So now that the Canadian sets are out, how about a few comments on the finish of the passenger cars.
All I can compare them to is a set of Walthers CPR Budd cars which look very silvery compared to the sheen of the greyish steel of the Rapido's.
Running wise, have not had time to break the engines in yet.
PICTURES! WE WANT PICTURES!
And yes I am yelling, I want to make sure you hear me.
Brent
"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."
ANTONIO: didn't take it as a "gotcha", merely an informative response, as you are a "Pullman" fan, there is a terrific book called Travel by Pullman by Joe Welsh & Bill Howes on their century of service, a truly well illustrated and informative book, I picked up a mint copy at our volunteer fire departments annual yard sale for 50 cents. You will appreciate the detail in the book.
My first set of the Canadian arrived today.
Unfortunately the set did not fare well during its transit. While the cars arrived undamaged except for a few wheels loose all of the engines received damage,
All three engines have a few broken steps, just about half of all of the step ladders. Also a few of the hanger sets are also broken, one short set and one large set of the yellow hangers.
One of the pilots on one of the A units is also broken. The coupler and assembly was very bent and both the Pilot and the coupler assembly were pulled out off the engine.
The pilot damage, is similar to a couple of Intermountain F sets that I received with pilot damage.
It is a good thing that I have a set of Intermountain CPR F units in the Script Lettering to substitute until the Rapido engines are repaired.
I see Rapido has a newsletter on their site asking purchasers to report the damage on their sets. Rapido will be sending out the steps and rails replacement units.
Nah, don't look at it as an "I gottcha" scenario.
I've been modeling for many years, have been a Budd and Pullman Standard fan and yet I rarely noticed that the windows on a lot of these cars were, generally, tinted in either: green, gray, or blue tints until modeler Carl of "DCC Geek" pointed it out to me a few years ago.
There are a number of heritage Budd coaches in tourist and museum service in the U.S. I hope to travel to Tennessee on a vacation to take a ride on the Tennessee Central, which has a nice looking group of classic Budd, ACF, and Pullman Standard units in its fleet. Take a look:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tma_KDva2pU
http://www.tcry.org/equipmnt.htm
"I like my Pullman Standards & Budds in Stainless Steel flavors, thank you!"
AntonioFP45 tatans: I'm sticking to my theory they were not tinted AND if they were it was not noticeable, I'm talking viewing from the outside as tinted glass is not evident from inside, take a look at old photos of the train and decide. Tatans, Here are some photos of VIA Budds. Looks like Jason did his homework as you can see the windows are tinted green, similar to the tint on the Rapido units. The window tint shows up well in front of white or gray window shades/blinds. Something to keep in mind is that if we view the tinted windows in direct sunlight or while facing the cars at a parallel angle, or from the interior facing out, the tint becomes difficult to see. http://cp9524.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=2677829 http://cp9524.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=2677840
tatans: I'm sticking to my theory they were not tinted AND if they were it was not noticeable, I'm talking viewing from the outside as tinted glass is not evident from inside, take a look at old photos of the train and decide.
I'm sticking to my theory they were not tinted AND if they were it was not noticeable, I'm talking viewing from the outside as tinted glass is not evident from inside, take a look at old photos of the train and decide.
Here are some photos of VIA Budds. Looks like Jason did his homework as you can see the windows are tinted green, similar to the tint on the Rapido units. The window tint shows up well in front of white or gray window shades/blinds.
Something to keep in mind is that if we view the tinted windows in direct sunlight or while facing the cars at a parallel angle, or from the interior facing out, the tint becomes difficult to see.
http://cp9524.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=2677829
http://cp9524.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=2677840
Antonio: Now I must agree, you got me ! can't beat that evidence eh? maybe if they get train travel back again in North America they can still use many of those older coaches ( the ones with the tinted green glass!) thanks.
tatans I'm sticking to my theory they were not tinted AND if they were it was not noticeable, I'm talking viewing from the outside as tinted glass is not evident from inside, take a look at old photos of the train and decide.
Myself and a couple of friends who have ridden the Canadian (a thousand years ago) all commented on the models that the windows were far too green, and I still think they are, In fact I lost a bet that the windows were NOT tinted green, Rapido replied they were tinted but not nearly as much as the Milwaukee road coaches etc. it might be more realistic if the interiors of the cars were filled, blinds, walls, compartments etc. that may make a difference, but I'm sticking to my theory they were not tinted AND if they were it was not noticible, I'm talking viewing from the outside as tinted glass is not evident from inside, take a look at old photos of the train and decide.
Thanks everybody for the compliments, there is a lot of love and hard work in this train!CP Guy - the roof light does work. Check the manual...
Bill Schneider
Rapido Trains
I haven't had a chance to run them much yet, but at first glance, it sounds like an F unit, and the Canadian whistle is correct.
It would be nice to have a working roof Mars light though, a VERY prominant feature of the Canadian.
I run Intermountain FP's now with Tsunamis in them, and they're OK. They pull my CP heavyweight train.
I also use 3 Intermountain FPs along with one P2K MLW F2B to pull a full length 18 car SuperCon with 3 steam gennys, 2 baggage cars, 2 domes, brass diner, and the brass Malpeque on the tail.
The Rapidos are "busy" compared to the Intermountains, but from over 5 feet away, the extra detail is lost. The Intermountains run SO smooth, I hope the Rapidos do as well.
We'll know this weekend.
Van Hobbies H1b, K1a, T1c, D10g, F1a, F2a, G5a. Division Point: H24-66 Hammerhead, Alco covered wagons A-B-B-A, C-Liner A-B-B-A, EMD FP7A A-B-B.
H1b modified to replicate modern day 2816. All with Tsunamis.
CP guy in TX Got mine today. Absolutely blown away with the look. Typical cheapo couplers though ( WHY do they do that?) So before we even try running it, we gotta install Kadees... Sigh. The good news, all in gauge, stainless finish is un-freakin-believeable!
Got mine today. Absolutely blown away with the look. Typical cheapo couplers though ( WHY do they do that?)
So before we even try running it, we gotta install Kadees... Sigh. The good news, all in gauge, stainless finish is un-freakin-believeable!
Good point.
Rapido could cut the cost a few bucks and skip the couplers all together so we could mount our own - - - which we do anyhow.
Rich
Alton Junction
I have a set which should arrive any day now, according to the USPS postal tracking,
I know what you mean about the couplers, why they do not use Kadee's?
I ordered the first and third sets, the early maroon, one with block lettering and the other with the maroon and script lettering.
So, what do you think of the sound? Glad to hear your comments on the finish, I was wondering what the actual production coaches would look like, sounds like they did not deviate much from the pre-production finished coaches which I did manage to see.
So, according to the Rapido site we will be able to order power and sound for the B units later on.
Right now I have a set of Intermountain EMD F series hauling my Rapido CN coaches, If the Rapido engines sound as good as they look and are decent hauling units I just may have to replace then with a set of the new Rapido CN EMD F units. Strange that Rapido never released at least up to now a tail end observation coach for their Super Continental line.
I was checking the Rapido site and the first production set of the Canadian was delivered to Rapido this week and the first sets are set to be shipped in about a week.
The pics look great. As I am among those scheduled to receive the Maroon and Block lettering I will be one of the lucky ones as that set and the Via will be the first sets to be shipped next week.
I am so glad that I just finalized setting the last trackage in place.
Now the waiting.......................
Looking forward to seeing it. Please post photos.
Well, I was pleasantly surprised to receive a Rapido newsletter indicating that the first set of the Canadian with the Block lettering in the maroon and yellow and grey livery will be released very soon.
As this is my first major purchase of a complete set I had more or less expected news of a few delays before this set would be shipping.
Now to check with my supplier and find out what the final damage will be.
The pictures with the newsletter sure show a fantastic finished passenger cars with all of the interiors coloured as per the original coaches.
Now the waiting begins...............