Roster Update: The Great GP38 From Rapido Has Superb Lighting & Details

[@MainTrack]

Question: So you have any Rapido locomotives or cars on your layout? What has your experience been with this brand?

[@randallellison6421]

Got a total of 5 Rapido locomotives (which will soon be 6 as soon as my BNSF GP38 I ordered from Iron Planet Hobbies arrives), 2 Santa Fe B36-7s, 2 Frisco U25Bs, and most recently, 1 BCRAIL Dash 8-40CM. So far, I've really liked Rapido's locomotives! The only issue I came across, ironically came with the most recent arrival, the BCRAIL Dash 8-40CM (ordered from Yankee Dabbler), in which when function 4 is activated for the dynamic brake, the locomotive stops instead of just activating the sound as it normally would! Not a big deal, I'll probably wait until I'm back in Springfield while they're open and see if if it's just a programming error, which I'm 99.99999% sure it is.

[@25mfd]

i do not own any rapido locos so any opinions i have on them are based off of others who do own them... while rapido has very NICE LOOKING equipment, i have heard VERY VERY BAD things about their performance from MULTIPLE people who do own them... one person went so far as to call their locos very nice looking "paper weights"... i was very close to buying their new GP9 release... but after reading some of the negatives on their performance i backed off

[@roskgo1193]

I have a rapido frisco u25b that I run but it's a bit too early for my era. I've been debating getting some gp38's in Southern for an early 80s project or some c36-7 for UP/MP for a late 80s early 90s project. Not really sure the best one to go with. I have found that they have good models and such but I don't really like the sound files being locked to a serial number of the decoder. If the sound isn't really unique to the model I tend to run the OEM file. Great models though!

[@O-PAC]

I’ve got 2 of their GP38s and the GP9RM w/slug still in the box and one of their Wabash E8s. Unfortunately my layout was torn down and its rebuilding status is in hiatus right now due to moving so my locomotives haven’t been used yet. I do like the details on them but unfortunately can’t comment on performance just yet. I do have 4 of the Rapido Katy GP40s with the slug on preorder as well, just cause I’m willing to risk it. Each company has theirs pros and cons. People swear by Athearn but I’ve had multiple Athearn locomotives come in broken or have problems and had to send back for replacements. I still have a Athearn RTR Katy SD40-2 that came out of the box with the motor not working. Honestly, I’m just waiting for Scale Trains to come out with some Rivet Counter Katy SD40-2’s and MoPac 40-2’s. A barriger red era Katy GP40 would be nice too. Those are harder to find than the JD green and red was Katy’s traditional colors.

[@thetexasspecial8271]

I’ve got 8 tank cars that I purchased from Midwest model railroad that came out few years ago but no locomotives yet waiting on the 3 stooges to come out

[@scotabot7826]

These Locomotives are top of the line. They are flat out awesome and worth every single penny. Look beautiful, run exceptional and the light packages are perfect. Smooth as silk!!

[@MainTrack]

Hello! Agreed…Rapido did an amazing job on these. Even in my review, I felt like I was nitpicking a minor thing regarding the beacon size. I just couldn’t find anything negative to say about them. It’s possible even more of these 38s will show up on my layout before it’s all said and done. Haha.

[@LAPnumber4]

These are beautiful engines. Love Rapido. I never have an issue with them.

[@MainTrack]

I’m still loving them. It’s possible they’ve been getting most of the runtime on my layout lately! Ha. I am looking forward to their Katy GP40s to come out. It will be well worth the wait. -Mike

[@randallellison6421]

Very nice, Mike! As I mentioned in response to your question, I have a BNSF GP38 on order from Iron Planet Hobbies, and seeing these in action has me really excited!

[@MainTrack]

Hi, Randall. Very cool…I have seen the BNSF ones in the ads and they look pretty sharp! No matter the scheme, I don’t think anyone could go wrong with these! -Mike

[@brucec954]

So glad Rapido is adding keep alives now. Should have been part of the DCC standard. Adding after the fact can be very difficult.

[@MainTrack]

Yes, it makes a nice difference. I have some other units where it was added after the fact. It’s nice having these installed already. -Mike

[@randydobson1863]

Hi Main Track Trains & it's is Randy and i like yours video is Cool & Thanks Main Track Trains & Friends Randy

[@MainTrack]

Hi, Randy! I appreciate you watching. I’m glad to hear you enjoyed the video. Have an awesome week! -Mike

[@thebritishrailroader]

Great review of lovely locos. I have just looked at some pics of BN 2177 on RR Picture Archive and the beacon is quite high, though difficult to tell as the shots are from a lower angle.

[@MainTrack]

Hello! Thank you…I appreciate you watching and am glad you enjoyed the video. Yes, the pics I found do show a higher-up beacon. I believe Rapido’s is still a bit on the tall side- but as you mentioned- it’s hard to tell since most roster shots are taken from the ground. Either way, in the grand scheme of these amazing locomotives, it’s a minor thing. I’m loving them so far! -Mike

[@iantha_branch]

I'm glad you're liking your GP38s. Mine are still setting in the box 😅

[@MainTrack]

Yes, they’ve been pretty great so far! I’m guessing you got the BN ones? Katy had a handful of the 38s that made it into green/yellow. Maybe I’ll get lucky with those in a future release!

[@iantha_branch]

@MainTrack I actually didn't buy the BN versions yet. They're technically a post 1990 unit, and I haven't talked myself into looking past that yet. So far I have 1 CR and 1 PC that I have plans for. I keep kicking the tires on a set of Santa Fe and a set of Southern for transfer runs

[@dennisnorris6439]

I agree that Loksound is probably one of the best!

[@MainTrack]

Hi, Dennis. Yes, most certainly! I have been tempted to start replacing my other decoders with Loksound. It won’t be cheap, so that’ll likely be a long term project! -Mike

[@roskgo1193]

@MainTrack to me it is well worth it as you can still use the bell and horn if you want while the engine sound is off. Also programming for me is a breeze compared to JMRI and there are a lot less cables running around!

[@thomasavensjr.2790]

Very impressive and attractive gp38 models, I really like the older 4 axle emd locomotive models and it's nice to see a model of the original gp38 offered in ho scale instead of the gp38-2. These Rapido gp38 models are incredible from my personal observation and I personally want to purchase the B&O and Penn Central examples of this model when I finally have enough 💵💰 saved up in order to make a purchase.

[@MainTrack]

Hello! I’ve been loving them so far. I’m like you and enjoy those older style units. Rapido puts out some really great stuff. I have several of their upcoming GP40s on preorder and look forward to getting those when they finally come out!

[@Donnie67654]

I ordered ttwo of these and have them paired. I am loving these models!

[@MainTrack]

Hello! Yes, they are pretty smooth runners. I’m going to figure out a way to speed match them my Athearn Genesis units with them. The Rapidos are so smooth that they’re not playing well in consists with my units from other manufacturers.

[@Donnie67654]

@@MainTrack that’s mainly ESU and Rapido having custom factory board sounds and functions. They usually don’t play nice. Which is y I decided to just buy two of the same.

[@KraigSickels]

Great review Mike 👍👍😊

[@MainTrack]

I appreciate that, Kraig! I’m looking forward to their Katy GP40s even more now. I don’t think they’ve announced a manufacture date, let alone a release date on those…so it’ll be a while. -Mike

[@FKHTrump2024]

I’m sure you probably know Lok sound and JMRI do not play well together. That’s the reason why I stick to tsunami2 for everything so much easier great review by the way.

[@MainTrack]

Thank you…I appreciate you tuning in! Yes, I am finding that out regarding JMRI. I like both decoder brands and think they each have their strong points- but the Tsunamis aren’t nearly as cantankerous when it comes to computer programming! -Mike

[@MesquiteBelt]

Mike- ESU decoders prefer ESU programmer over JMRI… The BN unit has a WesternCullen rotary beacon. They were a true old school rotary beacon light. That Mesquite Belt hopper sure looks sharp on The Main Track!🤭

[@MainTrack]

Hi, Devin! Yes, that’s the conundrum I’m facing with the ESU decoders. I use a Mac computer, which is good for a lot of things. But, from what I’ve been able to dig up, ESU’s programmer is PC compatible and not Mac. That was one route I had looked at and would have no problem buying the programmer. The JMRI hiccup will hopefully be solved soon as I have been planning to buy a new Mac anyway. The program wasn’t liking my old operating system. Gotta love technology! Haha. I’m loving that beacon on the BN unit! I’m all about the bells and whistles and cool lighting effects! That Mesquite Belt hopper is seeing a lot of use! I love the paint scheme and your logo. Plus, that cool shade of blue really helps to balance out all the green and red rolling stock I have! Ha.

[@jbrunsonjr]

Which speaker are you thinking about upgrading to? Great video!

[@MainTrack]

Hello! I have been looking at using Scale Sound Systems units when I get to that point. I have heard them in other modelers units and have always been pretty impressed. I visited a guys layout recently where all of his units had them…they sounded like pure recordings from the real things. These Rapidos are top notch…that’s just one little thing I’d like to upgrade. -Mike

[@harold1098]

A year ago you posted a video about crossing signals. You were wearing a green MKT T-shirt 612. I have been trying to find one like that but can't. Were did you get yours?

[@MainTrack]

Hello! That shirt was from a company called Ring A Boy. It’s one of my favorites! I reached out to them this week and it looks like they took the shirt down from their store…although they do have some other cool Katy shirts still up. The owner says he’s contemplating putting the green one back up for sale if there is the interest. I’ll let you know what I find out! -Mike

[@JDERailCorp]

Springfield on the side of that BN unit really couldn't have worked out more in your favor!

[@MainTrack]

Yes, I really appreciated that extra detail! The Denver ones are just as nice of course, but I’m just a little biased toward Springfield! Haha.

[@trainjack16]

I also have that same BN GP38. I watched the part about the beacon light, and could there be a cv that can be changed to make it rotate?

[@MainTrack]

I was hoping to find something with that information, but didn’t have any luck finding it in LokSound’s documentation. I originally shot Rapido an email asking that, but they haven’t gotten back to me just yet. I’ll be sure to pass it along if I’m able to figure that one out! -Mike

[@JosephMusgrove]

Yeah, wondered about the beacon size. Looks very oversized. Something you could easily change out with a more prototypical beacon down the road.

[@MainTrack]

Yes, I’ll be looking into what some other options there are. I don’t think it would look nearly as tall if it weren’t mounted on the little platform. If I could find a way to take that out and lower the beacon down to the roof, it would look better. The wire running up to the beacon is nearly microscopic-thin…so I’ll need to have the magnifying glass ready for that project!

[@MesquiteBelt]

Those Western Cullen Rotary Beacons were a lot taller than anything else available. Look up pics of the E9’s on the Chicago Raceway, all those locos had that beacon also….

[@houseofrandomness]

Those are some great looking engines. Another thing about the Esu vs. Tsunami is the drive hold. That one thing is what keeps me away from them.

[@MainTrack]

Hello! Yes, they really knocked it out of the park with these. I’ve been running them quite a bit to break them in. So far so good!

[@SouRwy4501Productions]

I don’t have any Rapido locomotives, and I don’t plan to. The main problem for me is the cost. Rapido locomotives are very expensive, way too expensive for me. For instance, the Rapido MLW M420 at its base form costs roughly $350 straight from the manufacturer, and $250 on the secondary market. I try to limit myself to $200 on single locomotives, so that’s way out of my range.

[@MainTrack]

Hello! Most of my locomotives are Athearn Genesis. Rapidos are definitely on the higher end of things. As much as I like my Athearns, I do see the price difference being reflected with the Rapido’s even-higher of level of detail. For some, the extra cost isn’t worth it. As for prices, I have had pretty good luck over the years finding some great, new or slightly-used units for good deals. I’m always keeping my eyes out for good prices! -Mike

[@markofthenorth8918]

Awesome channel great video keep them up make sure you like and subscribe

[@MainTrack]

Thanks so much!

[@robbkardas3641]

Two Ryans , what are the chances?

[@MainTrack]

Haha! Yes, it’s a popular name around there. Both are great guys and very helpful. I’m glad to have a great, good-sized train store nearby.