Model Railroading > Rapido's C36-7 - A mini review

Its been a while since I’ve done a mini review or shared any images here on Trainorders, but since I’m in the final stages of completing this Rapido C36-7 I’d thought I will share some of my thoughts…
My C36-7 is a depiction of the locomotive in its second or third paint job on the Union Pacific. It matches the pictures I have found online, depending on when exactly those pictures were taken. There are a bunch of images of this exact locomotive with the “We Will Deliver” line on the side of the long hood which could have been another variation that Rapido could or can consider…  I found the models paint to be great… No issues with the paint on this model. It looked like it just rolled out of the paint shop. Something I wish Rapido would consider is the way they treat the grill area’s on their models. A darker color on the grill area would add attention to the details and these areas are always darker even when freshly painted.
The quality of the model is fantastic. No loose parts, glue spots, or other QC issues. The model operates extremely smooth and quiet (without sound). Rapido is also including extra parts in the parts bag of items that seem to come loose, missing or whatever. Noticeably steps, sunshades and journal caps… Fantastic job Rapido.
The lighting is adequate. Why am I calling it simply adequate when it has decent headlights, ditchlights, ground lights and even step lights? NO WALKWAY LIGHTS! At this point they are almost considered standard on locomotives of this class and I feel somebody dropped the ball here. While I am talking electronics, the speaker(s) on this model absolutely could be improved. If we want higher quality sound it shouldn’t be satisfactory to equip the models with the cheapest option from the factory. A better speaker should be considered… The model sounds fantastic idling….  
Anyway, this IS a fantastic model from Rapido. My little critiques are simply my own opinion and hopefully they find their way to the boss who can do as he sees fit with them. The pluses far outnumber the few little things I picked on…
Good job Rapido!
Happy Thankgiving Everybody!
 Andy
 

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Andy, I completely agree with you that a little grill coloring would be an improvement. ScaleTrains is doing it on all the newer stuff and I think it looks great. But. I wonder how many people call in and complain that if they wanted waethering they would do it themselves. Damed if you do, damed if ya dont in these day and times. I was amazed the hear they lacked walkway lights. Must of had that project already in the works before that became standard on all new products.

Yours looks great Andy, thanks for the photo and the review.

Thanks for the write-up! I believe I'm getting mine for Christmas.  

Someone somewhere (that is, on Dan Cortopassi's YouTube review) was suggesting that the prototypes did not have walkway lights. I don't know whether that's true, but it seemed worth passing on. In general, it looks like a lovely model and I'm so happy Rapido made it. 

This nose shot suggests it did. The front walkway light is that round dot in lower center.

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Hi, 
These locomotives absolutely had walkway lights. As Tom posted a picture of the one on the nose. Actually, you would be hard pressed to find a locomotive manufactured in the last 50 years that don't. 
Andy

FiestaFoamer Wrote:
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> Thanks for the write-up! I believe I'm getting
> mine for Christmas.  
>
> Someone somewhere (that is, on Dan Cortopassi's
> YouTube review) was suggesting that the prototypes
> did not have walkway lights. I don't know whether
> that's true, but it seemed worth passing on. In
> general, it looks like a lovely model and I'm so
> happy Rapido made it. 

Fair enough -- thank you for setting that straight! Wasn't sure. 

wheel_slip Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Hi, 
> These locomotives absolutely had walkway lights.
> As Tom posted a picture of the one on the nose.
> Actually, you would be hard pressed to find a
> locomotive manufactured in the last 50 years that
> don't. 
> Andy

I found the headlights to be wayyy too dim on my pair of UP C36-7's much like the UP C30-7 I bought before. They need to get away from using the light tubes for the headlights.

Ted Curphey
Ontario, OR

funnelfan Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I found the headlights to be wayyy too dim on my
> pair of UP C36-7's much like the UP C30-7 I bought
> before. They need to get away from using the light
> tubes for the headlights.

Agreed!!!  I realize it's an assembly convenience but I've spent so many hours removing light tubes and stringing replacement LEDs.