I have several sets of Rapido passenger cars, but I have never owned a Rapido locomotive. Rapido is about to release a series of EMD E8A and E8B passenger locomotives, pre-order required.
Interested to learn others experience with Rapido locomotives.
Rich
Alton Junction
They had motor problems with the RS18 which overheated the decoder, I think. There was also an issue with one of their steam engines and decoder problems.
However they stood behind their products and solved those problems.
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
BigDaddy They had motor problems with the RS18 which overheated the decoder, I think. There was also an issue with one of their steam engines and decoder problems. However they stood behind their products and solved those problems.
Yes it was the Royal Hudson. But they fixed the problems, in both engines. How many people are still battling problems from another prominent loco manufacturer that uses proprietary decoders?
Granted, most locomotive manufacturers have quality control problems from time to time. But, I have been generally satisfied with the passenger diesels coming out of BLI, Life Like, Walthers Proto, Intermountain and Athearn Genesis. I have never owned a Rapido locomotive so I have to rely on the experience of others. Not sure how long Rapido has been producing locomotives. Anyone know?
richhotrain Granted, most locomotive manufacturers have quality control problems from time to time. But, I have been generally satisfied with the passenger diesels coming out of BLI, Life Like, Walthers Proto, Intermountain and Athearn Genesis. I have never owned a Rapido locomotive so I have to rely on the experience of others. Not sure how long Rapido has been producing locomotives. Anyone know? Rich
I believe the Turbo Train was their first "locomotive", introduced in 2008. The company started in 2003.
I finally managed to get a few Rapido freight cars. I tried to order PA1's, but they canceled the undecorated ones.
I just preordered some Boswer RS-3's......... in C&O and WESTERN MARYLAND.
I might be interested in a couple more E8's, undecorated or B&O......... Not on the current list from Rapido.
Sheldon
I only have their straight DC locomotives and they all run fine. I have FA-2's for the PRR, Wabash and Ann Arbor, CP FP7 A's and FB, NH FL9's, PRR RS-11's and NKP RS-11's and PRR PA's on order.
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!
Both my Hudsons had issues and Rapido replaced the decoder and motors in both and they have been flawless ever since. The others run great.
Brent
"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."
I've got a pair of their Turbotrains. These have the "new and improved" gearing. The very first runs had gear issues that necessitated a tricky replacement procedure.
Turbo_PC52-Amtrak50 by Edmund, on Flickr
These have custom MRC decoders in them and seem to be OK.
I've got a pair of their F40PH EMD engines and these have never given me any trouble. A pair of RDCs that run just fine although these came with a warning to not tow any additional cars with them as the drive shafts are fragile.
Also a pair of the FL9s. The light boards needed to be replaced on these as the shell would crunch the LEDs on them. Rapido sent me the parts and I electrd to make the repair myself.
My Royal Hudson had an eccentric rod problem which required a return trip to Markham, ON for the repair:
eccentric_1 by Edmund, on Flickr
Mailing the loco back to them set me back $65
Both my RS-11s exhibited bad motor/decoder problems. They also went back to Markham at a postage cost of $80. Rapido has since opened a U.S. service address.
IMG_7998_edited-1 by Edmund, on Flickr
I've got six of the FA-FB locos with no troubles at all with these:
BnO_4011-FA-aba by Edmund, on Flickr
I've never preordered from Rapido. In nearly every case I've watched carefully for on-line retailers to offer the models I want and buy them then.
In their first run I might bite on an E-L unit to power my commuter train. I do wish they would have picked an ex-Erie engine instead of a former Lackawanna one (already have a Proto Lackawanna E8)
In the second run I've sent Rapido a suggestion to offer the B&O in the simplified Blue and Gray. I hope they make a run with that paint job.
Diplomat-at-Akron by Edmund, on Flickr
I've got faith in Rapido and all the folks that work there seem to be dedicated modelers. I'm looking forward to the long-awaited Jet EP-5 which should be coming along any week now.
In spite of the few problems mentioned above Rapido has taken care of every issue and has always responded to any requests for parts or assistance.
Good Luck, Ed
To me, that is somewhat of a scary report, Ed. I am losing my initial enthusiasm.
The pre-order supposedly would be a short time frame. Expected delivery was scheduled to begin on February 15th.
Off hand I'd say I've already got about 2 dozen E8s plus a bunch of E7 and E6s already on my roster. Just finished up a pair of Conrail Executive Es last week.
The original Life-Likes were good and Walthers made improvements to them. I'll buy one E-L E8 from Rapido to evaluate it but I really don't expect it to be head and shoulders above the previous Proto runs. I've also got a shoebox full of spare motors, wheels, trucks, gears and all that stuff for the Life-Like/Proto?Walthers Es so I'm sure I can keep my fleet running for a while longer.
Regards, Ed
richhotrain To me, that is somewhat of a scary report, Ed. I am losing my initial enthusiasm. The pre-order supposedly would be a short time frame. Expected delivery was scheduled to begin on February 15th. Rich
they make a GREAT product & stand behind it way better then most
so ordering one should not be an issue if you want quality.
richhotrain richhotrain To me, that is somewhat of a scary report, Ed. I am losing my initial enthusiasm. The pre-order supposedly would be a short time frame. Expected delivery was scheduled to begin on February 15th. Rich I am wrong about the expected delivery date. February 15th was the deadline for pre-orders. Nuts, there is no expected delivery date at this time. Rich
I am wrong about the expected delivery date. February 15th was the deadline for pre-orders. Nuts, there is no expected delivery date at this time.
If you are interested, you should contact some of the major online retailers and see if they are still taking preorders for these. Many of them order extras and will take preorders after the deadline.
Contact me directly if you want some specific suggestions.
ATLANTIC CENTRAL If you are interested, you should contact some of the major online retailers and see if they are still taking preorders for these. Many of them order extras and will take preorders after the deadline.
richhotrain ATLANTIC CENTRAL If you are interested, you should contact some of the major online retailers and see if they are still taking preorders for these. Many of them order extras and will take preorders after the deadline. Sheldon, you are correct. Pre-orders are still being taken by retailers. I mistakenly thought that the expected delivery date was February 15th. But, there is no expected delivery date at this time. For all I know, it may still be a year or more away. Rich
Sheldon, you are correct. Pre-orders are still being taken by retailers. I mistakenly thought that the expected delivery date was February 15th. But, there is no expected delivery date at this time. For all I know, it may still be a year or more away.
The Boswer RS-3's I just preordered are a roughly a year out. Typical these days.
I have been busy putting up lights and ceiling in between work and grandkids - pictures soon. The LED lights and the flust to the joists ceiling system are working nicely.
richhotrain,Speaking as an Rapido employee (but not as a representive, if that makes any sense), I can say that pre-orders are not required. Rapido tends to make a few extras for each unit for warranty replacements, and various hobby shops tend to order on speculation. You can probably get a model after they come out. However, quantities are limited. So while pre-orders are not required, a pre-order should guarantee that you get what you want; you take a risk by not pre-ordering. For conditional releases (like P&W M-420R's), if enough pre-orders don't come in they won't get made.BigDaddy,Yes, the RS-11 & RS-18 motors were from a bad batch. These 3rd party motors were sourced from the same factory that had previously made thousands of motors for Rapido for years without any trouble at all. To suddenly have a batch of motors start melting down is inexplicable. Still, procedures have been changed to make such a re-occurance unlikely; it was a painful learning experience.Lastspikemike,Yes, parts popping off in shipment is a common problem in the industry, mostly due to all the parts models have these days. At this time of year, as packages go from heated warehouses and unheated trucks to subzero porch stoops, differential movement of metal and plastic due to changing temps can cause CA joints to shear.richhotrain,Rapido has been making HO locomotives for a while now. Released so far:TurboTrainFP9F9BLRCFL9F40PH-2DF40PH-2D RebuildFPA-4GMD-1FP7F7BF40PHF40PH NPCU ("Cabbage")RDC-1RDC-2RDC-3RDC (ATSF set)Dash 8-40CMFA-2FB-2FPA-2FPB-2SW1200RSSW12004-6-4 CP Royal HudsonB36-7RS-11RS-18M-420I think I listed them all... I own 5 FL9s, 2 RS-11s, 2 FB-2s, 2 SW1200s, and 8 RDCs. I have not had to send any of mine back for repair.Sheldon,The pre-orders for undec. PA's were just not there to justify making any on speculation this time. However, undec. units in groups of 6 can be special ordered, sound or no sound, in any railroad style that's being made in this run. They do have to be ordered directly from Rapido, however.Speaking of B&O E8s, which scheme would you prefer? There's at least four, right?gmpullman,The EP-5 Jets should be shipping out within a couple business days. They have arrived at Rapido's Warehouse/World Headquarters as of late this week. As a rule of thumb, big orders to large distributers go out first to clear room in the warehouse, then direct orders go out after that. As for the Rapido employees, yes, almost everyone is a model railroader (except Janet and maybe a one or two others). Take a look at the Meet the Rapido Team list (which does not include everyone, BTW): https://rapidotrains.com/meet-the-rapido-team/ You can even see my ugly mug there.With product paint scheme suggestions, send us great photos. Seriously, that's what we need to make any version; the higher quality and more numerous the photos, the better. 90-degree shots are best for paint schemes, by the way. 3/4 angle shots, while most popular, are not the best for good model art results. The Rapido E8 will have several advantages over previous models: the stainless steel grills won't fall off as they are mechanically fastened and not glued (they will never warp), the front windshields won't be "squinty", the sound decoders will be ESU, there will be more working lights (like ground lights, markers, Gyralites, etc.), and each model will be far more customized for each railroad. Things like the number of portholes, type of steam gen., air horns, sand hatches, fuel tank skirting and many extra detail parts that we all used to have to do ourselves (or do without) back in the day.richhotrain,Yes, the E8 order deadlines have been extended due to the new Rapido website changes. Jason just sent a Newsletter update (#148A) to explain: https://conta.cc/3sikMiY
And no, E8 delivery shouldn't be a year from now (it had better not!). This is the biggest loco production run in Rapido's history, and we're all anxious to get it out ASAP...but as Jason says, we also need to get it right.
Jason stated that due to issues with the website they are still taking pre-orders for the E8 and Turboliners. They are not sending the numbers in until next month (Rapdio News, Email dated Feb 23).
He also stated that they always make a few extra DCC models, so not an issue to add a few more onto the factory order.
Paul, thanks for that update. I have lots of Rapido passenger cars, but I have never purchased a Rapido locomotive. That's why I started this thread.
By the way, years ago I encouraged Jason to make a line of Monon streamlined passenger cars. Then, I balked at the price and didn't purchase them when they were released. So, do me favor and lean on Jason to make another run. And, while you are at it, see if you can find five of those Monon cars in a closet or back room.
Paul3 Sheldon,The pre-orders for undec. PA's were just not there to justify making any on speculation this time. However, undec. units in groups of 6 can be special ordered, sound or no sound, in any railroad style that's being made in this run. They do have to be ordered directly from Rapido, however.Speaking of B&O E8s, which scheme would you prefer? There's at least four, right?
Sheldon,The pre-orders for undec. PA's were just not there to justify making any on speculation this time. However, undec. units in groups of 6 can be special ordered, sound or no sound, in any railroad style that's being made in this run. They do have to be ordered directly from Rapido, however.Speaking of B&O E8s, which scheme would you prefer? There's at least four, right?
As delivered, I model 1954.
I have 3 FAs and 2 RS11s from them. No issues at all. They make a great locomotive.
An "expensive model collector"
Same here on the delivery uncertainity. I have been following Rapido's saga related to overseas production delays and operating issues for several years and continue to loose faith in placing pre-ordered engines, in particular the PA1 delivery delays, which if offered in an Erie paint scheme or an unpainted version i would have placed an order regardless of factory installed TCS WOW decorder. I installed a WOW decoder in an ATH Erie GP7 a few years back and it runs very hot even at idle, so i only use it for intermittent switching purposes otherise it would burn out or melt the shell if used on longer runs.
Bowser, ATH Genesis 2, and Scale Trains Rivet Counter all offer high quality engines that seem to arrive in a more timley manner to the USA and are similar priced. Maybe Atlas and Intermountain engines as well but i don't have any in my current roster so i cannot recommend. Bayway Terminal NJ
richhotrain,Those Monon cars were done in the old Super Continental line as coaches, right? A friend of mine in my club has the set, plus a Walthers troop sleeper conversion baggage car and two Athearn Genesis F's for power. It makes for a nice looking train. I'm sorry you missed 'em.The problem is that I don't know if Jason wants to redo these cars just yet (or at all); it hasn't come up in conversation lately. I am certain that if he ever does, he'll want to replace the battery powered lights with track powered ones. This means that there are going to be some tooling changes, and if he's going to do that, he'll want to make a few other improvements, too. I guess what I'm saying here is that it's not like turning a tap on and making more coaches. And that's not even getting into the condition of the old tooling, which may or may not be damaged, worn out, or even missing; they may have to make all new tooling.Sheldon,Ok, I'll pass that along. Do you think that's B&O's most popular scheme? Rapido would want to do what modelers want the most.Bayway Terminal,We aren't using TCS WOW decoders in the PAs; there was an effort to do so (even made a video about it), but Rapido is using ESU in the PAs instead.Delays in the last two years are almost all related to the fact that no one at Rapido can go to China and oversee production like they used to. They used to go four times a year. Now going to China means one month in solitary confinement in tiny motels due to COVID restrictions, and another month on the way home. No one wants to spend two months in solitary for one week of work.What this means is that everything has to be done via Zoom-like software and e-mails. It's very inefficient vs. being there, especially with the time difference.
Paul3 richhotrain,Those Monon cars were done in the old Super Continental line as coaches, right? A friend of mine in my club has the set, plus a Walthers troop sleeper conversion baggage car and two Athearn Genesis F's for power. It makes for a nice looking train. I'm sorry you missed 'em.The problem is that I don't know if Jason wants to redo these cars just yet (or at all); it hasn't come up in conversation lately. I am certain that if he ever does, he'll want to replace the battery powered lights with track powered ones. This means that there are going to be some tooling changes, and if he's going to do that, he'll want to make a few other improvements, too. I guess what I'm saying here is that it's not like turning a tap on and making more coaches. And that's not even getting into the condition of the old tooling, which may or may not be damaged, worn out, or even missing; they may have to make all new tooling.
richhotrain,Those Monon cars were done in the old Super Continental line as coaches, right? A friend of mine in my club has the set, plus a Walthers troop sleeper conversion baggage car and two Athearn Genesis F's for power. It makes for a nice looking train. I'm sorry you missed 'em.The problem is that I don't know if Jason wants to redo these cars just yet (or at all); it hasn't come up in conversation lately. I am certain that if he ever does, he'll want to replace the battery powered lights with track powered ones. This means that there are going to be some tooling changes, and if he's going to do that, he'll want to make a few other improvements, too. I guess what I'm saying here is that it's not like turning a tap on and making more coaches. And that's not even getting into the condition of the old tooling, which may or may not be damaged, worn out, or even missing; they may have to make all new tooling.
Paul3 Sheldon,Ok, I'll pass that along. Do you think that's B&O's most popular scheme? Rapido would want to do what modelers want the most.
Sheldon,Ok, I'll pass that along. Do you think that's B&O's most popular scheme? Rapido would want to do what modelers want the most.
I could be wrong, my hand is not on the pulse of the younger crowd, but the 40's and 50's was the peak of B&O success, so I would say yes, as delivered is the most popular scheme. Some units lasted in the original scheme until '62-'64. Others were repainted as early as '60.
To our OP, I only have one Rapido locomotive, three pax cars, and the original issue of the 'Oh So Steamy" steam generator car. The single locomotive is the Canadian RS-18, which was the Canadian version of the RS-11, just without 'pinched' nose and bell. By the time I received it, I had already seen the problems with the decoders over-driving the motors on forums, so I dreaded my own box-opening experience. I had no problems. I ran it for a while, and now, after a year 'off', it's currently on the rails again and operating nicely. It's a very nice locomotive, right up there with the very best diesels and steam Proto 2000 ever produced in terms of form and function.
Bayway Terminal Same here on the delivery uncertainity. I have been following Rapido's saga related to overseas production delays and operating issues for several years and continue to loose faith in placing pre-ordered engines, in particular the PA1 delivery delays, which if offered in an Erie paint scheme or an unpainted version i would have placed an order regardless of factory installed TCS WOW decorder. I installed a WOW decoder in an ATH Erie GP7 a few years back and it runs very hot even at idle, so i only use it for intermittent switching purposes otherise it would burn out or melt the shell if used on longer runs. Bowser, ATH Genesis 2, and Scale Trains Rivet Counter all offer high quality engines that seem to arrive in a more timley manner to the USA and are similar priced. Maybe Atlas and Intermountain engines as well but i don't have any in my current roster so i cannot recommend. Bayway Terminal NJ
Bowsers recently arrived RS3s we're almost 4 years late. I am not aware of Rapido suffering any delays that long.
Paul3Sheldon, Ok, I'll pass that along. Do you think that's B&O's most popular scheme? Rapido would want to do what modelers want the most.
I can't speak for Sheldon, but in my observation the B&O as-delivered has previously been done by Proto/Walthers, Broadway Limited, Bachmann and, well, even AHM/Rivarossi. Some of these are EA, E6 or E7, E8 and E9s.
BnO_E9-1456 by Edmund, on Flickr
The Royal Blue "dip" with the nose starburst and yellow anticlimber would be fairly simple for a modeler to do in their own paint shop and I believe decals are available for these.
Passing Into History by NAPM Model Railroad Club, on Flickr
My rationale for requesting the simplified Blue & gray is that it simply hasn't been available from other manufacturers.
B&O Capitol Limited 1971 by Michael Bludworth, on Flickr
Ed, I agree, it would be nice if someone did that scheme.
But I'm not buying any. I guess it all gets down to what era you model, and whether or not you are a "collector" of various eras and/or roadnames.
I am not the later. Nearly every model train I have fits my narrow little world of September 1954, in the mix of freelance and prototype I have created.
Maybe one day, after the layout is well along, I may consider the luxury of a little "collecting".
Until then, all resources are focused on the one goal.
richhotrain,About the Super Continental coaches, I asked at this morning's Rapido meeting about the possiblity of running them again and the answers were not encouraging...at least not in the near future. Jason wasn't there when I asked but the rest of the group said it would probably require all new tooling from the ground up. The coach is currently not in the pipeline but things can change (they change all the time, in fact). The best thing to do is to use the product suggestion page and perhaps tell all your Monon and coach-loving friends to do the same. If there are historical groups, get them involved, too. Jason does listen to product requests but they have to make sense financially. Showing him a large pent up demand is one of the ways to convince him.