Sam I work in quality control and test a percentage of every batch the factory makes. The last batch I tested was 70000+ items. Testing is destructive in my industry so we can’t 100% check each batch, at some point you have to send the product to market and hope your testing is good enough. The testers more than likely didn’t find the fault. There is no manufacturer on earth that wants a recall Rapido paid the factory to manufacture and quality check the model it’s not, Rapidos fault the factory has let them down, but they are taking the hit. That tells me Rapido are a decent company.
Sam, In those days gone by the lighting as it appeared actually looks fine. Important to remember there were no led's in those days and the lights were dim by default. How would I know you ask. Well, I shunted Guards Vans and Coaches, day and night and that is how the lights looked
Interestingly Mallard overheated her centre rod big end during the record run and had to be towed away, the train including the dyno car was rescued by a C1 Atlantic class, my favourite type of all time.
@@SamsTrains The Germans, who had more experience of high speed (120mph+ running) than us, stated that if Duddington hadn't fully shut the regulator on sighting the adverse 'distant', and left if slightly open, the damage wouldn't have occurred. It seems that 130 was on the cards - the locomotive was still accelerating nicely until that point. The exact moment that caused the problem is actually recorded on the dynamometer car's graphs...
The Rapido UK Dynamometer car is a good looking model. Even if it is behind a super detailed Hornby Mallard but it is a shame that the lights do not work on the model. Hopefully, Rapido will get every single model fixed up properly. Overall, it is worth money spent Sam. Also, I wish you Sam the best of getting well again from the Covid-19.
Indeed, lack of QC finally hits painfully. Hope they learned the lesson by now ! And that not only is true for Rapido. Sadly. All in all a impressive model. Your remark on 'exclusive models' sold at unreasonable exclusive prices by we know who is a true statement that I personally applaud ! This hobby should be accessible and enjoyable for all. Not only the 'exclusive' happy few. Thanks for another honest review Sam ! Cheers, Filip
Yep that's true - hopefully this will be lesson learned... QC should be a part of all models now given the latest prices. Yes not a fan of some of the exclusive prices we've seen from them... happy to pay a lot of money for models, but the models need to reflect it... most of the exclusives I've tried are great but no better than general cheaper releases! Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Astonishing!! I am amazed by this model. It looks so good with your Mallard. I can just imagine sending a Mallard to TRS Trains to have working smoke and draincocks installed and running it with this coach. What a sensational comb8nation that would be!
You'll have to review Hornby's Super detail teaks. They're very finely detailed, great performance, and the teak finish is frankly the best I've ever seen. It doesn't have that grainy effect either. They're hard to come by and expensive, but worth it. The GWR Hawksworth coaches are good as well, but not worth the silly asking price.
Be aware that the Hornby super detailed teaks have MAJOR dimensional issues compared to the real things. So although they might look wonderful there is a large section of the Hobby which is very disappointed with them.
Also not all renditions of the teak livery were good - the initial release were good but then Hornby went through a phase of it looking rubbish on subsequent releases - though the most recent ones have gone back to being good again.
Despite the problems it's had, that looks like an amazing piece of rollingstock! I'd never touch it though; I'd be too scared of breaking something! Great video as always! :)
Absolutely! I was very scared of touching it too... but I handled it quite extensively while filming, and nothing came off! I was being careful obviously, but still not bad! Thanks for watching, Sam :)
@@SamsTrains Does the measuring wheel (the 'fifth wheel') if you like, lower to the rail? As it stands, it's in 'off duty' mode, and isn't measuring speed - the very thing it was doing that July day.
As you say Sam, an expensive exercise. Hindsight is a wonderful thing but perhaps forgetting all about interior lighting might have been the way to go on this. I don't even have a railway layout, I fly radio control planes but interested in models in general. Great presentation as usual, I thought RC planes were expensive but a small layout will cost you £100's possibly £1000's.
Thanks Tony - yes true, no lighting would have made this cheaper/simpler... but then again, cheap/simple just isn't Rapido's style. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, great to have you on board with the train vids! Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Hi Sam I recently brought a Ruston and Hornsby 48ds Ruston and it is one of the best trains I have ever used. I brought it due to your review and it did not disappoint. It also looks great pulling a pumpkin mobile😄👍
Honestly wished I hadn't watched this as I love the teak effect but will struggle to unsee the dots haha. Really great review as per usual. It's a really great model but have had to send it back. Rapido have handled two bad situations extremely well. With the lights - prototypically they are usually very dim (i.e. barely visible in daylight) though it is commonplace to see them much brighter to better show off the detail inside. On the exclusives, I see the point that they tend to be more expensive but in this case the the reduction in price is arguably more going to be down to the tooling having been paid for already on the first run which is a common criticism of yours against more expensive reruns which I'm inclined to agree with to an extent i.e. all other costs remaining the same the 2nd run should be slightly cheaper/more profitable depending on the size of the first run. I think they were close to £150-160 based on Locomotion Models recent pricing so quite a fair reduction. In general, I have no issue with exclusives as often it's about sharing the risk and the exclusive models tend to be riskier and would otherwise not get made by the manufacturers without the retailer throwing their weight and money behind it e.g. the rails exclusive maroon version is likely to sell much less well due to the fictitious livery and is priced accordingly. I do accept this does tend to lead to higher cost, partially due to the smaller runs and partially due to the retailer as well as the manufacturer needing to get the return on the investment coupled with no competition (or as is usually the case Genesis coaches and Terrier notwithstanding!)
haha me too... you honestly can't see them from a distance though, it is a pretty good effect! It's fair enough that the lights wouldn't be bright in real life... but most layouts are well lit, so I prefer models to have slightly brighter lights (or even better, a pot to set the brightness), just so they're still visible. Yes the tooling having been paid for is the counter-argument I was expecting... but that's just not what we see in this industry. What other product returning to a manufacturer's range in recent years has seen a reduction in price? I can't think of a single one. Bachmann, Hornby.... all their models have significantly increased in price... and yet this one is significantly reduced. It is also true re risk etc... but we know that od-ball models sell well. We've seen it with the likes of the Pecketts, Stephenson's Rocket, the Bochebuster... all sell out models too! The manufacturers know this... who sets out to produce a model that they don't think will be popular? Nah, I think they know better than that! Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Yeah I held it very closely and didn’t notice it thankfully. It’s a very fair point on the tooling pricing as all other costs have rocketed up. I guess they are now also doing this as Rapido UK rather than USA which may also help. Nevertheless I’m glad they did as otherwise it’s a bit too steep really. Another point I found interesting is that the wheels on some rapido rolling stock aren’t that free rolling despite seemingly all using axle bearings. Another fair point you make. Heljan and more recently Hornby with the P2 / W1 and Turbomotive show they have form here. Also the whole purpose of KR models. Even Bachmann with the class 69. That being said I’m glad I’ve got the 812 regardless. Revolution trains have an interesting model in that they will sell some stuff only themselves to make it viable whilst others they will only sell to retailers (Ie not through their shop) to support them.
Hi Sam Trains, Rails of Sheffield did their own exclusive model(made by Rapido)of the Dynanometer car released back in 2018/2019. That one was good, according to Intercity82. And it seemed to not have the bad luck that this model has gotten.
I too bought one of the original batch from Rails of Sheffield. The lights work but are very dim as compared for example with Hornby Pullman coaches. Maybe this is intentional?
Keep on keeping on Sam: your reviews are the best and your channel is both highly informative and entertaining. From an 'Old Git' 😁who wants you to know us oldies are not all 'tarred with the same brush' and also without Rule 1 I would have nothing on my railway 😄 Cheers Pete
This is a BEAUTIFUL model... I really thought the teak was real at first. It wasn't until you zoomed way in that I realized it was printed. Could you imagine..? REAL TEAK around the sides... That would be awesome.
If Rapido is smart,they'll do a GWR,Swindon Dynometer Car,as a companion piece,and maybe go for broke,with the LNWR version! There weren't that many dynometer cars in the US,but the following railroads had them;NYC,PRR,B&O,C&O,UP,SP,and maybe others overlooked! Sam,a most interesting exercise,as you said,a rare car,and definitely one-offs,thank you!! Thanks again 👍!
Between the pallet drop and the faulty circuit, what a star-crossed product for Rapido UK. Sadly all too many models are suffering from ,parts made of "Chinesium" as one UA-camr has described them. But as you commented, those relying on 3rd party suppliers need to carefully QC their finished goods prior to releasing them.
They left it in its original wrapping so fot the money it cost, you were still able to open a brand new model. At least some of the purchasers opened an intact model.
For the price, don't forget to see that the alternative for such a model is either a brass kit, not really cheaper, and you'll have to do all the assembly and painting, or a complete DIY, 3D printing or whatever technique you use. Good luck in both cases... Such an item won't be sold in thousands of items, like the Genesis coaches by Hattons, some already looted off. So, what do we have for GBP 120, the price of a small locomotive ? Nice accessory pack, good to see, a nice paddle to switch on and off the lights, logical and OK to have it not as an extra item sold GBP10 apart or more à la Bachman/Hornby, and wow ! An absolute jewel ! Jeweler's details and finish, Rapido goes full throttle on the quality ! Inside and outside, you see your money. The only problem might be the printed teak finish, if you like watching your model at 10 cm distance with a x5 magnifier on a daily basis. And dynamic performances are good, you don't pay an ultra luxury premium for nothing. Sam, are your points Hornby ones ? They are supposed to be more problematic than their equivalent from Peco, that might explain your derailment problem. Let's be clear : as the usual guy who use to yell "halve the price b*****s" with a thick french accent, I will made an exception with this one. Consider this coach as a luxury product, and match your appreciation on this. My point is that, for once, the price is justified by the quality. It's a pity that Rapido had manufacturing and delivery problems with this coach, because they have done a nice job here. With the light working properly, and the bogie problem solved, it's an interesting model if you are in such special vehicles.
My only comment on exclusive prices is that they tend to be at least in part down to quantity ordered, obviously one can have a better (more economic) production run if producing 5,000 of a product compared to 500 (or similar numbers) and this will be especially true where the addition of lots of separate parts is concerned even taking into account the cost of cheap Chinese labour.
That coach has to be one of the best looking IMHO piece of rolling stock ever 5 stars do not do it justice the lvl of detail in that coach deserves a 6th star or a gold star
That's an amazing-looking car. Inside and out. The halftones from the decals used for the wood-grain effect are typical from printing. Even building model airlines, spaceships will have those halftones, not easy to get away from that. But from a normal distance, it looks great. For sure, they need to fix the model so it doesn't derail. The lighting being a bit dark could be more realistic. In the old days, the lightbulbs weren't that bright and of course, they were yellow. During the day, they would be useless. So perhaps a toggle switch from realistic lighting vs extra bright so the lighting can be seen. Painting the ceiling white can also help make the interior brighter with the lighting on.
Excellent review of Dynamoometer Car Sam 👍👍 I scream when I saw that video of the delivery of these models when they fall onto the ground, I was petrified with my hands on my mouth and my eyes wide open in horror. Never the less, it still without a doubt, it still is a really good coach. Sam, you should do reviews on a new type of gauge. And what gauge I’m talking about, well it OO9 aka narrow gauge model trains. The reason why I want you to review them is because there are really great models both locos & rolling stock. And I’ve just bought OO9 gauge track today as I’m interested of having a train set with this gauge plus scale and also put it away under the bed.
Hello Sam, BRILLIANT review. I thought i had dropped a clanger when i ordered mine from Hattons but they are sending mine back to Rapido. Exquisite coach and i can't wait to get my hands on it. Enjoyed the review, thank you Sam. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Not only have I heard of a dynamometer car, but I've stood inside one! There's one at the B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore, Maryland if you're interested.
I purchased one of these. Was very pleased with all the detail and lighting worked exactly as expected. But I had to return the model as some of the internal parts (bench, bar) had become detached (probably as a result of the drop off the lorry). Rapido themselves have provided excellent customer service getting the coach repaired (but they are now waiting for the lighting parts to ensure that is not a problem). I would certainly buy this again if I needed to though obviously it is a shame that there have been problems. Good value for money as far as I am concerned.
That's what worries me. How can they know, just by a visual inspection, that nothing has come loose that will only be apparent in the future? Personally having seen that pallet fall off I now definitely wont be buying one, especially as it won't stay on the track.
Sam, I watched your review with some alarm! Have had mine sitting on the track, at 50% power, and all is well. No lighting or burn-out issues. Wand works perfectly. Have emailed the supplier, for advice.
No worries Matthew - it's annoying if everything is working properly for now, but you're doing the right thing... hopefully the turn-around won't take long! Thanks for watching, Sam :)
First off, I have no intention of purchasing this coach. Second, I would mention the derailing problem to Rapido, they maybe able to improve it. Finally full marks to Rapido for doing the right thing, letting people know about the delays due to the lorry incident & then the lighting recall. Its not if there are cockups that define a firm, its how they react when it happens. This encourages me to purchase Rapido models that I might be interested in. (PS no I don’t work for Rapido)
I seen a video from the 60s or 70s of this coach in BR colours being attached to a short consist pulled by a class 37. I think it was with two tankers.
Hello Sam. I found with mine which was tested by me before I heard about the recall that like all dc lighting the brightness is dependent upon power flow through the controller. I'm using a gaugmaster as well. The main issuee I found was that the Reed switch needed 40% power to activate. The lights default is on. The other problem I found was that whilst running with the lights off, if you were to adjust the speed and stop at a station or signal then upon applying power again the light if turned off would turn back on. Obviously running at 40% power makes turning the light off with the wand a complicated magic trick 😄
Ahh interesting Dave, not much good on analogue then! But the test I filmed was at 100% power, and I never got the reed switch to function once, so must be faulty 😞
@@SamsTrains ah, really. I wasn't sure from your video what power level you had it at but as you say 100% then you've defo got a duffa. I took a photo which was featured on the modelu Facebook page 4 days ago which shows the lights working extremely well at only 35% for the right effect, a nice twighlight hours feel, looks great in my opinion. Overall my opinion is the same as yours, great looking, well featured model that is extremely well put together but obviously lacking in general quality control on the electrical side.
hi sam. just one thing is missing with this coach with such a high price and rapido boasting of detailed interior NO TECHNICIAN STAFF figurines inside.. tip for light wand. dismantle magnet from wand and glue it under the bottom of an overhead structure so when train passes under it coach lighting will go on for a complete round.
This may be expensive, but it is absolutely amazing. Rapido have really done a remarkable job on this one. It is a shame they had technical issues, but it is very good they did a full recall rather than just deny issues like some companies do. Goodness, that teak finish looks amazing.
I've wanted you to look at this ever since you started doing rolling stock reviews regularly! Rapido makes some amazing North American passenger cars and I knew this UK model would be to the same standard!
One of Rapido best products and regardless of price it’s worth it because you get so much detail included with it, I have recently started a project using a hornby mallard and making it look as she does in the museum so I will definitely look into getting one of these when they have been fixed and released again.
Got mine ordered, was in my Hattons trunk but then sent back to Rapido. To anyone who objects to the price, I make the primary argument that you only need a single one of these coaches!
Hello Sam, I was wondering if you were to play Train Simulator again sometime soon? I definitely recommend the Lambie Class 1 from Caledonia Works to try out. Definitely my favorite locomotive
Hi Sam. I realise that the coach is not DCC-enabled, but I just wonder whether, the brightness at least, would work better on a DCC layout - DCC voltage being a constant 16V (or thereabouts). You didn't mention just how much power was applied to your DC track (not using full power is understandable without a fire engine standing by outside your house!). Oh dear, the review seemed to be going so well. It's a shame that there are no plans (as yet) for an N gauge version of this model (without the lighting and bogie issues, of course).
I have to agree with Sam about exclusive contracts; these horrible things should be banned world wide (or - at least - have a limited duration of time, say 6 mos. to a year, no more.) This way, companies will have to innovate and invest R&D dollars (or pounds), instead of sitting on their laurels (and oversized pocketbooks)! It’s especially bad when it comes to game consoles, like Sony PlayStation or Microsoft Xbox, etc… but clearly affects other segments of the economy. Couple this with the focus on collectors, and you get models that look pretty sitting on a shelf, but have poor performance and/or mechanisms (ahem, Heljan) for those who want to actually run their models. Utter rubbish to pay the ridiculous prices and get little value. It’s a good thing we have Sam giving us a review of these so modelers know what they’re getting. Thanks, Sam! 😌
Talk about going from one extreme to another, this looks like a solid piece of rolling stock that's worth the asking price. It just needs the electrical bits properly fixed which is good on Rapido for letting their customers know.
I don't think non-safety recalls are signs of a bad company, rather a sign of a good one. They own up to the fact there are mass quality issues and want to ensure their customers receive what they paid for.
I’ve found with mine that the red Hornby reed switch magnet, supplied with some of their coaches, works much better on this model than the supplied wand. I wonder how the Rapido warranty will work if you don’t send it back for repair. Will they still honour the light problem long term if not sent back.
Without the fact that it derails and the wheels from one bogie won't reliably go over the points, it has to go back to the maker because the lights don't work and may catch fire and it it has dot matrix printing all over the sides and end, it would be top of the ranking. Hmmm, It does look good, but it is not fit for purpose yet. It will be interesting to see if it comes back without issues.
I can see the the problem right from the start in big yellow writing "Rapido Trainsuk" ,, hahah i do see the reference to the 2 but i seen rapido trainsuk at least 3 times before i seen the obscure number of 2 haha gr8 looking coach though. Cheers from John in Australia
note on the Teak: the prototype is steel, so the LNER --painted-- the steel to look like teak! So this is a model, painted to look like something painted to look like teak...
The lights were definitely not working right on your model Sam. I have the same coach. I got it the day before the recall. when I ran my one the lights were a lot brighter . I've sent my one back to be repaired. It was very easy and they send you a prepaid postage label . Hope you feel better soon
isn't it's finish so good that it would show up any other carriage that was coupled up to it? ... especially the Teak effect ...... will other manufacturers crib the photo technique for other East Coast carriages, if they do, it'll be a real leap forward? AND was the black dynamo actually a wheel that was lowered down to spin on the rail so the speed could be measured? p.s. I watched Jennifer Kirk's review of the earlier version and she seems to think that the disc is an extra wheel and I think you missed the bent internal handrail that was probably twanged when the boxes got dropped.
As I stated above, on Mallard's record run, the formation consisted of half-a-dozen or so Coronation carriages behind the dynamometer car; hence Rapido's superb teak shouldn't show up clashing poorly-done teaks...
It is a remarkable model but a bit expensive for me. Initially I thought that the vent panels in the roof were stickers but close up, as you showed, they are etched glass! The derailing problem is annoying. Also, is there a rise in the bottom edge of the roof above the "dynamometer" wording? Hopefully Rapido fix them all anyway.
Excellent model and although the lighting may be faulty Rapido have done the right thing and issued a recall, can you see certain others doing that? The paint effect for the teak is unavoidable that is just how colour printing works using a dithering process. All printing is the same whether on a model, paper or what ever, it can be improved with a higher DPI but that's it.
I've got the rails version, and typical Rapido, they go the extra mile in detailing, love it. If I'm not mistaken, the teak finish moved Hornby at the time to make proper looking LNER teak coaches, not that plastic looking finish they produced decades before. Despite that, it's a bit of a slap in the face for those who ordered the Rails issue at the time, and it's not the price alone, it' seems the box is also better of quality. But beside that, what I find even worse, although most of these models are being sold in the UK, but there are also collectors outside the UK, and sending it back cost a fortune on shipping and customs, not a smart move of Rapido. I hope they have learned a valuable lesson by this, don't hope to go through this mess when the Lion is released…
They sure do Danny - fantastic detail! Yes it is a bit of a slap to the original purchasers... though it just means we should hold off buying their exclusives for the future... and wait for the public release that almost always follows... particularly with the popular models! As far as I know Rapido are covering the postage costs, as they should, which is great! Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Yes - she was used in the 1948 Exchanges, but still in teak. Don't forget that nobody models LNE teak-bodied carriages correctly in BR condition: teak needed oiling regularly to keep it in good nick. As a result, when painted, the paint rapidly started peeling off. This effect is desperately required in BR era models of ex-LNER carriage stock.
@@SamsTrains It was. The supposed 100mph attained by City of Turo is disputed precisely because it relied merely on a couple of railway journalists with stop watches and as such the potential errors meant there was some doubt over the top speed. By hooking up what amounted to a mobile lavatory to Scotsman Sir Nigel Greasley was able to produce first rate scientific results to prove the claim beyond doubt.
Interesting - at the price I would expect some LNER technician figures inside. I hope the repaired model will have brighter lighting to bring the interior to life. It's strange how the internal lights fitted to some rolling stock and locomotive models are really dim and scarcely noticeable when switched on. The Dapol Terrier flickering firebox, Bachmann class 108 and Heljan Park Royal Railbus are examples of this.
You need to remember that these are models of real vehicles! Most people - including yourself really just don’t seem to appreciate that for most of the first 150 years of railways, lighting WAS GENUINELY DIM! A 24V incandescent bulb driven from what a mounts to a wet cell car battery is extremely dim compared to modern electric light - gas lamps being even dimmer and as for oil lamps…. It wasn’t until the BR Mk2 builds and later with 110V strip lighting powered by an high power electric supply from the diesel / electric loco that you got lights akin to those the LEDs fitted in modern models produce. Similarly when working hard crews DO NOT go round leaving the firebox doors fully open all the time - that totally messes up the ability of a steam loco to steam effectively. Now I appreciate what Sam says about having stronger lighting being desirable to some modellers - but as with cab lights on diesels which stay lit when the loco is moving - you do need to be aware that said item is technically no longer a ‘scale model’ - more of a ‘inspired by’ item.
@@philkeller4170 I was not suggesting that the lighting should be dazzling bright but it should at least be visible to make it worth fitting at all. This may mean using slightly stronger lights than are strictly accurate. The lighting use to illuminate many model buildings is probably brighter than it should be to make it noticeable. Although the Genesis coaches are not models of actual prototypes, their quite muted lighting creates a pleasing effect that, I think, enhances the model.
@@jamesgilbart2672 Light levels are unfortunately one of those things that doesn’t ‘scale*’ well and I do appreciate slavishly following the prototype may not be sufficient. However, even with that in mind, far too many modellers seem to want their trains going round doing an impression of the Blackpool illuminations when, if models are actually models of actual physical prototypes then more subdued levels are appropriate - particularly as modern units apart, during daylight hours any lighting should make zero difference to the light present inside rolling stock. * In some cases painting a model in a 100% accurate to prototype paint colour will leave the model looking way too dark and a slight tweak is necessary. This is again all due to light not scaling and the reflected portion we detect with our eyes not being the same as on a full sized piece of stock.
Hi Sam, I think it's a bit unfair to compare the Dynamometer Cars with normal coaches as they the seats are usually moulded single units, at least they used to be whereas the instruments seem to be fitted individually, whether that is true or not I don't know. However, if it was compared to another Rapido coach or another Teak effect coach for finishing that would be fairer in my view, but obviously not in cost
Looks amazing and so it should for that price. Not sure I'd agree with your value for money rating when you consider what else you could buy for £119. It's a luxury piece of rolling stock, very nice for those with the money, but very expensive. Clearly the quality control has been poor on the lights, though credit to Rapido for being honest and doing the right thing with the recall, not that they had much choice if it's potentially unsafe. The derailing thing is a major problem as far as I'm concerned though. Imagine paying all that money and then not being able to run it because it keeps derailing? Very poor. Perhaps you were unlucky with this so it would be interesting to see if other people have had the same issue. Quality control is so important, but too many manufacturers are failing on this. It's silly as it's bad PR for them and in this case very costly. To me taking a little time to check things before releasing them is a no-brainer.
I've got the original Rails of Sheffield version and I'm not aware of any issues. Except my ongoing moan that the wheels need to be painted black with white tyre edges per the NRM original
Talking about renewed coaches has anyone noticed new buffers on the Hornby 4 and 6 wheel coaches and not the previous concave ones? I bought a new Hornby LBSCR coach which had flat metal buffers but my other GNR coach had concave buffers still?
top coin, top quality is decent upfront way yes but there were some vagons that cost nearly as much whilst being comparatively rubbish. What i am trying to relate is that i am glad there is someone to hold them accountable, helps make the hobby healthier. Hopefully the top tier is not only thing Rapido wants to do, some mid priced and budget models would be lovely. (clearly with less detail and quality offcourse)
Wonder who in the "Colonies" (US) might be selling these? I'm afraid the shipping from Hattons to here might be cost-prohibitive...I would certainly like to have one of these...! I'm not at all worried about the lights, or the switch. Usually an additional stronger magnet on the wand will correct that. I have already made a stronger wand that works very well on my coaches with installed "Easy-Peasy" lights. There are very easy ways to stop the lights from burning out. Ever heard of a RESISTOR...?
You comment on the post cost, that works the other way plus the added fees charged by the seller for import taxation as per ebay. It has prevented me from buying from the US now, sadly😢
Very impressive indeed, blimey. As for the packaging, they should have not skimped on that tbh. The carton itself is sturdy and professional, but the inner plastic box really is seriously flimsy to a point that it simply can't be enough for protection at that level of detail and price. A thick foam should have been applied 🙄 As it is that's simply asking for trouble. The coach itself is fantastic and certainly worth the amount.
Well Rapido UK did a UA-cam video of themselves opening up the most damaged box which fell off their delivery lorry. The box was well dented on one corner, but the inner plastic support protected the carriage fine. Go have a search for said video
@@andrewdking Oh okay, ty. I wasn't referring to that accident actually, but just generally speaking. I really would have expected something premium for the money from that perspective. It may do the job but it does look very cheapo imho, which is not in balance with the price tbh.
@@lindaoffenbach Oh hello Linda. Agreed, I'm not happy with those pop together designs which have to be wrenched apart and could therefore split. Anyway, have a butchers at the video on Rapido UK's own UA-cam channel
Nice model... shame they have had so many issues with them; but It's called Karma! Hopefully their profit loss repairing their cockups might make them realise greed is not a good thing. As for the points issues... sounds like a gauging issue as well as a lack of lateral movement between the bogie & body plus a hint of wheel flanges being too fine. Maybe a rewheeling is necessary? Hang on, we could send a dynamometer car to test these ideas..... oh..... er.... maybe not! Cheers mukka. Stay safe. Gaz
Mines arrived this week from UK to Australia…decided not to bother unpacking as awaiting instructions from Rapido on recall. They have emailed me following completing their form. Because of overseas they are working out how to send back…. Apart from the old saying the bleeding obvious, it came in post , send me funds to post back.🤨
I feel you are being unfair about the lights. Remember this is simulating 1930s bulbs powered by lead acid batteries of the time. Looks absolutely spot on to me. Otherwise, a good review of this model.
Sam I work in quality control and test a percentage of every batch the factory makes. The last batch I tested was 70000+ items. Testing is destructive in my industry so we can’t 100% check each batch, at some point you have to send the product to market and hope your testing is good enough. The testers more than likely didn’t find the fault. There is no manufacturer on earth that wants a recall Rapido paid the factory to manufacture and quality check the model it’s not, Rapidos fault the factory has let them down, but they are taking the hit. That tells me Rapido are a decent company.
Sam, In those days gone by the lighting as it appeared actually looks fine. Important to remember there were no led's in those days and the lights were dim by default.
How would I know you ask. Well, I shunted Guards Vans and Coaches, day and night and that is how the lights looked
Very good coach and well worth the price. It will be good to see it working properly after its repair. Best, Pete.
Absolutely Pete - it sure will be!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Interestingly Mallard overheated her centre rod big end during the record run and had to be towed away, the train including the dyno car was rescued by a C1 Atlantic class, my favourite type of all time.
haha fascinating, thanks for sharing!! The C1 is absolutely amazing, for sure!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
@@SamsTrains The Germans, who had more experience of high speed (120mph+ running) than us, stated that if Duddington hadn't fully shut the regulator on sighting the adverse 'distant', and left if slightly open, the damage wouldn't have occurred. It seems that 130 was on the cards - the locomotive was still accelerating nicely until that point. The exact moment that caused the problem is actually recorded on the dynamometer car's graphs...
@@SamsTrainsThere's a photograph of a C1 on the Coronation of all trains, after the booked A4 had failed...
The Rapido UK Dynamometer car is a good looking model. Even if it is behind a super detailed Hornby Mallard but it is a shame that the lights do not work on the model. Hopefully, Rapido will get every single model fixed up properly. Overall, it is worth money spent Sam. Also, I wish you Sam the best of getting well again from the Covid-19.
It sure is Bryan - fingers crossed for working lighting when it comes back!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Indeed, lack of QC finally hits painfully. Hope they learned the lesson by now ! And that not only is true for Rapido. Sadly. All in all a impressive model. Your remark on 'exclusive models' sold at unreasonable exclusive prices by we know who is a true statement that I personally applaud ! This hobby should be accessible and enjoyable for all. Not only the 'exclusive' happy few. Thanks for another honest review Sam ! Cheers, Filip
Yep that's true - hopefully this will be lesson learned... QC should be a part of all models now given the latest prices. Yes not a fan of some of the exclusive prices we've seen from them... happy to pay a lot of money for models, but the models need to reflect it... most of the exclusives I've tried are great but no better than general cheaper releases!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Astonishing!! I am amazed by this model. It looks so good with your Mallard. I can just imagine sending a Mallard to TRS Trains to have working smoke and draincocks installed and running it with this coach. What a sensational comb8nation that would be!
Don't forget half-a-dozen 'Coronation' carriages also...
118£'s for a coach that is not only stunning but historical sounds like a reasonable deal,Great review as always!
118 in this day and age seems ridiculously expensive in the current situation...
@@T3ki1a_ whoops
You'll have to review Hornby's Super detail teaks. They're very finely detailed, great performance, and the teak finish is frankly the best I've ever seen. It doesn't have that grainy effect either. They're hard to come by and expensive, but worth it. The GWR Hawksworth coaches are good as well, but not worth the silly asking price.
I've heard good things - wonder how they'll look next to this??
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Be aware that the Hornby super detailed teaks have MAJOR dimensional issues compared to the real things. So although they might look wonderful there is a large section of the Hobby which is very disappointed with them.
Also not all renditions of the teak livery were good - the initial release were good but then Hornby went through a phase of it looking rubbish on subsequent releases - though the most recent ones have gone back to being good again.
@@philkeller4170 I'm not sure - I'm only going off the ones I have
@@philkeller4170 I wasn't aware of that - thanks. Which dimensions are wrong?
Despite the problems it's had, that looks like an amazing piece of rollingstock! I'd never touch it though; I'd be too scared of breaking something! Great video as always! :)
Absolutely! I was very scared of touching it too... but I handled it quite extensively while filming, and nothing came off! I was being careful obviously, but still not bad!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
@@SamsTrains Think you'll modify it to make the special wheel - as I've decided to call it - turn on the track?
@@SamsTrains Does the measuring wheel (the 'fifth wheel') if you like, lower to the rail? As it stands, it's in 'off duty' mode, and isn't measuring speed - the very thing it was doing that July day.
As you say Sam, an expensive exercise. Hindsight is a wonderful thing but perhaps forgetting all about interior lighting might have been the way to go on this. I don't even have a railway layout, I fly radio control planes but interested in models in general. Great presentation as usual, I thought RC planes were expensive but a small layout will cost you £100's possibly £1000's.
Thanks Tony - yes true, no lighting would have made this cheaper/simpler... but then again, cheap/simple just isn't Rapido's style. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, great to have you on board with the train vids!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Hi Sam I recently brought a Ruston and Hornsby 48ds Ruston and it is one of the best trains I have ever used. I brought it due to your review and it did not disappoint. It also looks great pulling a pumpkin mobile😄👍
Honestly wished I hadn't watched this as I love the teak effect but will struggle to unsee the dots haha. Really great review as per usual.
It's a really great model but have had to send it back. Rapido have handled two bad situations extremely well.
With the lights - prototypically they are usually very dim (i.e. barely visible in daylight) though it is commonplace to see them much brighter to better show off the detail inside.
On the exclusives, I see the point that they tend to be more expensive but in this case the the reduction in price is arguably more going to be down to the tooling having been paid for already on the first run which is a common criticism of yours against more expensive reruns which I'm inclined to agree with to an extent i.e. all other costs remaining the same the 2nd run should be slightly cheaper/more profitable depending on the size of the first run. I think they were close to £150-160 based on Locomotion Models recent pricing so quite a fair reduction.
In general, I have no issue with exclusives as often it's about sharing the risk and the exclusive models tend to be riskier and would otherwise not get made by the manufacturers without the retailer throwing their weight and money behind it e.g. the rails exclusive maroon version is likely to sell much less well due to the fictitious livery and is priced accordingly. I do accept this does tend to lead to higher cost, partially due to the smaller runs and partially due to the retailer as well as the manufacturer needing to get the return on the investment coupled with no competition (or as is usually the case Genesis coaches and Terrier notwithstanding!)
haha me too... you honestly can't see them from a distance though, it is a pretty good effect! It's fair enough that the lights wouldn't be bright in real life... but most layouts are well lit, so I prefer models to have slightly brighter lights (or even better, a pot to set the brightness), just so they're still visible.
Yes the tooling having been paid for is the counter-argument I was expecting... but that's just not what we see in this industry. What other product returning to a manufacturer's range in recent years has seen a reduction in price? I can't think of a single one. Bachmann, Hornby.... all their models have significantly increased in price... and yet this one is significantly reduced.
It is also true re risk etc... but we know that od-ball models sell well. We've seen it with the likes of the Pecketts, Stephenson's Rocket, the Bochebuster... all sell out models too! The manufacturers know this... who sets out to produce a model that they don't think will be popular? Nah, I think they know better than that!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Yeah I held it very closely and didn’t notice it thankfully.
It’s a very fair point on the tooling pricing as all other costs have rocketed up. I guess they are now also doing this as Rapido UK rather than USA which may also help. Nevertheless I’m glad they did as otherwise it’s a bit too steep really.
Another point I found interesting is that the wheels on some rapido rolling stock aren’t that free rolling despite seemingly all using axle bearings.
Another fair point you make. Heljan and more recently Hornby with the P2 / W1 and Turbomotive show they have form here. Also the whole purpose of KR models. Even Bachmann with the class 69. That being said I’m glad I’ve got the 812 regardless. Revolution trains have an interesting model in that they will sell some stuff only themselves to make it viable whilst others they will only sell to retailers (Ie not through their shop) to support them.
Hi Sam Trains,
Rails of Sheffield did their own exclusive model(made by Rapido)of the Dynanometer car released back in 2018/2019. That one was good, according to Intercity82. And it seemed to not have the bad luck that this model has gotten.
Thanks Jason - yeah they did, I remember when that was released!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
I too bought one of the original batch from Rails of Sheffield. The lights work but are very dim as compared for example with Hornby Pullman coaches. Maybe this is intentional?
Keep on keeping on Sam: your reviews are the best and your channel is both highly informative and entertaining.
From an 'Old Git' 😁who wants you to know us oldies are not all 'tarred with the same brush' and also without Rule 1 I would have nothing on my railway 😄
Cheers
Pete
This is a BEAUTIFUL model... I really thought the teak was real at first. It wasn't until you zoomed way in that I realized it was printed. Could you imagine..? REAL TEAK around the sides... That would be awesome.
If Rapido is smart,they'll do a GWR,Swindon Dynometer Car,as a companion piece,and maybe go for broke,with the LNWR version! There weren't that many dynometer cars in the US,but the following railroads had them;NYC,PRR,B&O,C&O,UP,SP,and maybe others overlooked! Sam,a most interesting exercise,as you said,a rare car,and definitely one-offs,thank you!! Thanks again 👍!
Between the pallet drop and the faulty circuit, what a star-crossed product for Rapido UK. Sadly all too many models are suffering from ,parts made of "Chinesium" as one UA-camr has described them. But as you commented, those relying on 3rd party suppliers need to carefully QC their finished goods prior to releasing them.
I saw this in person in January, when I went to York. I was so fascinated by what it was. They have it right behind Mallard in the museum
Wow I am really impressed in the detail and finally it's not an exclusive. Beautiful model
Me too Adam - much better not as an exclusive! :D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
They left it in its original wrapping so fot the money it cost, you were still able to open a brand new model. At least some of the purchasers opened an intact model.
For the price, don't forget to see that the alternative for such a model is either a brass kit, not really cheaper, and you'll have to do all the assembly and painting, or a complete DIY, 3D printing or whatever technique you use. Good luck in both cases...
Such an item won't be sold in thousands of items, like the Genesis coaches by Hattons, some already looted off. So, what do we have for GBP 120, the price of a small locomotive ? Nice accessory pack, good to see, a nice paddle to switch on and off the lights, logical and OK to have it not as an extra item sold GBP10 apart or more à la Bachman/Hornby, and wow ! An absolute jewel ! Jeweler's details and finish, Rapido goes full throttle on the quality ! Inside and outside, you see your money. The only problem might be the printed teak finish, if you like watching your model at 10 cm distance with a x5 magnifier on a daily basis. And dynamic performances are good, you don't pay an ultra luxury premium for nothing. Sam, are your points Hornby ones ? They are supposed to be more problematic than their equivalent from Peco, that might explain your derailment problem.
Let's be clear : as the usual guy who use to yell "halve the price b*****s" with a thick french accent, I will made an exception with this one. Consider this coach as a luxury product, and match your appreciation on this. My point is that, for once, the price is justified by the quality. It's a pity that Rapido had manufacturing and delivery problems with this coach, because they have done a nice job here. With the light working properly, and the bogie problem solved, it's an interesting model if you are in such special vehicles.
My only comment on exclusive prices is that they tend to be at least in part down to quantity ordered, obviously one can have a better (more economic) production run if producing 5,000 of a product compared to 500 (or similar numbers) and this will be especially true where the addition of lots of separate parts is concerned even taking into account the cost of cheap Chinese labour.
That coach has to be one of the best looking IMHO piece of rolling stock ever 5 stars do not do it justice the lvl of detail in that coach deserves a 6th star or a gold star
That's an amazing-looking car. Inside and out. The halftones from the decals used for the wood-grain effect are typical from printing. Even building model airlines, spaceships will have those halftones, not easy to get away from that. But from a normal distance, it looks great. For sure, they need to fix the model so it doesn't derail.
The lighting being a bit dark could be more realistic. In the old days, the lightbulbs weren't that bright and of course, they were yellow. During the day, they would be useless. So perhaps a toggle switch from realistic lighting vs extra bright so the lighting can be seen. Painting the ceiling white can also help make the interior brighter with the lighting on.
Another great 👍 one Sam... just been catching up with videos;...can't wait for the " Christmas 🎄 Special " 😉😊😇
Good to see you've a model of Mallard in 1938 condition and not as preserved, with the 126mph plaque on the side!
Excellent review of Dynamoometer Car Sam 👍👍
I scream when I saw that video of the delivery of these models when they fall onto the ground, I was petrified with my hands on my mouth and my eyes wide open in horror. Never the less, it still without a doubt, it still is a really good coach.
Sam, you should do reviews on a new type of gauge. And what gauge I’m talking about, well it OO9 aka narrow gauge model trains. The reason why I want you to review them is because there are really great models both locos & rolling stock. And I’ve just bought OO9 gauge track today as I’m interested of having a train set with this gauge plus scale and also put it away under the bed.
Hello Sam, BRILLIANT review. I thought i had dropped a clanger when i ordered mine from Hattons but they are sending mine back to Rapido. Exquisite coach and i can't wait to get my hands on it. Enjoyed the review, thank you Sam. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Not only have I heard of a dynamometer car, but I've stood inside one! There's one at the B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore, Maryland if you're interested.
Ahhh fantastic!! That's very cool indeed... how similar is it to this one??
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
@@SamsTrains Well, only part of it was open, with the rest behind a door and a clear barrier, but the part I could see wasn't that different.
I purchased one of these. Was very pleased with all the detail and lighting worked exactly as expected. But I had to return the model as some of the internal parts (bench, bar) had become detached (probably as a result of the drop off the lorry). Rapido themselves have provided excellent customer service getting the coach repaired (but they are now waiting for the lighting parts to ensure that is not a problem). I would certainly buy this again if I needed to though obviously it is a shame that there have been problems. Good value for money as far as I am concerned.
Ahh fantastic - glad yours was better, but definitely worth returning regardless. Hopefully all will be fixed soon!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
That's what worries me. How can they know, just by a visual inspection, that nothing has come loose that will only be apparent in the future? Personally having seen that pallet fall off I now definitely wont be buying one, especially as it won't stay on the track.
Sam, I watched your review with some alarm! Have had mine sitting on the track, at 50% power, and all is well. No lighting or burn-out issues. Wand works perfectly. Have emailed the supplier, for advice.
No worries Matthew - it's annoying if everything is working properly for now, but you're doing the right thing... hopefully the turn-around won't take long!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
@@SamsTrains Sam, decided to send the Dynamometer Car back, to Rapido, after the lights refused to switch-off!
That was a BEAUTY!!!! Too bad about the recall. Great vid, and do a followup when you get your return.
DieselD199 presented this in the TCC. I didn’t know what it was but after looking this up, I got a good idea what it was.
First off, I have no intention of purchasing this coach. Second, I would mention the derailing problem to Rapido, they maybe able to improve it. Finally full marks to Rapido for doing the right thing, letting people know about the delays due to the lorry incident & then the lighting recall. Its not if there are cockups that define a firm, its how they react when it happens. This encourages me to purchase Rapido models that I might be interested in. (PS no I don’t work for Rapido)
The original dynamometer car was built at the N.E.R carriage works in York and is now on display behind Mallard in the NRM in York.
I seen a video from the 60s or 70s of this coach in BR colours being attached to a short consist pulled by a class 37. I think it was with two tankers.
Hello Sam. I found with mine which was tested by me before I heard about the recall that like all dc lighting the brightness is dependent upon power flow through the controller. I'm using a gaugmaster as well. The main issuee I found was that the Reed switch needed 40% power to activate. The lights default is on. The other problem I found was that whilst running with the lights off, if you were to adjust the speed and stop at a station or signal then upon applying power again the light if turned off would turn back on.
Obviously running at 40% power makes turning the light off with the wand a complicated magic trick 😄
Ahh interesting Dave, not much good on analogue then! But the test I filmed was at 100% power, and I never got the reed switch to function once, so must be faulty 😞
@@SamsTrains I found the Hornby reed switch magnet works better, worth a try before you return it.
@@SamsTrains ah, really. I wasn't sure from your video what power level you had it at but as you say 100% then you've defo got a duffa.
I took a photo which was featured on the modelu Facebook page 4 days ago which shows the lights working extremely well at only 35% for the right effect, a nice twighlight hours feel, looks great in my opinion.
Overall my opinion is the same as yours, great looking, well featured model that is extremely well put together but obviously lacking in general quality control on the electrical side.
@@tonyarmstrong4843 Hello. What stock did Hornby fit the Reed switch to?
@@davemartin1881 The recent range of LNER, SR, BR, GWR, etc. four and six wheel coaches.
hi sam. just one thing is missing with this coach with such a high price and rapido boasting of detailed interior NO TECHNICIAN STAFF figurines inside.. tip for light wand. dismantle magnet from wand and glue it under the bottom of an overhead structure so when train passes under it coach lighting will go on for a complete round.
Sorry to heat that you have gotten the bug. Hope that you are well soon. Another great review. I might actually buy one.
This may be expensive, but it is absolutely amazing. Rapido have really done a remarkable job on this one. It is a shame they had technical issues, but it is very good they did a full recall rather than just deny issues like some companies do. Goodness, that teak finish looks amazing.
I see it smoking around your track quite fine! Awesome, I didn't know those coaches had a built in smoke generator!
This is possibly one of the most beautiful carriages I’ve ever seen, I’ll have to pick one up at some point
It sure is - amazing work from Rapido!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Looks amazing and it’s soooo accurate!!!
I know - the detail is just outstanding!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Hi Sam,
Great review as usual, I wonder if this super detailed coach will appear in N gauge...🤔
It seems Rapido Trains UK is being more serious with the instructions, no more funny jokes?
haha yeah true - these were much more concise!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Going all out industrial
I found a few in my Rapido ALCO PA diesel instruction booklet.
I really, really wish it were possible to buy standard LNER teaks done to this standard of detail! Even so, what an incredible model.
Importantly, for the record attempt, Mallard was hauling 'Coronation' stock behind the Dynamometer Car, so clashes in teaks shouldn't really occur.
I've wanted you to look at this ever since you started doing rolling stock reviews regularly! Rapido makes some amazing North American passenger cars and I knew this UK model would be to the same standard!
One of Rapido best products and regardless of price it’s worth it because you get so much detail included with it, I have recently started a project using a hornby mallard and making it look as she does in the museum so I will definitely look into getting one of these when they have been fixed and released again.
Excellent coach... shame about the lighting problems.
I'd quite like one of these - but, it'd look rather odd next to my Hornby Railroad Mallard!
Got mine ordered, was in my Hattons trunk but then sent back to Rapido. To anyone who objects to the price, I make the primary argument that you only need a single one of these coaches!
Hello Sam, I was wondering if you were to play Train Simulator again sometime soon? I definitely recommend the Lambie Class 1 from Caledonia Works to try out. Definitely my favorite locomotive
Hi Sam. I realise that the coach is not DCC-enabled, but I just wonder whether, the brightness at least, would work better on a DCC layout - DCC voltage being a constant 16V (or thereabouts). You didn't mention just how much power was applied to your DC track (not using full power is understandable without a fire engine standing by outside your house!). Oh dear, the review seemed to be going so well. It's a shame that there are no plans (as yet) for an N gauge version of this model (without the lighting and bogie issues, of course).
I have to agree with Sam about exclusive contracts; these horrible things should be banned world wide (or - at least - have a limited duration of time, say 6 mos. to a year, no more.) This way, companies will have to innovate and invest R&D dollars (or pounds), instead of sitting on their laurels (and oversized pocketbooks)! It’s especially bad when it comes to game consoles, like Sony PlayStation or Microsoft Xbox, etc… but clearly affects other segments of the economy. Couple this with the focus on collectors, and you get models that look pretty sitting on a shelf, but have poor performance and/or mechanisms (ahem, Heljan) for those who want to actually run their models. Utter rubbish to pay the ridiculous prices and get little value. It’s a good thing we have Sam giving us a review of these so modelers know what they’re getting. Thanks, Sam! 😌
Talk about going from one extreme to another, this looks like a solid piece of rolling stock that's worth the asking price. It just needs the electrical bits properly fixed which is good on Rapido for letting their customers know.
Hi Sam are you going to Warley this year? And which day would you be going?
Hi Sam , Nice review, looked a nice coach, until it derailed, (but like my wife a good looker,) hope they get it right, All the best Brian 😃
I don't think non-safety recalls are signs of a bad company, rather a sign of a good one. They own up to the fact there are mass quality issues and want to ensure their customers receive what they paid for.
Exactly, it shows responsibility and accountability on Rapidos part, definitely not a bad thing!
I’ve found with mine that the red Hornby reed switch magnet, supplied with some of their coaches, works much better on this model than the supplied wand. I wonder how the Rapido warranty will work if you don’t send it back for repair. Will they still honour the light problem long term if not sent back.
Thanks a lot for sharing Tony - if the problem persists when I get it back, I'll try different magnets
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Without the fact that it derails and the wheels from one bogie won't reliably go over the points, it has to go back to the maker because the lights don't work and may catch fire and it it has dot matrix printing all over the sides and end, it would be top of the ranking.
Hmmm, It does look good, but it is not fit for purpose yet. It will be interesting to see if it comes back without issues.
I can see the the problem right from the start in big yellow writing
"Rapido Trainsuk" ,, hahah i do see the reference to the 2 but i seen rapido trainsuk at least 3 times before i seen the obscure number of 2 haha
gr8 looking coach though.
Cheers from John in Australia
Sam I have a passenger car from Rapido even has the handle on the loo is there In side of the the car
Shame about the circuits, glad to hear they're owning up to it and making things right!
Absolutely - they're doing the responsible thing, which is all you could ask for!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
@@SamsTrains I can certainly think of a few manufacturers who'd wipe their hands and claim there isn't a problem.
Probably one of Rapido's finest pieces of rolling stock, am i right?
What do you think of the BR version Sam?
note on the Teak: the prototype is steel, so the LNER --painted-- the steel to look like teak! So this is a model, painted to look like something painted to look like teak...
The lights were definitely not working right on your model Sam. I have the same coach. I got it the day before the recall. when I ran my one the lights were a lot brighter .
I've sent my one back to be repaired. It was very easy and they send you a prepaid postage label .
Hope you feel better soon
isn't it's finish so good that it would show up any other carriage that was coupled up to it? ... especially the Teak effect ...... will other manufacturers crib the photo technique for other East Coast carriages, if they do, it'll be a real leap forward? AND was the black dynamo actually a wheel that was lowered down to spin on the rail so the speed could be measured?
p.s. I watched Jennifer Kirk's review of the earlier version and she seems to think that the disc is an extra wheel and I think you missed the bent internal handrail that was probably twanged when the boxes got dropped.
As I stated above, on Mallard's record run, the formation consisted of half-a-dozen or so Coronation carriages behind the dynamometer car; hence Rapido's superb teak shouldn't show up clashing poorly-done teaks...
It is a remarkable model but a bit expensive for me.
Initially I thought that the vent panels in the roof were stickers but close up, as you showed, they are etched glass!
The derailing problem is annoying.
Also, is there a rise in the bottom edge of the roof above the "dynamometer" wording?
Hopefully Rapido fix them all anyway.
Excellent model and although the lighting may be faulty Rapido have done the right thing and issued a recall, can you see certain others doing that? The paint effect for the teak is unavoidable that is just how colour printing works using a dithering process. All printing is the same whether on a model, paper or what ever, it can be improved with a higher DPI but that's it.
Available no where now apart from the scalpers 'Model Railway Emporium' at 200 quid! Dreamers.
Are you going to do another review or just an update video when the model is repaired?
Probably just an update in the news video!
Model looks very impressive and the lights are cool, I find the wand a bit funny tho
I've got the rails version, and typical Rapido, they go the extra mile in detailing, love it.
If I'm not mistaken, the teak finish moved Hornby at the time to make proper looking LNER teak coaches, not that plastic looking finish they produced decades before.
Despite that, it's a bit of a slap in the face for those who ordered the Rails issue at the time, and it's not the price alone, it' seems the box is also better of quality.
But beside that, what I find even worse, although most of these models are being sold in the UK, but there are also collectors outside the UK, and sending it back cost a fortune on shipping and customs, not a smart move of Rapido.
I hope they have learned a valuable lesson by this, don't hope to go through this mess when the Lion is released…
They sure do Danny - fantastic detail! Yes it is a bit of a slap to the original purchasers... though it just means we should hold off buying their exclusives for the future... and wait for the public release that almost always follows... particularly with the popular models! As far as I know Rapido are covering the postage costs, as they should, which is great!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Sam, did this coach last into BR times, a BR works red version would be good. Great review.
It would be an ABOMINATION.
Wake me up when this BR obsession is over.
Yes - she was used in the 1948 Exchanges, but still in teak. Don't forget that nobody models LNE teak-bodied carriages correctly in BR condition: teak needed oiling regularly to keep it in good nick. As a result, when painted, the paint rapidly started peeling off. This effect is desperately required in BR era models of ex-LNER carriage stock.
I do believe the dynamometer car was used when Flying Scotsman's became the first locomotive to run at an authenticated 100mph.
Ahh could have been - that would make sense!!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
@@SamsTrains It was.
The supposed 100mph attained by City of Turo is disputed precisely because it relied merely on a couple of railway journalists with stop watches and as such the potential errors meant there was some doubt over the top speed.
By hooking up what amounted to a mobile lavatory to Scotsman Sir Nigel Greasley was able to produce first rate scientific results to prove the claim beyond doubt.
@@philkeller4170I presume you mean 'mobile laboratory' ;-)
Interesting - at the price I would expect some LNER technician figures inside. I hope the repaired model will have brighter lighting to bring the interior to life. It's strange how the internal lights fitted to some rolling stock and locomotive models are really dim and scarcely noticeable when switched on. The Dapol Terrier flickering firebox, Bachmann class 108 and Heljan Park Royal Railbus are examples of this.
You need to remember that these are models of real vehicles!
Most people - including yourself really just don’t seem to appreciate that for most of the first 150 years of railways, lighting WAS GENUINELY DIM!
A 24V incandescent bulb driven from what a mounts to a wet cell car battery is extremely dim compared to modern electric light - gas lamps being even dimmer and as for oil lamps….
It wasn’t until the BR Mk2 builds and later with 110V strip lighting powered by an high power electric supply from the diesel / electric loco that you got lights akin to those the LEDs fitted in modern models produce.
Similarly when working hard crews DO NOT go round leaving the firebox doors fully open all the time - that totally messes up the ability of a steam loco to steam effectively.
Now I appreciate what Sam says about having stronger lighting being desirable to some modellers - but as with cab lights on diesels which stay lit when the loco is moving - you do need to be aware that said item is technically no longer a ‘scale model’ - more of a ‘inspired by’ item.
@@philkeller4170 I was not suggesting that the lighting should be dazzling bright but it should at least be visible to make it worth fitting at all. This may mean using slightly stronger lights than are strictly accurate. The lighting use to illuminate many model buildings is probably brighter than it should be to make it noticeable. Although the Genesis coaches are not models of actual prototypes, their quite muted lighting creates a pleasing effect that, I think, enhances the model.
@@jamesgilbart2672 Light levels are unfortunately one of those things that doesn’t ‘scale*’ well and I do appreciate slavishly following the prototype may not be sufficient.
However, even with that in mind, far too many modellers seem to want their trains going round doing an impression of the Blackpool illuminations when, if models are actually models of actual physical prototypes then more subdued levels are appropriate - particularly as modern units apart, during daylight hours any lighting should make zero difference to the light present inside rolling stock.
* In some cases painting a model in a 100% accurate to prototype paint colour will leave the model looking way too dark and a slight tweak is necessary. This is again all due to light not scaling and the reflected portion we detect with our eyes not being the same as on a full sized piece of stock.
Hi Sam, I think it's a bit unfair to compare the Dynamometer Cars with normal coaches as they the seats are usually moulded single units, at least they used to be whereas the instruments seem to be fitted individually, whether that is true or not I don't know.
However, if it was compared to another Rapido coach or another Teak effect coach for finishing that would be fairer in my view, but obviously not in cost
Hi Sam, where does it print the results of the track conditions? I need one of these.
Nice, I can’t wait to get my own!
Looks amazing and so it should for that price. Not sure I'd agree with your value for money rating when you consider what else you could buy for £119. It's a luxury piece of rolling stock, very nice for those with the money, but very expensive.
Clearly the quality control has been poor on the lights, though credit to Rapido for being honest and doing the right thing with the recall, not that they had much choice if it's potentially unsafe.
The derailing thing is a major problem as far as I'm concerned though. Imagine paying all that money and then not being able to run it because it keeps derailing? Very poor.
Perhaps you were unlucky with this so it would be interesting to see if other people have had the same issue.
Quality control is so important, but too many manufacturers are failing on this. It's silly as it's bad PR for them and in this case very costly. To me taking a little time to check things before releasing them is a no-brainer.
I would of wanted to be a fly on the wall when that phonecall came into Markham Ontario Can. Ya, Jason funny story!🥺☠️
I thought the original model had a display indicating the amount of distance traveled etc?
Hey Sam, could you do a tutorial video on how to attach details to a model if you haven't already?
I've got the original Rails of Sheffield version and I'm not aware of any issues. Except my ongoing moan that the wheels need to be painted black with white tyre edges per the NRM original
The NRM is overly decorated. There are no white tyre edges visible on the 1938 photographs of the attempt.
Talking about renewed coaches has anyone noticed new buffers on the Hornby 4 and 6 wheel coaches and not the previous concave ones? I bought a new Hornby LBSCR coach which had flat metal buffers but my other GNR coach had concave buffers still?
Hey Sam love the channell from joey yard
Derailment on points may occur if the distance between the wheels is not kept precisely. Wheelsets might be bought somewhere else by Rapido.
The gauging was spot on for each axle!
Hope you get well soon Sam
Awesome video today Sam beautiful modle I went to a modle train show today
top coin, top quality is decent upfront way yes but there were some vagons that cost nearly as much whilst being comparatively rubbish.
What i am trying to relate is that i am glad there is someone to hold them accountable, helps make the hobby healthier.
Hopefully the top tier is not only thing Rapido wants to do, some mid priced and budget models would be lovely. (clearly with less detail and quality offcourse)
Wonder who in the "Colonies" (US) might be selling these? I'm afraid the shipping from Hattons to here might be cost-prohibitive...I would certainly like to have one of these...! I'm not at all worried about the lights, or the switch. Usually an additional stronger magnet on the wand will correct that. I have already made a stronger wand that works very well on my coaches with installed "Easy-Peasy" lights. There are very easy ways to stop the lights from burning out. Ever heard of a RESISTOR...?
You comment on the post cost, that works the other way plus the added fees charged by the seller for import taxation as per ebay. It has prevented me from buying from the US now, sadly😢
Very impressive indeed, blimey. As for the packaging, they should have not skimped on that tbh. The carton itself is sturdy and professional, but the inner plastic box really is seriously flimsy to a point that it simply can't be enough for protection at that level of detail and price. A thick foam should have been applied 🙄 As it is that's simply asking for trouble. The coach itself is fantastic and certainly worth the amount.
Well Rapido UK did a UA-cam video of themselves opening up the most damaged box which fell off their delivery lorry. The box was well dented on one corner, but the inner plastic support protected the carriage fine. Go have a search for said video
@@andrewdking Oh okay, ty. I wasn't referring to that accident actually, but just generally speaking. I really would have expected something premium for the money from that perspective. It may do the job but it does look very cheapo imho, which is not in balance with the price tbh.
@@lindaoffenbach Oh hello Linda. Agreed, I'm not happy with those pop together designs which have to be wrenched apart and could therefore split. Anyway, have a butchers at the video on Rapido UK's own UA-cam channel
Nice model... shame they have had so many issues with them; but It's called Karma! Hopefully their profit loss repairing their cockups might make them realise greed is not a good thing.
As for the points issues... sounds like a gauging issue as well as a lack of lateral movement between the bogie & body plus a hint of wheel flanges being too fine. Maybe a rewheeling is necessary? Hang on, we could send a dynamometer car to test these ideas..... oh..... er.... maybe not!
Cheers mukka. Stay safe. Gaz
Project Tiger Moth has announced work on a new Thomas episode in season 5 style. Anyone who is a fan of Thomas will be excited for this.
What's this obsession with bloody Thomas? :-(
@@paulcaswell2813 what are you talking about? I’m not obsessed with Thomas. I’m just a normal fan.
One of the bay window bars looks to be bowed?
I think it’s an optical illusion, as the bar follows the line of the bow side window.
I hope the lights work properly once repaired
Mines arrived this week from UK to Australia…decided not to bother unpacking as awaiting instructions from Rapido on recall.
They have emailed me following completing their form.
Because of overseas they are working out how to send back…. Apart from the old saying the bleeding obvious, it came in post , send me funds to post back.🤨
Do you think the N gauge version will be worth the price of about £85
Where is the USB port to download the Dyno data? Or is it a wireless link ? ?
I feel you are being unfair about the lights. Remember this is simulating 1930s bulbs powered by lead acid batteries of the time. Looks absolutely spot on to me.
Otherwise, a good review of this model.