The order cut off date for Rapido’s Royal Hudson is July 1st I believe. I have ordered two and negotiated $605.00 CAN. each, shipping inc. ( I am sitting on the fence about getting a third one)
I have been getting Advertisements from some of the U.S. shops for the Hudson and am surprised at the so-called (discounted) prices they are showing. Their discounted prices are higher than retail (MRSP) in Canada which is $699.00 CAN ($530.00 U.S.) with DCC/Sound. When you take into account the difference on the dollar, it may be wise for Our U.S. friends to shop offshore.
I, as many do, buy things directly from China on occasion and have bought dusty discontinued things from Europe that have been long unavailable in the new world. Repair parts I have found in the U.K. and a couple of Walthers carfloat and apron kits in Germany. Shipping was really inexpensive as I had them sent “Seamail” and got the kits three months later.
Not sure how many Canadian Pacific Royal Hudsons will be going South of the border, just thought I would give a heads up.
When I visit the various websites they are in CDN dollars, that is the difference. I wonder if they can detect whether you have a CDN or U.S. I.P. address?
In the past, I have tried to order things from Canada using my U.S. dollar credit card and having them sent to our U.S. postal box. Couldn’t do it as I was ordering from a Canadian I.P. address.
Edit; this is off the Rapido website. Note the last bit.
For a complete Excel listing of all products, past and present, right-click here and “Save as….” to a location on your computer.
Tony’s Train Exchange lists the US MSRP at $699.99 as well and is charging $589.95.
It may well have to do with import/export duties? Not something I really know anything about?
But it’s very academic for me because I’m not buying one, let alone three.
First, I would be buying the DC version, second I don’t buy stuff that does not fit the the layout theme, third I’m not real motivated to spend that kind of money on a locomotive at this point in my modeling.
I’m rather happy with the 130 plus locos I have, very few of which even get close to that kind of investment.
A Royal Hudson running around the Mid Atlantic in 1953 would take some explaining…unless I repainted it…
While the Royal Hudson is appropriate for my layout’s era, it’s certainbly not what I’d consider one of the CPR’s better-looking locomotives. For that, the G-3 and G-5 Pacifics, the non-streamlined Hudsons, their two Northerns, or even some of their more modern 10 Wheelers fared better, in my opinion.
However, I do like Rapido’s design for the drivetrain, which is somewhat similar to what’s found on most models of six-axle diesels, and I may be interested in some of their future releases.
DocWayne: I’m waiting for the CPR Northern, either one of the two will do, still love the real one in Regina, Saskatchewan, love to see it restored to run.
I have ordered the Hudson through my LHS, knowing I maybe able to pick it up cheaper online. I believe supporting local business is in my interest. No I’m not a dinosaur, yes I believe in moving forward but most importantly I believe in supporting those who provide an important service. Just my point of view.
I don’t think it’s a matter of being a dinosaur or not; but it does help to be able to afford the significantly higher cost. Many of us who order online do so because we find it hard to keep up with the rising costs of the hobby which is rising much faster than our incomes. Of course if you can afford to keep your LHS alive, thats a good thing.