Just wondering if anyone has bought one of the sw1200's. If s, what are your first impressions. How accurate are the paint colors. Etc, Etc.
The reason I am curious Is because from photos, the GN colors look wrong. Orange looks too Red, and the Pullman green looks much too light. Yellow looks ok, but it's only a stripe, so comparatively insigniGigant.
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.
I picked up my GN one yesterday.
As far as the colors:
The orange is about right, but washed out. You could call it pre-weathered. Actually, you better.
The green is just fine. It's NOT pre-weathered (faded), though.
The stripes are too yellow-should be more tan.
The black is, well, black. Again, NOT pre-weathered.
Except for the washed out orange, the paint job is one of the better GN ones. Which hints at how bad previous GN ones are.
If I were to run it by itself, I'd probably not really notice the faded orange. Put next to other (clean) GN power, it's VERY obvious.
The promised roof beacon is not there.
The promised working class lights are not there. Actually, one of my NON-working ones isn't, either.
Sound quality seems kind of weak. Right now, I think Athearn's is far better. I'm pretty sure it's the speakers.
It doesn't run very well at speed step one. Jerky. I have yet to do the Auto-tune--that might fix it.
Ed
7j43k I picked up my GN one yesterday. As far as the colors: The orange is about right, but washed out. You could call it pre-weathered. Actually, you better. The green is just fine. It's NOT pre-weathered (faded), though. The stripes are too yellow-should be more tan. The black is, well, black. Again, NOT pre-weathered. Except for the washed out orange, the paint job is one of the better GN ones. Which hints at how bad previous GN ones are. If I were to run it by itself, I'd probably not really notice the faded orange. Put next to other (clean) GN power, it's VERY obvious. The promised roof beacon is not there. The promised working class lights are not there. Actually, one of my NON-working ones isn't, either. Sound quality seems kind of weak. Right now, I think Athearn's is far better. I'm pretty sure it's the speakers. It doesn't run very well at speed step one. Jerky. I have yet to do the Auto-tune--that might fix it. Ed
Im very disappointed that neither marker lights nor the rotary beacon are included. I could overlook some color problems, but dang the rest just stinks. Glad I didn't preorder.
I've got an Atlas Alco S2 from 2013 that doesn't have a lot of bells and whistles, but the factory sound and paint colors are pretty decent. It is my *ahem* favorite locomotive to run. Crawls at SS1, quiet drive.
That is my baseline for small switchers. If they don't meet this (Rapido doesn't sound like it does) I don't get it. Maybe misguided, but, standards, ya know.
The Atlas Alco S-2 is my favorite switcher, also. It's got weight, good sound, runs nicely. I can't get to my GN one easily, or I'd put it next to the Rapido.
I'm not ready to write the Rapido off, yet. Back when GN went with the simplified paint scheme, one in the older scheme DID look faded compared to the new repaints. It IS kinda nice.
Rapido only admitted they weren't doing the beacon several days ago, when they removed that info from their site. That's AFTER they shipped the product.
So, you model the GN then?
I agree that it's too early to write off Rapido, but it seems that they take some shortcuts, (in direct violation of their marketing) and try to make up for their shortcomings with lots of detail. The whole underbody deal is a great example. Forget that stuff and gimme the rotary beacon!
P.S. I actually emailed Rapido asking about the rotary beacon a month ago, never got a reply. Kinda wondered why... until now.
I agree that Rapido doesn't do everything quite as well as things could be done. I have an FP9A in Canadian Pacific maroon and grey and it does have a working twin lens roof top Mars light. Unfortunately the light output is pathetic. It barely glows. It should be blinding IMHO. I believe the problem is that the LED is mounted on the main circuit board and they are relying on a light tube to transmit the light to the Mars light casting. I intend to drill out the two Mars light lenses and install 0402 LEDs in them directly.
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
7j43kThe Atlas Alco S-2 is my favorite switcher
My two favorite switchers are my Atlas Alco S, and my Kato NW2. For both of these, it is simply because of how well they run. Like a ball bearing gliding down a sheet of glass.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
SeeYou190 7j43k The Atlas Alco S-2 is my favorite switcher My two favorite switchers are my Atlas Alco S, and my Kato NW2. For both of these, it is simply because of how well they run. Like a ball bearing gliding down a sheet of glass. -Kevin
7j43k The Atlas Alco S-2 is my favorite switcher
Agreed! It runs so well, that from a distance it looks like it isn't moving. Then you get up close and realize that it IS moving, but it's so slow and smooth it's almost undetectable.
7j43k The promised roof beacon is not there.
According to the Rapido website, the GN unit is not listed as having a beacon. The BN painted one is the only model that is listed as coming with one. The NP and Soo Line models are listed as having a flasher type strobe. Did they change their listing? Rapido has said since the model was first announced that only some models would have a rooftop beacon, when appropriate. Here are two photos from after the merger, neither of them are equipped with beacons. Later photos show them equipped.
http://pnwr.qstation.org/BNTribute/GN/SW1200/BN_163.html
https://trainspo.com/photo/71499/
An "expensive model collector"
n012944 7j43k The promised roof beacon is not there. According to the Rapido website, the GN unit is not listed as having a beacon. The BN painted one is the only model that is listed as coming with one. The NP and Soo Line models are listed as having a flasher type strobe. Did they change their listing? Rapido has said since the model was first announced that only some models would have a rooftop beacon, when appropriate. Here are two photos from after the merger, neither of them are equipped with beacons. Later photos show them equipped. http://pnwr.qstation.org/BNTribute/GN/SW1200/BN_163.html https://trainspo.com/photo/71499/
The listing was changed. Originally both BN and GN units were to have rooftop beacons. The listings changed recently to reflect the adjustment.
Beacons were common on GN switchers in the sixties. Of 5 I photographed in Minnesota in 1963, 4 had the beacons.
However.
When I look at the few pictures I can find of GN SW1200's, most don't have them. I did find one that had been repainted in BSB that did.
So Rapido was in error when they planned on the beacon, and they corrected that. Curiously, they didn't show the correction until long after it had been planned.
Thinking on the weak color of orange, I do believe it will work very nicely for me as a weathered unit from the late sixties, maybe even as a BN patch--I'll have to think on it.
All in all, I do like this model.
7j43k So Rapido was in error when they planned on the beacon, and they corrected that.
So Rapido was in error when they planned on the beacon, and they corrected that.
So they should be applauded for fixing an error.
n012944 7j43k So Rapido was in error when they planned on the beacon, and they corrected that. So they should be applauded for fixing an error.
That's a factual statement. I heard no applause.
7j43k n012944 7j43k So Rapido was in error when they planned on the beacon, and they corrected that. So they should be applauded for fixing an error. That's a factual statement. I heard no applause. Ed
Fankly, with all the marketing Rapido does toting how accurate their models are, the mistake should never have been made in the first place. Nevertheless, it happened, yet wasn't ever addressed until the orders were shipped. A bit sneaky if you ask me.
In addition, the non working marker lights cannot be excused as a prototype error. That is just ommitance due to cost/behind schedule/etc. Simply inexcusable.
Basically Rapido bit off more than they could chew with the SW1200. They have admitted to it. They didn't have D&RGW originally planned for their 1st run and I talked them into it, so when they came out I did pony up and buy the D&RGW version.
Rio Grande. The Action Road - Focus 1977-1983
Listen
https://giphy.com/clips/aarontaos-clap-aaron-taos-aG2csyWgGANQsgoeyJ
So Aaron is applauding Rapido. I wonder if he knows that. Or cares.
riogrande5761 I talked them into it,
How did you do that!? What's your secret!? There is a couple of things I want them to make. I will even cheer for the Montreal Canadians as I know they are Jasons' hockey passion. GO HABS GO!!!!!
Now, how about that Canadian Pacific 4-4-0 wood burner.
Brent
"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."
7j43k n012944 7j43k So Rapido was in error when they planned on the beacon, and they corrected that. So they should be applauded for fixing an error. So Aaron is applauding Rapido. Ed
So Aaron is applauding Rapido.
As is N012944. While it is too bad that Rapido made the mistake in their announcement, bravo for them for correcting a non prototypical mistake.
n012944 As is N012944. While it is too bad that Rapido made the mistake in their announcement, bravo for them for correcting a non prototypical mistake.
I thought you were being ironic. My mistake.
It's good to catch and fix mistakes. And express approval for that. "Applause" seems maybe a little much, as if it were an exceptional accomplishment.
I'm certainly glad they caught it, as I prefer my models to be accurate representations of the prototype.
I am hoping they will do the same for the mistake on their upcoming NP and BN RS-11's. I believe they've been informed, but I don't see a correction yet. Of course, they didn't acknowledge the correction on the SW1200 until awhile after they shipped product.
Musta fergot!
One of our MR club members just picked up an Espee version. It runs great and those frog eye lights are really nice. I remember seeing those puppies in the Brooklyn Yard south of Portland. I am not a big Espee fan, but surely did like those lokeys.
Don; Prez, CEO or whatever of the Wishram, Oregon and Western RR
Over on FB, there is some discussion on the rear platform being wrong on the ten-wheeler coming out. I am not sure if it is or not but there is a lot of talk about how varied each railroad's versions were sometimes. It may be a case of Rapido had to decide on how to make it and go from there knowing some will not be happy.
BATMAN riogrande5761 I talked them into it, How did you do that!? What's your secret!? There is a couple of things I want them to make. I will even cheer for the Montreal Canadians as I know they are Jasons' hockey passion. GO HABS GO!!!!!
I'm guessing someone at Rapido was interested in the D&RGW version so I got lucky there. I haven't had mine out of the box yet, but reportedly Rapido was going to include the part that externally repesents the modification done to all the D&RGW SW1200's in the 1978-1980 period.
JDog (I know they pronounced it dawg in New Jersey but I'm not from there!).
You might want to read Ed Sutorik's comments on the SW1200 here in the topic that starts out "Well, folks. I picked up my GN SW1200.":
https://atlasrescueforum.proboards.com/thread/9044/rapido-sw1200s-out?page=6
He is a "take no prizoners guy, and he seemed fairly pleased with the GN version although not perfect - he gave it a B+/A- grade.
At this point I've decided not to get one. It doesn't look like it's worth the extra money compared to an atlas s2 or a Walthers sw1200.
I was considering it. But they have way too many prototype specifc details for my taste, making it a purchase only if I was modeling that specific railroad in that specific of a timeframe.
My second hand shortline would use a more generic locomotive after all of those no longer necessary details were stripped off and that would run another 30 years that way.
Who would run a SP light package from 1990 to 2021?
The Walthers NW2 phase V or upcoming SW7 is a better choice for me.
- Douglas
7j43k Sound quality seems kind of weak. Right now, I think Athearn's is far better. I'm pretty sure it's the speakers. It doesn't run very well at speed step one. Jerky. I have yet to do the Auto-tune--that might fix it.
I was thinking about getting one of these undecorated and painting it the way I want, so color issues and beacons don't bother me. Low speed performance is important as it would be used in an industrial switching operation. How is it in speed step 2? I don't have any experience with the Athearn units. Are they that much better? I do have a Walthers Proto F2 and I am not impressed compared to the Atlas S2/S4. I may just get an undecorated one of those.
Rick
hbgatsf 7j43k Sound quality seems kind of weak. Right now, I think Athearn's is far better. I'm pretty sure it's the speakers. It doesn't run very well at speed step one. Jerky. I have yet to do the Auto-tune--that might fix it. I was thinking about getting one of these undecorated and painting it the way I want, so color issues and beacons don't bother me. Low speed performance is important as it would be used in an industrial switching operation. How is it in speed step 2? I don't have any experience with the Athearn units. Are they that much better? I do have a Walthers Proto F2 and I am not impressed compared to the Atlas S2/S4. I may just get an undecorated one of those.
If you can get your hands on an s2 from atlas I would just do that. They are exceptional units. You just have to modify three CV's to attain ultimate slow speed.
And, JJF, what ARE those three CV's, and in what way should they be modified?
I just ran my Rapido SW1200 and my Atlas S-2 again. The running quality at slow speed seems comparable, at least at the moment. The S-2 is smoother, but runs a bit faster at the lowest speed step. It's also got that famous DCC buzz, but with the sound on, you can't hear it. The SW1200 still has a bit of herky-jerky at slow speeds, now and then (maybe it needs "the buzz"???)
I expect, but don't know, that both problems can be fixed. Actually, I just did for the S-2. CV2 was at 3, I changed it to 1.
Another comment: I REALLY like having momentum. Not only does the loco act like it has significant mass (like when I hit a cut of reefers with it), but it seems to run better at low speeds, too. I typically set my Loksounds at CV3 and 4 being 60, and my Soundtraxx at 80. This is of course changeable. Just now watching the S-2, I think I might up its number to 80 and see what happens.
Getting the SW1200 to be just right might take some more work. Maybe adjusting the "motor kick" or something. THOSE CV's I know nothing about. Yet.
JDawg If you can get your hands on an s2 from atlas I would just do that. They are exceptional units. You just have to modify three CV's to attain ultimate slow speed.
7j43k And, JJF, what ARE those three CV's, and in what way should they be modified? I just ran my Rapido SW1200 and my Atlas S-2 again. The running quality at slow speed seems comparable, at least at the moment. The S-2 is smoother, but runs a bit faster at the lowest speed step. It's also got that famous DCC buzz, but with the sound on, you can't hear it. The SW1200 still has a bit of herky-jerky at slow speeds, now and then (maybe it needs "the buzz"???) I expect, but don't know, that both problems can be fixed. Actually, I just did for the S-2. CV2 was at 3, I changed it to 1. Another comment: I REALLY like having momentum. Not only does the loco act like it has significant mass (like when I hit a cut of reefers with it), but it seems to run better at low speeds, too. I typically set my Loksounds at CV3 and 4 being 60, and my Soundtraxx at 80. This is of course changeable. Just now watching the S-2, I think I might up its number to 80 and see what happens. Getting the SW1200 to be just right might take some more work. Maybe adjusting the "motor kick" or something. THOSE CV's I know nothing about. Yet. Ed
The DCC buzz is pretty much isolated to the Loksound Select decoders that were early instals in factory OEM products. Actually, my Atlas S2 is the least offender.
I think if you set CV 124 to anywhere between 20 and 24 it changes the pitch of the buzz to make it less irritating. Personal tastes.
The new Loksound 5 and the ESU Essential that is installed in the Walthers Mainline NW2 does not buzz. ESU fixed that without ever admitting the selcet even had it in the first place.
The only way I know to slow down any Loksound is to lower CV2. My Atlas S2 runs beautifly and I still consider that loco to be the best switcher in the hobby. As was their older DC version of the S2/S4.