I've stated before that I won't buy rapido because they are too expensive. However I have a $50 ModelTrainStuff.com reward coming on top of MTS's already low prices. I love small switchers, and rapido is doing their sw1200 in GN paint. Just a couple of questions before I decide to purchase.
1- How do they run? Rapido says they have a "silky smooth drive". Is that true, or just marketing.
2- The GN version has a rotary beacon. Can I expect that this will be a functional part, or astetic only.
3- Anything else I should know about rapido's stuff, good or bad?
JJF
Prototypically modeling the Great Northern in Minnesota with just a hint of freelancing.
Yesterday is History.
Tomorrow is a Mystery.
But today is a Gift, that is why it is called the Present.
Is anyone else going to be getting one of these units? GN or otherwise?
Rapido has a very good reputation (in general) for putting out high quality HO engines. Their SW1200's have not been out on the market yet so there is no reviewer feedback on them yet. They are due out soon from what I understand.
Rio Grande. The Action Road - Focus 1977-1983
JDawg Is anyone else going to be getting one of these units? GN or otherwise?
I'm down for a GN and a BN.
I've got two of Rapido's New Haven FL9's, and one of their F40PH's. Love them! Excellent runners (DCC/sound).
I'm feeling a little wary of the/my upcoming SW1200's. Switchers are very crowded, internally. There's no room for error in designed the drive.
One quibble I have with them is it LOOKS (judging from their decorated samples) like there's going to be a noticeable joint between the exhaust stacks and the body.
I am ESPECIALLY hoping they get the colors right on the GN model--I can't recall it ever happening on a plastic locomotive model. Usually the orange is too red and/or the striping is too bright and too yellow.
Regarding the rotary beacon: Rapido specifically points out there will be ones on top of both my BN and GN versions. I will be VERY disappointed if they are not working. They say there's going to be working cab lights and classification lights, both of which are useless to me. The BEACON is not; it is very obvious during locomotive operation. My belief is that I will not be disappointed in this matter.
I suppose the words "cautiously optimistic" are applicable for me.
Ed
I bought one of their RDCs a few months ago. I liked it so much that I bought another. And then another. Good motor control, good sound, excellent detail and paint.
I don't have any other Rapido products yet, but I'm sure my next engine purchase will be a Rapido.
As for the beacon, frankly I don't see how they could economically make a true rotating beacon, especially when it isn't even being used on most of the models. I'm guessing it'll be a single stationary LED that gets gradually brighter then dimmer. That effect would look reasonably like a rotating beacon while also being easy to do. But if the beacon is a big deal to you, ask Rapido.
speedybee As for the beacon, frankly I don't see how they could economically make a true rotating beacon, especially when it isn't even being used on most of the models
I suspect at least some of the existing 'Mars light' boards could be adapted to produce good 'prototype' appearance of operation... Ngineering sold boards that could drive 4 LEDs in the correct way, and I see no reason why the Rapido item (102106 as a 'Rapido Bits' part) couldn't do the same -- I am tempted to say for 25 bucks it had better!
I see models that use only 3 LEDs (Ngineering also has a board doing this) but I don't know a prototype. Ed will.
This is what they say:
Whether or not the flasher/beacon is functional is, I suppose, the question.
I would have to assume that they are functional since Rapido specifically states that the fire extingusher and fridge in the cab are non-working.
maxman This is what they say: The HO Scale Rapido SW1200 features Designed from original blueprints and field measurements Heavy diecast frame, chassis and gearboxes for superior pulling power Rapido’s renowned silky smooth-running drive system Working classification lights, cab interior light and inspection lights Fully detailed Type A or Flexicoil trucks, as appropriate Full cab interior with working cab interior light and non-working fire extinguisher and fridge (where appropriate) Working headlights and illuminated number boards at both ends Some models have a rotary beacon or flasher/strobe as appropriate Separate handrails, including crash bars inside the cab Multiple exhaust stack and battery box door styles With or without working drop steps, as appropriate Incredible underbody piping and conduit detail - a Rapido hallmark DC/Silent or DC/DCC/Sound versions featuring an ESU Loksound decoder with accurate recordings from a 567 prime move Whether or not the flasher/beacon is functional is, I suppose, the question. I would have to assume that they are functional since Rapido specifically states that the fire extingusher and fridge in the cab are non-working.
That is what I would assume, but you never know...
I believe Rapido makes a rotary beacon lighting kit, so it makes sense that the model would have one
I have eight Rapido power units and love them all. I have two D-10s on order as well so they have my vote of confidence.
Brent
"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."
speedybee As for the beacon, frankly I don't see how they could economically make a true rotating beacon, especially when it isn't even being used on most of the models. I'm guessing it'll be a single stationary LED that gets gradually brighter then dimmer. That effect would look reasonably like a rotating beacon while also being easy to do.
As for the beacon, frankly I don't see how they could economically make a true rotating beacon, especially when it isn't even being used on most of the models. I'm guessing it'll be a single stationary LED that gets gradually brighter then dimmer. That effect would look reasonably like a rotating beacon while also being easy to do.
Yes, that's how it's done.
But if the beacon is a big deal to you, ask Rapido.
It IS a big deal to me. And I don't have to ask Rapido; it will be obvious when mine are delivered.
7j43k speedybee As for the beacon, frankly I don't see how they could economically make a true rotating beacon, especially when it isn't even being used on most of the models. I'm guessing it'll be a single stationary LED that gets gradually brighter then dimmer. That effect would look reasonably like a rotating beacon while also being easy to do. But if the beacon is a big deal to you, ask Rapido. It IS a big deal to me. And I don't have to ask Rapido; it will be obvious when mine are delivered Ed
speedybee
It IS a big deal to me. And I don't have to ask Rapido; it will be obvious when mine are delivered
If I'm not mistaken, speedybee's point is that Rapido is very approachable - if you have concerns, get in touch with them.
CONTACT
Wayne
I have 21 of their locos.
All run great and the acceleration smoothness is the best of all, on par with my ScaleTrains units.
I had to open one of my SW 1200 RS to install its decoder (I bought by mistake a non-DCC unit that was in the wrong shelf at the LHS) and it has been very hard to open. Not a simple lift-the-hood operation !
1. I could make a very strong argument that my GMD-1 is the best model engine I've ever owned in not-quite 50 years in the hobby.
2. Unfortunately, their video demonstration of the SW-1200s doesn't include one with a rotary beacon, but given that it does show SP ones with a complete lighting package which includes 5 lights that all work, I'm confident the ones advertised with strobe lights have working strobes, not just a casting on the roof. (SP unit is at about 8 min. in.)
https://rapidotrains.com/products/diesel-locomotives/ho-scale-emd-sw1200
3. If you are not a fan of Star Trek, Doctor Who, and Second City TV, there are a lot of jokes in their videos that you're not going to get.
doctorwayne If I'm not mistaken, speedybee's point is that Rapido is very approachable - if you have concerns, get in touch with them. CONTACT Wayne
I have exchanged e-mails with Rapido at least 20 times. So I'm pretty familiar with their approachability.
For myself, I am committed to buy two SW1200's*. If they come with a working beacon, that is great. If they don't, I'll have to install them. I believe they're going to have working cab lights and other little lights sprinkled around. No complaint from me there, but if I had to choose, I'd pick a working beacon over those.
So, as I said, it's a big deal for me (having a working beacon). Whatever they ARE going to do, is done. So nothing Rapido could say would be useful to me. So I won't e-mail them this time.
One thing notably missing is "keep alive". Switchers run at low speeds all by themselves, so getting past a bad pickup spot is more difficult for them.
* I've been in love with GN SW1200's since I photographed one in Williston around 1965. Walthers did one, but I was very wary of them getting the colors wrong. Hopefully, Rapido has done better/perfectly!
wjstix 1. I could make a very strong argument that my GMD-1 is the best model engine I've ever owned in not-quite 50 years in the hobby. 2. Unfortunately, their video demonstration of the SW-1200s doesn't include one with a rotary beacon, but given that it does show SP ones with a complete lighting package which includes 5 lights that all work, I'm confident the ones advertised with strobe lights have working strobes, not just a casting on the roof. (SP unit is at about 8 min. in.) https://rapidotrains.com/products/diesel-locomotives/ho-scale-emd-sw1200 3. If you are not a fan of Star Trek, Doctor Who, and Second City TV, there are a lot of jokes in their videos that you're not going to get.
I watched this and other videos. I was laughing my you know what off. They are such comedians!
Too Expensive!!
Hawks Rule Too Expensive!!
Generally you get what you pay for.
They should be working as all the beacons on past Rapido offerings were functional. In fact, they have the only proper Prime beacon flashing set up using 4 mini LED's to give the sequentional flash pattern in these beacons. I would say the beacons will be functional with the proper flash pattern for either the earlier revolving style or the later solid state Prime(guessing that will be the style on the BN but it could be both as they sported both). Why not email Rapido or message them on FB if your on there? Mike
Silly NT's, I have Asperger's Syndrome
Normally id agree with you. its a lot of money for detail I don't care about. But, I've got a sizable MB klien reward and I've decided to splurge. Gonna be quiet about it and hopefully "management" won't notice....
A few thoughts:
I have never owned a Rapido locomotive.
I can't imagine that it would run any better than any of the other top line locos. They all run "silky smooth". What might happen, is that Rapido may have better quality control so that each loco runs the best it can, avoiding the occasional lemon that another company might let get out to the market.
As far as SW1200's, Walthers mainline announced one on the heels of their NW2. The NW2 is as silky smooth as anything. The scaled down ESU Essentials decoder seems like a diminished V5 loksound and not the old V4/select, so it is a very nice decoder. I have 4 of the NW2s and they are great.
They lack road specific detail, which is probably what you're ultimately paying for with Rapido. If you need GN paint, Walther Proto made one a while ago, but it probably has the inferior older Loksound Select decoder.
I like lighting. I have 2 Intermountain GP10s with headlights, ditchlights, numberboards, marker lights , and 2 flashing beacons; so it is possible to have all of that lighting from the functions.
I would contact Rapido for a direct answer.
Athearn Genesis makes a Western Cullen Beacon that flashes. It looks very realistic, IMO. So it is possible. And they also clearly say that it is nonoperational on DCC Ready versions but operational on DCC/Sound versions.
https://youtu.be/qWCXcytMYm8?t=54
- Douglas
Doughless As far as SW1200's, Walthers mainline announced one on the heels of their NW2. The NW2 is as silky smooth as anything. The scaled down ESU Essentials decoder seems like a diminished V5 loksound and not the old V4/select, so it is a very nice decoder. I have 4 of the NW2s and they are great.
I know Walthers is doing a follow-on SW7. I am not aware of them doing a Mainline SW1200.
Good to hear the decoder is good. I've got an UP SW7 on order. Looks like a very cost-effective decoder. They seem to have done their research well on these, as pretty generally, the ones they're doing didn't have much special detailing.
7j43k Doughless As far as SW1200's, Walthers mainline announced one on the heels of their NW2. The NW2 is as silky smooth as anything. The scaled down ESU Essentials decoder seems like a diminished V5 loksound and not the old V4/select, so it is a very nice decoder. I have 4 of the NW2s and they are great. I know Walthers is doing a follow-on SW7. I am not aware of them doing a Mainline SW1200. Good to hear the decoder is good. I've got an UP SW7 on order. Looks like a very cost-effective decoder. They seem to have done their research well on these, as pretty generally, the ones they're doing didn't have much special detailing. Ed
Oops, yes. Its a SW7 not a 1200. Thanks for the correction. Its not coming in GN paint anyway, but the drivetrain is silky smooth on the NW2 it will be based off of.
I use them as road switchers and I like the fact they come with the later roller bearing trucks rather than the mostly switcher friction bearing trucks. Most models just default to the square box friction type.
IMO the Loksound Essentials decoder is inferior to the Version 4 decoders. The Version 4 can have new features downloaded to it. The Essentials decoders cannot be programmed with the ESU Programmer.
My only experience is a friend's RDCs -- I ran them at the club and they were spectacular. Can't afford them. Jealous.
Doughless Oops, yes. Its a SW7 not a 1200. Thanks for the correction. Its not coming in GN paint anyway, but the drivetrain is silky smooth on the NW2 it will be based off of. I use them as road switchers and I like the fact they come with the later roller bearing trucks rather than the mostly switcher friction bearing trucks. Most models just default to the square box friction type.
20% of the bottom of my screen is being taken up with advertising. Oh, yeah. And 30% on the right. Class act, no doubt.
Anyway, down here in my remaining little window, I am really looking forward to my one UP SW7. Walthers tends to make too many mistakes, but THIS one looks like a keeper.
mvlandsw IMO the Loksound Essentials decoder is inferior to the Version 4 decoders. The Version 4 can have new features downloaded to it. The Essentials decoders cannot be programmed with the ESU Programmer.
My head spins at what is NOT available from the various SUB-variants of Loksound decoders.
So far, anyway, it's not a problem for me. I look forward, in an entirely negative way, to finding out that this holiday is over.
Rapido is in the top tier of HO manufactures. I would put Rapido and Scale Trains on top when it comes to plastic locomotives, with Athearn's Genesis line just a shade under those two. I doubt you will be disappointed with your purchase.
Also remember, as someone already said, you get what you pay for.
An "expensive model collector"
I think the V4 is strictly an aftermarket installation product. I think the proper ESU term to describe the OEM installed decoder is "Select" which is the same technology as the V4, (and the Select has way more features than the Essentials).
IMO, the Essentials is better than the Select because the Select has a tendency to buzz loudly due to its BEMF frequency. I think ESU received numerous complaints and corrected this error in the V5 and the Essentials OEM product. ESU either eliminated the buzz or found a way to move it up the frequncy scale so that human ears don't hear it.
That's why I would put the Walthers Mainline NW2 (and forthcoming SW7) on the same level as the Rapido SW1200, and the more detailed Proto SW1200 a notch below both, even though the decoder and the Proto model itself may have full features.
Edit: as far as the topic, I think some people have reported that its difficult to remove the shell on some Rapido locos, not as intuitive as other companies. That would tend to steer me away unless I knew that it would not be an issue.
riogrande5761 Hawks Rule Too Expensive!! Generally you get what you pay for.
As for the Canadian sense of humor, I've travelled in every Canadian province and territory, and I have yet found a typical Canadian sense of humor... but my favorite is definitely in Newfoundland!
Simon