Rapido GE Dash 8-40CM second run problems

[Narlie]

Recently purchased GE Dash 8-40CM second run CN model  to go with my 2 others models( CN & BC) from first run.  Experiencing long delay from Rapido to provide parts to fix my broken gear problems. They arrived this way. Both wheel sets are in problem.
I had also pointed out that one ditch leds was not functioning. No positive answer from them on this.
I note they mention ditch led problems on BC rail units in their last newsletter.
Has anyone seen these problems?

[lock4244]

@Narlie

From Rapido newsletter #185:

"N Scale Dash 8-40CM Locomotive Update

Despite rigorous testing at the preproduction phase, some of our final production versions of the N scale Dash 8-40CM were assembled at the factory in such a way as to cause the ditch and/or rock lights to be dim. This affects only some of the assembled models in SKUs 540033–540050 & 540533–540550. Unfortunately, because this error does not affect all the models, we were unable to catch it in QC.

We want to ensure that you have the best possible version of your model when running it on your layout, so we have discussed how best to rectify this issue. Both we here at Rapido and our colleagues in our factory have decided that those models affected should be sent back to the factory for reassembly or replacement. This process would include some complex work that we do not think we can accomplish in our own Warranty department.

Do you own a model of the 2024 run of the N scale Dash 8-40CM and are affected by the dimming ditch and rock light issues and would like to have your model repaired or replaced? Please contact our Warranty department, and send your models in by June 28th, 2024, to take advantage of this repair. We will ship all the returned models to the factory for reworking. As the repair is more complicated than we’d expected, we hope that you can appreciate that this process may take a few months to complete.

We will ship the updated models back to you once they arrive, and we will include a complimentary freight car model to thank you for your patience. Please note that this is a one-time offer. We cannot do single locomotives after the return deadline has passed.

If you are interested in having your loco reworked, please click here to complete our warranty form."

[Narlie]

Thanks for the info . I did notice that. Actually have been working with them since late March trying to get some replacement wheel sets.
Complete wheel sets are rare and my first two got lost in the mail.

[peteski]

Thanks for the info . I did notice that. Actually have been working with them since late March trying to get some replacement wheel sets.
Complete wheel sets are rare and my first two got lost in the mail.

Yes, Rapido doesn't seem to have spare parts readily available, but they will sure try to work with you to help you out.

I'm also surprised that a wheelset problem would cause ditch light issue. Or is your specific issue unrelated to the ditch lights one mentioned in this thread?

[Narlie]

Yes, Rapido doesn't seem to have spare parts readily available, but they will sure try to work with you to help you out.

I'm also surprised that a wheelset problem would cause ditch light issue. Or is your specific issue unrelated to the ditch lights one mentioned in this thread?

You are right, the two problems are not related.
When received the loco was hopping  ; eventually after trying to run in some gears failed and I ended up with only one driviing axel per wheel set.
When I informed them of my 2 different problems in March they still had no strategy for the LED problem and where talking BC rail units only.
If I get the wheel sets fixed I will probably forget about the LED problem and not send it in.
Dave B

[spookshow]

I didn't think the ditch lights on the first run were particularly bright either.

-Mark

[turbowhiz]

I have 6 of these Rapido -8’s, 3 from the first run and 3 from the 2nd run. I have a soft spot for the prototype, being able to catch their last days on the mainline.

The poorly functioning lights definitely was an issue in the first run too, but the 2nd run seems even worse in my sample set.

Of my 6, only 1 example from the first run has what I would describe as correctly functioning ditch lights (marginally). The quality of the light pipes appears to be very spotty. I have one example from the second run that really doesn’t work at all, but the actual LED’s themselves are fully functional.

My fix is to remove the light pipes entirely, and relocate the LED’s from the light board into the ditch lights themselves with some magnet wire run back to their original positions (the space cleared from the light pipe removal leaves enough room for the OEM SMT led to be located directly in the housing). Same for the rock lights on the BCR units, the light pipes all live under the front porch walkway, which comes off as a separate part. I modified two first run units, not had time to dig into the 2nd run examples yet.

By no means a how-to, but I have a couple of pictures of the surgery that is at least partially indicative of how these come apart. No doubt, its not exactly trivial to dissemble these at all. The plastic light pipe for one ditch light is seen in the top of the picture.

More commentary on the 2nd run: The 2nd run CN orange is not quite the same as the first run. The 2nd run comes without traction tire wheelsets, but still with only 8 wheel drive in an A1A form identical to the first run. Non DCC sound equipped units come with a speaker installed.