First look: Engineering sample of CR No. 123
Rapido Trains UK continues to delight steam-era enthusiasts as a first engineering sample of its forthcoming Caledonian Railway No. 123 emerges for 'OO'. One of Scotland’s most iconic locomotives, known for its striking appearance and important historical role, this unique 4-2-2 locomotive is being produced in the scale for the first time in ready-to-run format.
A Victorian Icon
A 3D-printed sample of Rapido Trains Caledonian Railway No. 123 with a sample of one of its forthcoming 'Evolution' coaches in tow.
No. 123 was built by Neilson & Co. in 1886 as a one-off express passenger locomotive for the Caledonian Railway. Designed by Dugald Drummond, its elegant 4-2-2 'Single Wheeler' layout, large 7ft driving wheels, and polished brass dome made it a true flagship engine.
Its most famous moment came during the 1888 Edinburgh–London 'Race to the North', where it famously hauled the Caledonian portion of the express service at record speeds, helping to solidify its legendary status.
Following withdrawal, No. 123 was preserved and is now part of the collection at the Riverside Museum in Glasgow, painted in its striking Caledonian blue livery — faithfully being reproduced on the Rapido model.
A 'peek' into the cab reveals great detail - and the same too can be said for its vaccum and steam-heat.
Model Features
Rapido’s model of No. 123 promises to capture all the grace and grandeur of the original locomotive with fine attention to detail, including:
- Intricately tooled bodywork with authentic Victorian-era features
- Diecast chassis for extra weight and smooth running
- Flickering firebox glow, detailed cab interior and separate pipework
- Next18 DCC socket and DCC Sound-fitted versions available
- Accurate Caledonian Railway blue livery, with fully lined-out decoration
- Tender pick-ups for reliable performance
- Brass bearings and smooth-running mechanism
This model is a perfect centrepiece for pre-grouping era model collectors or collectors focused on iconic British locomotives.
Several versions are planned, including:
- Caledonian Railway blue (as preserved)
- Historical variants, including lined and unlined
- Sound-fitted and DCC-ready options
Explore the variants available to pre-order (while availability lasts) here.
