Hey guys just wondering has anyone taken apart one of these, they are so fragile I dont want to break it,I did look at the exploded diagram but wasnt sure how it comes apart. If anyone has pictures that would be super helpful
thanks
The Rapido SW1200 hasn't been shipped yet.
Rio Grande. The Action Road - Focus 1977-1983
P.16 of the SW1200RS LokSound Select manual indicates that a keepalive is NOT factory-installed, but they happily proved full specs and diagrams for 'soldering one in'.
https://rapidotrains.com/sites/default/files/2019/05/51980_734xx_LokSound_Select_ESULLC_EN_UsersManual_Edition-3_May-2012_eBook_01.pdf
Presumably the non-RS versions would be similar if they use the same decoder. Equally presumably you would follow the detailed shell removal procedure to the letter, and engage the Tantalus Field neutralizing enclosing plastic bag technology to avoid 'misunderstandings' concerning continued presence of detail components.
Have your white glue handy!!
(Interestingly, Ed's documentation for the LOKSound 58881 contains very explicit part numbers for the keepalives to be used there -- "accept no substitutes". It is interesting that here not only is no part suggested, but ESU gives generic values and doesn't even hint they have a part or assembly to provide...)
Lastspikemike riogrande5761 The Rapido SW1200 hasn't been shipped yet. Yes, I deduced the OP has one of the RS models. I am looking for a CPR script lettered Tuscan red/ gray one of those with DCC sound. Not likely to find one.
riogrande5761 The Rapido SW1200 hasn't been shipped yet.
Yes, I deduced the OP has one of the RS models. I am looking for a CPR script lettered Tuscan red/ gray one of those with DCC sound. Not likely to find one.
Mike, Isn't this one? And there are many more.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/RAPIDO-1-87-HO-CP-CANADIAN-PACIFIC-SW1200-RS-RD-8111-DCC-SOUND-26508-F-S/303229244991?hash=item4699df163f:g:yicAAOSwGqxbImVz
- Douglas
I still find it odd that a manufacturer would recommend to avoid removing the shell. What about lubrication of the ujoints and motor shaft? Changing a dead decoder? Rapido is not the only one in this camp, unfortunately. Can they not design these things to be easy to open?
Simon
So I think my problem is the pickups are dirty .... now how do I get access to them ?
snjroyI still find it odd that a manufacturer would recommend to avoid removing the shell.
As they say, don't come whining if things fall off or break as you work. And if in any doubt, put Rapido customer service in the loop before the Field goes to work or the tabs start snapping...
snjroy I still find it odd that a manufacturer would recommend to avoid removing the shell. What about lubrication of the ujoints and motor shaft? Changing a dead decoder? Rapido is not the only one in this camp, unfortunately. Can they not design these things to be easy to open? Simon
CoreyHThats actually the one I have, love it but it seems to have trouble at very slow speeds.
That's a bad situation considering its a switcher. Thanks for the heads up.
Oh how did we ever survive. Now we MUST have keep alives in everything? What changed? And no, it's NOT DCC.
I have installed NO keep alives in any of my locos. They all run fine, at slow speed, at high speed, at medium speed. Even a shorty like the GE 44 Tonner can go slow switching speeds over turnouts and not stall. My modern DCC stuff (and 'modern' can mean some locos that were produced in the 90's - by some standards those might be OLD locos) ALL without compare run better than the DC stuff I had in the early 70's as a kid.
You don't need a keep alive, you need clean track and good power feeds. And any sort of abrasive track cleaner is NOT making the track clean.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
LastspikemikeOrdinary motor only DCC surely doesn't need the feature.
I include a capacitor "keep alive" on most, if not all, of my brass DCC installs.
Brass locomotives have inherently poor rail pickup.
Cheers, Ed