Seeing an earlier thread about MRC decoders made me thankful that I don't own any... until now!
I'm awaiting arrival of the Rapido Turbotrain from the 2008 or so vintage that I just bought from one of those auction sites. I am aware of early runs having poor slow speed running due to gearbox maladies but my set is supposed to have the "New and Improved" gearing.
As I try to mine information about this product I have discovered that there is an MRC decoder in these things!
I just wondered if any of you have had any first hand experiences with these Rapido United Aircraft models?
I toured one here in Cleveland in the late '60s just before Amtrak and had a chance to ride one from Penn Station to New Haven back in '73 so I thought I'd like to rekindle those experiences by running one on my 1950s layout... Train of the future! Ha-ha...
Thanks
I started test runs on my Turbotrain...didn't go well with the old gearboxes. I tried installing the new gearboxes but pulled a wire off by accident. Now it sits idle...much like the prototypical version :(
Thanks for your reply, Isly
I was fortunate to find a "New and improved" Turbotrain. I saw what was involved in changing out the gearboxes and I'm glad I didn't have to go that route.
I'm happy with the Rapido TT and I bought two add-on cars but in different paint (the price was right!)
The installed MRC decoder seems to be up to its task. I hope you get yours running again soon...
Ed
Unfortunately I paid a small fortune for my now non-functioning collection of Turbo equipment. Is there anyone in Cleveland capable of fixing such a complex set such as the Turbo (taking it apart is likely more difficult than the actual repair)?
Love the model otherwise...Rapido makes some pretty awesome stuff.
Ian
Ed,
Just an fyi...I think Rapido is reissuing the Turbo...I think. Thought you might like to know. I imagine they'll get it right this time.
I'm sure that if you contact Jason at Rapido he'll do all he can to get your Turbo up & running; I thought I had one 'in the bag', a damaged piece on 'one of those auction sites' - but even with damage & missing parts the bids soon left me in my el cheapo dust. I had been in touch with Jason during my time of bidding & he offered to bring it all back up to par if I could get it to him.
Thanks for the heads-up Ian! I'll have to keep an eye on the Rapido site.
My Turbotrain is running fine (I only run it maybe 2 or 3 times a year) and I found a few add-on cars at a bargain price but they will have to be repainted since my train is Early Amtrak and the add-on cars are late Amtrak.
I see the VIA sets go for top dollar on that auction site! Yikes!!!
Thanks again, Ed