the new transit bus is out now and is available with interior lighting.It is a 9 or 12 volt dc system does anyone know how it will work? by battery?
There’s more info on their bus HERE, and if you scroll far enough down the page, you’ll see that it requires a 12 volt DC power supply, not included with the bus. An old trainset-type power pack, readily available at low cost, should do the trick.
Wayne
thanks thats what i thought
I already have a power pack for that purpose.
Rapido’s work on the Candian versions is beautiful!
I’m especially looking forward to the NYC MTA versions as they bring back many childhood memories! To me, the early 1970’s two-tone blue was their most attractive paint scheme:
I remember when the ttc started to use them in toronto i think around 59 or early 60s waiting for the bus with my parents i would hope it was the new bus coming getting all excited if it was.
I saw one of the buses was lettered for Los Angeles’s LAMTA colors.
I might get one, we’ll see…
A few thoughts:
First it is a shame that they could not get GM to talk to them about the Emblems/branding.
Second, I could be wrong, and I’m not a price complainer, but $50 for bus to sit on a street scene? - not me, even if I did model that era…the $25 or so I have spend for a few other HO vehicles is high enough.
Again, I’m not questioning the cost to produce it, or its detail level, or its quality, or suggesting Rapido is over charging. I’m just saying it is beyond what I will pay for that kind of layout accessory.
I really like Rapido, I just wish they would make something I want, at a price I might pay.
So far the closest they have gotten is the RDC, also a bit pricey in my mind. Admittedly, had they come out before I was invested in other models of RDC’s, the price might not have been a big factor. But I’m just not one for selling off my old stuff to spend more on new stuff…
Sheldon
This looks like the first run of the GM Bus, and first runs are always expensive.
But if you look around, you might be able to get one for a much lower price.
Just sayin…
First, yes there will be some discount pricing - but you are completely missinformed if you think anything in this hobby gets less expensive because of “later runs”.
Much of the really low pricing you see on Ebay or at train shows is simply because under funded dealers NEED to get their money out of stuff. They are breaking even or loosing money.
The Rapido bus cost “X” to produce, Rapido needs to make X plus a reasonable profit - that is the cheapest price at which they will leave Rapidos building…
Dealers need to make a profit on top of that, so X, plus Rapidos profit, plus the dealer profit percentage sets the retail price. If some dealers choose to discount and make less, good for them.
But again, unless Rapido, or a specific dealer, needs to liquidate that inventory, the price will be the price.
This hobby is not big enough to scale manufacturing in a way to get prices really low - I know and accept that.
AND, I might be dead wrong, there might be a strong market for New Look buses at $50 and $70 for the deluxe version.
But since I model 1953, I’m not tempted at any price. And I know more about the New Look bus then most people. In the 1980’s I sold MATCO TOOLS to the mechanics that worked on them here at the Baltimore MTA.
Rapidos New Look bus appears to be an exceptional model - but personally I do not need that level of detail (interior, underframe, etc) for a scenic feature most likely viewed from several feet away.
Sheldon
PS - what the New Look bus really needs is passengers if you are really going to look that close…
In my youth I recall the tinkle of the coins that were fed into the fare boxes of those buses. The giant throttle pedal. Pulling the cord to signal the driver. Many happy trips home from school and even happier one’s headed downtown on a Saturday.
I’m looking forward to having a Rapido New Look bus in my street scene. Planning on having a manhole at the bus stop to feed the lighting wires thru, when the bus isn’t in the scene, then on goes the manhole cover.
Regards, Peter
Good point, Sheldon, and they’ll need to be well-painted, too, so as not to detract from what looks to be an exquisite model.
It’s too modern for my layout, but I’ve got Jordan’s Model A version…
…with passengers (and apparently hand-controls)…
Luckily, the bus isn’t crowded, as there appear to be few potential standees among my transit-riding public. [:P]
I also have Jordan’s more modern Ford Transit (Crackerbox) bus…
…also with passengers…
…who’ve not lost limbs to railway mishaps. [swg]
Wayne
Great looking models as always Wayne!
Sheldon
I haven’t seen anything about MTA colors before your post. Is that in the pipeline?
As soon as I heard about these models I placed an order for an undecorated kit (hopefully here in a couple of weeks) that I’m planning to paint a Green Bus Lines Q60.
Hi Gamp,
The Green Bus Lines, along with Triborough Coach, Red & Tan, and a number of private bus companies in the NYC area featured some very attractive paint schemes!
Yes. Jason did post on one of the Yahoo forums, a while back, that there are plans to produce GM fishbowls in the early 1970’s MTA scheme. Makes sense as the MTA’s fleet was huge. I respectfully suggested to him that he considers #8854; the bus seen in the end credits of “Welcome Back Kotter” (this one): 
He seemed interested in the idea. My memory is foggy, but I think that the green NYCTA scheme will be an offering as well. Rapido will post updates in the future.
We have to keep in mind that Rapido invests a substantial amount of time and money in the process so there is an incentive to produce units in paint schemes that will sell.
Send him an email at Rapido Trains website. No guarantees of a quick response as they are overwhelmed but Rapido’s staff encourages and reads customer suggestions and feedback.
Good idea, Antonio.
I’m in for a CTS (Cleveland Transit System) which I believe is in the works:
CTS 641 by Montell305, on Flickr
Regards, Ed
Keep your fingers crossed, Rapido might do that scheme in the next run…
My son bought me one for ttc with lighting today 64.95 im very happy yea…
Rapido already answered my suggestion!
Subject: Ideas for products - New Look Bus Request:
Cleveland Transit System Blue
Looks like a good one to do! Thanks for the suggestion!
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Thanks, Ed
9V or 12V will work fine.
TTC and some Montreal have arrived. The rest of the Montreal buses will be here in about four weeks. The balance will arrive at the end of February.
-Jason