Model Train and Bus Factory in China
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- Опубликовано: 29 сен 2024
- Here's the latest update from the Rapido Trains factory near Yangshuo, Guangxi Province, China. Learn how locomotives, passenger cars and buses are made using painting, pad printing, assembly and quality control.
More information: rapidotrains.com
Fascinating look into the workings of the factory. So good to get a first look at the Minnesota Commercial B36-7; can't wait to get mine down here in New Zealand!
Thanks! You should have it before Xmas...
Love the Rapido Trains , but I own O scale Lionel and MTH Engines , if I had an HO layout I would be buying from Rapido!
If I had an O scale layout, I'd still be buying Rapido Trains.....
Now this is what I call a professional workplace in my opinion and I like how you treat people like their family
Please no hate comments or hate actions this is a friendly community so keep that that way
Southwest Limited Productions🤠
Thanks for your kind words!
@@rapidotrains What's the update on The RDC, LRC,&Edmonton and when is the ski train coming out
HI THERE,AS I KNOW THE BEST TRAIN SET ARE MADE IN CHINA.I GOT TWO TRAINS SINCE 1989 AND THIS TWO BABYS STILL RUNNING SOME HAND RAILS ARE MISSING BUT THEY HAD A GREAT LOOCKING. THANCKS FOR SHARE YOUR VIDEOS AND I WHANT TO SAY HELLO FROM MEXICO.
I know it is probably out of the scope of things for you guys but the first company to create a plastic 2 truck shay in HO and Hon3 would make millions of dollars. Ever since Athearn "lost" the dies for the shay decades ago there hasn't been a good small shay on the market
We wouldn't make millions, but it is a good idea...
PinkFloydPanzer I need 12 personally
Such a nice video
Thanks!
Beautiful BC rail...wish i could find those in O
They’re smarter than me then in Math and science
Jason you will never get rid of the hate trolls , that is there joy in life. I believe your doing a great job both for your staff and your customers. I have a small engines site I listen to and he has help me repair a riding lawnmower and he shared his top ten nasty comments I can not believe he get such hate mail and he only wants to help you fix your equipment.
Keep up the good work and love your trains.
Thanks for your kind words, Tom!
I like the conversation between you and the worker Jay. Need to see more of that.
Jason, Always interested to see your production facilities in China. They very much resemble the electromechanical factory that I used to work in in Rugby, UK in the 1980s as a cost accountant. By that I mean that they are clean, bright and airy. The staff are moving in a calm and dedicated fashion. This tells me that however they are paid, they are not in a rush to mess up your trains. That of course comes through in your models. Notwithstanding different, economy, culture and country, there is an element of "model factory" going on here, which does not look contrived. I'm a great watcher of backgrounds in videos if you know what I mean. I for one am content that you find your producion taking place in China it being a function of the price and quality you wish to provide. I'm a free market economist so this is no surprise to me. The simple maths of how many skilled people can a country with 60m people, 360m people, 1 bn people provide explains a lot. I'm a great fan of your entire ethos. I don't own any of your stuff yet, but I'm sure that will change. Best wishes. Regards Stephen.
Thanks, Stephen. I used to go through Rugby all the time when I lived in Brum. -Jason
Ah! Rugby. Lived there for 15 years while I learned my trade! L'shana tora! Long life. Regards Stephen.
Hey guys really enjoy your videos and the part of sincerity I applaud you for that! Yes I totally agree with you and to have them built in the States would be outrageously expensive and the quality control would not be as good sorry to say. Please keep the videos coming. Because of these I bought my fist item from you and plan on more. And Jason please give that lady a train engine for her son:) I
Thanks for your kind words! We'll do our best to keep it up.
A kitten! They have a kitten! Good job on speaking Mandarin, by the way.
We have even more footage of the kitten. It really has the run of the place.
@@rapidotrains if you made a video with just the bonus footage of the kitten, you'd probably get a good amount of views
The same people who say "bring these jobs back to america" probably also don't realize that Rapido is a canadian company. But these videos are definitely enlightening.
Glad you enjoy them!
Thank you for doing the factory videos it really puts a face to your models and the pride. Class act
You are most welcome!
Frankly i dont own any rapido products, i look forward to get some here soon. I love the videos and lightheartedness, i heard about rapido from Mr. James wright and did some diggin on the products. alway enjoy the jokes. Thanks Rapido team for the hard work and the laughs along the rails. If i may ask a question Jason, How is the Model Train layout in the basement going?
Thanks! Jason's layout is here: facebook.com/KingstonSub/
I love seeing these videos! I find the manufacturing process very interesting. Out of curiosity, how many man hours are involved with the manufacturing/painting of a locomotive (rough estimate, not including tooling creation and design)?
The number of hours depends on the complexity of a project. It can range from six to 12 hours of work.
Hi Jason you guys put out quality trains. I got a good deal of FL 9 Locomotives from you guys. Looking forward to to getting more trains from you. Keep doing what you're doing.
Thanks for your kind words!
We love your place! Great people too. We hear so many trash talk Chinese factories and trains. Not us! A model is a model. A toy a toy. The idea that a model should be made in one place over another is ridiculous. I want the best model at the best price. Period. If American workers wanted to do this work in America it would be done in America. It’s that simple.
Thanks for your support!
Hi Jason, informative as always, but in my case, you’re preaching to a converted.
I like the way you present the people, the cleanliness of the Rapido factory etc. Even appreciate the silliness of your videos.
I’m always amazed by the quality and the finishes of your products. Budget wise, it’s not easy with the family and would like to buy more from Rapido, but when I open a new box, I know it’s money well spent.
Just can’t wait to see my next order, a classic CNR green and yellow RS-18, in my mailbox!
Cheers, Marc
Thanks for your kind words!
Thanks for the update, I always look forward to them. Unlike many other manufacturers, you actually improve leaps and bounds with each new model you make. Looking forward to seeing some n scale production once that is in place.
Thanks for your kind words! More N scale on the way...
Great video. I'm always amazed how much work is needed for RTR model train. It is either made in China or Lemaco or Tenshodo prices. Or build kits and scratch build like I do.
Hopefully we will see a resurgence in kitbashing and scratchbuilding in our hobby.
Love these videos and love your products. It is amazing job these workers do. Such quality work. They are craftsmen (and women) and I hope they are well paid because they do excellent work.
Thanks! They have to be well paid or they won't come work at our factories. There is a labour shortage in southern China.
It's always a treat to see what is going on at Rapido's factory's and to see what it takes to make the high quality models that we get to enjoy. Keep up the great work and thank you for the transparency.
You are welcome and we're glad you like the videos!
And this is why I continue to buy Rapido Trains products!
Thanks!
Always love watching your video's at any location, and making them in China people get to see the work conditions which are better than some here in the UK. Those who make the negative remarks as you say probably dont even buy models, but I bet models made in the USA do not have the same detail as a Rapido model. And being from the UK love the model bus and the fact it will have factory fitted lights WOW
Keep up the good work both in production of models and of the videos
Thanks for your kind words and the buses are going to be fabulous!
Nice to see the Birmingham Guy buses coming along. Having worked on the 'real thing' at Wythall, I ccan't wait to get the model!
It won't be long now! 😀
I suspect that the fake address for the factory in Yangshuo is a hint at a soon to be announced pair of projects. Namely Amtrak Amfleet Cars and Amtrak ANF RTG or Amtrak Rohr RTL (I, II & III) Turboliners. Jason, PLEASE tell us that's true!
We know nothing.
Hi, Interesting to see the precision work your Chinese employees do. QC is so important. But most of all it's nice to see the relationship you build with them. To be 'human' in our to technical world and actually speaking their language is to applaud ! Yes, give their children a trainset. Organise a fund raising - sure we want to participate ! Learn youngsters to play with trains instead of these ... computer games. It will trigger their 'creativity' ! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for your feedback and comments!
Jason, Thank you for showing North Americans the real story of Chinese manufacturing. I have traveled to China many times and reality vs. what we are lead to believe are vastly different. Your quality control is fantastic. How about some O Scale products?
Thanks, Scott! No plans for O scale now but you never know!
Your mandarin is getting better. Chinese poetry is awesome, so much more can be expressed with the Chinese language. So interesting there as they use steam, diesel, electric, electric high speed trains, and maglev high speed trains in China. I wish they had better air quality, the nice Chinese population deserves it.
Thanks! It is getting better slowly, but no time to learn...
I love your products and have both HO and N in my collection. Howevet, I disagree they can't be made to the same standards in North America.
It's just not cost effective at this time.
Awesome, I am in awe of your proficiency in Mandarin - I think. How long did it take to learn? Taking classes back home?
Thanks again for showing the quality craftsmanship by your assembly workers, and thanks for making the videos informative, silly and entertaining.
Thanks for your kind words!
Nice video. The GUY model looks to be a big shape up to the model market of mostly diecast, and there are plenty of busses not yet modelled at all that you could tap into. I've recently started driving Mercedes citaro's, ok their not heritage or the most exciting but the models currently available are a poor representation!
Thanks! We're very happy with it. Arriving soon!
Jason I think these videos are wonderful! Not only for the train making process but the way your factories look as well as all the highly skilled people that work there! 👍
Thanks!
radical hot take, the people in these videos are the actually modelers, the people who buy them are toy train collectors who identify as modelers
Interesting take!
You never really think of the time and effort involved in making these models. Truly blows my mind the attention to detail they have. Keep em coming and I’ll keep buying them. PS chopped nose GP9 wink wink nudge nudge.
Thanks for your kind words and we'll see about that GP9...
Very nice factory set up. 👍
Too bad these aren’t assembled here in the united state or Canada, actually wouldn’t mind assembling trains for a living lol
Just not economically viable at this point.
I like what you do keep it up and maybe we will see more of the shop cat keeping the mice from playing with the silverware.
Indeed! 😆
I give you a big hug and keeping doing what you have been working hard to model train buyer, great work and really fun
Thanks!
I won't buy your trains unless they're made in china so i can buy them cheaper in america! You better be listening to me damn it!!!
🤣🤣🤣
That seams like a safe and great work place the employees seem very happy love thire jobs.
Of course!
american designed trains...made in china
You mean Canadian designed trains, made in China - 'cause North American manufacturing gave up on these abilities years ago!
Impressive. So many fiddly bits , it would drive me insane! 😈🇬🇧🤗
Yes, we're very fiddly at Rapido.
Wanna bet those haters posted their comments using a phone, tablet or computer that is made in China?
It's usually the case.
Think of all the things we ahve done!
What..!! No Mercedes limo to take you to the airport... it’s nice to see that the Boss watches his pennies to put back into the most detailed models ever.
😂
No airport! He drove that thing all the way back to Canada.... 😆
rapidotrains
Probably put on a set of pontoons and paddle wheels,, LoL
Shop Kitten is saying to the Camera I inspect every locomotive and bus before it leaves the factory. I even fiddle with a couple parts and pieces at night time when they go home just to make sure they're paying attention to the finer details of every model! 🐾
We need more people who speak cat.
@@rapidotrains Yes!
Superb. You are spot on in your serious moment. Thank you.
Our pleasure, Bob. Thanks for your support.
Fantastic factory. The detail the workers do is breathtaking. Plus looks like happy workers in good conditions
Thanks a lot!
Hi Jason and the entire Rapido Trains crew, I love these factory tour videos. It is very neat to see how these models are created, painted, assembled and tested. As for the naysayers, they can just go pound salt. I'm also very impressed Jason that you are fluent in Standard Mandarin, I tip my hat to you sir. One question I've often wondered, how many employees at the Rapido factory are model railroaders and how many model North American prototype railroads? Also just love the Rapido Trains corporate vehicle LOL. Cheers, Rich S.
Thanks! At the Rapido factory, only Huang and Zhou are train nuts. To everyone else it's just their day job....
Hi @@rapidotrains Thank you for the answer to my question. A good friend of mine is an auto mechanic, he often says he's not a "Gear Head". Working on automobiles is just his day job, so I understand. Cheers, Rich S.
Excellent work. Keep doing what you're doing my friend. You can't always see it but you know it's there! 👍
Thanks!
Make that tool that you use to install handrails public, we all need them
It's a pair of flat tweezers. The key is designing the stanchions to snap in like that...
@@rapidotrains ok thank you
🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇧🇩🇧🇩🇧🇩
0:24 That looks like an ICE 3 derivative.
ICE3 started their journey in China from 2008. The first model was called the CRH3, which had the similiar 8-car consist but about 10 inches wider than the ICE3. The one in the video is the next generation, CRH380B, that started service from roughly 2011. There are also 16-car consists called CRH380BL (L for long version).
I think it is.
Yes, the family resemblance is quite distinctive, isn't it? In H0 scale, you can buy a model from PIKO, not to be confused with PECO, which is a different brand, under different ownership and even different country ;-) Sadly for Jason, only the basic 4-car set seems to be available, not the single intermediate cars to make a full length train. See
www.piko-shop.de/index.php?vw_type=artikel&vw_id=15303&vw_name=detail
But, given that Jason has his own model train factory in China, I'm sure he'll figure out something to fill the hiatus ;-P
@@dutchmaster7790 That basic 4 car set from Piko is actually just a reskin of their ICE3, and they don't reflect many differences of the Chinese version (the width is most appearant problem, they didn't change it at all, as well as air conditioning units, dining car layout, etc.). Bachmann had a Chinese division for a long time, and they made a 5 car set with no addon (which is strange) about 8 years ago. That was a impressive product which acurately reflects the Chinese version. However Bachmann China has given up Chinese market a year ago, so there probably won't be another set in a while.
I like these factory tours. It’s amazing to see how these models are designed and made. Never realized there was so much work put into a model.
Happy to oblige!
Interesting to see how paint and tampos are done.
Kitty!!
Excellent video. You're so passionate about the business, its great.
Bring on those Santa Fe B36-7s.
They will be here in November.
Skilled craftsmanship
Thanks!
Jason, enjoy the videos and glad that you took the time to address those that say, why not make it in America". Not everything can be made here, and the fact that you show people that you and not "slaving" people out to get a product made speaks volumes about Rapido Trains. I just purchased my first Rapido Trains products, two Seaboard Coast Line mid-train dome cars and still gawking at all the details inside and outside, what a fine job and pleased as punch, will be purchasing more passenger cars as they are released, maybe a tad pricey but worth every cent of it. Keep doing what you do and thank you for sharing your passion with us all.
Muse
Thanks, David! We appreciate your kind words and your business!
Hello, my name is Kenney. You mean to tell me, the first so-called modern us engine you were going to make was a b 30-7 and HO scale? The engine isn't hardly modern it was produced almost 30 years ago. I need to ask you an honest question, I don't know if you are actually read this and I don't know if you'll reply. What is the problem with doing N scale locomotives? I have been lobbying and lobbying like a crooked politician trying to get a Union Pacific DDA40X, DDA35 and DD35B, a decent u50 and u50c. I keep hearing how there's not really a market for N scale, I say bologna. If I had the money, our produce some very fine N scale models. Unfortunately, I'm poor black and live in Flint Michigan. But I do have a passion for model trains. I've seen a few of your HO Scale Models that you do for the Canadian national and Canadian Pacific and I would like to own those models in N scale. By the way, you never did answer my question about why can't you bring the Factory to Canada or to the United States? I will put in a guess that the United States is at least in the top three as far as sales for model trains. I honestly believe that new manufacturers are just backwards when it comes to business. But there may be some things I just don't know. Anyway, I have nothing negative to say to you, other than keep up the good work with the fine models you produce and keep the videos coming I rather enjoy them.
From a model railroading perspective, the 1980s are indeed modern. Most of our models are from the 1950s. We are doing more and more N scale models. Have a look at our web site.
The people from hornby should see your factory quality control
I thank you jason for all you have done for the hobby. you know over the years you and I have worked on a few small items and such. i showed my youngest the video, and she said she wanted to go to China and see the factory. I told her I would love to go to China as well, and to see your Factory. I totally do not understand people who say that the model train industry should be here in Canada and the USA. But with the cost of items and the type of skilled labour required, it would make the models so dramatically high, that we could never afford it. Right now, they cost of a Car has jump up so high, due to the rising cost of work around north America, and it's just going to get higher. If you were to take those same labours that make your car and ask them to build a model, they would be lost, and can not understand how the system works. They would think it should be automated, which in turns makes things harder. Lots of hands on work goes into every toy, model train, and many other products, that we as North Americans think should be done by hands.
Well said, Ian.
Kudo's for having a factory kitten!
OK, serious questions here - what are the top 3 pros that resulted in the decision to manufacture in China vs anywhere in North America (Canada, the US, or Mexico)? What are the top three cons to manufacturing in China?
Those questions would require many paragraphs to answer. We suggest you watch some more of our RUclips videos as Jason addresses some of those questions in the videos.
Jason, when you pointed out the negative comments about the assembly jobs in China, slave labour, and working conditions. I didn't think Rapido Trains would get caught up in slave labour. Watching the videos gave me the impression the people working there are happy. If I ended up in China, I would want to assemble trains all day.
Thansk! It's a very relaxed environment at the Rapido factory.
I wish Rapido would go O scale!
prrhorseshoecurve, Me also. o scale 2 Rail is the best
If it's not proprietary; on the next factory video, could you should how the wire handrails are bent to shape? I'm assuming there is a jig somehow, I'm curious if that is automated or done by hand.
We do indeed use a stamping mould. If we are in the factory while they are stamping stuff, we can show it.
Amazing work, amazing workers, and amazing workspace!
Thanks!
I'm surprised the copper painting mask works as well as it does. Do you have problems with the overspray on the mask staying wet around the edges of the opening and leaving a ragged edge after you have sprayed lots of models? It seemed the paint didn't have time to dry on the mask before the next piece was put in to be sprayed.
Actually we don't have that problem. The paint dries very quickly, and the mask is air dried between sprays and cleaned before there is enough buildup to cause an issue. If you ever see overspray on a model, it is usually because of
"user error" rather than the mask itself.
Reading through the comments, I agree with all of the compliments I have read. Beyond the quality of the models, and the outstanding support you offer, I have another thing I really admire. That would be how you always take time to answer questions and interact with your customers. We all know you are extremely busy, but you always recognize the importance of trusting your customers well. I for one, really appreciate that.
Thanks for your very kind words! Without our customers, we have no business...
Thanks for the tours keep them comming, your models are the best, a little out of my price range for now but love the details you put into them, but as soon as you do something in my roads, you can bet I'll be saving up to get one, maybe more. It's nice to see works that are happy you must be doing something right with them. You are the best....thanks for sharing....Jack 😃
Thanks for your kind words!
U guys do so well man
Thanks!
I can’t wait to see the first production run of the comet cars and the horizon cars
We are hoping to have the first samples at Trainfest in Milwaukee.
rapidotrains ok cool can’t wait
Good stuff Rapido im really exited about the SantaFe B36-7s..looking really nice guys ....approx when is shipping?
Thanks! They will arrive here in November and will be in stores well before Xmas.
Wow, Look at the lights on those locomotives. Nice and bright and scale, just like they should be!!! Yes, Rapido gets it!!!!!!!!
Thanks!
We do great job, dont give up.
Jay, I wish you where showing the production of the EP5 unit. I like your shirt. Can you some how make a version of the Amtrak Acela with sound? And produce the other Budd company's Amtrak Mteroliner. Thanks for reading this.
We will definitely show the EP5 in production when the time comes!
Phantastic video, when will the Santa Phe locomotive be available... if u made the trains in the USA they cost would be what ten times what they are? Plus the resources are no longer here to do it
The B36-7 locomotives are expected to arrive in mid-November.
Those BC Rail GE’s look sweet! Too bad I have the one controller that seems to like frying your DCC units. One day I’ll own some of your stuff!
We hope so. Why not buy a DC model?
Beautiful, nice to see so many detail parts - don't forget spares for the more delicate components that can break off?
We keep an inventory of replacement parts should anything go missing!
Them workers look to be paid very well.
I hope you do U23bs someday
Especially D&H after D&H RS11s
Maybe one day...
give that womans child a train please
Canada is not part of the US of A, it is part of the North American continent, they are 2 different nations.
We thought Canada was a British colony.... 😆
Jason keep up the good work Im looking forward to the Conrail B36-7s
Thanks!
Amfleet Street, Turboliner District?!?
Erm... yeah. 😆
the factory cat needs food!!!!!!!!!!!
Cracking video Jason ! and appreciate the comment on the jobs etc ! and great to see the Brummie buses in production ! can't wait !
Glad you liked it! We can't wait for them either... 😁
Love all your models just wish you did O scale!
Richard Oehrig, yeah O Scale would be wonderful. Especially if it was 2 Rail O Scale. 3 rail trains are like toys. Two rails more realistic including the couplers.
The MN commercial B36-7 looks awesome
So many little white rectangles!!!
Es hermoso lo q hacen en esa fábrica!!! Congratulations!!
Do you build any other buses like newflyer old 80s bus ????
No New Flyers but we are bringing out different Fishbowls.
Pakistan china deliver to my country loco model design ZUC .
Wait....wasn’t the C40-8M your first modern American freight engine???
The C40-8M is a Canadian freight engine.
rapidotrains Ahh....
Keep up the Great Work!!!!
Thanks!
I am one of those people who believes that Made In America is typically a sign of excellence in craftsmanship, HOWEVER: watching your factory videos, I am consistently impressed by the level of precision that your workers employ; your workers are well taken care of, and it shows in the finished product! Also, the price tag is a HUGE indicator of this fact; you guys aren't selling cheap plastic toys that break the moment that a toddler steps on them with no shoes on, but you're also not a Mattel-level company manufacturing average-quality products in China just to save a few bucks - these are TRUE scale models with an EXACTING attention to detail, executed with PRECISION, and are therefore well outside of my current budget range. That said, if I ever win the lottery (and that's a very big if, because I don't play the lottery lol), then I am certainly going to purchase AT LEAST a complete passenger consist from you guys! Keep up the good work, eh? :-D
Thanks for your feedback and support!
I hear the Turboliner District is beautiful this time of year!
Oh absolutely. Such a lovely smell of kerosene...