Rapido LNER Dynamometer Car - REVIEW - 00 Gauge Model Railways

[@GwionRhysDavies]

From my analysis of the light bar I think the culprit is a dodgy 5v regulator. I suspect the factory swapped them in either because it was cheaper or the original part wasn't available with the current component shortages (rapido were likely not made aware of this). I've replaced it on my one as it got fried while running it on my clubs test track but I recommend everyone else return them so they can be sorted by rapido. I expect some may insist on keeping them, in which case, please remove the light bar from the coach entirely to avoid overheating components damaging the model (this may happen even if the lights are off). I feel bad for Rapido, first the pallet falls off the lory and now this.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

I definitely think you're on the right track with that (pardon the pun!). After I filmed that running session, even with the lights off the roof was very hot so yes, you do definitely need to remove the lighting entirely if anyone is planning on keeping them. Honestly though, I would second your call of recommending everyone sort out getting their coach returned to Rapido. They've made it really easy to do and we've waited long enough already, we can surely wait another month or too. Thanks for watching 😃

[@MerlinIslandCrabCoveRailway]

From what I can see it's the wrong device. They have used a HT7550-1 and not a L78L05 whilst they look identical the pin-out is totally different.

[@GwionRhysDavies]

@@MerlinIslandCrabCoveRailway Exactly the same findings my end. Comparing the data sheets though, see no reason as to why the HT7550-1 wouldn't work though. I've replaced it with a L78L05, re-routing the pins of course!

[@GBDT]

Hi. I received my Dynamometer car last week. it looks great. With the internal light on it shows off the carriage detail. I then used the wand to try switching it off and on. It went off ok, but nothing would make the lights turn back on again. I got in touch with Rails the next day and we tried a few ways to sort it out, but nothing worked. So, I sent it back for Rails to try and fix it. They said they would see what they could do but then added that if they couldn't fix it then the only option was to refund the money as there are no other cars available as they have all been sold! So, I am glad that you have said that Rapido have recalled them as it means that I have a good chance of getting a working one back. 😃. Cheers, George.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Hi George, yes it sounds like a lot of people have had that sort of situation which is ultimately what led to the recall. Thanks for watching 😃

[@RobA500]

They are probably one of the best detailed OO scale coaches out there but I hope the price isn't going to become the norm as it will kill the hobby, it's approaching O scale pricing. A real shame the lighting is defective but kudos to Rapido for issuing a recall in order to fix the problem which is more that can be said for other manufacturers that have had dodgy motors etc. Nice review, cheers Rob.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

It is incredibly detailed but personally I don't think this will become the norm - at least not for carriages. The Dynamometer Car is a one-off coach so most people will only be buying one, rather than getting a few for their layout. That in tandem with the limited liveries that Rapido could produce it in (plus the fictional Maroon) pushes up the price. The original ones have been selling for a lot secondhand for years now too, so from that I'd indicate there's high demand over this particular coach and the amount of detail it has rather than all coaches. Thanks for watching 😃

[@railfanpolska]

Hello! Thanks for another interesting video. Greetings from Poland 🇵🇱🖐️🙂

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching 😃

[@benstrainsandthings]

This would be good to run with mallard! Nice reveiw and model

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

I mean, I've got the Live Steam Mallard which I run occasionally on the modular layout and a set of the LNER Coronation coaches on order from Hornby too. I think a plan is starting to form 😉 Thanks for watching 👍

[@MarAugBel]

very nice wagon, is detailed the axles of the wheels, as they do for example lsmodels, esu, ree modeles, brawa. in these cases they make the discs and all the complete brake mechanisms in the bogies, accompanied by bronze bushings in the axle tips for better rolling.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Yes the wheels are fully detailed too along with the bogies and brake rigging. I'd be surprised if a model if this standard didn't have bearings on the wheels too, that tends to be pretty standard these days. Thanks for watching 😃

[@tagsdm]

Wow, that's an amazingly well done product from where I sit, anyway. Even in spite of the lighting issue, which will get sorted out, I'm sure. These things happen in the digital world, too, with updates and corrections issued frequently. Level of detail, here, seems outstanding, the corridors, underframe, and interior being really well done. Teak representation and livery in general are great. Even the price, though high, doesn't seem unfair. You're getting a lot for your money. Just right with Hush-Hush, which I imagine pulled this car quite often while testing. You did a great review, fun and informative.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Yeah I definitely think the amount of detail and what you get with this coach does justify the high price. It's perhaps a little overkill for something running round the layout but Rapido do like to go all out with their models. Thanks for watching 😃

[@paulisnotonfire]

They are easily one of the nicest coaches ever made for OO. I got one of the Rails run off Ebay a couple years ago and it's one of my favourites. Though I certainly won't be paying as much as I did for another single coach again. But much like Rapidos J70, you are absolutely getting what you pay for with this. Cheers

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

They are certainly spectacular! Considering the amount of detail I think the high price is justified especially as it's a one-off as well so it's not like people will be buying multiples. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing what the upcoming Hunslet's from Rapido are like, hopefully they're just as good as the J70s! Thanks for watching 😃

[@archstanton5603]

An excellent review - thank you! 🙂 A lovely model that hopefully a friend will bring along to a Ewhurst Green model railway running session - hopefully as part of a 1948 locomotive exchanges formation...

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Fantastic, that sounds like a great running session to be fair! Thanks for watching 😃

[@nigelcole1936]

Thank you for the excellent review. I received my Rapido LNER Dynamometer Car during the week, and it does look great. As you say a real shame that it has to go back for repair of the lights but well done to Rapido for dealing with this so well. Loving your work.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

They are fantastic aren't they. Such a shame about the lights but it definitely needs sorting out as there is just as much detail inside the coach than on the outside - perhaps even more. It must have been a tough call for Rapido to make but ultimately the right one given their high standards. Thanks for watching 🤩

[@adam_fordham]

That was a good review of the coach, I have seen it about but this is the first time I've seem it like this, I love the detail on it and it will be better once the lights have been fixed 😀

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

It's definitely an impressive model. The amount of detail on it is just amazing, I still don't think this video really does it justice! Fingers crossed Rapido can get the lighting issue sorted out quickly. Thanks for watching 😃

[@railwayjade]

Very interesting looking coach! For that price though, I would expect it to provide actual readings LOL! I'm glad you were able to get it and looks great on the layout.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Haha, you never know it just might... those instruments inside do look pretty detailed! 😆 Thanks for watching 👍

[@JPoulAndersson]

Great coach, I own one as well :-) Nice layout in the making too btw!

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

It is definitely the nicest coach I own! Thanks, I really must get on and finish the scenics on this layout. Thanks for watching 😃

[@BrecknockValley]

Great review, nice coach really. Part of me does wonder how it would look next to a range of industrial locos in a gala style thing! It’s a rather clever how the teak is done. Will say I think part of the issue with price is down to the fact people are likely to only buy one of these unlike say a MK1 coach which will be purchased multiple times. Hope you get it back soon though!

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

It would be a bit odd but I don't think it would be massively out of place... it might give it a bit of a light railway look. Yes that was my thought with the price - it really is a one off special so that and the amount of detail is definitely going to have an impact. Thanks for watching 😃

[@willbreckinridge8010]

I would say you could try to recreate Mallard's famous 126 mph run with this car, but I feel like any attempt to do so would end up with some damaged scenery and a smashed up model on the floor XD. Great video :)

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Haha, I'd definitely like to run this behind the live steam Mallard at some point! My driving skills may need a little practice and the timing on the steam chest needs some adjusting too. Thanks for watching 😃

[@thepoltroon992]

i think that the dynamometer car is probably more famous than mallard, since the coach has been on so many test runs. superb video bit overprised tho. 80£ would be better. good review👍

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Do you think? I would have thought that Mallard is more well known by the general public in the same way that Rocket and Flying Scotsman are. As for price, it is an expensive model but I can see where that money goes. It may cost as much as some of my locos but it's got more detail than a lot of them. Thanks for watching 😃

[@rchmarsh1]

Fantastic review as always 😊 It’s probably me that’s wrong, but I assumed the loco end of the coach is the opposite to how you’re running it, as it’s seen in NRM now?

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

I would definitely trust the NRM over me! They’re the proper experts and I’m just a guy on the Internet 😅 Thanks for watching 👍

[@worthingtonmodelrailway8628]

I have on of the original batch and never did get the lighting working in spite of some surgery. It on my round touit list to look at again. I did order one of the new BR liveried ones, but luckily it wasn't dispatched before the recall was announced as returning it from US is always a pia (why I didn't return the original one). However looking at your close up I think there are some excellent detail additions on the new version. Hopefully they get fixed and re=dispatched soon!

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

That's a shame about the lights on your original one! Perhaps if you still can't get it working there are several DIY coach lighting kits on the market that could be used as a last resort. Yes it is nice that Rapido have made a few upgrades to the model since the last release too. Hopefully it won't be too long before they get them sorted. Thanks for watching 😃

[@MrLoewietje]

Once again a nice review. I have the original one, which had an even higher and fixed price, but for what you get I think £118 is just right. When you get it back, I advise you to keep the wand a little bit closer till you find the reed switch. The magnet is not as strong as the Hornby ones, and might not work unless you almost touch the roof. Hopefully Rapido can sort it out soon, Infeel really sorry for them!

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

That's really interesting to know that the price is lower than it was before then! Good to know about the magnets too. I have several of the Hornby ones hanging around so maybe I'll try those as well if I have difficulty. Thanks for watching 😃

[@MrLoewietje]

@@ThatModelRailwayGuy they where £150 first time around, and like you said without the lining. But being limited release, only NRM and Rails, worth it. The underside alone is amazing, with all the rigging, pipes and dynamo. And then all the photo etch. I hope you'll do a review when it get back. I'm eagerly awaiting mine.

[@JanjyGiggins]

I talked my wife into getting one to put aside for my 40th birthday - which isn't for 14 months. So the recall won't affect me too much. Even so, with the box sitting in our living room waiting to be sent back, it's really hard not to be tempted to put it on the track for a test drive. Going to be a long wait till 2024...

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Oh wow, that's going to be quite the present! Well I'm sure I'll be running mine plenty on the layout before then (once it gets back to me) so you can enjoy that while you're waiting to unbox your own. Thanks for watching 😃

[@AdiPullen]

Hi mate I hope you are well? The price does put me off a lot . As a lner fan I should great one but price. The it does have some fantastic detail it must be admit Thank you for sharing your models with us Keep safe ARP

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

It's certainly an interesting one regarding the price. Having originally decided against it with the first release I have to say I'm very glad I've got one now and I certainly feel like I've got my moneys worth with the amount of detail alone. Of course it's up to each individual but I can't see them hanging around for very long. Thanks for watching 😃

[@bryantan863]

Hey man, I got to say that the new Rapido UK Dynamometer car looks amazing but shame that the lights do not work which sucks. Overall, it is a fantastic model to own. Especially, when it is behind a Hornby super detailed Mallard.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Yeah it is hands down one of the most detailed models I own, including all my locos in that too! It is a shame about the lights but I have no doubts that Rapido will get it sorted out. I don't have a super detailed Mallard but I do have a Live Steam one... I leave you to figure out the rest. Thanks for watching 😃

[@bluebellModelrailway]

Great review shame they have been recalled due to a resistor error on the lighting board. Also something I haven't spotted before in other reviews so it's down to your high spec Maco camera, the finish on the model looks like it has pixels... meaning digitally printed and applied finish, I expect the lining is tampo printed for me that's quite a big let down for the price, not sure if the original is like this but for me it looks like a water slide.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Yeah it is a shame but I have no doubts that Rapido will get it sorted. It's a good they caught it so quickly before too many of us melted our models! Thanks for watching 😃

[@MerlinIslandCrabCoveRailway]

Not sure why you think it's a resistor error? it's more likely a problem with the 5v regulator.

[@damianinCanadaTT-OO]

It is absolutely beautiful but so steep on the price. Perhaps that is what we need to pay now for this level of quality

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

I think this is a bit of a unique situation, given that people will only need a single coach rather than a full rake like with most carriages and because of the amount of detail inside. Manufacturers would have a much harder time if all coaches were this price. Thanks for watching 😃

[@tulyar1043]

Bachmann do a BR Mk2f DBSO retailing at £149.95 in model shops and this has a doc chip to operate the lights. So this Rapido coach is not the most expensive one available.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

No not the most expensive coach on the market in 00 Gauge but it's still up there. Like I said though I think you get what you pay for with this coach and anyone who is willing to pay the price is unlikely to be disappointed by it. Thanks for watching 😃

[@roberthopper1872]

Are you brave enough to run it behind the live steam Mallard? :)

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

I think I will at some point! The live steam Mallard is actually a pretty good runner if run properly. Thanks for watching 😃

[@roberthopper1872]

@@ThatModelRailwayGuy that's surprising. I got to play with one qt the nation model engineering exhibition in Doncaster and I broke the world speed record with it

[@speleokeir]

An absolutely gorgeous coach with fantastic detail, but unless I win the lottery or become a Tory minister with all the associated perks I won't be getting one.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Yes it is spectacular but I can definitely understand that it's not going to be an option for everyone. It is a pretty niche carriage though so it's not like it's a must have for every layout. Thanks for watching 😃

[@NotSoSpookyGuy]

Part of me feels bad for Rapido, as it looks amazing, but on the other hand if this was Hornby or Bachmann they'd be getting absolutely s**t on.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

You know I thought exactly the same thing. As much as I feel for Rapido in this situation I can only imagine the amount of vitriol that would be levelled at the two bigger manufacturers had it been them. It's all become a bit territorial lately and that doesn't sit well with me... it's only toy trains after all! 😆 Thanks for watching 👍

[@n.wbrakevanstudios1005]

CAN SOMEONE PLEASE SEND ME THAT VIDEO OF RAPIDO EXPLAINING HOW THE COACHES GOT DROPPED OFF A LORRY 😂😂😂

[@harrytodhunter5078]

Its on their KZbin channel

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Like Harry said (and I mentioned in the video) it's on the Rapido UK KZbin channel - presented with their usual charm and wit. Thanks for watching 😃