timberley
Member
Posts: 189
Primary Railroads: VIA Rail Canada, AMT (Montreal)
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Post by timberley on Feb 21, 2014 12:55:09 GMT -5
I'm sure many of you have already heard the news, but if you missed it (and since it wasn't posted here yet): Rapido Trains has announced production of the first ever 100% accurate HO scale F40PH-2D locomotive, the iconic backbone of VIA's fleet for more than 20 years. From the test shots so far and knowing Rapido's reputation, these are going to be stellar. This run has been done in partnership with VIA Rail themselves, so the locos are exclusively available through VIA Rail's souvenirs shop. Available in straight-DC or DCC/Sound (ESU Loksound with additional sounds recorded by Rapido). Multiple numbers plus unnumbered in both the Canada and as-delivered schemes.  Rapido info about the loco: F40PH-2DOrdering info at VIA Rail: OrderingI seriously can't wait. This is the one locomotive I've been longing for more than any other, and to see it being done to such a high standard by Rapido is so exciting. Now it's just a question of how many I can afford... :-) |
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Post by backshophoss on Feb 21, 2014 17:45:26 GMT -5
1 can hope the pricing will be reasonable,Rapido has done great models thru the years, after creating the Canadian sets(Their Masterpiece) It will depend on how the production run goes in China.....  the -2D's have seperate HEP set,not crankshaft driven,right? |
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timberley
Member
Posts: 189
Primary Railroads: VIA Rail Canada, AMT (Montreal)
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Post by timberley on Feb 21, 2014 22:27:12 GMT -5
The pricing is already listed with the ordering info. A little steep at $250 (DC) or $350 (DCC/sound), but as Jason explained elsewhere, the reality is that making a model this specialized is inherently costly. And since it's a joint VIA/Rapido project, VIA wants to take a particular margin on top in order to justify it. Apparently they originally had proposed a much higher price until Jason talked them down!
The as-built VIA F40PH-2D had the same crankshaft driven HEP setup as other "screamer" F40s. It was only when they were rebuilt over the last few years (by Canadian Allied Diesel) that they had a separate HEP generator added. This is very evident on the rebuilds, which have their carbody extended over the back platform, and a large bulge in the roof to accomodate the generator.
The model right now from Rapido is the original version (with some variations and optional details for the later scheme units), and Jason has suggested that the rebuilds could be a possibility down the line if this model sells well.
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Post by backshophoss on Feb 22, 2014 3:17:22 GMT -5
If memory serves,these were built at GMDD in Canada,and VIA tends to follow certain CN
specs when it's needed. It's possible they are using the same decoder used for TLT's
MP-40/36 models. Should run good out of the box,and look good with a F-9B or FB-3
behind for steam consists.(or that steam generator Rapido has)
Believe GCRY does this during winter months between Grand Canyon-Williams,unless 1 of the
all HEP sets is in use.(Ex MBTA/Caltrain Boise Budds set)
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timberley
Member
Posts: 189
Primary Railroads: VIA Rail Canada, AMT (Montreal)
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Post by timberley on Feb 23, 2014 11:24:31 GMT -5
Yep, they were built by GMDD. So while they had many commonalities with the EMD-built F40s, they have lots of little specs that were more in keeping with other GMD diesels (like the class lights and single rear light, winterization hatches, pilot style, ditch lights, etc), plus lots of other variations (fuel tank and battery box setup, location of the side access door, rounded door windows, desktop controls, etc.
As for the decoder, they're using the ESU Loksound F40 decoder, with some additional sounds added. Apparently the Loksound decoder actually used some recordings from the F40PH-2D. They can then record new sounds like the horns, bells, etc. that are still the same on the rebuilt VIA units.
And yes, they'll work beautifully for HEP-equipped consists of indeed, with an SGU or FP9A, F9B, FPA-4, FB4, for steam-heated consists. That was extremely common in the pre-HEP years at VIA.
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timberley
Member
Posts: 189
Primary Railroads: VIA Rail Canada, AMT (Montreal)
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Post by timberley on Oct 24, 2014 22:16:16 GMT -5
Rapido has just e-mailed out a newsletter (which should be online soon), announcing that the original as-delivered scheme F40s have shipped from the factory and will be arriving soon! Canada scheme units will follow sometime afterwards. Both those and the LRCs should be with us sometime between now and March. Exciting times! Here's a few awesome photos of the production unit for the as-delivered scheme:    |
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Post by backshophoss on Oct 25, 2014 1:26:19 GMT -5
Should be a good model,on the next track over seems to be a test shell for thr British Rail APT prototype.
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timberley
Member
Posts: 189
Primary Railroads: VIA Rail Canada, AMT (Montreal)
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Post by timberley on Oct 25, 2014 4:00:17 GMT -5
Should be a good model,on the next track over seems to be a test shell for thr British Rail APT prototype. Yes, that's the "soap block" first test version of the APT-E, which I understand was done up to test the tilting system and basic mechanics before beginning the more detailed work. They're supposed to have a first proper sample done up pretty soon. |
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Post by acelaphillies on Oct 25, 2014 7:44:21 GMT -5
Wow, that is a beautiful model! Rapido really knows how to do it right.
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timberley
Member
Posts: 189
Primary Railroads: VIA Rail Canada, AMT (Montreal)
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Post by timberley on Dec 12, 2014 0:42:41 GMT -5
The original scheme units are now in stock at VIA and shipping to people who ordered them. I know a few very lucky people who already have theirs! I'm waiting on the Canada scheme, which should be here in the next couple weeks.
Here's a wonderfully cheesy '80s style video showing off the awesome sound and lights on the new F40. Amtrak guys take note, the sounds/functions will be very similar on the Amtrak version.
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