I thought I'd post this here so more people could see it.
I've often re-evaluated what it is I want on my model railroad. That means I try to give new products an honest chance. I enjoy trying new engines, and though I do not post videos like some (I just don't have time for that) I still nonetheless enjoy trying them out. I don't get paid by any manufacturer to try out engines, and don't get any freebies, but just as part of my hobby, it happens that I test out actually a lot. Then I often sell many of the ones I buy at a later date.
I had owned some earlier Rapido engines: the FA-2's and the FPA-4's. The only reason I don't still have them is, well, I generally like southwestern and even Mexican trains more than those from the snowy north. They were really great products, ran and sounded well.
So high nose engines really have never been my cup of tea, but as we "mature" in the hobby, we hopefully grow to appreciate real diesels that served well and lasted longer than some of their contemporaries. So this week I got to researching Rapido's Alco RS-11, just because I knew it was one of Alco's "best" and "most reliable" (at least compared to all the other Alcos) diesels ever built, and I still love Alcos (especially in steam).
My local train store, The Station, in New Cumberland, PA still has a few of the RS-11's in stock, and though cleaned out of Conrail, I was able to scarf up a PRR non-antenna version, which is acceptable because my sister's father-in-law most definitely operated those beasts out of Renovo, PA, for PRR/PC/CR.
The continual improvement in Rapido's products is quite evident. I appreciate their efforts to make straight and very sturdy metal handrails (still with plastic stanchions). The etched stepwells, the detailed cab interior, the real metal chains correctly attached to the trucks and not hanging off the model inappropriately (as on too many brass imports), the painting and finishing all appear to be up a notch from the earlier Rapido engines. This was all the more evident when my buddy put it on the test track and I swear there was no motor noise at all, at least at lower speeds, and the thing just crawls at a slow speed that is...superior to earlier Rapido diesels (even though I don't crawl them around at home, but roll the trains). The sounds were crisp and clean and certainly not too loud. Really impressive overall.
There has been some criticism of various manufacturers as of late, and I just wanted to take a moment to say "thank you" to Jason and the gang for constantly pushing the envelope and striving to give us even better products. Sometimes it seems we complain more than we say thank you, and I was just really impressed today and even came home, went online and ordered a blue Conrail unit, too.
Also, nothing said here is meant in any way at all to infer that other manufacturers are not also trying to do the same thing--constantly up their game--so please don't take that away from reading this, but a special Thank You to Jason, Mohan and the rest of the crew was in order.
John Mock
PRR8259a special Thank You to Jason, Mohan and the rest of the crew was in order.
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
I'll join the respectful throng ... and I have no Rapido at all.
OvermodI'll join the respectful throng ... and I have no Rapido at all.
Be careful Overmod! Once you get one you will be addicted!
hon30critterBe careful Overmod! Once you get one you will be addicted!
Keep in mind I'm still looking for an APT set (while the community of its design engineers is still around to autograph it!) And TurboTrain ... and the big 4-4-4 when it comes out.
Count me among the supporters of Jason & Team. I was trying to remember the first Rapido products I added to my roster. I believe it was four Erie Lackawanna coaches for my Cleveland-Youngstown commuter train.
These were from the early "Super Continental" line that even Jason admits had its shortcomings. Not long ago I decided to tackle some of the operational glitches and I now have some pretty decent running cars.
I have a pair of the Turbotrains and if Rapido does an update of these one-of-a-kind models I'm ready.
Turbo_PC52-Amtrak50 by Edmund, on Flickr
I estimate my roster has maybe two dozen Rapido locomotives and probably double the number of cars. I like their attention to details and the interior appointments are outstanding. In fact, I was just eyeballing a run-by of some of my Hew Haven parlor cars and never noticed the round mirrors applied to the bulkheads. The Budd Canadian cars have beautiful, etched glass partitions inside
Presently, both my RS-11s are in Markham for motor/decoder replacement. I really would like to see Rapido open a U.S. distribution point. The cost of return postage to Ontario can take a dent out of my RR budget. I had to send my Royal Hudson back for a valve gear repair, too. All is good now, though.
IMG_8028_edited-1 by Edmund, on Flickr
The FA-1s on the other hand have performed flawlessly I'm looking forward to seeing what the new TCS decoder has to offer that Rapido is planning to use.
BnO_4011-FA-aba by Edmund, on Flickr
EL_7381-pit by Edmund, on Flickr
I also like the fact that Jason pulls the curtain aside a little so we modelers can have a peek at what goes on behind the design and manufacturing process. His business model gets an A+ from me.
Thank you, Ed
I've never even seen a Rapido loco in person. Maybe I need to get out more, if I had an lhs...!
Chuck - Modeling in HO scale and anything narrow gauge
Rapido dose not have anything that would fit my layout, 1939 with smallish engines. That being said, that used to be the case with Tangent, and then a few poped up with corect lettering for my era, so there is hope.
rrebell Rapido dose not have anything that would fit my layout, 1939 with smallish engines. That being said, that used to be the case with Tangent, and then a few poped up with corect lettering for my era, so there is hope.
Or early 50's in S scale.
Paul
What is wrong with Rapido's USRA boxcars and the NP boxcars, those all predate 1939.
Rick Jesionowski
Rule 1: This is my railroad.
Rule 2: I make the rules.
Rule 3: Illuminating discussion of prototype history, equipment and operating practices is always welcome, but in the event of visitor-perceived anacronisms, detail descrepancies or operating errors, consult RULE 1!
The challenge is what fits my layout and chosen era, versus what does not. My son has and wants all the "modern" stuff, and we also have steam--he has two challengers. To stick to only one era of freight cars, we have chosen 1970's and up. So we are totally unprototypical to pull 86' hi cube box cars and autoracks with steam (ok, well it has actually happened one or two times in UP history that 3985 helped out stalled freight trains, and we have #3985).
Yesterday was one of those days that changes my plan for the future. I had Santa Fe steam, which I'm just not so wild about; I really truly want, have always wanted, good DM&IR yellowstones (and missed the first MTH run). So we have 2 of those coming. However, with yellowstones and challengers, I don't need other smaller steam--so the Santa Fe stuff is now on the block for sale.
I'm now collecting some Rapido diesels--whatever it is that we like. Just like we are collecting Tangent 86' box cars, and big modern autoracks from multiple manufacturers.
Sometimes it's good to keep an open mind. It's our railroad, and we can run anything we please. Actually, brand new DM&IR yellowstones from the second order, delivered during the winter, were immediately leased out to Rio Grande AND other railroads. Rio Grande said (via telegram) they were the best steam engines they ever had on the railroad.
Who knows, we may get a Rapido M420? The quality is there, especially as compared to even late model Overland Models brass.
These Rapido diesels can be addicting; my buddy agrees.
John
dti406What is wrong with Rapido's USRA boxcars and the NP boxcars, those all predate 1939.
Nothing wrong with them at all, but I pretty-much got what I needed in the way of USRA boxcars, first with three of these, built by modifying old Train Miniature boxcars...
...then later, a dozen-or-so USRA cars from Accurail, before Rapido was even around...
I did buy one of Rapido's meat reefers as an undecorated kit...
...and do have a couple of their X-31 boxcars on pre-order, too.
Were I still modelling the diesel era, I likely would have sprung for a bunch of their SW1200RS models, my all-time favourite as far as EMD/GMDD prototype locomotives are concerned.I don't need any more steam locomotives, either, as I still have another nine which need to be built/re-built/scratchbuilt.
My contributions to the model railroading manufacturers is likely to be more for detailing parts and materials, rather than kits or r-t-r stuff, as I already have most of what I need.
Wayne
Rapido makes great stuff, no question.
But like Wayne, I have most of what I need and want.
I am also not at all motivated to "replace" models just because something newer, or somewhat better detailed comes along if I am already happy with what I have.
Also like Wayne, I have the skills to add more detail to what I have if that is important.
A large percentage of what Rapido has produced so far does not fit into my region, era or theme.
Much of what could find a home on my layout, I bought from other manufacturers long before Rapido offered them.
I tried to buy the new upcoming ALCO PA's, but Rapido has found themselves unable to offer them undecorated. I had my preorder in and everything - very rare for me.........
I'm not a collector, I easily have a total 1,400 locos and pieces rolling stock, and I bet less than 5 are outside the scope and era of the layout theme.
I have no interest in adding to that short list.
So Jason, thank you for your contributions to the hobby, unfortunately I have not been able to offer much direct support.
Sheldon
Jason is a great guy. I have dealt personally with him. And, Rapido makes a quality product. I have three sets of their passenger cars - - GTW, C&EI, and Erie. But, I will reserve my highest level of praise until Rapido produces the green and gold Monon passenger train. No company has ever done it in HO scale. Why can't Rapido be the first?
Rich
Alton Junction
Rich--
I have asked personally for certain products.
Guess what? I received a personal response that explained that I was the only person that ever requested that particular item, and they couldn't afford to make the item even though they have the whole body already. I'm not authorized to comment on behalf of any manufacturer, but honestly, the question becomes: how many people are asking for a given product?
If enough different people ask, it will get made.
They are keeping track at least to some extent what models people are asking for.
A whole lot of people asked for an MLW M420, at least enough that they knew they could do ok if they made it.
Not 'dissing the Monon passenger train at all, but we likely need more Monon passenger fans to speak up for the paint scheme to get done.
Yeah forgot he had boxcars now, that came about after my move. Even so I have close to 100 boxcars, lookimg for oddball cars mostly now. Poultry, barrel and such that are RTR. Would really like another early container car, got one to restore.
Thanks Jason. I have only so far the B&O and WM FA2. When I walk in to my LHS, the second thing I go look for is those orange boxs to see whats there. Oh, the first thing? That would be the shelfs with the used train stuff.
I tend towards NYC & D&H, former was mostly Alco in my area except for E- units and D&H was 100% Alco until U30c. Currently have 5 FA/B 2, have 2 PA on order (that will replace anaother manufacturer that I waited 2+ years for), and 2 D&H RS 11 and a CP RS18U. Passed on the NYC RS11 because they picjed he ugly (although, accurate) paitnt scheme.
Also based on a request for the RS18u I had a suspicion they were coming. Now if they would just make an RS 2 for Naperville Junction