Introducing the Coaches/Cars

Rapido's LRC coach model, based on the LRC-2 and LRC-3 design, includes all the necessary LRC details. Depending on which paint scheme you order, you will get the correct seating configuration of either 2+2, 50/50, or 2+1. The axles have ball bearings to ensure they roll extremely well despite being of an inside-bearing design, and the lighting board contains capacitors to avoid flickering lights over unpowered frogs or dirty track. HEP cables, super-fine stirrup steps and etched-metal end gates or bars spice up the car ends.

All of the major LRC paint scheme variations are included in this run. For the first time, Rapido are doing the current “The future is on board” paint scheme in HO scale.

Each LRC coach features:

• Correct car profile based on original blueprints
• Business Class car including modern 2+1 seating 
• Coaches feature correct colour scheme including brown (1981-1992), green (1992-2016), “greige” (2012+) and charcoal (2016+)
• Track-powered “Easy-Peasy” interior lighting and working marker lights operated by magnetic wand (included)
• Capacitor installed for flicker-free lighting over dirty track
• Super-detailed, free-rolling trucks and wheelsets
• Detailed diaphragms with etched-metal end gates
• Separate grab irons installed at the factory
• Improved metal couplers installed at the correct height
• Minimum radius: 18” (22” or larger recommended)

Despite the LRC coaches being the backbone of VIA’s Corridor fleet, it has been over five years since Rapido last produced them in HO scale! It’s time to correct that egregious oversight with this fabulous new production run.

Bombardier produced ten LRC-1 cars which went to Amtrak in 1980, followed by 50 LRC-2 cars delivered to VIA in 1981 and 1982. 50 more LRC-3 cars were delivered to VIA in 1984 and 1985. The LRC-1 cars were returned to VIA in the 1980s, refurbished and repainted in VIA colours for use almost exclusively on the International between Toronto and Chicago. The remaining VIA cars have been used on all trains in the Windsor-Quebec City Corridor. VIA’s LRC cars were hauled regularly by all of VIA’s HEP-equipped locomotives: LRC, F40PH-2D, and P42DC. Amtrak’s LRCs were pulled by LRC, F40PH and AEM-7 locomotives. They were even seen behind a HEP E-unit!

Looking for more Rapido Trains Inc. Passenger Cars & Trains? Click here!