype)
• Separate grab irons and front door chains
• Etched-metal roof grills and fan covers
• Wrap-around nose fluting, if appropriate
• Separate diaphragms, if appropriate
• Loads of roadname-specific details
• DC Silent or DC/DCC/Sound versions

 

 

Canadian Pacific RDC-2 #9104 leads a "short" CP consist of five RDCs. Montreal-area RDC consists could be as large as 11 cars! Peter Cox photo courtesy Mark Perry.

HO Scale – New Canadian RDC-1, RDC-2 and RDC-3!   We don't want all of our HO scale customers to feel left out, so we are pleased to announce those Canadian RDCs for which you've been bugging us... every day... sometimes twice a day... since we shipped the first run in 2016.   Yes, we are finally launching the Canadian RDC-2 and RDC-3 models, along with RDC-1 models we couldn't do last time around. If you are new to the RDC, it stands for Rail Diesel Car, and is a self-propelled passenger train built by Budd between 1949 and 1962. Click here to read our RDC Master Class. We own a real RDC. You can watch a video of our first run here.   The RDC-1 is an all-coach version. The RDC-2 is a combination coach and baggage. The RDC-3 is a combination coach, baggage and RPO (Railway Post Office), though in Canada many RDC-3s just had a second baggage area rather than a mail room.

Top: Phase 1 CP RDC-3. Photo courtesy John Eull. Bottom: Phase 2 CN RDC-3. Photo courtesy Kaluza-Mueller Collection. Note the different window size, pilot, headlight arrangement and roof shape.

These RDC-1s are different from last time! As you've no doubt read in the Master Class just now, the RDC had a redesign by Budd in 1956, midway through production. Railfans and modellers call the later version the Phase 2 RDC while the earlier version is the Phase 1.   Because there are so many Canadian RDCs in both phases, we had to pick and choose which phase to do for each paint scheme in our first run. In this run of RDC-1 models, we are producing the "other" phase. For example, our first run of CN Noodle RDC-1s were all Phase 1. In this run they are Phase 2. The different phases operated together all the time.

Just look at that detail! If this thing were blown up to full size... it would work!

The Best RDC Model Ever! Don't take our word for it. Use "the Google" and search for Rapido RDC review. You will see our models up close and personal. We were recently really proud when there was a thread about different RDC models on the Model Railroader forum and the universal consensus was to go with Rapido. That means a lot. Our HO scale RDC features: Accurate dimensions designed from 3D scans of the real things Both Phase 1 and Phase 2 versions Full interior! Motors are hidden under the floor. All seats are separate castings. Full underbody with separate piping and conduit and multiple AC compressor styles Working interior lights, headlights, marker lights, number boards, and Gyralites. Interior lights and number boards can now be switched off. Custom detailing to match each prototype paint scheme Beautiful stainless steel finish

Unlettered Phase 1 RDC-3 and Phase 2 VIA RDC-2

Our Canadian RDC comes in the following paint schemes/versions. Phase 1 models are shown in green. This is the first time we are doing the CPR Maroon RDC with hockey mask ends. This scheme lasted on RDC-1 #9050 until 1980, well into VIA service! RDC-1 - Coach Canadian Pacific - Phase 1 - Maroon with Hockey Mask Ends CP Rail - Phase 2 - Hockey Mask Ends Canadian National - Phase 1 - Delivery Scheme CN Noodle - Phase 2 - Black Window Band VIA Rail Canada - Phase 2 - Original Scheme - Working Ditch Lights RDC-2 - Coach-Baggage Canadian Pacific - Phase 2 - Delivery Maroon with Striped Ends CP Rail - Phase 2 - Hockey Mask Ends Canadian National - Phase 2 - Delivery Scheme CN Noodle - Phase 2 - Black Window Band VIA Rail Canada - Phase 2 - Original Scheme - No Ditch Lights RDC-3 - Coach-Baggage-RPO or Express Canadian Pacific - Phase 1 - Delivery Maroon with Striped Ends CP Rail - Phase 1 - Hockey Mask Ends Canadian National - Phase 2 - Delivery Scheme CN Noodle - Phase 2 - Black Window Band VIA Rail Canada - Phase 2 - Original Scheme - No Ditch Lights PGE - Phase 2 - Delivery Scheme BCOL - Phase 2 - Two-Tone Green

 

 

 

Order Due Date: October 7th, 2019

Anticipated Delivery Date: August 2020

 

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