Rapido Southern Pacific PA 2 & PB 2 w/ Loksound and Scale Sound Systems first run in large layout.
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- Опубліковано 7 жов 2024
- This not a product review of new Rapido Alco PA/PB. Don't forget to subscribe to my channel.
I got those last week as non sound and DC units. I installed 2 Loksound decoders and replaced Rapido's iPhone speakers for 2 SSS speaker sets. I have reprogrammed the Loksound 5 soundfile for Alco 244 primer only assigning light functions for the time being. I did not change the volume of sound channels yet. Therefore the 5 chime Nathan horn sounds a bit muffled but it is correct for the SP PA Alcos. I know that someone will point out that is not clear, but then this is not the same horn than you hear from today's Amtrak train. Yes, they are both Nathan 5 chime horns but they almost 70 years apart and not the same model. Both Rapido locomotives have the LS set up to 70% of max volume. Note that the layout room had another 18 diesel locomotives running at same time. Mostly with maxed out volumes. Plus a lot of chatting in the background. So, not ideal conditions for sound recording. In a quiet room, I would dial down the prime movers volume.
The second PB unit is a old Proto 2K that is serving as a "fille"r for the time being until I get another Rapido PA unit.
The consist is loosely based on the San Joaquin with head end protection material. These are brass models and pretty heavy. I will eventually add a 3/4 dome car and it won't have the observation car, because by the time diesels started to pull the SJ they were gone.
These 2 units PA/PB are barely capable to pull this 18 car consist up helix with 2.5% grade that is a bit of bummer. Other than that, these are great models and mostly correct to SP PA PB Alcos.
Next steps for these Rapido Alco PA 2 and PB will be adjusting the decoders for individual sound slots and adjust the lighting outputs.
Then , I will replace couplers for shorter ones and add diaphragms between each power units.
I will have another video with different consist coming soon.
The loco are nice and the layout is great. Sound is great -especially with aftermarket speakers -. Nicely done
I like your decision to elect for the non Rapido sound files, the factory ones are mapped kinda funny
Yes, I know Rapido likes to create its own LS sound files which can become a PITA if you want to run with other regular LS sound files. I think besides the somehow odd choice for function lighting, have not F4 as dynamic brake is the worse.
However, with LS you can remap any sound slot as well as function output.
NOT an easy task on LS5. I’ve done few times but it is not at all for beginners.
The LS5 manual is pretty confusing about explaining or not how to do it. There are many voids in their explanations.
In the case of PA2 using the OEM ESU LS5 for Alco 244 soundfile, I grouped the light outputs in basically 3 functions.
F5 for number board, white classification light.
F6 for mars and green classification light.
F13 for rear marker and red classification lights.
So the way that classification lights works is that if I hit F6 it will override white for green classification light. Hitting F13 will override white and green for red classification lights. So, it limits the number of functions keys to control lighting.
Nice layout and a beautiful train!!!
Super models and superlative scenery. When Southern Pacific was gung ho about passenger service, the, "Daylights," were the most beautiful trains in the world, Santa Fe not withstanding - especially when headed up by PAs and E units, IMO.
Do they come with Loksound from the factory? or is that another upgrade you made! And nice units, currently saving up for the bloody nose ones!
The engine idling noise is louder than the horn. I'd want to adjust that
I’ve got the walthers City of San Francisco on order. Would these be worth it. My club has about a 2.5% grade.