SKU: RPI-145028-PRE

PREORDER Rapido HO 145028 Gallery Car Metra Set#2

10% down: $36.94
Our Price: $369.40
MSRP: $379.95

Note: You will reserve this item today for a 10% down payment of $36.94. Approximately 30-45 days before your item is expected at the warehouse, we will invoice you $332.46 plus shipping and any applicable taxes.

How Preorders Work

Quantity


30-Day Hassle-Free Returns

Description

HO Scale Budd Rock Island & MILW Gallery Cars

Introducing the other Budd gallery car fleet, first built for Milwaukee Road and Rock Island! Both railroads needed to replace aging commuter equipment, and Milwaukee Road ordered 32 coaches and 8 cab cars in 1961, followed by another order of 10 coaches and 12 cabs in 1964. Milwaukee’s cars ran behind HEP E units and other power in all kinds of consists, including off peak trains with just an E unit and a cab car! Notably, Milwaukee often used their fleet for other services, including Chicago-Milwaukee runs and special charters to Madison, Milwaukee, and more.
Rock Island added to Milwaukee’s 1964 order, getting 5 cabs and 15 coaches in 1965. This only added to the already eclectic Rock Island commute fleet, with the stainless Budd cars contrasting against colorful Pullman Standard cars. The Budd cars offered a sleek, modern look next to one of their dazzling red and yellow E8As. Since their engines were equipped with Head End Power (HEP), the Budd consists didn’t require a power car.The Regional Transportation Authority, precursor to Metra, placed a huge order for 98 Budd coaches and 37 Budd cab cars in 1978. These cars came without oval windows on one side, and subtle changes to the ends and underframe. Additionally, 20 coaches were ordered for BN lines with outside brake clasp trucks; these now feature BNSF logos. Overall, these cars now make up the largest coach fleet on the Metra roster, as all cab are now trailing coaches. We are pleased to offer a huge variety of choices – Metra “Metropolitan Rail” sets featuring the first Metra Logo, Metra sets with ditchlights on cab cars, and several varieties of individual coaches. Another exciting option are two different versions of “dummy” cab cars: “Blanked” ex-MILW Cabs will all traces of the cab removed, and “intact” ex-RTA Cabs where only select items like the horn have been removed.

Rapido HO Scale Budd Gallery Cars feature:

  • Designed from original blueprints, design drawings and field measurements
  • Rock Island, Milwaukee and BNSF car types with Metramodified blanked cab car end version!
  • Free-rolling, highly detailed trucks with metal wheelsets
  • Full underbody including HEP conduit and equipment
  • Complete interior including actual “gallery” seating
  • Accurate painting and lettering, both inside and out
  • Correctly-colored tinted windows
  • Metal side grab irons and sprung diaphragms
  • Constant flicker-free interior lighting in both DC and DCC
  • MoPower capacitor for uninterrupted DCC passenger car lighting
  • Controllable cab car lighting in both DC and DCC, including headlights, marker lights, as well as ditch lights and beacons (where appropriate)
  • Suggested minimum radius: 22”

Preorders: Frequently Asked Questions

What is preordering and why would I want to do that?

In the model railroading world, most products are made in limited runs. Manufacturers no longer produce large quantities to sit in warehouses. Instead, they announce new items and set a preorder deadline. After that date, production is based largely on the number of reservations received.

Preordering through Model Train Stuff guarantees your spot in line for these limited releases. When the products arrive, orders are filled in the order they were placed. The earlier you preorder, the better your chance of getting your items, even if there are shipping delays or shortfalls from the manufacturer.

Preordering is as easy as 1-2-3!

  1. Preordering is available on any item with the word "Preorder" as the first word in the product title.
  2. We will email your invoice approximately 30-45 days before your preorder items land at the warehouse. With the interactive invoice you can select your preferred shipping method and pay the balance of your order right online!
  3. We'll ship you your preorder once your invoice is paid online. 

How can I place a preorder?

To place a preorder, simply look for items marked with "PREORDER" in their title on our website. Add the item to your cart and proceed to checkout. You'll be required to pay a 10% non-refundable deposit to secure your reservation.

When will I be charged for my preorder?

You'll be charged a 10% deposit at the time of placing your preorder. The remaining balance, along with any applicable sales tax and shipping charges, will be due when the item is ready to be shipped. We'll notify you via email with a link to complete your payment.

Can I cancel my preorder?

Preorders can be canceled, but please note that the 10% deposit is non-refundable and will not be credited to store credit, as it goes toward covering the cost of the uncollected reservation.

When will my preorder ship?

The estimated shipping date for each preorder item is listed on the product page. We'll also keep you updated via email if there are any changes to the shipping schedule. Once your final payment is received, your item will be shipped according to your selected shipping method.

What happens if a preorder item is delayed or canceled by the manufacturer?

In the rare event that a preorder item is delayed or canceled by the manufacturer, we'll notify you as soon as possible. You can choose to wait for the item, apply your deposit to a different item, or request a refund or store credit for your deposit.

How do I check the status of my preorder?

You can check the status of your preorder by logging into your account on our website and viewing your order history. We'll also keep you updated via email with any important information regarding your preorder.

What if I have more questions about preordering?

If you have any further questions about preordering, feel free to contact our customer service team. We're here to help you with any inquiries you may have.