Rapido Southern Pacific PA 2 & PB 2 w/ Loksound and Scale Sound Systems first run in large layout.

Описание: This not a product review of new Rapido Alco PA/PB. Don't forget to subscribe to my channel.
I got those last week as non sound and DC units. I installed 2 Loksound decoders and replaced Rapido's iPhone speakers for 2 SSS speaker sets. I have reprogrammed the Loksound 5 soundfile for Alco 244 primer only assigning light functions for the time being. I did not change the volume of sound channels yet. Therefore the 5 chime Nathan horn sounds a bit muffled but it is correct for the SP PA Alcos. I know that someone will point out that is not clear, but then this is not the same horn than you hear from today's Amtrak train. Yes, they are both Nathan 5 chime horns but they almost 70 years apart and not the same model. Both Rapido locomotives have the LS set up to 70% of max volume. Note that the layout room had another 18 diesel locomotives running at same time. Mostly with maxed out volumes. Plus a lot of chatting in the background. So, not ideal conditions for sound recording. In a quiet room, I would dial down the prime movers volume.

The second PB unit is a old Proto 2K that is serving as a "fille"r for the time being until I get another Rapido PA unit.

The consist is loosely based on the San Joaquin with head end protection material. These are brass models and pretty heavy. I will eventually add a 3/4 dome car and it won't have the observation car, because by the time diesels started to pull the SJ they were gone.

These 2 units PA/PB are barely capable to pull this 18 car consist up helix with 2.5% grade that is a bit of bummer. Other than that, these are great models and mostly correct to SP PA PB Alcos.


Next steps for these Rapido Alco PA 2 and PB will be adjusting the decoders for individual sound slots and adjust the lighting outputs.
Then , I will replace couplers for shorter ones and add diaphragms between each power units.



I will have another video with different consist coming soon.