Railway Models UK

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.

Rapido expands Evolution range into wagons

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