Ok these are Rapido Trains,but I am sure O is made close to the same way. It is interesting.
This video explains some history of model train factories and the struggles
Original Post
"HONGZ" stands for HO scale, N scale, G scale, and Z scale.
Post your non-O scale stuff here!
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Rapido has several factory and new product videos. Sometimes their schtick gets a little tiresome, but they do manage to entertain and inform.
Rusty
Wow, thanks for sharing Toddstrick.From the tiny parts, to the young ladies working with them to the high-tech machinery - amazying!
I do wish that more of the painters and pad stamp decorators were wearing respirators, though.
The Repido factory won't be sustainable Meaning the Repido factory will go "broke" because the slave labor is paid to much in the region. This is what the host is saying in the second video.
rockstars1989 posted:The Repido factory won't be sustainable Meaning the Repido factory will go "broke" because the slave labor is paid to much in the region. This is what the host is saying in the second video.
Rapido and Jason Strom continue to do well, and get a sizeable amount of my hobby dollars. Four of the GN FA-2 locomotives pictured in the photo in the first video ended up on my railroad, and I will soon have two of the B units placed on pre-order to accompany them.
In addition to that, I have over 20 single sheathed box cars on pre-order.
Their equipment is wonderful, and if defects do occur, their warranty is handled expeditiously.
I know a lot of other HO modelers that are ardent Rapido customers.
Regards,
Jerry Zeman
Did they ever move to the new location? The second video had a copyright date of 2017. And did anyone else notice the heavy coats being worn by most of workers? I'm sure it's to keep cost down. Hopefully the employees have heat in the new location, if it's more affordable. The mountains over there sure are spooky looking. Their probably only peaceful til King Kong and Godzilla get in an argument. I also enjoyed watching the technique for putting the wheels on the axles. I now see how the axles are free to bend upwards, under the pressure being applied, if the steel used for the axles isn't hard enough. O gauge manufacturers must use the same set up. I little hold down pressure over the axle would really help eleminate the rolling stock wobble we experience from some of them.
They own two factories in China, put out high quality HO and N, and are preserving some of Canada's rail history by owning and restoring a prototype RDC, LRC locomotive and a lightweight sleeper.
Plus, the multiple trips they make to China to ensure their quality ain't free...
Rusty
**Edit**
I would add that when the company I retired from set up an assembly factory in China (we had to if we expected to sell our industrial controls there) it was just as spartan.
Rusty
Yes, they did open the new factory in Yangshuo. But, I think they may be still be producing in Dongguan, also. Jason has even offered to do manufacturing for other model train companies at his location.
Don't go by his appearance … Jason is a bit of an oddball. And, I mean that in a very positive way.
As GNNPNUT stated, Rapido is a great company, with great people, making great products, and they continue to grow. I have their HO stuff. I think they have a very bright future. O scale? 
