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Post by win70rob on Sept 17, 2023 17:42:49 GMT -8
The detail on the Delaware & Hudson units is spot on and very nicely done, unfortunately, when placed next to the Bowser, Athearn Genesis, or Atlas models, one can see how far off the colors are on the units, I’ve messaged Rapido and will hope they will make good on these models to reflect what they are having us pay for them, it’s great that they are making the parts for the MEC/PT units
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Post by cpr4200 on Sept 17, 2023 18:34:29 GMT -8
Replacing a roof hatch is relatively cheap (if the paint isn't a perfect match, a little Alco roof grime will blend it right in). Replacing an entire shell, not so much, although I think BLI did that with the first run of B&M E7's and Bowser has done it with one or two of the MLW Bigs.
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Post by win70rob on Sept 17, 2023 19:06:07 GMT -8
The paint is pretty far off on the Delaware & Hudson units, it stands out beyond what some basic weathering could do, the grey is very dark, the D&H units faded and got lighter with time, I’m new to this forum and have not figured out how to post a picture yet, but, next to all the other manufacturers, it just looks wrong
I do remember years ago when BLI did the wrong shade or Red on the B&M shell, I was one of those original buyers, they were very good about correcting it and getting new shells out to the customers that spent money on there products. I clearly remember that because it was my first sound unit and the most expensive plastic model I had purchased
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Post by ambluco on Sept 18, 2023 2:57:18 GMT -8
Most people can't post pictures here. You need access to a service. The paint is pretty far off on the Delaware & Hudson units, it stands out beyond what some basic weathering could do, the grey is very dark, the D&H units faded and got lighter with time, I’m new to this forum and have not figured out how to post a picture yet, but, next to all the other manufacturers, it just looks wrong I do remember years ago when BLI did the wrong shade or Red on the B&M shell, I was one of those original buyers, they were very good about correcting it and getting new shells out to the customers that spent money on there products. I clearly remember that because it was my first sound unit and the most expensive plastic model I had purchased |
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Post by SCL618 on Sept 18, 2023 13:23:42 GMT -8
Here is a shot of the new Rapido SAL RS11.  Based on what I see, the Pullman green is accurate, the yellow is spot on, and the separating stripes are orange as they should be. Good job on the decoration and fit and finish is excellent. My model will become a split image SCL unit once I can find the time to disassemble it |
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Post by theengineshed on Sept 18, 2023 14:54:37 GMT -8
Based on what I see, the Pullman green is accurate, the yellow is spot on, and the separating stripes are orange as they should be. Good job on the decoration and fit and finish is excellent. My model will become a split image SCL unit once I can find the time to disassemble it THANK YOU! That's a relief, I have two on the way and I'd also planned on doing a split image SCL... |
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Post by wmcbride on Sept 18, 2023 16:05:41 GMT -8
Here is an iPhone grab shot of the new Rapido SAL RS11. The yellow stripe is indeed yellow and not the orange captured by the camera.  Based on what I see, the Pullman green is accurate, the yellow is spot on, and the separating stripes are orange as they should be. Good job on the decoration and fit and finish is excellent. My model will become a split image SCL unit once I can find the time to disassemble it The grab irons seem to be nicely executed -- unlike the large ones on the PAs. Bill McBride |
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Post by ambluco on Sept 18, 2023 16:47:22 GMT -8
Anyone seen a CV model?
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Post by theengineshed on Sept 18, 2023 18:09:20 GMT -8
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Post by prr 4467 on Sept 18, 2023 18:12:46 GMT -8
That Seaboard unit looks really sweet indeed. Like that paint scheme!
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Post by hudsonyard on Sept 18, 2023 19:20:15 GMT -8
Can confirm the D&H units look wrong
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Post by theengineshed on Sept 19, 2023 15:40:12 GMT -8
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Post by cera2254 on Sept 19, 2023 16:35:23 GMT -8
Man those NKP units are SHARP! They don’t fit Conrail in 1979 but I think we will have to make an exception.
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Post by win70rob on Sept 19, 2023 16:49:52 GMT -8
Unfortunately, the photos posted on Overland models may be sample photos, if I knew how to post a picture I would send one of the Rapido paint job next to all the other manufacturers paint jobs, the D&H just didn’t come out right. I am very happy to see that they are sending the correct dynamic brake parts for the MEC and PT units, I also purchased those and even without the dynamic brake on top they are very shape looking
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Post by cera2254 on Sept 19, 2023 17:26:06 GMT -8
Unfortunately, the photos posted on Overland models may be sample photos, if I knew how to post a picture I would send one of the Rapido paint job next to all the other manufacturers paint jobs, the D&H just didn’t come out right. I am very happy to see that they are sending the correct dynamic brake parts for the MEC and PT units, I also purchased those and even without the dynamic brake on top they are very shape looking Brian almost always does his own photos, these certainly look like his work. |
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Post by edwardsutorik on Sept 19, 2023 19:19:35 GMT -8
Brian placed a copyright bug on every photo he sent in his e-mail. This tells me they are his photos.
I'm a bit anxious about the BN green, but.......
Ed
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Post by NS4122 on Sept 19, 2023 19:29:35 GMT -8
Unfortunately your assumption is incorrect. Since each photo has a "Copyright from Overland Hobbies 2023" watermark in the lower left corner, they were definitely taken by Brian Marsh. Unfortunately, the photos posted on Overland models may be sample photos, if I knew how to post a picture I would send one of the Rapido paint job next to all the other manufacturers paint jobs, the D&H just didn’t come out right. I am very happy to see that they are sending the correct dynamic brake parts for the MEC and PT units, I also purchased those and even without the dynamic brake on top they are very shape looking |
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Post by 690 on Sept 19, 2023 20:53:21 GMT -8
The yellow looks pretty pale on the D&H but otherwise it doesn’t look too bad. At any rate usually the D&H RS-11s were grungy enough that with weathering you wouldn’t even be able to tell the difference.
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Post by win70rob on Sept 20, 2023 4:42:53 GMT -8
Either way, for the price paid, the paint should have been correct on the D&H units, there really should be no reason for customers to be notifying them to let them know about faults, I received an email back from them yesterday that they just found out about the issues, shouldn’t this be discovered before models ship to customers? I guess my real issue is that I paid for 7 units, I received 7 units, and all 7 units have a fault, at nearly $300 per unit after you calculate sales tax, I’m just disappointed, I shouldn’t have to weather a unit to try to make it blend in with other units, I’m not against weathering as I weather many of my rolling stock, I’m just not quick to grime up a brand new expensive locomotive, once again, I guess I’m just upset with the amount of money I put out to purchase these
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Post by prr 4467 on Sept 20, 2023 6:51:10 GMT -8
win70rob--
Not to trivialize your situation at all, but this is exactly why I have basically banned Rapido products from my layout. I, too, have lost too much money (on other incorrectly painted locos that Rapido specifically refused to fix in the past, as well as other issues). I want to like their products, I really do, because I even love Alco/MLW's, but even Overland Hobbies excellent photos reveal some nagging QA/QC issues which I find unacceptable for the price point in question. Ditto for the U25B's. Overland Hobbies photos confirmed why I refused to preorder any of these locos.
I don't doubt that the D&H shells are wrong; unfortunately, I wish the D&H fans "good luck" in getting Rapido to issue new shells.
I just have had much better luck with ScaleTrains Gevo's and Bowser SD40-2's, and I now stick to those units specifically because their QA/QC shows in the final assembly of those particular models, which is just better than most others.
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Post by carrman on Sept 20, 2023 9:20:46 GMT -8
Friends don't let friends preorder Rapido. If I miss a first run of something oh well, but I'd rather not get burned.
Dave
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Post by Partial_List on Sept 20, 2023 10:26:42 GMT -8
win70rob-- Not to trivialize your situation at all, but this is exactly why I have basically banned Rapido products from my layout. I, too, have lost too much money (on other incorrectly painted locos that Rapido specifically refused to fix in the past, as well as other issues). I want to like their products, I really do, because I even love Alco/MLW's, but even Overland Hobbies excellent photos reveal some nagging QA/QC issues which I find unacceptable for the price point in question. Ditto for the U25B's. Overland Hobbies photos confirmed why I refused to preorder any of these locos. I don't doubt that the D&H shells are wrong; unfortunately, I wish the D&H fans "good luck" in getting Rapido to issue new shells. I just have had much better luck with ScaleTrains Gevo's and Bowser SD40-2's, and I now stick to those units specifically because their QA/QC shows in the final assembly of those particular models, which is just better than most others. Just curious…what did you notice about the U25Bs? |
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Post by prr 4467 on Sept 20, 2023 12:27:33 GMT -8
For one I see inconsistent handrail installation: some stanchions leaning, some straight, some not fully pressed into walkway (based on my past experience I surmise they might even be glued into position that way so a pain to try to fix and it's obvious to me even from a few feet away on the layout). In the one photo of the Santa Fe U25B, I see the exhaust stack and can antenna both not sitting completely flush to the body. On several of the models I see class lights that don't look right, as if there are white glue stains or something on/over the lens, just not looking right to me. I see handrails themselves (not the stanchions, but the railings) that appear to have bows in them. Also I see not very neat trimming of handrails from the sprue, with paint over the little nubs (also saw that on U25B's in person in a store--thought Rapido was supposed to be using metail railings--I guess they gave that up?). It's a bit challenging after the fact to clean up some of this stuff when not everybody, especially not me, weathers the crap out of them.
In general, ScaleTrains, Bowser, even Athearn and BLI do a little bit better job of assembly on most of the models (anyone is capable of having some that don't measure up, but I'm speaking in general terms here).
I know there were plenty of prototype locos with the odd bent stanchion or a kink in the railing that maybe were left that way for a while...but not every engine looks that way.
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Post by ambluco on Sept 20, 2023 12:50:44 GMT -8
Replacement DB hatches for MEC and PT are available now. You need to fill out a form, per their post on FB: Replacement Part Form |
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Post by jonklein611 on Sept 20, 2023 13:07:26 GMT -8
Unboxing from Rapido:
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Post by theengineshed on Sept 20, 2023 13:53:33 GMT -8
Either way, for the price paid, the paint should have been correct on the D&H units, there really should be no reason for customers to be notifying them to let them know about faults, I received an email back from them yesterday that they just found out about the issues, shouldn’t this be discovered before models ship to customers? I guess my real issue is that I paid for 7 units, I received 7 units, and all 7 units have a fault, at nearly $300 per unit after you calculate sales tax, I’m just disappointed, I shouldn’t have to weather a unit to try to make it blend in with other units, I’m not against weathering as I weather many of my rolling stock, I’m just not quick to grime up a brand new expensive locomotive, once again, I guess I’m just upset with the amount of money I put out to purchase these I'd be very perturbed if I'd bought seven units, four with iffy paint and three missing the DBs. This definitely wasn't your run! And I just watched the Rapido unboxing, they really should have mentioned the MEC/PT units are missing the DBs, but they are available free to those that ask. Hopefully Rapido will also offer replacement D&H shells to those that ask. Since color is somewhat subjective, many buyers might not notice, so it isn't like they are going to have to replace all of them. I just received a Rapido UK 15xx British locomotive. It runs poorly, waddles like a duck. To their credit, I have already received an international return postage label, and a promise they will repair, make it right, and return it. The Rapido UK team seems a bit more forthcoming about "issues" than the North American team. Of course, Rapido still participates in forums on that side of the Atlantic... |
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Post by prr 4467 on Sept 20, 2023 14:28:49 GMT -8
That's because us Yanks really ticked them off.
I've had about 7 failed motors in another manufacturer's locos this year (not Bowser), and they have bent over backwards to fix them quickly and to make me happy. They treated me as if I actually matter to them.
I never felt that way any time I called Rapido about legitimate issues.
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Post by ambluco on Sept 20, 2023 15:10:58 GMT -8
Seven failed motors is a lot of QC issues by other manufacturers.
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abm
Junior Member
Posts: 65
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Post by abm on Sept 20, 2023 16:11:44 GMT -8
I just received my RS-11, BN 4195 in the green scheme. Haven't had a chance to run it yet or test the sound, but here's what I've noted about the paint and detail.
The green is "bright", not quite as yellow(?) as the Overland photos made it look but... I have some red-green colorblindness... so I'm really not well equipped to judge color, especially BN green. Good for the model manufacturers, I guess, and since BN green could/did vary a lot, I just run it all. I don't find it objectionable, though, and it does seem better in-person.
I picked 4195 because it was one of the earliest BN repaints (by 1972) whereas a bunch of the RS-11's kept their NP paint until 1974 or 1975. Turns out 4195 (the real one) may have been a little unique, the green on the side sills wraps through the stepwells and across the pilot, whereas most (all?) the later BN RS-11 repaints had all-black pilots. So 4195 (the model) more closely resembles units like 4193 and 4197 which were re-painted a little later. That's a pretty road-number-specific issue so I'm not sure how worked up I am about it yet.
The model also has a small white stripe on three of the 4 cab faces (including both doors) but I've been unable to find a SINGLE photo anywhere, books or internet, of ANY BN RS-11 with this feature. So I have no idea how/why Rapido decided to add that.
The precise horn, antenna, and flasher locations varied some unit-to-unit, again Rapido's model is "generic", every road number is the same. It's "generally" correct though I'm not sure the horn itself is exactly the right type. Rapido's horn has the back-facing trumpet offset right whereas the 3-chimes on the prototype appear to have the back-facing trumpet centered. Sorry, I'm not an expert in horn types. The big NP bell looks good enough and the location looks about right. The flasher is an early style, BN changed these rather frequently.
Two other little nitpicks: First, the drop steps on the ends are ridiculously tall/long. I think they did this to bridge the longer-than-prototype gap that exists between the models when coupled up, but when the drops steps are up they look pretty goofy. Second, the prototype had 4-hose MU clusters, not 5.
Otherwise... the paint is really nicely applied, the details are all present and accounted for, no shipping damage nor assembly errors, and the handrails are nice and straight. They did lower the radiator fan a bit, I didn't find the first-run fan objectionable but they did fix that issue.
I will probably spring for NP-BN "patch" jobs 4193 and 4197 since they retained their NP paint well into 1975.
Last but not least... it appears to have ground lights on BOTH sides. :-)
Update: near moment of minor panic! Put the model on the layout, power on, and... nothing. So I took it over to the test track and hooked it up to Lokprogrammer... couldn't find a supported decoder. Opened the model up... which is MUCH easier on this version... and the decoder had come unplugged from the board. It's working fine now. One note, Function F10 is supposed to be the independent brake, but it doesn't work... the decoder is programmed with the brake sound, but no logical function. It's an easy fix with a Lokprogrammer but if you don't have one, and you're wondering why the braking feature won't work... thats why.
The sound seems good and the model runs smoothly with only a slight gear noise (with the sound off).
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Post by prr 4467 on Sept 20, 2023 20:24:59 GMT -8
Seven failed motors is a lot of QC issues by other manufacturers. Yes, yes it is, and they thought they had the issue fixed, but even the very latest run from China is having the same issues, and apparently I've just been less fortunate than most. Despite some failures, nobody is really calling them out anywhere, probably because their service and the way they have been handling everything has been truly first rate, so I'm hesitant to call them out because they are really trying. All my locos except one seem to be ok now. That one should go back tomorrow. They provided the shipping label. I am glad so far that it appears abm has received a nice RS-11. |
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