Rapido Trains has received colour samples of its illustrious Caledonian Railway No. 123 Class range. "We always knew we could count on [these] to be gorgeous" comments Rapido, continuing, "when the team visited the locomotive in the Glasgow Museum in February, we knew this was going to become a rather special model. Resplendent in its Caledonian Blue livery, this loco is fit for a King. It's no wonder it was used as the pilot loco for Royal Trains heading to Balmoral Castle."

The previously-seen engineering sample gave a good idea of the model's overall shape, but many of the subtle or finer details were lost in that unfinished state. As these would be applied during the paint stage, they're now available for all to see. From the exquisite black and white lining that covers the locomotive, to the thistles applied to the front of the bogie splashers, there's much to admire.

Proudly displaying the Caledonian Railway crest on both its tender side and giant splashers, Caley 123 championed the company at the 1886 International Exhibition of Industry, Science and Art in Edinburgh. Using a whopping eight different colours in this tiny space, Rapido has captured the crest's likeness handsomely.

The manufacturer has also included the thistles that were engraved into the buffers when No. 123 completed several rail tours in the 1960s.

 

The locomotive's cab details are impressive and will be further enhanced by the model's Dynamic Firebox Flicker feature.

 

These painted samples also help to emphasise the cosmetic inside motion that was previously difficult to see on the engineering prototypes. Rapido is including painted metal etched works plates that can be fitted by customers for the final fitting touch.

Order books these models close on Monday February 2. Secure yours with a pre-order, here.