What can I say?  My O(our) experience was different.

Schuyler

 

From: main@RealSTMFC.groups.io <main@RealSTMFC.groups.io> On Behalf Of spsalso via groups.io
Sent: Monday, April 13, 2020 3:55 PM
To: main@RealSTMFC.groups.io
Subject: Re: Rapido diesel accuracy was RE: [RealSTMFC] Question re: upcoming Rapido USRA DS box

 

 

Schuyler,

But, you see, I DID get in touch with Rapido.  I sent information to both Gareth and Bill, and they responded.  I came up with numerous photos, including ones I bought just for the purpose.  I offered opinions--informed opinions.

I think I made it clear that I would do everything I could to ensure the SP&S models were accurate.  One could at least imply that to be the case, if one thought about the amount of time I put in doing research.  I never once blew them off.  I never ignored a question.  I always tried to back up my statements with evidence.

So.  It is NOT in part "because".

They had everything they needed.



Ed

Edward Sutorik

From: main@RealSTMFC.groups.io <main@RealSTMFC.groups.io> On Behalf Of Kemal Mumcu via groups.io
Sent: Monday, April 13, 2020 6:01 AM
To: main@RealSTMFC.groups.io
Subject: Re: [RealSTMFC] Question re: upcoming Rapido USRA DS box

One thing about these Rapido cars that could be corrected is the incorrect ride height.  They ride high on the trucks.  This was the same problem with the NP cars.  I had to make a jig and sand down the excess bolster material to bring down the car to ride at the right height. 

A possible solution:  Make the cars with the correct bolster ride height and add a fitted washer to deliver the cars.  The toy train types will be happy and more discerning modelers can remove the washer to bring down the car to the right height. 

Colin Meikle

A video from the Pacific Great Eastern of a GN USRA being righted after a wreck.  From the mid-fifties.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CdtnVk2M3YU&t=2s

I seem to recall seeing some 40’ box cars that were stretched to 50’ using diagonal panels in the middle of the cars’ rectangular panels for the roof.



Dennis Storzek wrote:

 Seems I recall the NKP had some auto cars that were built based on an earlier design, where it was found the new diagonal pressing interfered with the loaders, and so the cars were built with diagonal panels EXCEPT for two; those were the older recangular design to gibe the needed clearance.

 

    SP built some automobile cars with such a feature, doubtless the same reason.

 

Tony Thompson

tony@...

 

 

 

On Apr 13, 2020, at 1:27 PM, Schuyler Larrabee via groups.io <schuyler.larrabee@...> wrote:



I have to say that Rapido’s ERIE FA2s are very well detailed (with one minor exception).  That’s at least in part because I saw Bill Schneider at the Springfield (MA) train show while Rapido was still in the project development mode.  He was expecting to see me, and was quick to show me the hand painted ERIE shell he’s just finished the night before – there was still plenty of paint odor present.

 

I looked it over and said it looked fairly good except for the five errors I could see in about two minutes.  Bill was a bit crestfallen, but I told him I’d assemble a group of friends who could provide him the definitive answers to getting the paint and detailing correct.  I emailed three friends and between us we corrected the yellow paint configuration on the roof, the location of the horns, the proper placement of the firecracker antenna as well as some minor details about the wings either side of the nose.  That all took probably 30 emails and attached photos over the course of a week.  Bill and Rapido were very appreciative of the information and the finished units are excellent . . . inexplicably, there are two antennae on the roof.  An easy fix, simply pull the incorrect one out.

 

(I have wondered if I looked long enough at enough photos I’ve not encountered thus far, I >might< find another FA2 with an antenna in the other location . . . but I kind of doubt that.)

 

My point is that if the SP&S FA2s are inaccurate, it is at least in part because those modelers who wanted them did not take the initiative to get in touch with Rapido and help them to get them right.

 

But no FB2’s in the mail today . . .  ☹

 

Schuyler

 

From: main@RealSTMFC.groups.io <main@RealSTMFC.groups.io> On Behalf Of spsalso via groups.io
Sent: Sunday, April 12, 2020 11:56 PM
To: main@RealSTMFC.groups.io
Subject: Re: [RealSTMFC] Question re: upcoming Rapido USRA DS box

 

Randy,

Rapido does indeed release some road specific details for their locomotives.  Unfortunately, many of the details are incorrect.  The current SP&S FA-2 has at least 9 points of failure on that matter.

Athearn has been pretty good about accurate detailing, lately.  I bought a BNSF diesel that was properly detailed for an era a few years ahead of the one I wanted.  I will now modify it to the era of my choice.  And.  It was remarkably affordable.

These new models, while generic and consequently somewhat overpriced, will still be welcome.  


Ed

Edward Sutorik

On Apr 13, 2020, at 12:08 PM, Tony Thompson <tony@...> wrote:



Dennis Storzek wrote:

 Seems I recall the NKP had some auto cars that were built based on an earlier design, where it was found the new diagonal pressing interfered with the loaders, and so the cars were built with diagonal panels EXCEPT for two; those were the older recangular design to gibe the needed clearance.

    SP built some automobile cars with such a feature, doubtless the same reason.

Tony Thompson

tony@...