Big Rapido Announcement Today

[peteski]

@OldEastRR , Nickel-plated stainless steel.

That's different . . . most N scale metal wheels are either blackened and sometimes plated brass, or nickel silver.  Interesting . . .

I suspect that brass or nickel silver, which is also a brass alloy, are used because it is easy to machine and has excellent electoral conductivity.  Is this the first time Rapido used stainless steel for N scale rolling stock wheels, or it has been like that all along?

[Narlie]

A question for Jason or other VIA experts.
I believe the conversion to HEP started in early 90s for the Canadian cars. Was the Canada Paint Scheme applied at HEP conversion or did some cars function with the 8000 numbers and only get repainted up to 6-8 years later around 1998?
Rapido's web site mentions VIA converting to HEP in 1992 when they moved the Canadian to CN lines. I'm trying to model around 1992 that is the reason for my question.
Thanks if someone can help.

Dave B
Montreal 

[nickelplate759]

I rode the Canadian in 1997 and the "Canada" scheme hadn't been applied yet.

[OldEastRR]

I just noticed the lighting will be track-powered. Is this the end of Easy-Peasy?

[rapidotrains]

@OldEastRR , Nickel-plated stainless steel.

Hey Rapido Mike - have you been painting models with the windows closed again? 

The wheels are not nickel-plated stainless steel. They are plated brass like all our wheels.

We tried SS wheels once - in the HO FP9A - and it was a disaster. There was a electrochemical reaction (galvanic corrosion) with the nickel-silver rail and it resulted in pitted wheels that attracted dirt like a schmutz magnet.

-Jason

[peteski]

Hey Rapido Mike - have you been painting models with the windows closed again? 

The wheels are not nickel-plated stainless steel. They are plated brass like all our wheels.

We tried SS wheels once - in the HO FP9A - and it was a disaster. There was a electrochemical reaction (galvanic corrosion) with the nickel-silver rail and it resulted in pitted wheels that attracted dirt like a schmutz magnet.

-Jason

Um, reminds me of those infamous sintered metal wheels in Athearn H0 locos. Those had pitted surface by design/ 

[Nato]

     I road the Canadian with my folks way back in 1969, the equipment was making the transition to Action Red. We went from Vancouver to Baniff (spell check name) rented a car and did sightseeing in the area including a drive  to Jasper and the Ice Field.We took the train to Calgary, where we flew home to the US ,Utah on good old "Western Airlines" "The only Way To Fly!" I'am up for a Maroon Set with add on cars and a later scheme Via Train and yes those very cool never produced before Premeir Class Cars with the enlarged windows. The train we rode was during the height of the Summer Tourist Season and so there were two diners spaced out in the train and two baggage dorm cars one for the extra diner crew. Nate Goodman (Nato). I guess I will have to get matching locomotives. 

[greenwizard88]

I just noticed the lighting will be track-powered. Is this the end of Easy-Peasy?

I sure hope so! There's nothing I despise more than having a train that has a built-in timer of some sorts. Whether it's because I get called away suddenly, run a train for hours on end, or just forget to turn them off, I've always disliked the notion of a battery when you have electrified track at your disposal.

[peteski]

I sure hope so! There's nothing I despise more than having a train that has a built-in timer of some sorts. Whether it's because I get called away suddenly, run a train for hours on end, or just forget to turn them off, I've always disliked the notion of a battery when you have electrified track at your disposal.

You're not alone here. Others feel the same way.

[Lemosteam]

Hey Rapido Mike - have you been painting models with the windows closed again? 

The wheels are not nickel-plated stainless steel. They are plated brass like all our wheels.

We tried SS wheels once - in the HO FP9A - and it was a disaster. There was a electrochemical reaction (galvanic corrosion) with the nickel-silver rail and it resulted in pitted wheels that attracted dirt like a schmutz magnet.

-Jason

God I love you Rapido guys, just so, so lighthearted and unabashedly humorous and self-depreciating.  Very refreshing in a time when most of media is so damn dour and so may are "offended".

[thomasjmdavis]

God I love you Rapido guys, just so, so lighthearted and unabashedly humorous and self-depreciating.  Very refreshing in a time when most of media is so damn dour and so may are "offended".

Next video will be Rapido Mike writing "Rapido makes plated brass wheels" 500 times on a chalkboard.....errrrr erasable white board (chalkboards being rare antiques nowadays).

[Narlie]

I see a need for a VIA steam generator car if we are going to use the Original F40PH with the Original (non HEP) "Canadian" cars. Bank account will be empty by end 2020.

[CNscale]

I rode the Canadian in '81, Vancouver to Banff (while my bicycle rode in the baggage car).

Almost didn't make it the whole way -- there was an early morning stop in Kamloops that was listed as 20min on the schedule. I got off the train and walked up to the head end to get a photo, and then with a hiss of air the train started pulling out!  Was running back when a porter leaned out of the dormitory car and yelled that I was getting on there or not at all. Surprising how quickly it got moving.

Not sure how I'm going to afford this one ... might have to pawn the furniture ...

[Angus Shops]

I've managed to ride the Canadian from Vancouver to Toronto 3 times in recent years. The secret to at least some level of affordability is to book one of their discount fares. I just checked their website; there are currently deals from Vancouver to Toronto with 'cabins for one' (roomette) or 'cabins for two' (bedrooms) for $1,100.00 per person (I know, still not cheap) where the regular price is over $3,000.00. It's cheaper yet in the winter, and in the winter the Park car is open to sleeper class passengers. I think the Park car is only available to "Prestige" class in the summer. Keep in mind this is Canadian dollars for 4 full days, includes excellent meals, and service is first class.
Geoff

[Davep]

I've managed to ride the Canadian from Vancouver to Toronto 3 times in recent years. The secret to at least some level of affordability is to book one of their discount fares. I just checked their website; there are currently deals from Vancouver to Toronto with 'cabins for one' (roomette) or 'cabins for two' (bedrooms) for $1,100.00 per person (I know, still not cheap) where the regular price is over $3,000.00. It's cheaper yet in the winter, and in the winter the Park car is open to sleeper class passengers. I think the Park car is only available to "Prestige" class in the summer. Keep in mind this is Canadian dollars for 4 full days, includes excellent meals, and service is first class.
Geoff

Wow! I will have to research this. Taking the Canadian again after all these years would be a real thrill.