Rapido Trains UK has unveiled a new collection of OO gauge Evolution Horsebox and Evolution Open Carriage Truck models, bringing the total to 49 variants and covering an extensive array of pre‑grouping and grouping‑era liveries.
These additions are designed to complement the existing Evolution coach line. Both models are based on four‑wheel prototypes from the pre‑grouping era and feature a wide range of tooling and livery options.
Both lines are currently in the tooling stage, and pre‑orders can be placed through Rapido’s website and authorised retailers.
The new releases enable modellers to recreate the specialised coaching stock that operated alongside passenger services from the pre‑grouping period through to the final years of steam traction.
Evolution Horsebox
- 829001 – No.157 – SECR ‘Evolution’ Horsebox
- 829002 – No.85 – MR ‘Evolution’ Horsebox
- 829003 – No.242 – LNWR ‘Evolution’ Horsebox
- 829004 – No.8 – GWR ‘Evolution’ Horsebox
- 829005 – No.1735 – GCR ‘Evolution’ Horsebox
- 829006 – No.1149 – GNR ‘Evolution’ Horsebox
- 829007 – No.10 – SDJR ‘Evolution’ Horsebox
- 829008 – No.74 – LBSCR ‘Evolution’ Horsebox
- 829009 – No.164 – LSWR ‘Evolution’ Horsebox
- 829010 – No.7 – Caledonian ‘Evolution’ Horsebox
- 829011 – No.5 – Highland ‘Evolution’ Horsebox
- 829012 – No.98 – L&Y ‘Evolution’ Horsebox
- 829013 – No.275 – GER ‘Evolution’ Horsebox
- 829014 – No.181 – NER ‘Evolution’ Horsebox
- 829015 – No.5 – Metropolitan ‘Evolution’ Horsebox
- 829016 – No.7 – GNoSR ‘Evolution’ Horsebox
- 829017 – No.2 – Private Owner ‘Evolution’ Horsebox
- 829018 – No.1 – Private Owner ‘Evolution’ Horsebox
- 829019 – No.1099 – LMS ‘Evolution’ Horsebox
- 829020 – No.2745 – SR ‘Evolution’ Horsebox
- 829021 – No.741 – GWR ‘Evolution’ Horsebox
- 829022 – No.1576 – LNER ‘Evolution’ Horsebox
- 829023 – No.E382 – BR ‘Evolution’ Horsebox
- 829026 – No.686 – GWR Shirtbutton ‘Evolution’ Horsebox
- 829027 – No.316 – Cambrian ‘Evolution’ Horsebox
- 829028 – No.130 – LBSCR Plain Mahogany ‘Evolution’ Horsebox
- 829029 – No.2 – LT&SR ‘Evolution’ Horsebox
Evolution Open Carriage Truck
- 830001 – No.3325 – SECR ‘Evolution’ Open Carriage Truck
- 830002 – No.294 – MR ‘Evolution’ Open Carriage Truck
- 830003 – No.11238 – LNWR ‘Evolution’ Open Carriage Truck
- 830004 – No.391 – GWR ‘Evolution’ Open Carriage Truck
- 830005 – No.69 – GCR ‘Evolution’ Open Carriage Truck
- 830006 – No.2799 – GNR ‘Evolution’ Open Carriage Truck
- 830007 – No.4 – SDJR ‘Evolution’ Open Carriage Truck
- 830008 – No.115 – LBSCR ‘Evolution’ Open Carriage Truck
- 830009 – No.84 – LSWR ‘Evolution’ Open Carriage Truck
- 830010 – No.1618 – Caledonian ‘Evolution’ Open Carriage Truck
- 830011 – No.14 – Highland ‘Evolution’ Open Carriage Truck
- 830012 – No.131 – L&Y ‘Evolution’ Open Carriage Truck
- 830013 – No.194 – GER ‘Evolution’ Open Carriage Truck
- 830014 – No.32 – NER ‘Evolution’ Open Carriage Truck
- 830015 – No.2 – Metropolitan ‘Evolution’ Open Carriage Truck
- 830016 – No.3 – GNoSR ‘Evolution’ Open Carriage Truck
- 830017 – No.41759 – LMS ‘Evolution’ Open Carriage Truck
- 830018 – No.3923 – SR ‘Evolution’ Open Carriage Truck
- 830019 – No.997 – LNER ‘Evolution’ Open Carriage Truck
- 830022 – No.44 – Cambrian ‘Evolution’ Open Carriage Truck
- 830023 – No.76 – LBSCR Plain Mahogany ‘Evolution’ Open Carriage Truck
- 830024 – No.6 – LT&SR ‘Evolution’ Open Carriage Truck
Additionally, Rails of Sheffield has commissioned exclusive NBR and SECR Wellington Brown liveried versions for both ranges.
The new items have been engineered with a host of separate detailing and tool variants that match the existing Evolution coach range.
- Multiple tooling variations
- NEM 362 coupler pockets
- Metal bearings for free running
- Optional close‑coupling bars
- Separately fitted detailing components
- Era‑appropriate lighting and underframe details
- Alternative glazing options on the Horsebox models
- Removable carriage loads on the Open Carriage Truck models
- The Evolution Horsebox models are fitted with working internal lighting, controlled by the manufacturer’s magnetic‑wand system and an onboard potentiometer that allows brightness adjustment. Internally the seats, luggage racks and sliding doors are realistic.
The Evolution Open Carriage Truck models will come in three side‑panel styles: ‘Open Frame’, ‘Panelled’ and ‘Plain’, and will feature removable carriage loads in three variants.
Both vehicle types were originally developed during the expansion of Britain’s railways in the 19th century. They were built to passenger‑carriage standards, allowing them to run at higher speeds within passenger services.
Horseboxes were specially constructed to carry valuable animals safely across the network, often providing Groom compartments and compartmentalised interiors. Their designs ranged from compact four‑wheel shapes to larger multi‑compartment units.
Open carriage trucks were introduced to transport road coaches and other wheeled vehicles, so passengers could continue their journey after alighting. Over time the design evolved from simple flat wagons into purpose‑built units with loading plates and securing bars.
Both types remained in service well into the 20th century, operating throughout the grouping era and into the final years of steam traction.
Rapido Trains UK lists a recommended retail price of £39.95 for each of the Evolution Horsebox and Evolution Open Carriage Truck ranges. The projects are still in tooling, but pre‑orders are now accepted via the manufacturer’s website and named retailers.
