Rapido Trains UK has released an update for their British Fireless loco in OO Gauge as well as details of a two-day extravaganza of the best in model railways.

Fireless locomotives overcame the danger that existed in steam locomotives when used in flammable environments, namely the use of fire to produce steam.

The fire and sparks emitted from the chimney caused great danger in depots where there were munitions, fuel, or other flammable materials.

The solution was the fireless locomotive, where the boiler would be filled with steam produced elsewhere, which obviated the need for the features of traditional steam locomotives, such as a smokebox and chimney, a firebox, forward-mounted cylinders and coal bunkers or tenders.

The largest builder of fireless locomotives in Britain was Andrew Barclay & Co. of Kilmarnock in Scotland, which built 114 fireless locomotives between 1913 and 1961.

For its model, Rapido has chosen the most numerous of Barclay’s prototypes, the ‘Caledonia’ to spearhead this ready-to-run OO Gauge British Fireless loco.

No doubt the ‘Caledonia’ 0-4-0 Fireless locomotive will be a highlight of Rapido’s first exhibition Rapido RailEx 2024, which promises to be a two-day gathering of some of the best the model railway community has to offer.

RailEx 2024 is being held on Friday 27th and Saturday 28th September from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm at the Market Hall in Maidstone, Kent, which is just a 5-minute walk from Maidstone West Railway Station.

As well as an exhibition of high-quality model railways, RailEx 2024 is a chance to meet the Rapido Trains UK team to discuss past, present, and future projects, see new samples, as hear about some new and exciting announcements.

There will also be trade stands, the chance to have some personalised 3D-printed figures after being 3D-scanned by Modelu, and to purchase rolling stock and products from some of Rapido’s Official Retailers.

Among the exhibits will undoubtedly be OO Gauge models of a BR 12-ton Fish Van and its new range of side-door private owner wagons.

A popular feature is bound to be the chance to have customised Rapido wagons, where visitors can have a bespoke design made for a seven- or five-plank PO wagon at the show and have it sent to them once it has been produced.

Rapido’s graphic artists will draw up the artwork for visitors to approve on the day, then it will UV-printed with the chosen lettering and posted directly to the buyer’s home.

To create the most authentic look, all PO wagon designs will use templates created from research into real-life signwriting.

Adult tickets for Rapido Railex cost £5 and entry is free for those aged 16 and under. Everyone who purchases a ticket in advance is automatically entered into n Advance Ticket holder prize draw to win a selection of Rapido Trains UK products, with winners being announced when they arrive at the show.

Further details about the event and ticket details are online at https://rapidotrains.co.uk/rapido-railex/