|
|
Post by edwardsutorik on Aug 25, 2015 16:28:03 GMT -8
I believe I'm the first kid on my block to get my Rapido FL9's.
They run very nicely. The sound is quite good. I can't say for sure if the horn is exactly right, but it sure doesn't sound like anything else I ever heard. Anything that unusual has GOT to be correct. The instructions are nicely written, and describe such things as running the critters as electrics (the sound, not using the pickup shoes).
The detailing is mostly perfect. Mostly. Today's gripe is that the number boards sorta float out off the body. And the rooftop cooling coils aren't straight. Still, the model is stunning. And I'm le campeur tres happy.
I do hope that Rapido will do a tutorial on how to attach the little baggy of parts. Fer example, the mini-pan has two mounting pins. But no holes. Yeah, I deeply suspect there's little starter holes inside. But maybe not. If not, where does a guy drill the holes? Inquiring minds want to know.
Nice work. I am looking forward to the NW5.
Meanwhile, I've gotta send off a check for some 8600 coaches.
Ed
|
|
|
|
Post by eh49 on Aug 25, 2015 17:07:50 GMT -8
I bought 5 of them and can agree with everything you said. I tried Rapidos instructions to remove the body to see if they had starter holes inside for the pans. I could not get the body "wiggled" off at all it is a very tight fit. However, on there web site they have CAD drawings that show where to mount the pan and end ladder that helped me place those items. The horn is actually a Hancock Air Wistle. I have never heard one in real life so I can't say if they got that sound right or not. One issu e I have is light leakage where the number boards join the body. All in all they are beautiful models.
|
|
|
|
Post by dti406 on Aug 25, 2015 17:21:50 GMT -8
Just received mine today, have not run them but they look beautiful. Will see how they run when I get to the club on Saturday. I am not going to install the extra parts as they did not last that long on the prototype. A Couple of pictures:   Rick J |
|
|
|
Post by Spikre on Aug 26, 2015 10:30:14 GMT -8
 coming from a town with a Real RR coach yard in it am used to the 50s "Blat" horns, then the later Chime horns. Hancock Air Whistles are just plain Weird !! think of a Euro Movie with lots of trains in it and those peeping sounds,thats what the Hancocks sounded like. or think a toned down version of the whistle on the Flintstones, just higher in pitch and slightly quieter, that would be close. for most of us used to REAL Air Horns, the Hancocks are Bizarre. then sit there and wonder WHY any Real RR would even use some thing that belongs on a Subway car, or on a Euro train. Spikre 
|
|
|
|
Post by marknycfan on Aug 26, 2015 14:33:27 GMT -8
I once heard someone say a Hancock Air Horn is a horn with a lisp!
|
|
|
|
Post by Paul Cutler III on Aug 26, 2015 16:48:50 GMT -8
Ed,
There are mounting locations marked for both the roof pan and the extra grab iron on the roof only present on the #2000 and #2001. There are no mounting locations for the ladder, and the rear door diaphragm is rather obvious.
eh49,
There are four catches in the shell that slip into slots in the chassis. I used round toothpicks to spread the shell at each catch location, which made shell removal a little easier.
Spikre,
The first 20 seconds of this YouTube video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mDuSWDTU8Dg) is what Rapido used for the F5 "Doppler grade crossing" sound on this model.
All early NH road diesels used WABCO E-2 "blat" horns, but they proved unpopular with the public that was used to the more melodic steam whistles from the last 100 years or so (at that time). So the NH ordered (or converted) all their new mid-50's locos with Hancocks: RS-11, GP9, H16-44, SW1200, FL9, EP-5, 4400-Class MU, even the Mack FCD Railbus. Even the RDC's got Hancocks, mostly because their original blat horns filled with bugs, muting them.
|
|
|
|
Post by edwardsutorik on Aug 26, 2015 18:27:31 GMT -8
Paul,
I'm not following your comment. I've got a photo of 2003 with a pan on top. I've got models of 2003 and 2016, and would like to attach whatever parts are appropriate for 1956-ish.
I do think that if Rapido expects me to finish out the model, they should provide clear instructions on doing so.
Ed
|
|
|
|
Post by Judge Doom on Aug 26, 2015 22:38:14 GMT -8
Paul, I'm not following your comment. I've got a photo of 2003 with a pan on top. I've got models of 2003 and 2016, and would like to attach whatever parts are appropriate for 1956-ish. I do think that if Rapido expects me to finish out the model, they should provide clear instructions on doing so. Ed I think he means that the grab was only present on the first two, and wasn't referring to the pans. |
|
|
|
Post by Paul Cutler III on Aug 27, 2015 6:52:56 GMT -8
Ed,
As Judge Doom said, the extra roof grab was what I was talking about there. Sorry for the confusion. All EDER-5's (2000-2029) had the roof pans installed. The reason why Rapido didn't add them at the factory is that the exact date when they were removed (and in what order) is rather foggy. I figure by 1960 when the EDER-5's were modernized, they removed the ladder, pan and diaphragm...but I know I saw at least one photo with the 1960 modernized safety grabs installed on an EDER-5...and it still had the pan. It may have been the only one, but my photo collection has holes in it.
For 1956, you'd need to add the pans, ladders, and rear door diaphragms to your pair of units.
For the roof pan, I used a #61 drill bit. For the rear ladder, for the top pins I used a #75 drill. For the bottom pins, I used a #71. I used white glue on the pan and ladder to hold them on. For the rear door diaphragm, the water transfer pipe can be annoying to get around, but it can be done. Just slide the edge of the diaphragm down from the top.
|
|
|
|
Post by edwardsutorik on Aug 27, 2015 7:35:00 GMT -8
Thanks, all, for helping me solve the extra pieces puzzle.
I've picked up a NH caboose, so these fellas will be hauling freight, for awhile. When my four 8600's show, I'll have half of my passenger train. Which is a start.
Fun. Definitely.
Thanks again,
Ed
|
|
|
|
Post by bar on Aug 27, 2015 8:42:19 GMT -8
Ed's comments have been up here going on two days but Rapido and Jason has yet to respond. Interesting. Jason has time enough to come on here and promote his products for free, post guessing games, and joke around, but not to provide customer service. Gotcha.
|
|
|
|
Post by ambluco on Aug 27, 2015 9:10:34 GMT -8
Uh, Jason is travel by train to the Portland model train show. A person can't do some business travel and is expected to answer things promptly on this site?
|
|
|
|
Post by dti406 on Aug 27, 2015 9:25:26 GMT -8
Thanks, all, for helping me solve the extra pieces puzzle. I've picked up a NH caboose, so these fellas will be hauling freight, for awhile. When my four 8600's show, I'll have half of my passenger train. Which is a start. Fun. Definitely. Thanks again, Ed Mine are the same way, will be hauling freight on the break-in time! By the way Trainworld has a sale on the Osgood Bradley (American Flyer) Cars, that I just received. They are in the Green Paint, but my Color Guide lists a lot of the green painted cars still around in the late 50's and 60's. Rick J |
|
|
|
Post by canrailfan on Aug 27, 2015 9:38:47 GMT -8
Ed's comments have been up here going on two days but Rapido and Jason has yet to respond. Interesting. Jason has time enough to come on here and promote his products for free, post guessing games, and joke around, but not to provide customer service. Gotcha. Comments like this might just convince Jason to not bother coming back to announce future products, create a bit of fun, or participate in the general discussions. I find the comment mean-spirited and uncalled for. Rapido's customer service has always been top-notch when I've required help. Even model railroad manufacturers take time off once in a while. David |
|
|
|
Post by rapidobill on Aug 27, 2015 10:00:26 GMT -8
Well... I have a good excuse anyway - I was in the air all day yesterday. Jason was on a train with no wi-fi for two days. He has ALL the fun. I realize that we really should spend most of our time monitoring the forums, but sometimes it's just not possible (ducking for cover now!) As regards the pan and ladders, somehow the images and details never made it into the final draft. Blams us both - Jason wrote it and I proofed it! Hey, I knew where they went... thanks to Paul and gang! For those that don't, I posted photos at www.rapidotrains.com/support_fl9.html last week. Oh, and preempting this one - we're both going to be at the Expo Center setting up for the Portland National Train Show all day so won't be able to respond further until tonight. It's that damn work thing that keep getting in the way.... ;>) Bill Schneider Rapido Trains |
|
|
|
Post by steveturner on Aug 27, 2015 10:20:12 GMT -8
Rapidos service is first class. My dealings with Dan have been excellent.Obviously its not always convenient for Rapido to chime in when you think they should. They do a fantastic job being a small operation, great product and back up. Remember there is only a few folks at Rapido and a ton of us!Based on the fact they have a company to run and operate they seem to find the time to please and interact with modellers and their customers. Rapidos interaction within the hobby and modelers who enjoy the hobby is second to none. Jason himself is really a one of a kind feller! Its guys like him that keep the hobby alive and exciting.Steve..............no Jason didnt pay me to write this LOL.
|
|
|
|
Post by Spikre on Aug 27, 2015 11:36:09 GMT -8
Jason may not have invented the Hancock Air Whistle, but He is Responsible for its pollution on many model RRs now !! so go ahead and hide in Portland,it will catch up with Rapido some day. Spikre who still thinks these critters should be renamed NH9s, and NH18s !! 
|
|
|
|
Post by rapidomike on Aug 27, 2015 17:34:34 GMT -8
Well... I have a good excuse anyway - I was in the air all day yesterday. Jason was on a train with no wi-fi for two days. He has ALL the fun. I realize that we really should spend most of our time monitoring the forums, but sometimes it's just not possible (ducking for cover now!) As regards the pan and ladders, somehow the images and details never made it into the final draft. Blams us both - Jason wrote it and I proofed it! Hey, I knew where they went... thanks to Paul and gang! For those that don't, I posted photos at www.rapidotrains.com/support_fl9.html last week. Oh, and preempting this one - we're both going to be at the Expo Center setting up for the Portland National Train Show all day so won't be able to respond further until tonight. It's that damn work thing that keep getting in the way.... ;>) Bill Schneider Rapido Trains ... and for the record, we don't mind it if occasionally Jason is on a train without WiFi..... it allows us to catch our breath and rest up for his next crazy idea..... I mean; a man can only take being beamed up, vapourized by a robot and being portrayed as a rooster for so long without a "time out"..... I'm sure Jason will be back on line after Portland..... and thinking up more wacky ideas for us staff......... Mike McGrattan Rapido Trains |
|
|
|
Post by rails4dmv on Aug 27, 2015 17:52:32 GMT -8
Noticed on Rapido's Facebook page that the guys got the rest of the FL9's in (Amtrak, Metro North and Blue/Yellow Penn Central) with pictures posted.
My wallet is still hurting from the LRC purchase, but the Metro North and Amtrak FL9's are as good as bought.
|
|
|
|
Post by edwardsutorik on Aug 27, 2015 18:30:43 GMT -8
Supposing. Just supposing someone wanted to add a couple of units to help out a person's pair of (early--1956) FL9's in freight service. What would be a nice unit, or two, to keep an eye out for (sorry about that preposition--or is that proposition--I fergit)?
Anyway, since NH isn't at all officially my area of interest, this isn't a big pressing thing. But, ya know..............
Ed
Who almost wishes he had been foolish enough to get one more FL9 for the freight service. $400? Why, that's chicken feed. Admittedly, for VERY happy chickens.
PS:
Neither am I a PC modeler. But that darn C430 just seduced me (the guilt, the guilt). So I'm a'sittin' here with my new C430, and it looks so, uh, lonely. Really, just one unit pulling a train? But THEN. Inspiration. Athearn offered that PC GP9B. Yeah, I ordered one. What a lashup: C-430, GP9B. Oh, yeah!!!!!
Don't copy me, dudes and Ms. dudes. Unless you get, say, 3 of the GP9B's. THAT would be darn spunky.
|
|
Tom
Full Member
Posts: 229
|
Post by Tom on Aug 27, 2015 18:38:01 GMT -8
|
|
|
|
Post by rapidobill on Aug 27, 2015 19:28:08 GMT -8
Jason may not have invented the Hancock Air Whistle, but He is Responsible for its pollution on many model RRs now !! so go ahead and hide in Portland,it will catch up with Rapido some day. Spikre who still thinks these critters should be renamed NH9s, and NH18s !! Right. It's time to set this one straight. Jason has never heard a Hancock in person. Ever.  I, on the other hand, lived within earshot of the Danbury Branch of Metro North/New Haven for several years which happened to coincide with the end of the regular FL9 era. I was in that period when I was constantly looking to steal the family car for the day and the arrangement that my father came up with is that if I drove him to the Cannondale station in the morning and picked him up at night then I could use the car in between. Such a deal - FL9s twice a day and the car in between! (OK, it was a early 80s Olds Cutlass Supreme, so the FL9s were probably the highlight...). As a result, I heard a LOT of Hancock whistles. When the first Hancock sample came in from ESU Jason asked "What the heck is that?" to which I replied "I don't know, but it's not a Hancock!" We went back and forth on a few sound files before we found an actual FL9 clip that we could sample (with permission) to get the sounds. The problem with the Hancock sound is that it's a combination of the horn/whistle note and leaking air. Just an electronic version of the note sounds completely wrong without the... well... wheezing... to go along with it. Some may disagree (on a forum? Really?!), but I think we nailed it. So, sorry Spikre, I guess it's my fault... I'm not one bit sorry! ;>) Bill PS - In a full circle I now live not far from the Valley Railroad in Connecticut. Their dinner train still uses Hancocks. (Unfortunately, Jason and I were in China when we were finalizing the sounds, but we now also have a recording of these units for future use). If you don't believe that they sound like the model, watch this - filmed only a few short miles from Rapido USA Headquarters: |
|
|
|
Post by Spikre on Aug 28, 2015 1:39:38 GMT -8
 Paul, there were a number of Post 1930 Steam locos with Air Horns. some in addition to Whistles, some the main or only noise maker. most of these ran West of the Hudson River, many were considered "Super Power Steam", but their were also a number of RR Shop Rebuilds with Air Horns. we'll not mention Bells for now. Spikre 
|
|
|
|
Post by bnsf971 on Aug 28, 2015 2:24:13 GMT -8
Paul, there were a number of Post 1930 Steam locos with Air Horns. some in addition to Whistles, some the main or only noise maker. most of these ran West of the Hudson River, many were considered "Super Power Steam", but their were also a number of RR Shop Rebuilds with Air Horns. we'll not mention Bells for now. Spikre SP had a fleet of air-horn-equipped steam engines. The GS and AC series both come to mind. |
|
|
|
Post by lvrr325 on Aug 28, 2015 4:29:26 GMT -8
FWIW, you can find videos on Youtube of Catskill Mountain Railroad trains. Their RS1 has a Hancock Air Whistle on it. Reminded me of seeing actual steam engines.
I don't know the heritage of the whistle itself, I doubt it came on the RS1 when it arrived from Green Mountain (be easy enough to ask them) but it wouldn't be hard to go record the real deal. They run it in Kingston NY pretty regular.
|
|
|
|
Post by Paul Cutler III on Aug 28, 2015 7:39:14 GMT -8
Ed,
Yes, the FL9's hauled freight, usually TOFC trains at night (which is why there are so few pics of them doing so). It was a common practice, just not commonly photographed.
One other engine that was MU'd with FL9's from time to time were NH GP9's (coming soon from Athearn Genesis!). Theoretically, the NH's other mid-1950's new locos, RS-11's and H16-44's (TM-style) could also MU with an FL9 but I've never seen a pic of that. However, I've seen a few shots of the FL9-GP9 combo, so that's totally correct.
I've never seen a shot of an FL9 MU'd with DL-109's, PA's, CPA24-5's, RS-3's or any other NH road power including the later U25B's or C-425's. I've seen an FL9 with an EP-5 (one rescuing the other), but it was two crews as EP-5's had no MU ability.
Rick,
Many Osgood Bradley's never got McGinnis colors. So running them in the skirtless variations is perfectly legit into the 1960's.
Bill,
You're welcome. Now get crackin' on that 8600!
|
|
|
|
Post by Spikre on Aug 28, 2015 9:27:23 GMT -8
lvrr325, in the mid 70s rode behind the Green Mountain S-4s and RS-1s a number of times . a friend lived in Center Chester where many of the trains had the locos run around them to head back to Bellows Falls. don't remember ever hearing any Hancock Air Whistles there. but do recall Whistles on the Steam Locos that ran thru to Rutland. friends' now ex-wife hated the Steamers, but didn't notice the Diesels. Spikre 
|
|
|
|
Post by Amboy Secondary on Aug 28, 2015 11:24:46 GMT -8
While I'm a couple days late into this thread, I'm very happy with my PC Basic Black version. A nice touch was a full PC - CR patch decal sheet, enclosed in the box, along with the little bag of goodies, that PC modelers don't need. Now to cobble up a few PC cars to go with it. (A couple of PC 8600s wouldn't hurt either.)
I had one cab ride in a FL9 from GCT to Crouton-Harmon, and a Rohr Turbo back. Ride was typical for Flexicoil truck equipped locos, that is less than ideal. My only experience with Hancock Air Whistles, was with the NH SW1200s, that ended up working around Wilmington, DE. Truthfully, the sound was not memorable. One night, enroute to Buffalo, (snow duty), i caught Amtrak's Lake Shore at GCT. I was surprised to find the 7 or 8 car consist was handled with a single Amtrak FL9. By this time it was the HEP era, and our train was mixed Heritage and Amfleet. Believe to went all the way to Albany, but I'm not sure about that.
|
|
|
|
Post by craigz on Aug 29, 2015 16:50:21 GMT -8
Mounting the pans - pull off the shell. There's drill points inside. They run great, they sound great, they look great. I'm very pleased with mine.
|
|
|
|
Post by Spikre on Aug 31, 2015 7:44:36 GMT -8
?? Bill, so is that some sort of "Nonsense" that Flexi-Coil equipped Locos rode like Pullmans ? from what can be gathered here, when they were New,the Alco Blunt Trucks were the best riding Diesel truck after the 3 Axle PA Commonwealth trucks and the EMD E Unit trucks. Spikre |
|
