MARK HOLLAND takes a look at this new enhanced diecast bus from Rapido.
Normally in my Right Lines articles I do show-you-how constructions or ideas on how to improve/modify vehicles and kits.
This time around I thought I'd save my fingers and show you a new addition to the Rapido Trains range, a bus! There are a few different ones available, or soon will be, and they save a lot of time and effort (not to mention swearing) in providing an excellent quality, fully-lit, model.
Click Here to view the full range.
The model is supplied on a display base and would easily be at home on a collector’s shelf as on a model railway layout. The bus can be left on this base and still lit up as the power wires are routed down through the base to allow this to happen.
Once removed from the base, the two power wires can be joined up to a 9V DC supply. This can be a transformer or battery.
Even unlit the bus is a lovely model, with a fully furnished and coloured interior.
Now for the clever bit from Rapido, the 'magic' wand. This has a magnet in the end that activates a reed switch in the bus and turns the lights on and off.
As you can see, much better with the lights on. You can clearly see the interior detail with the coloured seats and handrails along with the window detailing.
As Rapido mentions in the instructions, if you wish passengers and a driver can be added. Personally, I think it would be a shame not to put a driver and a few passengers inside as this would really set off the model. Click Here to take a look at seated passengers from various ranges, and here for suitable drivers.
This is an absolutely excellent model, only improved by the lighting and the ability to turn it on and off with the wand. The only thing that some people may balk at is the price, but by the time you factor in the original model and the lighting, not to mention the time needed to modify a model to take the lighting and improve the interior, this is well worth the pennies.
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