Hi there. I learned a few days ago that there is a group of investors that created Shira trains, a new manufacturer of HO locomotives (although it appears production will be done in China). Look for Shiratrains.ca on the Web... Apparently they are working on a CP D10 prototype in HO scale. Sounds familiar? I wonder if modellers really want the D10 that bad to have two suppliers working on a CP D10! I must say that the videos show a very promising piece. A combination of old school thinking with new bells and whistles (smoke, actually!). A gear drive, but apparently simpler than the Rapidos. The warranty, however, is a bit disapointing.
Simon
It appears that your mention of "Shiratrains.ca" is actually a working link, as clicking on it took me immediately to their home page.
There, they describe it as a new model for 2018/19, so I'd guess that the current situation has pushed back the release date.
While the test shots look pretty good, and I do like Ten Wheelers, it's not something I really need, especially given the fact that it's DCC with sound. While it will supposedly run on my DC layout, I've not seen any DCC dual mode locos that do well on plain DC, and I'm not a fan of sound, nor of paying for features I don't need or want.
They've not mentioned a price (understandable at this stage, I guess) but the inclusion of DCC puts it out of my price range.
I was also somewhat put-off by their poor spelling - not that it might reflect on the quality of the product, but to me, it shows a lack of care.
Wayne
LastspikemikeI'd be wary. China does nothing to protect IP for any non Chinese entity. These could be, in effect, "stolen" Rapido designs...
Good point, Mike, and perhaps the explanation for the somewhat sloppy spelling.
Would be unfortunate if everything isn't above board....something does seem "off" with the website but not sure... will keep an eye out on this tho.
If it isn't Scottish....
selector If it isn't Scottish....
Someone familiar with the Rapido design can investigate:
http://shiratrains.ca/assets/files/D10hv3%202.pdf
to see where any similarities or differences are. It is a breath of fresh air to see good drawings and sensible wording for how to provide maintenance; companies like BLI might have something to learn here.
They claim to have an exhaustive set of sounds from real H10s ... be interesting to see where and how these were obtained. Someone might research their decoder maker, too...
In looking at this newcomers website, notice that there is no information at the bottom as there is on 99% of legitimate websites. No copyright info as to when the coryright is effective. On the mail page there are no addresses. Phone support is provided, yet there is no phone number listed. I would be very wary of dealing with them when an established company has already stated this model will be produced.
James in Texas
Seems they have had a few problems with the project, just about scrapped due to illness of a principal and they also had a few board issues.
I contacted Rapido, specifically mentioning this thread and Shiratrains.ca, and got a prompt reply, saying that Rapido was well-aware of their presence, and welcomes the competition.
doctorwayne I contacted Rapido, specifically mentioning this thread and Shiratrains.ca, and got a prompt reply, saying that Rapido was well-aware of their presence, and welcomes the competition. Wayne
Something tells me this loco will not hit the shelves.
I have an order for two of the Rapido 10 wheelers.
I really like the way Rapido is upfront admitting there were problems with the Hudsons and will be doing things differently with the 10 wheelers. Rapido fixed both my Hudsons including paying the shipping back to Rapido and they have both run flawlessly since their return. I have since bought two FP7s and have a "B" unit on order. Can't wait for the 10 wheelers.
While I was working on the layout I had a Hudson pullng 13 Rapido coaches around the layout for about three hours the other day without a hickup.
If the Shiratrains engine does hit the shelves it will be interesting to see the quality as it appears that they will be manufactured by a third party (I stand to be corrected) whereas Rapido has their own factory.
I think I read that they run every loco for an hour before shipping it out. How about a tour of the factory like Rapido does to show us the hundred of locos being tested. Ya right.
http://qyk.sjfzxm.com/en/com/201206/13/84851.htm
Reading the warranty, my gut feeling just doesn't feel good. Putting out literature that is so lacking in detail just sets of alarm bells.
Brent
"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."
I see plenty of things that look odd about that site, but I wouldn;t discount quality automatially just because things are made by a third party. After getting my new Atlas RS-3 yesterday, I noticed something about the packaging. Recent Bowser Executive Line models have the exact same packaging, a thick plastic base to which they actually screw the loco to inside the foam and clear plastic sleeve. Leads me to believe they are made in the same factory. Both are top quality models.
Even if I was interested in this model, I'd definitely take a wait and see position, as there are plenty of other red flags on the site and particularly in the PDF with tons of spelling errors.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.